On Sunday, we kicked off "The Good Life" series at Littleton. 2012 is a year we're committing to living out the Sermon on the Mount for the sake of the world. Exciting stuff!
I introduced the series and challenged the body to define "The Good Life" by the sayings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. However you choose to define the good life, consciously or subconsciously, will determine your priorities and allegiances. The Sermon on the Mount is not an ingredient in your own definition of "The Good Life." The Sermon on the Mount is "The Good Life" and it demands all of you.
Each Tuesday, I plan to write a blog indicating the passage to study for the week leading up to the sermon on Sunday. I'll also post a few thoughts and questions for you to consider during your study. Please interact with the Scripture and the questions in the comments section. I'd love to have a fruitful discussion each week.
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Week 1 - Matthew 4:17-25
In this passage, Jesus announces the nearness of the kingdom, calls four of his closest companions, and heals all kinds of sick people. People are flocking to him from all over the place. There seems to be something authoritative about this miracle worker that sets him apart from other rabbis.
As you dwell in Matthew 4:17-25, here are a few questions to consider and comment on:
1) What is this kingdom of heaven that Jesus demonstrates (4:23) and declares (4:17) in Matthew's gospel?
2) Why are Simon, Andrew, James & John so immediate in their response to Jesus?
3) How does repentance relate to the kingdom that Jesus demonstrates and declares?
4) Notice the order of Jesus' ministry. He demonstrates the kingdom in chapter 4 and declares it in chapters 5-7. How is that order significant?
5) What are some ways that Christians (those committed to putting the kingdom on display to the world) might seek to implement this passage today in order to proclaim the good news in 2012?
Start the conversation!
If you have any thoughts on these questions or incites you have discerned from this passage, please bless the rest of this blog community with your thoughts.
First of all, I cannot contain my enthusiasm and excitement that we will be committed to living out Sermon on the Mount! It is a passage I hold dear to me and I am thrilled we are studying it as a church family.
ReplyDeleteI think Matthew illustrates in his gospel that the Kingdom of God is one of mercy and humility, as well as one in which our actions speak volumes compared with our words. This is strongly evident in Matthew 5-7. The element most widely discussed with confusion in Sermon on the Mount is the very beginning with the Beatitudes. Honestly, who wouldn't be confused with this passage? Jesus declares the lowest in society and in spirit will be blessed. He approaches every marginalized societal group: the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the hungry and thirsty, the merciful, the pure of heart, the peacemakers, and even those that are persecuted. At times in our own lives when we experience personal tragedies, it's hard to see how anything good can possibly come of it. But, God has proven time and time again He makes all brokenness and sorrow beautiful. It is the same with these marginalized and suffering groups. They will be blessed.
Sermon on the Mount is also a tricky passage because it almost implies we should live perfect lives. This passage offers completely different responses in situations from our own natural responses. It isn't easy to not be angry with someone who has wronged us, to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies, or to not worry. However, while we know we cannot live perfect lives, this passage allows us to focus on trying to live our lives as Christ did. By focusing on this passage, we can try to be transformed and molded into His image. People watch us because we are Christians and put faith in a God who's ways are often confusing to us. But, in being humble and continuing to offer grace and mercy much as we have been given, the Kingdom of God will be spread in unimaginable ways. It isn't an easy life by any means, but Christ said, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you,” (Matthew 17:20).
Jesus illustrates time and time again our actions truly speak for us. He tells us we are the light of the world, saying, "let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven," (Matthew 5: 16). He also says, "whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven," (Matthew 5: 19). Jesus emphasizes we must first practice His commands before we teach them. The Sermon on the Mount continues to emphasize actions and ways we may be righteous. Our actions speak of our hearts.
With Jesus, we have "hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf," (Hebrews 6: 19-20). With our eyes focused on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and our hearts secure with Him and the hope He provides, we can spread our Father's kingdom.
Collin, apologies for being the person who can't color inside the lines, but here's a link to my response to one of your thoughts above:
ReplyDeletehttp://torimask.blogspot.com/2012/01/1-5-12-good-life-week-1.html
Collin,
ReplyDeleteI haven't researched these questions at all, but they are just some thoughts I had from our discussion this morning. With respect to demonstration/declaration, it's easy to see that Jesus demonstrated first. But what about the apostles/disciples? The first thing that comes to mind is Peter's "sermon" in Acts 2. He seems to declare first. Or does it just seem that way because all of those in attendance have already seen demonstrations by Jesus...and the gift of the Holy Spirit? If the apostles/disciples do exercise a different order than Jesus, how come? And then which order do we follow? I'd say one can never go wrong by following Jesus' example...These are just random thoughts and may be totally irrelevant to your discussion and purpose.
At some level, the apostles had been demonstrating already, right? I mean Jesus sends them out two by two and gives them power to do miracles in the name of Christ. Plus, I think part of the point is that both demonstration and declaration have to happen no matter what the order. There are times we can declare something, but we better back it up really quick. Just look at the end of Acts 2- all the believers are sharing and taking care of each other. They are selling their possessions, breaking bread together, and other "demonstrative" acts. But those are great points, Micah/Ashley. I think part of what we learn is that ministry happens in all kinds of ways if we are open to it! There isn't just one way of living out the way of Christ
ReplyDeleteclint