In earlier sections in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus has described the righteousness that he requires of his followers. In this section he warns them about doing righteousness motivated by a desire for the praise of men.
Read Matthew 6:1-6
Assembly, Music and Tradition (2)
This second sermon on this passage considers three more facets of the worship of God. God’s people are called to assemble together. They are called to praise God with music and they should appreciate their connection with past generations of God’s people.
Read Nehemiah 12:27-43
Love Your Enemies
Loving one’s enemies can only be done through the transforming power of the gospel. As sons of the Father, Christians resemble the Father in their love for those who hate and abuse them. Jesus calls us to stand out from the unbelievers who love those who love them, but who do not love their enemies.
Read Matthew 5:43-48
A Dedication Service (1)
This passage describes a worship service by which the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem were dedicated to the Lord. By considering Nehemiah’s description we learn abiding principles concerning the worship of God.
Read Nehemiah 12:27-43
Turn the Other Cheek
In this passage Jesus is calling his people to be willing to suffer wrong without retaliating. Jesus’ own practice is the perfect example of what he means.
Read Matthew 5:38-42
Just Tell the Truth
In this passage, Jesus teaches the necessity of telling the truth and condemns the improper use of oaths.
Read Matthew 5:33-37
Priests and Levites
This passage is a list of names the purpose of which is to establish the legitimacy of the priests and Levites serving in the temple. The sermon considers the significance of the priests and Levites in Israel’s relationship with God and shows how Jesus’ priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood.
Read Nehemiah 12:1-26
Community and Mission
This sermon is a review of a series of 6 sermons on the subject of “Community and Mission” preached in the spring. It was preached as a “kickoff sermon” for a new season of our covenant discipleship groups.
Read John 13:34-35
Repopulating Jerusalem
After the walls of Jerusalem had been rebuilt, the city was still empty because people were living in the towns and villages. This passage shows how the city was repopulated. It is an initial fulfillment of the prophecies of the revitalization of Jerusalem. These prophecies are further fulfilled in the growth of the NT church and will be completely fulfilled in the New Jerusalem.
Read Nehemiah 11
Divorce
Jesus teaches that divorce is only permitted if a spouse has committed adultery. To marry someone who has been divorced for any other reason is to commit adultery. People who are married must see their marriages as a life-long commitment and be careful to nurture their relationship.
Read Matthew 5:31-32