Introduction

This is the Great Manifesto of the kingdom of God. The Sermon on the Mount was addressed to the disciples, not to the multitudes. It isn’t intended to be a social gospel or to bring an end to suffering and wars. Some falsely say that this is for the future, and that the Sermon on the Mount concerns the Kingdom Age, not the age of grace. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is among you.” (Luke 17–21) As we bow to the King’s authority, we become citizens of the heavenly kingdom. (Philippians 3:20) The Sermon on the Mount defines who we are through the grace of God working in our lives, and because of what we are, what our relationship to the law is. For this reason, care must be used not to take the Sermon on the Mount out of context. The first section contains what are known as the Beatitudes. (Matthew 5:3–16) The Beatitudes focus on what we are as opposed to what we do. The next section (Matthew 5:17–48) deals with the relationship of Jesus Christ to the law. Next, chapter 6 deals with our relation ship with God, and finally Chapter 7 deals with our relationship with man.