Is the Sermon on the Mount for Today?
This is an important question because Matthew calls the Sermon on the Mount the doctrine of Christ (Matthew 7:28). And John says any who do not have the doctrine of Christ do not have God (2 John 9).
So how do we live the Sermon on the Mount today? In my experience, I gave up my career, skills and education to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” Matthew 6:24-34. And experienced God’s providence over my lifetime just as he promised. Enjoying all that people spend their life looking for, generously given to me while not looking for them. So it puzzles me when Churches host “College and Career Days” helping their young in many cases, to immerse themselves in the ways of the world instead of in Christ.
I also shunned Military service and registered as a Conscientious Objector. This closed many doors of opportunity and brought family ridicule. But living a life of nonviolence according to the Sermon also meant God would provide all the gentiles seek after as they kill and bludgeon their way up the ladder. I had a boss who marveled about my lack of concern for money.
I know the Dispensationalists believe the Sermon is not for today. But this makes me think of the danger they are in if John is right about the doctrine of Christ.
davel,
1. Matthew 7:28 was Christ earthly ministry which was under the Mosaic Law Galatians 4:4.
2 John 1:9 was New Covenant 1 John 1:1-3; 2:5-6; 2 John 1:5-6.
Jesus said in John 13:34; A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another as I have loved you. This was not under the KoH and the KoG message to the nation of Israel Matthew 10:6-7.
This was spoken to the disciples after the rejection of the nation Matthew 23:37-39.
Jesus was preparing his disciples for the soon coming New Covenant of the Church age Matthew 16:18.
3. The whole Bible is for all Christians today in the proper perspective according to the historical and dispensation always context.
4. The Jews were backslidden and trodden down under the foot of men because of losing their savor as salt of the earth Matthew 5:13.
Jesus said the gates of hell shall never prevail against the church so this was not a message to the church historically.
The Sermon on the Mount Jews had to repent Matthew 5:4.
The Jews had a specific blessing and cursing system that the church does not have because the curse has been lifted Galatians 3:13.
It was about the KoH Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. This was about the Abrahamic Covenant and the Davidic Covenant that they were promised Luke 1:69-75.
They had to do these things in order to be blessed.
New Covenant believers are to be peacemakers and pure in hear etc., but because of Christ finished work not trying to work up to a code of ethics. That is not a slam against the law of Moses but because we have a New Covenant built on better promises Hebrews 8:6-7.
Jesus teachings to the Jewish nation were do, do, do and the New Covenant is what he did, what he did, what he did.
5. Moral law and ethics were before the law but most of their knowledge came from their conscience. The law was to bring Israel to Christ and be justified by faith Galatians 3:24.
The point is to understand the different context according to the moral law and for us learning the better way built on better promises according to the New Covenant.
It helps to learn why God dealt in gradual revelation of the redemption plan according to the covenants and their dispensations. Jerry Kelso
