How can I create a Bible study based on the Sermon on the Mount?

The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5 through 7, is one of the most profound and comprehensive teachings of Jesus. It encapsulates the essence of His ethical and moral instructions and provides a blueprint for Christian living. Creating a Bible study based on the Sermon on the Mount can be a deeply enriching experience for any group. Here’s a thoughtful and structured approach to guide you in creating an engaging and insightful Bible study.

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

Begin your Bible study by setting the context. The Sermon on the Mount is delivered by Jesus early in His ministry. It takes place on a mountainside, symbolizing a place of revelation and divine teaching, reminiscent of Moses receiving the Law on Mount Sinai. However, Jesus' teaching focuses not on the letter of the Law but on its spirit, addressing the heart and inner attitudes of His followers.

Matthew 5:1-2 (NIV): "Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them."

Week 1: The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12)

The Beatitudes form the opening of the Sermon on the Mount and are a series of blessings that describe the values and attitudes of the Kingdom of Heaven. Each Beatitude begins with "Blessed are," indicating a state of spiritual well-being and divine favor.

1. Focus on each Beatitude individually:
2. Matthew 5:3 (NIV): "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
3. Discuss what it means to be "poor in spirit" and how this contrasts with worldly values.

4. Reflect on the promise associated with each Beatitude and how it applies to our lives today.

5. Group discussion:

6. Encourage participants to share personal experiences where they have seen these attitudes in action.
7. Discuss how these blessings challenge contemporary societal norms.

Week 2: Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16)

In these verses, Jesus uses metaphors of salt and light to describe the influence of His followers in the world.

1. Understanding the metaphors:
2. Matthew 5:13 (NIV): "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?"
3. Discuss the properties of salt and its uses in ancient times – preservation, flavor, and purification.
4. Matthew 5:14 (NIV): "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."

5. Explore the symbolism of light and its role in dispelling darkness.

6. Application:

7. How can we be salt and light in our communities, workplaces, and families?
8. Share practical ways to live out these metaphors in everyday situations.

Week 3: Fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17-20)

Jesus clarifies His relationship to the Law and the Prophets, emphasizing that He came not to abolish but to fulfill them.

1. Exploring fulfillment:
2. Matthew 5:17 (NIV): "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."
3. Discuss how Jesus fulfills the Law through His life, death, and resurrection.

4. Examine the deeper righteousness Jesus calls for, surpassing that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law.

5. Discussion on righteousness:

6. What does it mean to have a righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees?
7. Reflect on how this challenges us to live with integrity and authenticity.

Week 4: Teachings on Anger, Lust, and Divorce (Matthew 5:21-32)

Jesus addresses issues of the heart, emphasizing inner purity and faithfulness.

1. Anger and reconciliation:
2. Matthew 5:22 (NIV): "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment."

3. Discuss the importance of reconciliation and the destructive nature of unresolved anger.

4. Lust and purity:

5. Matthew 5:28 (NIV): "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

6. Reflect on the call to purity of heart and mind.

7. Divorce and commitment:

8. Matthew 5:31-32 (NIV): Jesus' teachings on the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness of divorce.
9. Discuss the importance of commitment and the impact of divorce on individuals and communities.

Week 5: Oaths, Retaliation, and Love for Enemies (Matthew 5:33-48)

Jesus teaches about integrity, non-retaliation, and radical love.

1. Integrity in speech:
2. Matthew 5:37 (NIV): "All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."

3. Discuss the importance of honesty and integrity in our words.

4. Non-retaliation:

5. Matthew 5:39 (NIV): "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."

6. Reflect on the principle of non-retaliation and its application in conflicts.

7. Love for enemies:

8. Matthew 5:44 (NIV): "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
9. Discuss the radical nature of this command and practical ways to love and pray for those who oppose us.

Week 6: Giving, Prayer, and Fasting (Matthew 6:1-18)

Jesus addresses the motivations behind religious practices, emphasizing sincerity and humility.

1. Giving to the needy:
2. Matthew 6:3-4 (NIV): "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret."

3. Discuss the importance of genuine generosity and avoiding hypocrisy.

4. Prayer:

5. Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV): The Lord's Prayer as a model for our prayers.

6. Reflect on each petition of the Lord's Prayer and its significance.

7. Fasting:

8. Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV): The proper attitude and approach to fasting.
9. Discuss the spiritual discipline of fasting and its benefits.

Week 7: Treasures in Heaven and Trust in God (Matthew 6:19-34)

Jesus teaches about priorities, material possessions, and trusting in God's provision.

1. Treasures in heaven:
2. Matthew 6:20 (NIV): "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."

3. Discuss the concept of heavenly treasures and how to prioritize them over earthly riches.

4. Trust in God:

5. Matthew 6:25 (NIV): "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear."
6. Reflect on the call to trust in God's provision and the assurance that He cares for us.

Week 8: Judging Others, Asking, Seeking, and Knocking (Matthew 7:1-12)

Jesus addresses judgment, prayer, and the Golden Rule.

1. Judging others:
2. Matthew 7:1 (NIV): "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."

3. Discuss the importance of humility and self-awareness in our interactions with others.

4. Persistent prayer:

5. Matthew 7:7 (NIV): "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

6. Reflect on the importance of persistence in prayer and God's faithfulness to answer.

7. The Golden Rule:

8. Matthew 7:12 (NIV): "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you."
9. Discuss the universal principle of treating others with kindness and respect.

Week 9: The Narrow and Wide Gates, True and False Prophets (Matthew 7:13-23)

Jesus contrasts the narrow gate with the wide gate and warns against false prophets.

1. The narrow gate:
2. Matthew 7:14 (NIV): "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

3. Discuss the challenges and rewards of following the narrow path.

4. True and false prophets:

5. Matthew 7:15 (NIV): "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."
6. Reflect on the importance of discernment and recognizing true spiritual leaders.

Week 10: The Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-29)

Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with a parable about building on a solid foundation.

1. Building on the rock:
2. Matthew 7:24 (NIV): "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."

3. Discuss the importance of not just hearing Jesus' words but putting them into practice.

4. Reflection and application:

5. Encourage participants to reflect on the entire Sermon on the Mount and identify areas where they can apply Jesus' teachings in their lives.
6. Share personal commitments to live out the principles taught by Jesus.

By taking a systematic and reflective approach to studying the Sermon on the Mount, you can guide participants to a deeper understanding of Jesus' teachings and inspire them to live out these principles in their daily lives. The Sermon on the Mount is not just a collection of moral teachings but a call to a transformed life, grounded in the values of the Kingdom of Heaven.