Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!

I am so excited to begin our new Bible study this week, The Sermon on the Mount, by Jen Wilkin, a study of Matthew 5-7! This is going to be awesome!

Let’s set the backdrop as we begin. In Matthew, chapters 1-4, we have a brief but fascinating introduction to the life and ministry of Christ. Matthew begins with a lengthy genealogy of Jesus, but this was for a powerful purpose.

To understand Matthew’s perspective, he was Jewish and writing to other Jews. His Gospel was written for the purpose of convincing the Jews that Jesus is truly the Messiah, the King who would sit eternally on the throne of David. This explains why Matthew often uses many references to the Old Testament in his writings, because his original readers would understand and relate. This genealogy of Jesus would illustrate that Jesus was officially in the bloodline of King David.

Furthermore, Matthew also included others in this list that we can relate to and see for ourselves that we may also be grafted into the family of Christ, even as an outsider who is unworthy of His grace. Notice names such as Tamar, who was raped; Rahab, who was a prostitute; Ruth, a Moabitis; Uzziah, who was full of pride; Ahaz, who was pure evil; and Manasseh, who was a vile king. Matthew was careful to include each one of these people in the list, and we can see here that we are definitely not beyond the reach of God’s grace to also be included in His family!

We then read of Christ’s birth, the worship and gifts of the Magi, the fleeing to Egypt for safety, the settling in the town of Nazareth where Jesus grew up, the rise of John the Baptist’s ministry, Jesus’ baptism, Jesus’ fasting and temptation in the wilderness where he was victorious over the devil’s schemes, the gathering of His twelve disciples, and the launch of His ministry as Jesus taught in the synagogues and healed all those who were sick and afflicted.

And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. Matthew 4:23-24 ESV

This is the setting for the beginning of the most famous sermon in Scripture, the Sermon on the Mount, and where we will be camped out for the next nine weeks.

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: (Matthew 5:1-2 ESV)

Imagine sitting captivated at the very feet of Jesus, listening to His infinite wisdom and observing His miracles firsthand. How my heart longs to see His precious face and hear His extraordinary teaching in person! What an amazing opportunity the people of Galilee had as they followed Jesus, and were the first ones to hear his astonishing teaching. How amazing it must have been as they brought their sick and demon possessed to receive instant deliverance. What an exciting time this must have been!

We have an extraordinary opportunity ourselves as we begin this study. We have the irrefutable words of Jesus written for us in the Holy Scriptures, since we could not there in person over 2000 years ago. Yet, we have an advantage. We also have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who teaches us all things and gives us the mind of Christ. He will enlighten our hearts and minds as we study God’s Word.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26 ESV

These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. … “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:10, 16 ESV

Before we begin, I want to bring up one more incredible insight that Jen Wilkin explains in her first week’s video. Remember, these videos are not required because of the cost. However, I do want to share something awesome I learned from her this week. Let us compare two contrasting times God spoke from a mountain.

In Exodus 19, God spoke from Mt. Sinai with thunder, lightning, smoke, and darkness, and the people were scared out of their minds! This was when God gave them the Law, or the Ten Commandments. Let’s look at a portion here:

When Moses told the words of the people to the Lord, the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments and be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. And you shall set limits for the people all around, saying, ‘Take care not to go up into the mountain or touch the edge of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall be put to death. No hand shall touch him, but he shall be stoned or shot; whether beast or man, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.”

On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder. Exodus 19:9b-13, 16-19 ESV

Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.” Exodus 20:18-19 ESV

Notice how the Hebrews could not go near or touch the mountain, lest they die. They were terrified! However, when Christ came, He made God approachable to us. Jesus is the fulfillment of the law, and He is the only way for us to be able to approach our Heavenly Father. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

Therefore, when Jesus sat on the mountain to teach, the people did not need to fear, but they could gather closely. We can too! We do not need to be full of shame or fear. We don’t have to worry about being rejected or struck down, but we can confidently approach the presence of God because Jesus made the way. My friend, His arms are open wide to accept you as you enter in!

This mountain is significant for us to understand the complete contrast between the giving of the Old Covenant and the introduction to the New Covenant that Christ came to bring to us. This is one of the most exciting insights I have ever been taught! I hope this excites you as it does me!

(For more information about the Old vs. New Covenants, see Hebrews 8-10.)

Let’s get started!

 Discussion Questions

 Here is a sneak peek of the questions we will be discussing this week in our small groups.

QUESTION 1: Think about the miracles and teachings you have read about Jesus. Which would you have most liked to witness first hand, and why?

QUESTION 2: If you could have the afternoon alone with Jesus, face to face, what would you ask Him?

QUESTION 3: If Jesus were to speak directly to our churches today, what do you think He would say?

QUESTION 4: One of the beautiful things about the body of Christ is the diversity. We are all different – looks, talents, spiritual gifts, opinions, nationalities, backgrounds, etc. We all complement each other with our differences, and we can bring out the best in each other when we learn to celebrate what makes us unique. What is something unique about you?

QUESTION 5: What time and where do you plan to do your Bible study? How can you keep from giving up?

QUESTION 6: (optional) Do you have any questions for us? Or, do you have any words of advice for new members?

This Week’s Assignments

1.    Read Matthew 5-7

2.    Browse through the introductory pages of the book, Sermon on the Mount, pp. 4-10, and become familiar with Jen Wilkin’s teaching style.

3.    Study Week 2: “Who Is Blessed?” pp. 14-29

4.    Attend a small group.

5.    Watch my video for this week.

6.    Work on memorizing this week’s Bible verse:

And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. Matthew 4:23 ESV

 How This Works

1. If you have not done so already, please register by leaving your name and email address below.
2. Purchase the study book.
   • Lifeway: Paperback: Sermon on the Mount

·   Ebook: Sermon on the Mount

2. • Amazon: Paperback: Sermon on the Mount
   • Christianbook.com: Sermon on the Mount
   • Here is a product sample so you can see it before ordering it: Sample 
3. Subscribe to this site to receive future updates by email. Enter your email address in the field to the right, and then click the subscribe button.
4. Join our closed Facebook group, Heart to Heart Women’s Bible Study, for weekly interaction, activities, videos, and small group sessions. Closed means that no one will be able to see our posts unless they are members of the group. This is for your safety and privacy.
5. Small Groups: There will be a schedule for small groups pinned to the top of the Facebook group, Heart to Heart Women’s Bible Study, as we get closer to the time. All you need to do is show up at the scheduled day and time, and the discussion will take place underneath the group photo. 
6. Follow my ministry page on Facebook, Shari Lewis Ministries, to stay up-to-date on ministry events and for daily prayers, nuggets of wisdom and encouragement for your life, photos that you are welcome to share, and faith building blog posts to strengthen you in your walk with Chrisst.

 Reading Schedule

• Skip Week 1 in the book; Optional video
• August 28 – September 3: Study Week 2: “Who Is Blessed?” pp. 14-29; Matthew 5:1-12
  • Small groups: Introduction. No need to ready anything ahead of time.
• September 4-10, Study Week 3: “A People of Influence,” pp. 30-45; Matthew 5:13-20
  • Small groups: Discuss Week 2
• September 11-17, Study Week 4: “You Have Heard That It Was Said…” Part 1, pp. 46-59; Matthew 5:21-30
  • Small groups: Discuss Week 3
• September 18-24, Study Week 5: “You Have Heart That It Was Said…” Part 2, pp. 60-73; Matthew 5:31-48
  • Small groups: Discuss Week 4
• September 25 – October 1, Study Week 6: “Secret Righteousness,” pp. 74-89; Matthew 6:1-18
  • Small groups: Discuss Week 5
• October 2-8, Study Week 7: “Where Your Treasure Is,” pp. 90-105; Matthew 6:19-34
  • Small groups: Discuss Week 6
• October 9-15, Study Week 8: “Do Unto Others,” pp. 106-121; Matthew 7:1-12
  • Small groups: Discuss Week 7
• October 16-22, Study Week 9: “A Foundation That Endures,” pp. 122-137; Matthew 7:13-29
  • Small groups: Discuss Week 8
• October 23-29: Catch Up Week and Finish Study
  • Small groups: Discuss Week 9

Have a blessed week, and I hope to see you in a small group!