This week, we will begin our study of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). We'll use this blog to post thoughts and questions each week so that we can discuss the meaning of the scripture we're studying as well as it's application to our lives. We think this will be a great way to connect during the week as we seek to grow closer to our Lord through the study of His Word. Sort of a modern way (albeit virtual) to live out Acts 2 where the early church met in the temple courts daily, devoted to the teaching of the apostles. So, we can meet here daily and discuss Matthew's teaching!
Back to our study. This week, we'll be looking at some introductory material to the Sermon on the Mount. We'll be covering some text from Matthew 3 & 4 and possibly some of the Beatitudes. Have you thought about why this study is entitled Counter-Cultural Christianity? We actually got the term from John Stott's commentary on the Sermon on the Mount. Here's a quote from Stott:
"The followers of Jesus are to be different, different from both the nominal church and the secular world, different from both the religious and the irreligious. The Sermon on the Mount is the most complete delineation anywhere in the New Testament of the Christian counter-culture. Here is a Christian value-system, ethical standard, religious devotion, attitude to money, ambition, lifestyle and network of relationships--all of which are totally at variance with those in the non-Christian world."
If you get a chance, read through the Sermon on the Mount and see if you notice this aspect of Jesus' teaching. You'll notice that over and over he is drawing comparison between his disciples and the world (both the religious scribes and pharisees as well as pagan gentiles).
The standards Christ sets for His followers are radical, even compared to the strict manner in which the Jewish leaders of the day attempted to follow the Old Testament laws. It's obvious that anyone who followed Christ teaching would be different from the world around them. 2 questions: Why do you think Christ commands such radically different behaviour from his disciples? Is obedience to His teaching here even possible?
We'll discuss these points and others this Sunday. If you get a chance to drop a quick note here before then, that would be great.
Craig
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3 comments:
1 Peter 1:16 says, "Be holy for I am holy". Oftentimes we consider holiness and righteousness to be synonyms. Although there are many places in scripture where they are, more often the meaning of holy is "other" or "seperate", obviously in the context of righteousness. When holiness is viewed in this manner we can begin to see what is expected of our lives. Though God is completely holy he is not so completely "other" or "seperate" that we cannot approach him. i.e. He's not simply, "...out there somewhere"; He's a personal, loving, and jealous God who hates sin yet through his grace chooses to "seek and save that which was lost" (Lk 19:10). Again, as recipients of that grace, we are to be obedient to Christ's example (and command). For "unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." (Mt.5:20) As Craig has mentioned, we are to be radically different, radically "other" in our love for our Father, and others--even those who don't deserve it any more than we did--and this is not optional. All praise be to Him.
2 questions: Why do you think Christ commands such radically different behaviour from his disciples? Is obedience to His teaching here even possible?
1) It is not enough for a disciple to "know" what his rabbi knows (as if it were enough to regurgitate information a professor has given us so we can pass a test), but to "live" the way a rabbi lives. How a disciple lives is a reflection on who is his or her rabbi.
2) I don't think obedience is possible here without the imparted righteousness of Christ. I am so glad we get lots of practice here and now.
kris
Keep up the good work.
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