1. A HIGHER STANDARD 更高的標準 馬 Mat 5:17-20

2. Mat 5:17-20 Do not think that I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to destroy but to fulfill. (18) For truly I say to you, Till the heaven and the earth pass away, not one jot or one tittle shall in any way pass from the Law until all is fulfilled. (19) Therefore whoever shall relax one of these commandments, the least, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of Heaven. But whoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of Heaven. (20) For I say to you that unless your righteousness shall exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of Heaven.

3. Introduction The Sermon on the Mount is for Christians Secular critics: Not attainable Theological critics: A guide for Christian living Yet, Jesus is different

4. Jesus’ Important Message (1) In continuity with the OT Consistent with the authority OT Jesus came to fulfill the Law and prophets

5. Jesus’ Important Message (2) Leading OT and into NT as God’s progressive revelation The righteousness we have in Christ, is beyond what the Pharisees’ and Scribes’ righteousness through works

6. Jesus’ Important Message (3) We follow the Law of Christ ◦ "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord; I will put My Laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them," We follow not just the words but also the spirit of the law. ◦ Rom 7:6 But now we having been set free from the Law, having died to that in which we were held, so that we serve in newness of spirit and not in oldness of the letter.

7. Law on the tablets Law written on the tablet of heart Law written on the tablet

8. Jesus’ a higher standard of ethics “You shall in no case enter into the kingdom of Heaven” is a warning. ◦ Not as guides ◦ Jesus is emphatic! ου ̓ μη ̀ ◦ Psa 119:89 Forever, O Jehovah, Your Word is settled in the heavens. Difference between relationship and fellowship with the Lord

9. The standards shall not be trivialized Least in the Kingdom of God who diminishes, trivializes, or does not live these standards. Great in the Kingdom of God who honors and follow these standards.

10. The sermon on the mount is The discipleship lessons Jesus teaches The messages are the standard by which Christian shall live, These standards are Kingdom values consistent with the nature of God.

11. Application Must I uphold it? But I can’t do it? ◦ For Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Php 4:13

12. Conlusion The messages in the Sermon on the Mount are for Christians They are hard to follow by human means Jesus expects us to follow these Kingdom values and ethics Christians can follow Jesus teachings because ◦ Our faith in Christ ◦ Our power for following them comes from a Spirit- transformed life