rk 2.7. MATTHEW 5-7

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MATTHEW 5-7 (THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT), ALONG WITH AN ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN

CHRISTIAN ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR AND THE LAW:

Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12)


- Jesus outlines blessings for those who embody humility, mercy, purity, and righteousness.
- Emphasizes the virtues of meekness, peacemaking, and enduring persecution for righteousness.

Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16)


- Christians are called to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world," influencing society through their good
deeds.

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


- Jesus clarifies that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it.
- Christian righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees, focusing on the spirit of the Law rather than just external
adherence.

Dealing with Anger (Matthew 5:21-26)


- Anger is equated with murder in its destructive potential.
- Jesus calls for reconciliation and forgiveness before offering worship to God.

Adultery and Lust (Matthew 5:27-30)


- Lust is seen as equal to adultery, calling Christians to purity not only in actions but also in thoughts.
- Radical measures, such as removing what leads to sin, are urged.

Divorce (Matthew 5:31-32)


- Jesus teaches that divorce should only occur in cases of sexual immorality, highlighting the sanctity of marriage.

Oaths (Matthew 5:33-37)


- Christians should avoid swearing oaths and instead let their "yes" mean "yes" and their "no" mean "no." Integrity in
speech is emphasized.

Retaliation (Matthew 5:38-42)


- Rejects the "eye for an eye" principle. Instead, Christians are called to turn the other cheek and show generosity.

Love for Enemies (Matthew 5:43-48)


- Calls for loving one's enemies and praying for persecutors, exemplifying God's perfect love.

Giving to the Needy (Matthew 6:1-4)


- Charity should be done in secret without seeking recognition, focusing on God’s approval.

Prayer (Matthew 6:5-15)


- Jesus teaches the Lord's Prayer, encouraging sincerity and dependence on God in prayer, with forgiveness as a key
theme.

Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18)


- Fasting should be done privately and without seeking praise from others.

Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-24)


- Warns against storing earthly wealth; instead, Christians should focus on spiritual treasures.
- Serves as a reminder that one cannot serve both God and wealth.

Do Not Worry (Matthew 6:25-34)


- Christians are encouraged to trust God for provision, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness.

Judging Others (Matthew 7:1-5)


- Calls for self-examination before criticizing others. Hypocrisy is condemned.

Ask, Seek, Knock (Matthew 7:7-11)


- Persistence in prayer is encouraged, with the assurance that God provides good gifts to His children.

Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12)


- Summarizes the Law and Prophets: "Do to others as you would have them do to you."

Narrow and Wide Gates (Matthew 7:13-14)


- The path to life is narrow and challenging, while the road to destruction is wide and easy.

False Prophets (Matthew 7:15-23)


- Christians must discern truth from deception by observing the "fruits" of others' actions.

Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27)


- Emphasizes obedience to Jesus' teachings as the foundation of a solid life, compared to a foolish builder who ignores
them.

Analysis of the Relationship Between Christian Ethical Behavior and the Law:

- Fulfilling the Law: Jesus redefines the Law by emphasizing inner righteousness and a higher moral standard that
focuses on love, mercy, and purity of heart.

- Intensification of the Law: The Sermon on the Mount does not abolish the Mosaic Law but intensifies it by demanding
deeper ethical commitments, such as controlling thoughts and motivations (anger, lust).

- Ethics of Love: Christian ethical behavior is governed by love, not merely legalistic adherence. Jesus’ teachings elevate
love of neighbor and enemy as central to Christian morality.

- Righteousness from the Heart: Unlike the external righteousness of the Pharisees, Jesus calls for an inner
transformation that reflects God’s character—integrity, mercy, and humility.

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