The Sermon on the Mount overflows with frequently quoted statements that have become familiar mottoes. Most are better known than Ben Franklin’s wit and wisdom…and they’re certainly more penetrating!
The closer Jesus drew to the conclusion of His magnificent Sermon on the Mount, the greater His intensity. By the time He got to the passage in this lesson, it was clear He was not mildly suggesting we simply resolve to try a little harder and do a little better.
Often the things we dislike in others are the very things we'd like to change about ourselves. But it's easier to concentrate on what others should change than what we should.
Now that we’ve considered the action we must take, let’s turn to Galatians 6:1 for a close look at the proper attitude we need. To qualify for helping restore others to the truth, we must first be filled with the Spirit and not controlled by the flesh.
Our need is not to think of ways to get away from the storms of life but to learn the secret of going through them. This brings us to the last words Jesus spoke in His immortal Sermon on the Mount. As He drew His remarks to a close, He used a vivid word picture of two houses, built on opposite foundations. From this familiar illustration, we can learn the secret of an unsinkable life.
It takes knowledge of God’s Word to discern truth and detect error. Not only from what is said but from what is left out.
We are exhorted to practice persistent repetition of our requests, not a formulaic repetition of words, which Jesus condemned (Matthew 6:7–8).
Part of what makes stories so effective as teaching tools is their ability to stick with us. But what gives the best stories staying power?
Preaching on Matthew 7:1–5, Pastor Chuck Swindoll directs our attention to Jesus’ teaching on judging to help us rid ourselves of a biting, critical spirit so we can truly restore others in a spirit of love and acceptance.
Not everyone is ready to hear spiritual truth, so we need to discern our audience. All people share divinely endowed dignity, so we should do to others as we would have them do to us.
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