Sermon on the Mount (02): The Practicality of Jesus Teaching
The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5–7, is one of Jesus’ most profound and practical teachings. It provides a clear picture of what life looks like under God’s rule, and it reaches every part of our lives. We can approach the sermon using a seven-part outline that helps us see how practical and comprehensive it really is. The sermon begins with an inward transformation and flows outward, affecting our actions, relationships, and ambitions. It challenges us to live not just morally, but spiritually and relationally, with God at the center of our lives.
- Character: The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12)
The sermon starts with the Beatitudes, which describe the kind of person who belongs in the Kingdom of God. These traits are not external achievements but inner attitudes: being humble, mourning over sin, hungering for righteousness, being merciful, pure, peacemaking, and willing to suffer for righteousness. This kind of character sets the foundation for everything else in the Christian life. It all begins with who we are, not just what we do. These qualities reflect someone who has been changed from the inside out. - Influence: Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13–16)
When our character reflects Christ, it naturally influences others. Jesus says His followers are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Salt preserves and adds flavor, while light shines and reveals. In the same way, believers who live out the Beatitudes become a blessing to the world around them. But if we lose our saltiness or hide our light, we fail in our purpose. Character and influence go hand in hand. People watch how we live, and our integrity is often the strongest testimony we have. - Righteousness: Inside-Out Obedience (Matthew 5:17–48)
Jesus then explains that He did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it. True righteousness, He says, is not just about keeping rules but having the right heart. He gives six examples to show this: murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, revenge, and love. In each case, He goes deeper than the outward action and looks at the heart. It’s not enough to avoid murder—Jesus wants us to avoid hate. It’s not enough to avoid adultery—He calls us to purity of thought. This righteousness is only possible through the Holy Spirit. Jesus wants a unified life where our heart, mind, and actions all align with His truth. - Devotion: Real Piety (Matthew 6:1–18)
In the next section, Jesus addresses our personal spiritual practices. He talks about giving, praying, and fasting—three common religious activities. But the focus is on the motive behind them. Do we do these things to be seen by others, or to connect with God? Jesus warns against hypocrisy and urges us to seek the Father’s reward, not the approval of people. True devotion is not about show, but about sincerity. We must be careful not to let our spiritual life become routine or for performance. God is interested in the heart behind our actions. - Ambition: Kingdom Priorities (Matthew 6:19–34)
Jesus also speaks to our ambitions and what we treasure. He teaches us not to worry about material things but to seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness. When Christ is the center of our lives, everything else falls into place. This section reminds us to live out of the Center—that is, letting Christ be the focus of everything we do. Our ambitions should be shaped by our desire to please God. When we live with this focus, even ordinary tasks become acts of worship. - Relationships: How We Treat Others (Matthew 7:1–20)
Jesus turns our attention to relationships. He teaches us not to judge others harshly and to treat people with grace. He talks about the need to examine ourselves before pointing out faults in others. This section helps us see how our inner life should impact how we relate to both believers and non-believers. We are called to be people of simplicity and integrity—those who are safe and trustworthy in our relationships. Our lives should be clear, consistent, and centered on love. - Commitment: Living Out the Teaching (Matthew 7:21–27)
The sermon ends with a call to commitment. Jesus warns against merely hearing His words without putting them into practice. Those who obey are like people who build their house on a rock—they can withstand life’s storms. But those who hear and do not act are like those who build on sand. True faith produces action. We are not saved by works, but real faith always shows itself in how we live. The goal is a life that is whole and built on the solid foundation of Christ.
Living from the Center
Throughout the sermon, we see that Christianity is not just a part of life; it should be the center of life. It’s not just for Sunday mornings but for every day, in every setting. Our faith should shape our actions at home, at work, and everywhere in between. Jesus wants us to live from the inside out—from a heart transformed by Him, leading to a life that reflects Him.
We all have moments when we drift or become distracted. The key is not to beat ourselves up, but gently return our focus to Christ. Living in the present moment, with a heart centered on God, is how we live wisely and meaningfully. When we do this, we reflect the character of Jesus and point others to the Kingdom of God.
To explore the Sermon on the Mount more deeply and discover how to thoughtfully answer the questions below, subscribe to Ken Boa Reflections on Substack.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Sermon on the Mount challenge your understanding of what it means to live a faithful and obedient life?
- In what ways can you align your inner character more closely with the Beatitudes described by Jesus?
- How can you cultivate greater sincerity and focus in your devotional practices, such as prayer, giving, or fasting?
- What foundation are you building your life on, and how can you ensure it is grounded in Christ’s words and not in temporary pursuits?
