Sermon on The Mount is Only For Unbelieving Jews
Sad, but true, most Christians miss the point that the sermon on the mount is only a message for unbelieving Jews chasing out the law for righteousness.
For as long as I can remember, Christians have been told that the sermon on the mount is a message for Christians and how we should live or strive to live. But the truth is, anyone who hears this sermon is supposed to walk away, feeling totally condemned with no hope. Hell bound. No one should hear this message and feel like that should be their goal for daily living.
In the short video, we are going to examine Matthew 5 and we are going to break it down piece by piece. You will discover a few things:
- The sermon is only addressing Jewish people
- Jesus is going to show them they don’t even understand how perfect and holy the law REALLY is
- When Jesus gets done pointing out the true stand of the law, every human being on earth should be realizing how hopeless they are, and how desperately they need a better covenant found it on better hopes
This, if nothing else, should show us how we all need Jesus, forgiveness, the cross, and the promises of being saved, through faith, apart from works of the law.
Author: Mike Cynar
Mike Cynar was raised in a church setting where he frequently noticed that many attendees would eventually drift away. The church labeled these individuals as ‘back sliders’ or ‘fake Christians’ just looking for ‘fire insurance’. However, Mike realized the issue was rarely with these individuals but instead with the church’s message itself. The teachings heavily emphasized behavior improvement and one’s flaws, with only a fleeting mention of one’s identity in Christ. It felt as though every sermon was tailored to the church of Corinth, who as we know or committing sins that even unbelievers don’t partake in. This trend was noticeable not just in one denomination, but across Baptist, Catholic, Pentecostal, and many other churches. Upon understanding the true essence of the gospel – that our righteousness comes from Jesus’ actions, not our own – Mike was inspired to liberate believers from lifeless sermons and reconnect them with the genuine teachings of Jesus. He believes that one can nurture a vibrant and growing bond with Jesus, unhindered by rigid religious practices. And thus, “Jesus Without Religion” was born.
It turns out that it is grace that leads to repentance. And if our heart is to get others to walk in the Spirit and live a godly life, then the best approach is not a beat down sermon, but rather to remind other that it is only when we understand our true identity in Christ that we will live it out. Yes, it’s true, if you’re convinced that God thinks you’re a dirty sinner, you will ultimately continue a lifestyle that mirrors that view, but if you truly believe that even on your worst day, you are called holy, sanctified, justified, and will be presented blameless in the end, well, it turns out this is the secret to living out on the outside what has been worked in to the inside.
4 Comments
Hi! I’m blown away by this thank you for clearing this up!! It makes perfect sense! Can you explain tho chapter 7 about prayer and fasting? Is that still a part of the sermon on the mount? Also at the end when he said in chapter 7:26 Matthew 7:26
[26] And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. Is he still talking about the law? At what point is he introducing the “better way” to them? Is it when it starts at ask and ye shall receive? Sorry for all the questions:) thanks!
There’s a whole lot going on here. On one hand, he’s showing how hopeless you are under the law. But on the other hand, he’s bringing in a new message that will be found in through faith alone.
So, in the beginning of chapter 7, we’re saying that, however you judge other people that is the same way you will be judged.
The Pharisees, for example, or judging everyone else, by the standard of the law. And that’s exactly how they can expect to be judged. As Christians, we judge people’s salvation according to their faith, not their works. And that is how we will be judged on the final day. So there are two audiences getting a separate message. I guess the old expression, ‘if the shoe fits, wear it’, will come in to play.
Then we get through the part about prayer. But I don’t think he’s saying ask for anything you want, and it will be given to you. I think that is a deep misunderstanding of the Scriptures. In fact, 1 Tim 6:5 tells us that “those who think godliness is a means of financial gain or of depraved mind”. So what he’s really saying in Matthew 7 is anyone who asked to receive Christ will receive him. It’s a promise of salvation. To anyone who seeks, or knocks, we will find him.
So about your question in verse 26. What are the words of his? He’s warning us to watch out for the false prophets. These are people like the Pharisees, who claim that the way to God is still the law, and human effort, and the temple, and animal sacrifices.. They are liars, who greatly destroy the word of God. God is calling us to seek him. He wants us to knock, and promises he will open the door. In other words, whosoever calls on the name of the Lord WILL be saved. The force man is the one who is listening to the Pharisees. The Pharisees are the false prophets. And we find modern day Pharisees, and even the most popular Christian churches today.
Great explanation thank you so much! This is life changing! Is there an email I can ask you more questions? I would rather them not be public. There are a couple of topics such as baptism I’m trying to understand. Thanks!
Yep, you may email me at info@jesuswithoutreligion.com. Regarding baptism, this video should really help 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LesTF2MDso&t=360s