The Sermon on the Mount is frequently misunderstood. It is NOT merely a description from the Apostles’ days, nor is it only for the future for heaven. It’s definitely not a new law with rules for getting into heaven. Such misunderstandings likely came from the inherent difficulty involved in following this teaching, but Jesus expects Christians to actually do this. His teaching was aimed at his disciples (v.1).

The Sermon on the Mount describes the character and lifestyle of a kingdom person.  

A kingdom person is a true Christian who is intentionally living in the kingdom of heaven now. Such people were the unlikely ones because their situation seemed upside down by worldly standards. 

The first part of the teaching is called the Beatitudes, which is a list of characteristics of those who are surprisingly under God’s blessing. All 8 beatitudes are for ALL Christians. They work like a chain, one flowing into the next.

The poor in spirit are those who admit their spiritual bankruptcy before God. The kingdom is theirs (in the present tense). This condition leads them to mourn their deplorable state and that of the whole world. They are naturally meek, knowing their unworthiness for God’s grace. But they hunger and thirst for righteousness, praying earnestly for God to restore and heal everything. They have mercy for others because God has mercy for them. They are pure of heart, meaning single-minded about desiring God above other desires. They are peacemakers, helping people find forgiveness and peace with God through the cross of Christ. Finally, they are persecuted because the world’s kingdoms reject God and his followers.

Taking It Home: Does this describe you? Make an honest self assessment. Read Revelation 3:17-20, asking God to minister to you.