THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT FOR EVERYONE

By Mark Roberts

(Coffee and the Bible Series)

I’ve heard this for many years: “The sermon on the mount is the constitutional document for the Lord’s Church.”

And yet, Matthew 5, 6 and 7 isn’t laid out as a collection of statutes, provisions and amendments imperfectly formed by human minds, however noble.

The passage is a perfectly beautiful assembly of what Jesus said, arranged in perfect sequence, guiding the citizens of His kingdom into right attitudes, warnings and wisdom, no human legislator could ever write. It stands far above human attempts to address the core values of life.

Mark Roberts has published “The Sermon On The Mount For Everyone.” It is (1) “application-oriented,” yet without skirting the historical and textual context, word meanings and literary nuances.  He avoids the “jump right in” approach by discussing first what Matthew is doing, how Jesus and Moses “share” the Mountain venue and more important, how both convey the tone of “be different.” Everything after Matt. 5:1 explains how we are to be different.

(2) Mark is very careful to give precision to two typical exegetical slipups. First, this is Kingdom material. That is to say, in Mark’s words, “If you want to be in My kingdom, you must live differently.” Not just know the words and learn the verses, LIVE DIFFERENTLY. Second, “blessed does not mean happy.” Worldly happiness depends on what happens. Blessedness is the finest joy of being “approved of God,” with all the components of that grace received by faith. Mark is precise, in his work with Biblical texts … and with his coffee.

(3) Mark’s emphasis on the application of this passage to life now is an important part of this book: “This is vitally important because many think Christianity has little to offer now and is all about later. Isn’t that the common conception of being a disciple? You’re miserable now, but you have this excellent retirement plan after dying. Jesus doesn’t teach that. He knows a way to live that is blessed of God, a blessing that will bring you authenticity, satisfaction, and contentment. That’s what blessed means: made happy by God. The great thing is that Jesus doesn’t say we must wait for that joy. Blessed is for now! We can have this now!” (p.#8).

(4) Mark’s treatment of the beatitudes is worth the price of the book. He shows that this form isn’t limited to the Sermon on the Mount. And again, he makes it clear that “worldly happiness” under the sun isn’t the point of “blessedness.” “The Beatitudes are about God’s verdict on our lives.”

This book is well-thought out by a veteran writer. It is centered on real daily living with a Kingdom emphasis, sourced well and your reading of his material will enhance your appetite, motivate continued discipleship and may change your coffee habits. There is, for each of us, a narrow path that is challenging. This book will help readers make a conscious and consistent choice to live by Kingdom values.