We will be walking through the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) until the end of the school year. Each week, there will be a portion of the Sermon on the Mount as a "weekly reading". You can split the passage up into multiple days throughout the week, or you could do it all at once, whatever works best for you. This is simply meant to be a tool that helps you engage with the Scripture that we will be teaching on Wednesday nights at GSM. Feel free to do this individually, or do it together with some friends. My prayer is that you simply enjoy time with God and hear his voice through his Word each week!

Matthew 5:17-30 (Sin Begins in the Heart)
Christ Fulfills the Law
17 “Don’t think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass away from the law until all things are accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever does and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.

Murder Begins in the Heart
21 “You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. 22 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire. 23 So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Reach a settlement quickly with your adversary while you’re on the way with him to the court, or your adversary will hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out of there until you have paid the last penny.

Adultery Begins in the Heart
27 “You have heard that it was said, Do not commit adultery. 28 But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Consider using the H.E.A.R. study method to help you explore the meaning of this passage.

HIGHLIGHT:
After reading the passage, highlight the verses that stand out to you by writing out the following:

• Write down the name of the book.
• Write down the chapter and verses.
• Write out the verse, or part of the verse, that stands out to you.

EXPLORE:
Engage with the text and explore what the meaning of it might be. Some possible questions to consider include:

• Who was the passage written to?
• Why was it written? 
• How does it fit-in with surrounding verses?
• What might God be saying through this passage?
• Consider using a commentary/study Bible to help you understand the passage. Here are some helpful resources:
  • David Guzik Commentary (Blue Letter Bible)
    • https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/matthew/matthew-5.cfm?a=934001
  • Bible Project Visual Commentary (Sermon on the Mount Overview)
    • https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/matthew-5-7-sermon-overview/
  • Bible Project Video 
    • https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/jesus-fulfills-the-law/
    • https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/wisdom-underneath-laws/

APPLY:
Consider how you can apply the text in real life. Some possible questions to consider include:

• How can I apply this passage in my life today?
  • Think of applications that are specific and measurable.
• What am I going to do about what God is saying to me?

RESPOND:
Finally, respond to God. This can be done in any number of ways, but make it sincere.

• Write out a prayer of response to God after he has spoken to you through his word. 
• Commit to a certain action.
• Who is God inviting me to be? (Or, How will I be different because of what I’ve learned?)