Sermon on the Mount – The Kingdom of Heaven • Founded in Truth Fellowship #sermononthemount #kingdomofgod #live

Understanding the Foundational Teachings of Yeshua

In this teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, Matthew Vander Els explores what he considers to be the most radical sermon ever preached: the Sermon on the Mount. He emphasizes that this sermon, delivered by Yeshua (Jesus), is not merely a collection of idealistic principles, but rather the constitution or baseline understanding of what it looks like to live out the Kingdom of Heaven or the Kingdom of God. Vander Els suggests that the entire book of Matthew, after the initial chapters, essentially revolves around this pivotal sermon.

The context of the sermon is crucial. After overcoming temptation in the wilderness and beginning his public ministry proclaiming that the Kingdom of God is near, Yeshua called his first disciples. He then separated himself from the growing crowds, went up onto a mountain, sat down, and began to teach his disciples. Initially, the Sermon on the Mount was directed specifically at these followers, outlining how they, as his disciples, were to live according to the principles of the Kingdom.

Vander Els highlights the radical and often counterintuitive nature of Yeshua’s assertions in the Sermon on the Mount. These teachings challenge conventional wisdom and can make people uncomfortable. However, he argues that understanding and applying these teachings is fundamental to being a true follower of Yeshua. He points out that after the sermon, the crowds grew, indicating the power and impact of Yeshua’s words.

The Purpose of the Sermon: Revealing Kingdom Living

The central purpose of the Sermon on the Mount, according to this teaching, is to explain what it means to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven right now. It describes how God’s reign begins to manifest in the lives of individuals and within the world. Vander Els clarifies that the Kingdom of Heaven is not simply a future destination after death, but a present reality that believers enter into now. This present reality of the Kingdom surpasses death, offering eternal life that begins upon entering this kingdom.

Vander Els contrasts the popular understanding of heaven as a far-off paradise with the biblical emphasis on God’s reign descending onto earth and the restoration of creation. He suggests that the idea of escaping God’s good creation is more of a pagan concept than a Hebrew one. The true story of God, he contends, revolves around restoring his creation and establishing his just rule on earth.

Yeshua’s Interpretation of the Torah

Vander Els emphasizes that Yeshua did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, offering a new and radical interpretation grounded in the Hebrew Scriptures. During Yeshua’s time, there were various interpretations of the Torah among different Jewish groups, even leading to disagreements. Yeshua’s interpretation, presented in the Sermon on the Mount, focuses on the heart and intent behind the law, rather than just the external actions. For instance, he teaches that even looking at someone with lustful intent is akin to adultery in the heart, and harboring hatred is like murder in the heart.

He illustrates this by discussing the commandment to keep the Sabbath, highlighting how interpretations could become overly legalistic and miss the underlying purpose of honoring God and finding rest. Similarly, regarding divorce, different rabbinic interpretations existed, and Yeshua offers his own perspective. His interpretations point towards a new type of humanity, empowered by a new heart and spirit, capable of living out the Torah in its intended fullness.

Living as Citizens of the Kingdom: Radical Implications

Being a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven means aligning oneself with Yeshua’s declaration that his kingdom is not of this world. Vander Els references Paul’s assertion that the ruler of the kingdoms of this world is Satan. Therefore, allegiance to the Kingdom of Heaven involves a fundamental shift in loyalties and values. This Kingdom will ultimately overcome all earthly empires, not through violence, but through mercy, forgiveness, and service.

The Sermon on the Mount outlines a counterintuitive way of life for Kingdom citizens:

• Humility: Recognizing one’s spiritual poverty and dependence on God.
• Compassion: Mourning with those who mourn.
• Gentleness: Inheriting the earth through meekness.
• A Hunger for Righteousness: Desiring God’s justice and living accordingly.
• Mercy: Showing compassion and forgiveness to others.
• Purity of Heart: Having sincere and undivided devotion to God.
• Peacemaking: Actively working towards reconciliation and harmony.
• Perseverance under Persecution: Standing firm for righteousness even when it’s unpopular.
• Love for Enemies: Praying for and blessing those who oppose you.
• Radical Generosity: Giving abundantly without seeking recognition.
• Reliance on God: Trusting God for provision and not being consumed by worry about material needs.
• Avoiding Judgmentalism: Refraining from assuming the role of judge over others.
• Authentic Prayer: Praying sincerely for God’s Kingdom to come without seeking public attention.
• Living with Integrity: Ensuring that one’s actions match their words.

The Invitation and the Consequences

The Sermon on the Mount concludes with an invitation to build one’s life on a stable foundation – the words and teachings of Yeshua – or risk a great collapse. Vander Els interprets this as a call to not just agree with the teachings intellectually, but to actively practice them. Those who hear and do these sayings are like a house built on rock, able to withstand opposition, which Vander Els describes in terms of spiritual warfare against the ways of the world.

He highlights that allegiance to the Kingdom of God may lead to conflict with the values and practices of the world, which often prioritize self-interest, power, and exploitation. Followers of Yeshua, as citizens of a different kingdom (Philippians 3:20), may face hatred and misunderstanding when their loyalty to their King dictates actions that go against worldly norms, such as refusing to support violence or exploitation.

Vander Els concludes by emphasizing that the calling of all humanity is to walk with God, to operate with the authority God gave to reflect his character in the earth, producing his reign of justice, mercy, forgiveness, and love. Living out the Kingdom of God now is what this calling entails. He invites listeners to break the mold of their minds, regret their sins, and be ready to live out a radically different way of life that demonstrates the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven. He encourages them to be revolutionaries who push back against the darkness in the world and advocate for God’s Kingdom to descend on earth.

For more Bible Teachings, click the link.

Books and Resources Mentioned

• The Bible by Various Authors