Zac Poonen - Sermon on the Mount - 4

Summary Notes:

The Foundation of Obedience

The Sermon on the Mount is the first sermon of the New Testament, signaling its immense importance. Many believers mistakenly claim these standards are impossible to live by, using that as an excuse for defeat. However, Jesus warns that those who hear His words but do not obey them are building their lives on sinking sand. To build on the rock is to hear and actively obey. This path is not easy; it is designed to drive us toward the power of the Holy Spirit, which is the only way to reproduce the life of Jesus within us. (Matthew 1:21, Matthew 3:11)

The Secret of Spiritual Poverty

To enter the Kingdom of Heaven, one must become a "zero" in their own estimation. Without Christ, even the greatest saint has no value. We must remain "nobodies" throughout our lives, recognizing that our only worth comes when Jesus, the "One," stands in front of our zero. This poverty of spirit is the master key that opens every door in the Kingdom. It keeps us from looking down on others and saves us from the calamity of pride. (Matthew 5:3, John 15:5)

The Blessing of Holy Mourning

Contrary to the world's pursuit of constant laughter and fun, Jesus calls those who mourn "blessed." We are called to mourn because we often fail to reflect God’s glory. We mourn over our disappointments, our conflicts at home, and our lack of Christ-likeness. When our passion to be like Jesus is high, we will mourn over any area where we fall short. This mourning is not for earthly losses, but for spiritual hunger, and it is through this that God provides true comfort and strength. (Matthew 5:4)

The Strength of the Meek

Meekness is not weakness; it is the choice to not fight for one's own rights. In a world obsessed with self-confidence and personal respect, the meek person takes the low place. They do not demand respect from others or fight for promotions. They realize that apart from Christ, they can do nothing. True meekness is having zero confidence in the self but tremendous confidence in God’s plan, seeking only to fulfill the purpose for which He created us. (Matthew 5:5, John 15:5)

The Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

Those who are truly blessed have a craving for righteousness as intense as an athlete's hunger for an Olympic gold medal. This means having a passion to be honest in every area, such as paying taxes correctly and returning borrowed items promptly. It involves self-control over the body’s passions so that the body becomes a slave to Christ rather than its own desires. Those who hunger for this integrity will find themselves satisfied by God. (Matthew 5:6, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, Matthew 6:2, 6:5, 6:16)

Victory Over Temptation through Prayer

Jesus is our example in overcoming sin. He was tempted in every way that we are, yet He remained without sin. He achieved this through "loud crying and tears," praying desperately to be saved from spiritual death (sin). If Jesus, who was perfect, needed to pray with such intensity for victory, we must also be desperate for a pure mind and heart. True holiness is loving God completely and forgiving every human being without exception. (Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 5:7, James 1:14-15, John 7:37-38)

The Law of Mercy

Mercy has two sides: a readiness to forgive those who have harmed us and a willingness to do good to those in need. If we are merciless toward others, we can expect a merciless judgment from God. However, when we choose to let mercy triumph over judgment in our daily interactions, we invite God's mercy into our own lives. We must forgive completely, even wishing the very best for those who have caused us deep pain.

(Matthew 5:7, Luke 10:36-37, James 2:13)

Watch the full teaching here: Zac Poonen - Sermon on the Mount - 4