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Christianity, Sunday School, Sunday School Lesson

Sunday School Lesson (June 30, 2019) Jesus Teaches About Right Attitudes / Right Attitudes Matthew 5:1-12

Sunday School Preacher
Jesus Teaches About Right Attitudes

Hello Sunday school teachers, preachers, and students! Welcome to SundaySchoolPreacher.com.  This week I take a look at the first of a 5 week series in Matthew.  This week begins a section of the Beatitudes in which Jesus begins to outline what righteousness looks like and what the rules and regulations of his Kingdom are.  Keep in mind that the Roman government severely persecuted the early church and the dominant Jewish community did not accept Jesus as the Savior.  As the writer recounts the words of Jesus these Beatitudes would certainly be a comfort to a distressed and anxious community.  Jesus didn’t do away with the old rules, he made them better.  Jesus offers a new agreement, a new covenant, a new testament that is a better covenant based on his teachings which begins in this fifth chapter of Matthew.  Some of the ideas surrounding this week’s text include the terms: 

Beatitudes

Disciples

Kingdom of Heaven

Righteousness

Background 

The overall focus for the summer quarter is a heartfelt covenant.  Lessons will deal with “matters of the heart”.  In a broad sense these lessons will speak to why we do, what we do.  Our motivations, inspirations, and aspirations say a lot about why we do, what we do.  With that in mind I’ll provide some background on the origin of the book of Matthew, a bit of background on the people this Gospel was written to, and then I’ll narrow the focus to this week’s study which is the 5th chapter of the Gospel According to Matthew. 

This text is likely written after 70 A.D.  “The name Matthew is linked with the Gospel late in the second century, about 100 years after it was written” (New Interpreter’s Study Bible).  So this text existed about 100 years before people began to call it the Gospel According to Matthew.  Matthew is mentioned only twice in this Gospel (9:9, 10:3).  So, no one definitively knows who the author is.

Most scholars agree that Matthew is also “a rewriting of Mark’s Gospel” (NISB).  Some scholars suggest it is a rewriting to show how Jesus was associated with Roman tax collector’s (Matthew was a tax collector).  The early church was heavily persecuted by the Roman government.  If Jesus was connected to people associated with the Roman Government perhaps these new Christians aren’t such a threat is the thinking behind this rational. 

The Jewish temple has been destroyed and this text is written to Jewish Christians.  The NISB Commentary writes that Matthew’s Gospel is written in part to show “God has intervened to reassert the rightful rule of “the kingdom of heaven” and to impart its blessings to the covenant people of Israel, and ultimately to all nations.  Matthew’s main audience is to the nation of Israel and Jewish Christians in particular.

The fifth chapter of Matthew begins Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.  The sermon covers chapters 5 through 7.  Chapter 5 begins with “blessings and sayings (5:3-16) the middle section of the sermon has six interpretations of scripture (5:17-48), instructions on three distinctive discipleship practices (6:1-18), and teaching on social and economic practices (6:19-7:12)” (NISB).  Over the next five weeks I will cover all of chapter five and close the fifth lesson with chapter 7.  Some important words to consider from this text include:

Beatitudes

Disciples

Kingdom of Heaven

Righteousness

Review Last Week and How it Connects to This Week 

Last week we studied how Colossians 2:11 describes Christ as a High Priest of the good things that have come.  Those good things were salvation, restoration, and redemption provided through Jesus Christ.   

Col 2:12 described Jesus as entering once into the Holy Place.  I noted how the New Interpreter’s Study Bible says “this place is ideal and not an actual place, but pointing to the ultimate reality of Christ’s atoning work”.  In other words, Jesus symbolically entered into the Holy Place.  Note that Jesus did not enter with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood.  That’s important.

Verses thirteen and fourteen explained that the blood of goats and calves and ashes only sanctifies the outward flesh.  It is Christ’s blood that purifies the conscience or inner person from the dead works of the Old Testament animal sacrifice system.

Verse fifteen explains that because Jesus replaces the old covenant, he is the mediator of the new covenant.  Verses sixteen and seventeen have terminology dealing with the ideas of wills, testaments, and covenants.  I noted that the Greek word for covenant is interchangeable with testament.  It is the same term for which we get the phrase “last will and testament”. 

In verse eighteen the author got to the point from the previous verses; “not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood”.  I noted how the author was trying to help us understand the importance of Christ’s shed blood.  A sacrifice had to be made for the new covenant to become effective. 

Verses nineteen through twenty-two dealt with how the Old Testament required blood.  The remaining verses describe the other things Moses sprinkled blood on and closed by proclaiming “under the law, almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins”. 

The overarching theme of this week’s lesson is a heartfelt covenant.  This lesson is the first of five from the Gospel According to Matthew.  In this lesson from the first part of the beatitudes we hear directly from Jesus as he outlines some of the rules of his kingdom.  The beatitudes are a guide for our everyday living that should be heartfelt by all Christians.  Townsend and Boyd’s Commentary title the lesson Jesus Teaches about Right Attitudes.  Standard Lesson Commentary titles it Right Attitudes.  The scripture text comes from Matthew 5:1-12. 

What Takes Place in This Passage

Verse one and two begin with Jesus taking notice of the crowds, and then he withdraws to an unnamed mountain to address his disciples.  “So far there are only four disciples (4:18-22; 10:1-4), but they represent all disciples” (NISB).  In verses three through twelve there are nine blessings or beatitudes divided into two groups (vv. 3-6 and 7-12) (NISB). 

Verse three declares that the kingdom of heaven will belong to the poor in spirit.  The poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and those who hunger and thirst after righteousness is important language for a people who are oppressed, persecuted, and subjugated by the Imperial Roman government and their fellow Jewish nationals.  Keep in mind that the Roman government severely persecuted the early church and the dominant Jewish community did not accept Jesus as the Savior.  As the writer recounts the words of Jesus these words would certainly be a comfort to a distressed and anxious community.  Also, the poor is defined as “those who are economically or spiritually without sufficient resources.  God has special concern for the poor and they are blessed.  Contemporary liberation theology emphasizes reading Scripture from the perspective of the poor”.  It’s my view that God is especially concerned with poor and the oppressed. 

Verse four declares those who mourn will be comforted.  Verse five says the meek will inherit the earth, and verse six promises fulfillment for those who hunger and thirst after righteousness.  “In an imperial world that prizes power, wealth, and status; God’s favor is found among the powerless and poor” (NISB).  “The second half of each blessing promises God’s future reversal of these imperial situations” (NISB). 

Verse seven declares the merciful will receive mercy.  Mercy is defined as kind and compassionate treatment extending biblically to forgiveness and the gracious bestowal of that which is not deserved.  It is an important descriptor of God.  Our homes are better when mercy is present.  Our communities are better when mercy is present, and so are our governmental policies if dealing with poverty is a priority. 

Verse eight declares the pure in heart shall see God.  I admit my inability to explain what a pure heart is.  One definition of the word pure is “unmixed with any other matter” another is “containing nothing that does not properly belong” and another is “free from moral fault or guilt”.  At least in terms of righteousness, I’m certain the only way my heart can be declared pure is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ on Calvary’s cross. 

Verse nine declares that the peacemakers will be called children of God.  Note this verse says peacemakers, not peacekeepers.  There is a difference between making peace and keeping peace.  Peace makers do the work of justice and righteousness.  A peace keeper may or may not do this work.

Verse ten promises those who are persecuted for righteousness sake shall have the kingdom of heaven.  If the kingdom of heaven is the ultimate goal, this verse declares how important righteousness is.

Verses eleven and twelve proclaims that we should rejoice and be glad because we will receive a great reward in heaven when we are persecuted falsely on the account of Jesus.  It’s important to stress that this applies to those who are falsely persecuted, not justifiably persecuted. 

Context

The overarching theme for the summer quarter is a heartfelt covenant.  When it comes to matters of the heart I am reminded of Jeremiah 17:9 as it declares “the heart is devious above all else; it is perverse—who can understand it?”  Matthew 15:18 reminds us “what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles”.  Our text today declares those who are pure in heart shall see God.  As Jesus delivers this Sermon on the Mount, he is really outlining the rules for his kingdom.  These are the new rules for the new covenant.  Jesus didn’t do away with the old rules, he made them better.  Jesus offers a new agreement, a new covenant, a new testament that is a better covenant based on his teachings which begins in this fifth chapter of Matthew.

Key Characters in the text

Jesus Christ – Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah and according to the Christian church the incarnate second Person of the Trinity.  He was crucified on a cross and was raised from the dead by the power of God. 

Matthew – Each of the four Gospels lists Matthew as one of the twelve Apostles.  Most scholars believe Matthew and Levi is the same person.  As a tax collector Matthew would have been associated with the Roman government.  This would have also made him despised by his Jewish countrymen and women.

Key Words 

Beatitudes – Teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount regarding the lives and dispositions of his followers.

Disciples – One who follows and learns from another as a pupil.  Old Testament prophets had disciples, as did John the Baptist and the Pharisees.  It is used specifically for those who follow Jesus Christ. 

Kingdom of Heaven – An equivalent term for “Kingdom of God” found in Matthew’s Gospel. 

Righteousness – Biblically the term embraces a number of dimensions relating to God’s actions in establishing and maintaining right relationships.  Ethically it is a state of moral purity or doing that which is right. 

Heaven – The place beyond earth that is the abode of God.  In Christian theology, it is the future eternal abode of those who receive salvation in Jesus Christ.  It is portrayed as a place of blessedness, without pain or evil, distinguished by the presence of God. 

Themes, Topics, Discussion, or Sermon Preparation Ideas 

1.  Matters of the heart.

2.  You can’t control everything that happens to you, but you can control how you respond. 

Questions

1.  Matthew is writing to a people who are trying to figure out if they will be “old school” Jewish or this new style Jewish (Jewish-Christian) or something entirely different.  Have you ever been faced with deciding whether to remain “old school” or live differently?       

2.  List ways we can be peace makers when being a peace keeper is not sufficient.        

Concluding thought

This week’s study has a distinct focus on righteousness.  It highlights the rules and regulations of Jesus’s new Kingdom.   If you have a red-letter edition of the bible you will see a lot of red in chapters five through seven.  In his longest recorded sermon, Jesus begins to outline what righteousness looks like and what the rules are for the Kingdom of Heaven.  As disciples of Jesus, our task is to strive to meet the high standard of these next chapters in Matthew as well the other teachings of Jesus.      

Preview of Next Week’s Lesson

Next week I will continue where I left off this week with Matthew 5:13-20. In these verses Jesus teaches about fulfilling the law.  As we consider a heartfelt covenant I will outline what that fulfillment looks like and what our part is toward the new covenant with Jesus. 

Christianity, Sunday School, Sunday School Lesson

Sunday School Lesson (June 23, 2019) Hearts United In Love Colossians 2:1-15

Sunday School Preacher
Hearts United In Love

Hello Sunday school teachers, preachers, and students! Welcome to SundaySchoolPreacher.com.  This week I take a look at hearts united in love in the second chapter of Colossians.  The Colossians and Laodiceans received Jesus by faith.  Without the extra help of secret knowledge or divination of stars or Gnostic belief systems.  Faith in Jesus Christ is enough for our salvation.  Sometimes things really are just that simple.  For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.  Faith in Jesus Christ is enough for our salvation.  When Paul writes to the Colossians he is essentially repeating the message of John 3:16.  He lets the Colossians know how much he cares for them, he encourages them to be united in love, and then he tells them to unite in love.  It really is that simple.  Faith in Jesus is enough for our salvation.  Some of the ideas surrounding this week’s text include the terms: 

Godhead

Philosophy

Gnosticism

Now, if you have Wi-Fi in your church Sunday School classroom or wherever you share this lesson, this channel is a good way to teach and discuss this week’s lesson.  With Wi-Fi you can start and stop the lesson when you want to discuss parts of the lesson.  What I provide is a concise overview of background, context, characters, themes and topics; that gets to the point, saves you time, and enhances your own teaching and study.  If that’s what you’re looking for you are in the right place.  The ONLY way I know this is helpful is if you subscribe or click the like button.  So please subscribe or like and then share this site with other Sunday School teachers, preachers, and students across your social media platforms. 

So, with that said, welcome again to SundaySchoolPreacher.com and let’s go to work. 

Background 

The focus of this week’s lesson is hearts united in love.  This letter to the church at Colossae was “intended to be read by the church at Laodicea as well.  Colossae was on the coast of the Lycus River in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey)” (New Interpreters Study Bible).  This letter is likely written in the late 50’s or early 60’s AD.  “An earthquake devastated the area in 60 CE, about the time of Paul’s death, and there was probably little left of the city” (NISB). 

Colossians is one of Paul’s prison letters.  He writes these words while imprisoned probably in Rome.  The prison letters also include

Ephesians

Philippians

Philemon

Its central theme is to show the supremacy or completeness of Jesus Christ.  And that the Christian believer does not need anything in addition to Jesus.  In Christ is the fullness of God. 

Paul writes this letter because at some point he heard reports that the Colossians were at least “acknowledging if not worshiping heavenly powers associated with the stars” (NISB). This, in addition to the belief that “food or drink or observing festivals, new moons, or Sabbaths (Col 2:16)” was necessary for salvation all presented a problem that Paul needed to address.  Paul knew there was nothing needed in addition to Jesus Christ. 

This second chapter of Colossians “warns against a particular human tradition about the elemental spirits of the universe, an aspect of astrology that teaches that angels associated with stars controlled human destiny” (NISB).

Some important words to consider from this text include:

Godhead

Philosophy

Circumcision

Baptism

Resurrection

Review of Last Week and How it Connects to This Week

Last week Hebrews 9:11 described Jesus Christ as a High Priest of the good things that have come.  I noted that those good things are salvation, restoration, and redemption provided through Jesus Christ.  We have these good things now because of the sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary’s cross. 

I also noted that verse twelve described Jesus as entering once into the Holy Place.  The New Interpreter’s Study Bible noted that “this place is ideal and not an actual place, but pointing to the ultimate reality of Christ’s atoning work”.  In other words, Jesus symbolically entered into the Holy Place with his own blood.  This Holy Place is what we have to look forward to. 

Verses thirteen and fourteen explained that the blood of goats and calves and ashes only sanctifies the outward flesh.  It is Christ’s blood that purifies the conscience or inner person from the dead works of the Old Testament animal sacrifice system.

In verses sixteen and seventeen we noted terminology dealing with the ideas of wills, testaments, and covenants.  The Greek word for covenant is interchangeable with testament.  It is the same term for which we get the phrase “last will and testament”.   

I noted in verse eighteen that the author makes his point; “not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood”.  A sacrifice had to be made for the new covenant to become effective.  It had to be the once and for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 

Last week compared the Old Testament sacrifice to the complete and fulfilled sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  Last week’s lesson connects to this week’s lesson by showing that the new covenant is fulfilled in Jesus Christ and nothing else is required.  Jesus fulfills the new covenant and in him is the fullness of God.  Townsend, Boyd’s, and Standard Lesson Commentary all title this week’s lesson Hearts United In Love.  The scripture text comes from Colossians 2:1-15. 

What Takes Place in This Passage

The text begins with Paul telling the Colossians and Laodiceans that he is struggling or contending for them.  He wants them to know how much he cares for them.  You might have heard the saying that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.  Even though Paul has never visited the Colossians, he wants them to know that he is concerned and that he cares. 

In verse two he mentions four things he desires for the Colossians.  His desire for the Colossians is

For their hearts to be encouraged

United in love

Full richness and complete understanding

To know the mystery of God in Christ.

Keep in mind that one of the reasons Paul writes this letter is because he has heard reports that they have some involvement with spiritual teachings other than Jesus Christ.  “For Gnostics, knowledge of secret lore was the key to salvation.  For Paul, the only knowledge necessary for salvation was knowing Christ” (NISB).

Verse three continues the same thought mentioning that in Christ are hid the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  Paul writes this to tell the Colossians that there is no salvation in wisdom and knowledge.  But if you desire wisdom and knowledge you can find it in Jesus Christ.  In other words, get to know Christ and you’ll get to know wisdom. 

Verse four is important.  Paul is getting to the point.  He knows there is no salvation in secret knowledge or watching the stars or any of the Gnostic beliefs.  He warns them not to be deceived by fine sounding arguments.  That holds true today, we ought not be deceived just because it sounds good.  You should know what you believe and why you believe it. 

Verse five is a restatement that he cares for them.  Even though he isn’t physically present he is with them in spirit.  He also offers another word of encouragement.  He tells them of his joy that they are disciplined and firm in their faith in Christ. 

Verse six is the central point in this passage and seven underpins it.  Paul is telling them in the same way you received Jesus, just continue that way.  In other words, you don’t need to add anything to what you already have.  You don’t need to add secret knowledge or anything else.  In verse seven he is telling them your foundation was in Christ by faith.  So just stick with faith in Christ Jesus.

Verse eight is a warning against three things rather than complete trust in Christ.  He warns against: 

Hollow and deceptive philosophy

The tradition of men

Spiritual forces of this world

Townsend Commentary notes that “Paul warned the church against believing in human philosophies that were based on empty human traditions instead of the true and divine revelation of Christ”. 

Verses nine and ten says in plain language what all the previous verses were building up to.  In Christ Jesus is the fullness of God.  If you have Christ, you have God, if you have Christ, you don’t need secret knowledge.  If you have Christ, you don’t need to consult the stars for advice.  If you have Christ, you don’t need to Gnostic teaching, beliefs, or anything else.  You are complete in Christ Jesus.  There is no power or authority greater than Jesus.

Verses eleven through thirteen uses symbolism that Paul is familiar with.  Here he talks about:

Circumcision

Baptism / buried and risen

Dead in sins / risen in Christ

Paul is not talking about a physical circumcision.  It’s a spiritual circumcision where the sins of the flesh or unrighteousness is cut away.  When he speaks of being buried with Christ in baptism he uses the symbolism of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.  In the same way, our sinful attitudes, behaviors, and unrighteousness is put to death and buried and we arise to a new life of righteousness with our sins forgiven. 

The lesson closes with verses fourteen and fifteen dealing with the legalism of charges against us that has now been replaced by the grace of Jesus on Calvary.

Context

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him.  The Colossians and Laodiceans received Jesus by faith.  Without the extra help of secret knowledge or divination of stars or Gnostic belief systems.  Faith in Jesus Christ is enough for our salvation.  Sometimes things really are just that simple.  For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.  Faith in Jesus Christ is enough for our salvation.  Paul is essentially repeating the message of John 3:16.  He lets the Colossians know how much he cares for them, he encourages them to be united in love, and then he tells them to unite in love.  It really is that simple.  Faith in Jesus is enough for our salvation.   

Key Characters in the text

Jesus Christ – Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah and according to the Christian church the incarnate second Person of the Trinity.  He was crucified on a cross and was raised from the dead by the power of God. 

Paul – A leading persecutor of Christians in the first years of the new faith.  He became a believer in Jesus and one of the most influential voices in the Christian New Testament. 

Key Words

Godhead – The nature or essence of God as Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.    

Philosophy – Love of wisdom.  The study of ultimate reality by the use of human reason, logic, ethics, etc., to answer such questions as: What is real? How do we know? What are we to do?

Gnosticism – An amorphous movement during the early church period which featured complex views that focused on the quest for secret knowledge transmitted only to the “enlightened” and marked by the view that matter is evil.  Gnostics denied the humanity of Jesus.

Unity – Used theologically to describe the oneness between the members of the Godhead, the relationship between God and believers through Jesus Crist, and the relationship of believers in Christ with one another.  Also, a religious movement stressing positive thought and prayer. 

Themes, Topics, Discussion, or Sermon Preparation Ideas

1.  Jesus is enough                                                        

2.  False teaching faces a real Savior.

Questions

1.  This letter warns the Colossians against false philosophies based on secret knowledge and Gnostics beliefs.  No one would believe something that is completely ludicrous.  How do we guard against good sounding arguments that are false?   

2.  Unity sounds like a great goal to achieve.  When should unity be rejected?        

Concluding thought

This week’s study is titled hearts united in love.  I can think of no example where this isn’t a great and admirable goal.  The key here is “in love”.  You can never go wrong operating in love.  However, you can go wrong simply operating in unity.  We should always be united in righteousness and love.  Going along to get along is not a unity that we should strive for.  Unity at the expense of doing what is righteous is also something we should not strive for.  If your unity results in the unrighteous subjection or oppression of others it’s a unity that isn’t based in love.         

Preview of Next Week’s Lesson

Next week we move to the Gospel according to Matthew.  I will explore how Jesus teaches about right attitudes as we study the beatitudes.   We are now focused on the heartfelt covenant of Jesus Christ.