MATTHEW 5

In today’s study we have a few titles. Verses 1-12 The sermon on the mount; The Beatitudes. Verse 13 The salt of the earth. Verses 14-16 The Light of the world. Verses 17-20 Christ on the law. Verses 21-26 Jesus and anger. Verses 27-30 Jesus’ teaching on adultery. 31-32 Jesus’ teaching on divorce. Verses 33-37 Jesus’ teaching on oaths. Verses 38-48 On love for enemies. With that, Matthew 5 and verse 1 reads.

Mat.5:1] And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
[2] And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

It is important to always know who is talking and who are they talking to. Here we have Jesus talking to his disciples, to all that followed him to hear him speak. This is called the Sermon on the mount. This word Blessed is G3107 and means; Happy.

Mat.5:3] Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

We find this word Poor is G4434 and means; a. as respects their spirit. 1. destitute of wealth of learning and intellectual culture which the schools afford (men of this class most readily give themselves up to Christ’s teaching and proved themselves fitted to lay hold of the heavenly treasure). With that, let’s go to James 2 and verse 5 reads.

James 2:5] Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

We see the poor in spirit are rich in faith. Now, we can understand what the angel said to the church in Smyrna (male fig tree, watchmen watch) in Revelation 2 and verse 8 reads.

Rev.2:8] And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

This is Jesus speaking, the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive. Here is why we came here.

Rev.2:9] I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
[10] Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

The rewards that we receive are spiritual, not of this world. You that are his Elect, I hope you read carefully. Back to Matthew 5 and verse 4 reads.

Mat.5:4] Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Notice it says Comforted, this is suggesting after the crucifixion we receive the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. Let’s go to Isaiah 61 and verse 3 reads.

Isa.61:3] To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Back to Matthew 5 and verse 5 reads.

Mat.5:5] Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Meek is 4239 and means; Humble. 1. mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness. Meekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting. In the OT, the meek are those wholly relying on God rather than their own strength to defend them against injustice. Thus, meekness toward evil people means knowing God is permitting the injuries they inflict, that He is using them to purify His elect, and that He will deliver His elect in His time. With that definition out of the Strongs’, let’s go to Psalms 37 and verse 11 reads.

Psa.37:11] But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Now let’s go to Isaiah 41 and verse 17 reads.

Isa.41:17] When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
[18] I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

That is called being Comforted. Back to Matthew 5 and verse 6 reads.

Mat.5:6] Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Those that hunger and thirst are those who seek God’s Word, he will open your eyes to his Word. Let’s go to Amos 8 and verse 11 reads.

Amos 8:11] Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:

The famine of the end times is for hearing the words of the LORD. Blessed are you who seek his Word, he will fill you. Let’s go to Isaiah 55 and verse 1 reads.

Isa.55:1] Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
[2] Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

Now let’s go to Isaiah 65 and verse 13 reads.

Isa.65:13] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:

But as for me and my family, we shall serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15. The comfort we get from the Holy Spirit is amazing. Back to Matthew 5 and verse 7 reads.

Mat.5:7] Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Merciful is G1655 and means; Compassionate. It is a trademark of God’s Elect. Let’s go to Psalms 41 and verse 1 reads.

Psa.41:1] Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
[2] The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

Back to Matthew 5 and verse 8 reads.

Mat.5:8] Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Pure in mind, spiritually happy to see his Spirit in others. Let’s go to 1John 3 and verse 3 reads.

1John 3:3] And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Back to Matthew 5 and verse 9 reads.

Mat.5:9] Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Peacemakers are those that can convey the Word of God to others. They are called and chosen.

Mat.5:10] Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed for doing what’s right. Let’s go to 2 Timothy 3 and verse 11 reads.

2Tim.3:11] Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
[12] Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Now let’s go to 2 Corinthians 4 and verse 17 reads.

2Cor.4:17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
[18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

But Peter says it best in 1 Peter 3 and verse 13 reads.

1Pet.3:13] And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
[14] But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
[15] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
[16] Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Be diligent in the word that when someone asks you a question you may answer them, this is pleasing to the LORD. Back to Matthew 5 and verse 11 reads.

Mat.5:11] Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

For we are followers of Jesus Christ, and in his way do we travel. Let’s go back to 1Pet.4 and verse 14 reads.

1Pet.4:14] If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

Back to Matthew 5 and verse 12 reads.

Mat.5:12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Jesus is speaking of the prophets that they persecuted from righteous Abel to Zacharias that they killed between the porch and the altar. Let’s go to 2 Chronicles 36 and verse 15 reads.

2Chron.36:15] And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:
[16] But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.

Now, let’s go to Matthew 23, we find Jesus speaking to the Kenites (offspring of Cain, the first murderer) and they happen to be the Pharisees and scribes of the temple. Verse 27 reads.

Mat.23:27] Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
[28] Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
[29] Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
[30] And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
[31] Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.

The Serpent’s Seed is confirmed here.

Mat.23:32] Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
[33] Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

This word generation is offspring. G1081.

Mat.23:34] Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
[35] That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
[36] Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

This last word Generation is G1074 genea. Pronounced ghen-eh-ah’. And means; a generation; by implication an age (the period or the persons). 1. fathered, birth, nativity. 2. that which has been begotten, men of the same stock, a family. This is the Serpents Seed. Jesus said all the blood of the prophets will come upon this offspring of Satan, the Kenites. Before we go on with Matthew 5, I suggest reading Appendix 126 from Dr. E. W. Bullinger’s works in the Companion Bible. It lines up the 8 Beatitudes of Mat.5 with the 8 Woes of Mat.23. back to Matthew 5 and verse 13 reads.

Mat.5:13] Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Still teaching the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus says it’s good to be salty. God’s Word should be taught with vigor, not letting it appear to be boring. Don’t bore your listeners. I like how it is said in Mark 9 and verse 50 reads.

Mark 9:50] Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

And in Colossians 4 verse 5 reads.

Col.4:5] Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
[6] Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

This is the important part of what is being said, speak the Word of God to others. Do it with kindness and compassion. Above all never let it become an argument. Back to Matthew 5 and verse 14 reads.

Mat.5:14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Christ is the Light, and we have the Father and the Son within us. This gives us the light that can be seen by others. Let’s go to Philippians 2 and verse 13 reads.

Phi.2:13] For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Being servants to the LORD.

Phi.2:14] Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

Never let your discussions of God’s Word become an argument.

Phi.2:15] That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
[16] Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Paul said do this that his own works be not in vain. But also clarifying that it be the Word that you bring forth to others. Back to Matthew 5 and verse 15 reads.

Mat.5:15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Jesus would say the darkness comprehended it not. Be that light for others to see your good works, and they will glorify God. It is for his glory we do this, he will see and reward you openly. Now, let these next verses sink in, never listen to someone who says “We are not under the law anymore.” Verse 17 reads.

Mat.5:17] Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Let’s go to Romans 3 and verse 31 reads.

Rom.3:31] Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Now if any man tells you we are not under law, know that they are ignorant of the law. Jeremiah 17:5 tells us Cursed is the man who trusts in man. And Jer.17:7 tells us blessed is the man who trusts in God. Let’s go back to Romans 10 and verse 3 reads.

Rom.10:3] For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
[4] For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
[5] For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

Let’s see what Jesus has to say about this. Back to Matthew 5 and verse 18 reads.

Mat.5:18] For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
[19] Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Did you catch that? Those who teach others to break the least of these commandments shall be called the least in heaven. But, teaching others to DO them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Mat.5:20] For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

These scribes and Pharisees were Kenites, of that wicked one, their generation will get what they deserve.

Mat.5:21] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

Jesus brought the Old Testament into the New Testament here. This word kill is G5406 and means; Murder, to lie in wait. Meaning premeditated homicide. This is the sixth commandment which you can find in Exodus 20:13 or Deuteronomy 5:17. What is the judgment? It is the death penalty. Let’s go to Deuteronomy 19 and verse 11 reads.

Deu.19:11] But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities:
[12] Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.
[13] Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.

Did you know that rape is considered the same as murder, let’s go to Deu.22 and verse 25 reads.

Deu.22:25] But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay with her shall die:
[26] But unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; there is in the damsel no sin worthy of death: for as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him, even so is this matter:
[27] For he found her in the field, and the betrothed damsel cried, and there was none to save her.

If only as a nation we followed God’s laws we would not have some much evil in this nation today. Back to Matthew 5 and verse 22 reads.

Mat.5:22] But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Let’s break this down for easier understanding. Being angry with a brother (one of Israel) without a cause. This word cause is G1500 and means; idly that is without reason (or effect). 1. inconsiderably, without purpose, without just cause. 2. in vain. a. without success or effort. Do this and you are in danger of Judgement. Then he says “if you say to your brother Raca”, Raca is G4469 and means; 1. empty, i.e. a senseless, empty headed man. In other words between the first two you are in danger of being judged by your peers. Now, this last word Fool is G3474 mōros, we get our word moron from this word, and it means; dull or stupid (as if shut up) that is heedless (morally) blockhead (apparently) absurd. 1. Foolish. 2. impious, godless. One that is godless is damned to hell. Only the Father can judge someone to hell, he does not need your help, and it is a great sin to do so.

Mat.5:23] Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
[24] Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

We can’t get along with everyone, and this is not saying that. It simply means if you have sinned do not approach the altar, sit back and repent, then approach the altar. A brother is one of Israel, a neighbor is a gentile.

Mat.5:25] Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
[26] Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

In the way means in these end times. Don’t be fooled with adversaries when we are to go after the head of the snake in due season. Let’s go to Proverbs 25 and verse 8 reads.

Prov.25:8] Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

Outsmart the serpent. Jesus teaches us in Revelation 2 and verse 10 reads.

Rev.2:10] Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Back to Matthew 5 and verse 27 reads.

Mat.5:27] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

This would be the seventh commandment, Deu.20:14.

Mat.5:28] But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

It is not a sin for one to be attracted to another, and to say this to the young man or woman can chase them away from God. Don’t do this to them, this is speaking of one that lusts in his heart.

Mat.5:29] And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
[30] And if thy right hand offend thee, cut if off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Speaking here of the many membered body of the church. Don’t let anyone that creates chaos into the church, rebuke them and send them away.

Mat.5:31] It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
[32] But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

We all know that on repentance all sin is forgiven. And God blots out our sins as if they never happened, not wanting you to bring them up again. Divorce is not the unpardonable sin, meaning it is pardonable. Repent, and be forgiven. Many churches put their congregation back under bondage with this verse and that is wrong. Let’s go to Jeremiah 3 and verse 8 reads.

Jer.3:8] And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.

So, you see the LORD is a divorcee also. The reason we wait for the marriage to the Lamb. Stop judging others for their sins, I am speaking to the churches, all sin is forgiven on repentance. If you are divorced, simply repent of any of the sins that you committed, and move on for the Word shall set you free. Back to Matthew 5 and verse 33 reads.

Mat.5:33] Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

Don’t make promises you can’t keep.

Mat.5:34] But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:
[35] Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

These three are Holy. Heaven, his earth, and Jerusalem, for all are his Kingdom and not yours.

Mat.5:36] Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

Warning you not to swear by your head either, because you never know when your time on earth is done.

Mat.5:37] But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Jesus would say to the church of the Laodiceans in Revelation 3 and verse 15 reads.

Rev.3:15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
[16] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Let your speech be yes or no, in other words, never lie. Back to Matthew 5 and verse 38 reads.

Mat.5:38] Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
[39] But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

For instance, he might have been taught the flyaway doctrine, show them God’s Word. And even this might upset them and cause them to strike out at you, turn to them the other cheek, you overloaded their donkey. Be better at your communications and more considerate to them.

Mat.5:40] And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.

Let them have your outer coat as well, after all, you lost in court. We are seeing how to be a better Christian here.

Mat.5:41] And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

If someone needs to talk, talk with him as much as is needed for his sake.

Mat.5:42] Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Being compassionate is a trademark of God’s Elect.

Mat.5:43] Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
[44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
[45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
[46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
[47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
[48] Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

We see here that we are to love our enemies, a hard thing to understand. Perfect means mature. Let’s go to James 1 and verse 4 reads.

James 1:4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

We are talking about with discipline, love thy enemies. Let’s go to Proverbs 25 and verse 21 reads.

Prov.25:21] If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
[22] For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

Another great chapter in Matthew, let’s go to his throne.

Father, we thank you for your word and ask that you bless all that love you in Jesus’s precious name, Amen.

KJV along with The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible