The Test of TimeSample

“Sermon On The Mount” Collection

The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5–7 is widely recognized as one of the most famous sermons Jesus ever delivered. As the first of five major discourses in Matthew’s Gospel, one of the central messages is clear: Jesus rules a Kingdom that is not of this world, and He calls us to live in a way that looks different from the world. Prayerfully, as we study Jesus’ words together, our understanding of His message will deepen—transforming us from the inside out.

Where We’re Going

How do you respond when difficulty arises?

Do you ever find yourself losing your footing when hard times come?

To close out the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives four pieces of wisdom in Matthew 7:12–29 that will help you stand strong, no matter what comes your way:

Day 1) Follow The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12-14)

Day 2) Beware Of False Prophets (Matthew 7:15-20)

Day 3) Seek To Know Him (Matthew 7:21-23)

Day 4) Stand On The Rock (Matthew 7:24-29)

Prayerfully, as we conclude this journey together through the Sermon on the Mount, we will be equipped with wisdom that will help us serve God in every season of life!

Day 1) Follow The Golden Rule

Three Realities Of “The Golden Rule”

1) It Reflects The Gospel Message

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12 ESV)

“Treat others the way you would like to be treated.” Have you ever been told this before by a parent, pastor, or teacher? It is famously known as the “Golden Rule,” and it provides an incredibly helpful framework for interacting with people. Even more than that, it serves as a reflection of the Gospel message: God coming to earth and treating His creation with the love that He deserves. When you love others sacrificially, you are embodying the heart of Jesus Himself!

2) It Shields Us From Destruction

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.” (Matthew 7:13 ESV)

While it is possible to be kind without being a Christian, the love that Jesus describes goes far deeper than surface-level generosity. To love as Jesus loves, we must first know His love ourselves. We must understand that: He created us in a perfect environment (Genesis 1:27-31); we have been separated from Him because of sin (Genesis 3:22-23); He promised to make a great nation through Abraham, yet that nation failed to keep the law given to them (Genesis 12:1-2 and Exodus 20:1-17); Jesus, God’s Son, came and fulfilled every aspect of the law by living a perfect life and offering Himself as a sacrifice (John 3:16); and now, all of us (Jews and Gentiles) can have a relationship with God through faith in His resurrected Son (Romans 10:9-10). Admitting our sinfulness, believing in Jesus, and confessing Him to the world enables us to enter “the narrow gate” and love people with sacrificial love! If we do not receive Him, the inevitable end is destruction and eternal separation from our Creator.

3) It’s Rare, But It’s Right

“For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:14 ESV)

Living according to the Golden Rule is incredibly rare. When we look at the brokenness of our culture, we see selfishness and greed permeating nearly every aspect of our society. However, as followers of Jesus, we choose to walk the narrow path that seeks to honor God rather than the wide one that seeks to satisfy our sinful desires. As we commit to living in this rare and beautiful way, we will see God continue to honor our obedience!

Big Idea: The Golden Rule is more than a moral guideline; it’s a reflection of the Gospel message. When we truly understand and receive God’s love, the natural response is for us to sacrificially serve the people He places in our path.

Let’s Think About This:

Question 1) How does understanding the Gospel deepen the way we live out the Golden Rule in our daily relationships?

Question 2) What does it practically look like to love others with the kind of sacrificial love Jesus demonstrated?

Question 3) Why do you think living by the Golden Rule is described as a “narrow” and “rare” way, and what challenges or rewards come with choosing that path?