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Living Word Christian Church


Carmelo Caparros
Aug 11, 2019

INTRODUCTION

Among all the sermons of Jesus Christ, the SERMON on the MOUNT has attracted the most attention. It has been studied not only by Christians, but also by other people of other religions because of its LOFTY MORAL ETHICS.

Its interpretation and approach however have been diverse and has led to a misunderstanding of its application. My task is to describe to you the various approaches and to pick which approach is MOST CONSISTENT with scriptures.

As we determine which approach is most consistent, my desire is that we might be able to apply these beatitudes in our lives as well as in our church.

BODY SERMON

I. SOTERIOLOGICAL APPROACH
DEFINITION: According to this approach, man may attain SALVATION by following the Sermon on the Mount. It teaches salvation by GOOD WORKS. Regardless of religion, whether one is a Jew, Mohammedan, Hindu or Buddhist, he can attain to salvation by following the Sermon on the Mount.

II. SOCIOLOGICAL APPROACH
DEFINITION: This sermon has in mind the SALVATION of SOCIETY.

III. PENITENTIAL APPROACH
DEFINITION: The sermon on the mount makes people see who they really are – SINNERS in NEED of God. This would drive them to seek for God.

IV. MILLENNIAL APPROACH
DEFINITION: The Sermon on the Mount applies to the FUTURE EARTHLY KINGDOM because the listeners were Jewish who were primarily the recipients of the KINGDOM BLESSINGS promised to Abraham and David.

V. ECCLESIASTICAL APPROACH
DEFINITION: The sermon is ADDRESSED to the Church – a RULE of LIFE for believers.

VI. INTERIM APPROACH
Because of the rejection of the Jews, there is NOW a HUGE time lapse before the establishment of the millennial kingdom.