Save Me From This Sermon | (RE)FORMATION | Pastor Steve Andres

How are you being FORMED today? This weekend Pastor Steve Andres began a new series of messages called (RE)FORMATION.Matthew 5:1-3Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Jesus called a group of unlikely disciples to be with him, become like him, and do as he did. For these apprentices to LEARN his ways, they would first have to UNLEARN many things. “You have heard it said,” Jesus would begin, “But I say to you…” Can we listen carefully and humbly enough to be RE-FORMED in the ways of Jesus? As we begin this journey through the greatest sermon ever preached, what should we know?1) The absolute necessity of the Sermon On the Mount.Jesus’s description of a person who should be considered fortunate. But his description is counter to our notions of blessing, even what is comfortable. Even though it is challenging, precisely BECAUSE it is challenging, we need the Sermon On the Mount.2) The absolute impossibility of the Sermon On the Mount.Anyone who understands this sermon correctly will say, "SAVE ME FROM THIS SERMON!” In every area, Jesus sets the bar impossibly high, leaving us no room for excuses, no cause to feel proud. Before I can DO these things, something has to be DONE in me. When we realize the impossibility of living out this sermon, we are ready to pray with sincerity: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."3) The absolute hope of the Sermon On the Mount.So Jesus begins his sermon, CONGRATULATIONS when you bump into your own powerlessness and poverty! HOW FORTUNATE are you when you mourn! GOOD ON YOU when you are mistreated but you hold onto innocence and peace. Then you are first in line to see the kingdom of God! This is the HOPE.Jesus is the only one person who ever perfectly lived out the life that is described in the Sermon On the Mount. When we respond humbly to his call to follow, we receive grace and help from him to be RE-FORMED in his image!