A Discussion Guide for STUDIES IN THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

By J.D. Flanagan

Rediscover a spiritual classic.

Since its publication over half a century ago, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones has inspired generations of Christian readers. Now, J. D. Flanagan revisits Lloyd-Jones’s classic work of exegesis with this fresh discussion guide.

Moving chapter by chapter through Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, Flanagan’s detailed study guide encourages readers to consider both what the Scripture passage says and how Lloyd-Jones explicates it. Together, Studies and this guide expound on the meaning of Jesus’s iconic sermon and its implications for the life of faith. Flanagan’s work encourages readers to apply their reflections to issues that face Christians today.

This book includes discussion questions, practical exercises, and scriptural and literary citations.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Release date: Jan 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9781467465793

J.D. Flanagan

J. D. Flanagan is a licensed professional who specializes in faith-based counseling. She is a writer, disciple maker, and speaker at women's conferences on topics such as grief, forgiveness, hope, waiting on God, and more. This study guide is the result of many years of following the Lord Jesus Christ and one-on-one discipleship with women. She gives all glory to God for what He has done.

Book preview

Front Cover of A Discussion Guide for STUDIES IN THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT by D. Martyn Lloyd-JonesHalf Title of A Discussion Guide for STUDIES IN THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT by D. Martyn Lloyd-JonesBook Title of A Discussion Guide for STUDIES IN THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

4035 Park East Court SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

www.eerdmans.com

© 2023 J. D. Flanagan

All rights reserved

Published 2023

Printed in the United States of America

29 28 27 26 25 24 231 2 3 4 5 6 7

ISBN 978-0-8028-8271-4

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

A catalog record for this book is available from the Library of Congress.

The sermon series developed into the book Studies in the Sermon on the Mount is the proprietary work of Martyn Lloyd-Jones and William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations come from the New American Standard Bible.

Contents

1. The Sermon in Context

2. Greater Than Happiness

3. Matthew 5:3

4. Matthew 5:4

5. Matthew 5:5

6. Matthew 5:6

7. Matthew 5:7

8. Matthew 5:8

9. Matthew 5:9

10. Matthew 5:10–12

11. Matthew 5:13

12. Matthew 5:14–16

13. Matthew 5:17–20 (1)

14. Matthew 5:17–20 (2)

15. Matthew 5:21–26

16. Matthew 5:27–30 (1)

17. Matthew 5:27–30 (2)

18. Matthew 5:33–37

19. Matthew 5:38–42

20. Matthew 5:43–48

21. Matthew 6:1–18

22. Matthew 6:9–15

23. Matthew 6:19–24

24. Matthew 6:25–34

25. Matthew 7:1–5

26. Matthew 7:6

27. Matthew 7:7–12

28. Matthew 7:13–14

29. Matthew 7:15–20

30. Matthew 7:21–23

31. Matthew 7:24–29

Lesson One

The Sermon in Context

VOLUME 1, CHAPTERS 1 AND 2

1. Before you embark on this study, notice that Martyn Lloyd-Jones (hereafter MLJ) offers many reasons why this sermon by Jesus was important for the church in his day (the 1950s/1960s). What are those reasons, and how could they be just as applicable today?

2. MLJ approaches God’s Word as a believer’s sole authority and encourages believers to do more than merely study. What does he tell believers to guard against doing when they approach the Bible? Why is that important?

3. MLJ shares three views as to why Jesus taught these truths. Which one stood out to you and why?

4. What does MLJ say are the more accurate purposes of the Sermon on the Mount?

5. It is safe to assume that you have a few reasons for diving deeper into Christ’s Sermon on the Mount and MLJ’s sermon series. List some of your expectations and orient yourself, like a compass, to this list as you go through the lessons to see if you are meeting those expectations and to see if, perhaps, the Lord may have other purposes for your study at this time. This will be an enlightening exercise as you yield yourself fully to the Lord for His glory.

6. Some people say the Sermon on the Mount is similar to the Ten Commandments. MLJ explains that the two are different. Share those insights, and support them with Scripture if possible.

7. MLJ discusses a distinction between the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God. Share what you learn.

Biblical scholars have often said that it is important to look at context and not just content when studying God’s Word. We need to explore the speaker, the audience, the atmosphere, the times, and perhaps the place in which God’s Word is written. If content is king, then context is queen. The king has the final word, but the queen has something to add to help him see the larger picture. Let’s look at the historical context leading up to this sermon by the Lord.

1. Read Matthew 4 and Luke 4–6.

a. Summarize the events leading up to the day Jesus preached this sermon.

b. Summarize the messages Christ was communicating.

2. Read the following Scriptures in light of what you have learned so far about Jesus in the days prior to His sermon on the mountainside. How do these passages relate to what you have learned about the historical context?

a. Psalm 118:22–24

b. Isaiah 52:6–10

c. Hebrews 5

3. Can you think of other passages in God’s Word that could be applied in light of what you have learned about Jesus’s life or