Are the Sermon on the Mount Commands Merely for Our Earthly Existence?
Sermon Summary: Are the Sermon on the Mount Commands Merely for Our Earthly Existence?
Bro Edward Low | 15 December 2025 | Romans 2:5–11
Jesus’ teachings in Matthew chapters 5 to 7, alongside Paul’s explanation in Romans 2:5–11, provides a vital framework for understanding how present obedience connects to future judgment. It can be reframed as “Now and Thereafter”—asking whether Jesus’ commands apply only to the now of earthly life, or also to the thereafter of eternity.
Well-known historical figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, and the Dalai Lama, each admired Jesus as a great moral teacher—someone who taught non-violence, compassion, and high ethical ideals.
However, while they respected His values, they did not recognise Jesus as divine, nor did they see His teachings as pointing toward judgment, repentance, and the kingdom of God.
This highlights a critical limitation in merely treating the Sermon on the Mount as moral philosophy rather than divine instruction.
Turning to Scripture, Jesus’ own words in the Beatitudes reveal that His commands are never limited to earthly improvement alone. For example:
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Matthew 5:10
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
These statements show a clear contrast: while Jesus addresses real earthly conditions—poverty of spirit, meekness, persecution—He consistently directs attention to future realities: the kingdom of heaven, seeing God, and eternal reward.
The inheritance Jesus speaks of is not worldly prosperity but hope beyond this life. His commands therefore orient believers toward God’s kingdom rather than mere moral improvement.
Another key emphasis of the Sermon on the Mount is that God judges not only actions, but the intent of the heart. Jesus deepens the Law by moving from external compliance to internal righteousness:
Matthew 5:21–22
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder…’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.”
Matthew 5:27–28
“You have heard that it was said… ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
While human systems judge visible actions, God examines the heart.
Hatred, lust, and sinful intent—though hidden from people—are fully known to Him. This principle continues in Matthew 6, where Jesus warns against performing religious acts for public recognition:
Matthew 6:1
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
Whether in giving, praying, or fasting, Jesus teaches that God is our primary audience.
What is done in secret is seen by Him, and reward comes not from human praise but from God Himself. This inward focus is often missed by those who admire Jesus merely as a moral teacher.
Paul’s teaching in Romans 2:5–11 then ties Jesus’ words directly to future judgment, showing that what we do now has eternal consequences:
Romans 2:5–6
“But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who ‘will render to each one according to his deeds.’”
Paul explains that human lives follow a timeline: present choices lead toward future outcomes. This is not salvation by merit, but judgment based on whether one has lived a life of faith evidenced through obedience.
Romans 2:7–8
“Eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth… indignation and wrath.”
The contrast is clear: eternal life versus tribulation and anguish. These outcomes are mutually exclusive.
Jesus illustrated this same truth through parables—wise and foolish builders, narrow and wide gates—each stressing that choices now determine destiny later.
Jesus’ warnings culminate in one of the most sobering passages:
Matthew 7:21–23
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven… And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”
Here, Jesus makes clear that verbal profession or impressive deeds are not enough. What matters is doing the Father’s will—which Scripture defines as believing in the Son, repenting, and living a transformed life.
The Sermon on the Mount is not a self-help guide or moral enhancement programme. It functions as a diagnostic tool, revealing whether our hearts align with God’s kingdom.
Its purpose is to expose sin, call for repentance, and prepare us for eternity.
Three central truths emerged:
The Sermon on the Mount is kingdom-focused, not merely earth-focused.
It calls for repentance (metanoia)—a deep change of mind, intent, and direction, not mere regret or emotion.
It prepares us for judgment, where Christ Himself will judge impartially.
Repentance, as Jesus demands, involves the intellect, conscience, emotion, and—most importantly—the will. It requires a decisive turn from a sinful mindset to a godly one. Admiration alone is insufficient; Jesus calls for transformation.
The commands of Jesus are not merely to be admired, debated, or selectively applied.
They are a call to new birth, made possible only through Christ’s death and resurrection. For those who hear the good news, believe in Him, repent with a renewed mind, and live according to God’s will, there is hope—not just for this life, but for eternity.
The Sermon on the Mount, therefore, is not merely about how to live well now, but about how to be ready for what comes thereafter.
