The Sermon On The Mount

Introduction
An introduction to the sermon on the mount based on the context of Matthew chapters five to seven in the NIV translation. Covered here is the introduction, background, setting, audience, theme, and purpose.
The Beatitudes- Matthew 5:3-12
The beatitudes explained; their specific meaning and interpretation as contrasted to the unregenerate state of the self-righteous (especially the Scribes and Pharisees). Jesus used these to help the nation of Israel see their poor spiritual state and need for a Savior through describing the opposite condition of one who lacks all the spiritual qualities He laid out. Those who trusted in themselves through trying to keep the Law for salvation needed to believe in Jesus to experience these blessings. Those who already had them should have rejoiced that their salvation rested in Christ alone. Despite some of these implications being only applicable to the Jews of those days, our Lord's words (like the rest of the sermon) still apply to believers today.
Salt and Light- Matthew 5:13-16
All believers of every age are the salt and light of the world (and should always be striving to do better). We will explain what that means and what it doesn't mean in this section. In this specific context, Israel was not putting on a good witness (even though most Israelites were supposed to be believers but were not) because the majority were not actually saved and, thus, not producing (being the salt and light of the world) as they should have been. Our Lord exposes this problem with this teaching which we will examine here.
Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Law- Matthew 5:17-20
Matthew 5:17-20 is the heart of Jesus's message and explains why He came to earth behaving and teaching as He did. We will explain the meaning of these verses here.
Murder- Matthew 5:21-26
Why did Jesus bring up these words? What is the meaning behind the issue of Murder? There is more to these verses than what appears on the surface. Read here to find out.
Adultery- Matthew 5:27-30
We will interpret our two verses on adultery here. Again, there is more meaning and purpose behind this passage (much like most of the sermon on the mount) then what appears on the surface.
Divorce- Matthew 5:31-32
A commonly misunderstood topic, divorce is something that must be explained in light of what the Bible has to say about marriage relationships. We will unravel these issues on this page.