The Sermon on the Mount: The Message of the Kingdom

Preaching the Word

by R. Kent Hughes

Within the three chapters of Matthew known as the Sermon on the Mount are truths so rich and deep that no matter how often or how closely we examine their words, they continually bring new relevance to our lives. Do you want to know what kind of character you should have as a Christian? What should define your outer way of life and your inner habit of mind? Then study the Sermon. Ponder each sentence and test yourself by it.

There is no other section of Scripture that brings you face to face with your own humanity and the grace of salvation as the Sermon does. As Christ masterfully expounds on the Kingdom of Heaven, He presents believers with the perfect standard of the Christian life. He challenges the genuineness of our words and actions, allowing us to know exactly where we stand in relation to the Kingdom. Both humbling and encouraging, it is the greatest message ever preached.

Kent Hughes faithfully explores the words that penetrate our hearts, and brings forth the lessons from this matchless model of the Christian life. Part of the Preaching the Word series.

Genres: Theology, Christian

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 6, 2001

About the author

R. Kent Hughes (DMin, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is senior pastor emeritus of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, and a visiting professor of practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hughes is also a founder of the Charles Simeon Trust, which conducts expository preaching conferences throughout North America and worldwide. He and his wife, Barbara, have four children and an ever-increasing number of grandchildren.

Reviews

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Loved the study of the Sermon! Hughes is a blessed expositor and his introductions to each chapter are worth the price of this book alone. Add to that the quality, accessible exegesis and you can’t go wrong with this commentary. Highly recommended

[Ryan Pollman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kent Hughes addresses the greatest and most famous sermon delivered in human history. How familiar are you with what we have recorded from Jesus in detail within Matthew 5-7? You might say, like I did, "I am quite familiar". Yet Hughes thoughtfully breaks down in an expositional and commentary style that proved so helpful.

Using many illustrations and hours of personal study, Hughes has deepened my love for Jesus Christ. He's opened my eyes to the blessing of a beggarly poor spirit. We don't fall a little short of the perfect standard, but insurmountably short. But praise be to God that through Jesus we are made righteous.

If you dare, pick this book up to be humbled, to be exposed, to be broken down. To worship Him upon discovering more about his words. Because Jesus promises that, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:1)

[Sam Chretien]

A classic ! His amazing ability to clearly communicate the gospel , found in
The sermon on the mount, is awesome . He raises the reader to see from a low view of life , to see how Jesus teaches us his kingdom is . I'm a huge fan of his writing and thinking . I would recommend this one , its worth your time and effort.

[Erin Seeders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best commentaries on the Sermon on the Mount I’ve ever read.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful commentary. Good insights.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent pastoral commentary by R. Kent Hughes. He exposits the Scripture faithfully and stirs the believer’s heart to greater love for the Saviour, deeper awareness of sin, an immense gratitude for the Gospel message, and a clearer call to mortify the flesh and strive for holiness.

[Alun · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best exposition on The Sermon on the Mount that I have read. What I love about R.K.Hughes is that he is Biblical, lucid, erudite and humorous.

Esboniad arbennig o dda. Mae ei ddarllen wedi dyfnhau fe nealltwriaeth o'r Bregeth ar y Mynydd a fy helpu i brifio fel Cristion.

[Chris Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The “Preaching the Word” commentary series is one of my favorites. They are immensely accessible, easy to read, and bent towards pastoral application of the text in a sermon. These are the three main reasons I keep coming back to this set for sermon prep. Also, it has caused me to appreciate and value the insight of Kent Hughes, who authored this volume and many others in the series.

My only critique, because there are enough critics out there, is that sometimes it can feel like information overload on certain texts that can lead a preacher to over preach. Granted it’s the role of the pastor to read, cull, and utilize commentaries to their discretion. However, it’s easier when the writer helps carry some of that burden by not including everything that could be said.

That being said I’m more aware of and tuned into what Jesus was communicating in the Sermon on the Mount than I was before reading this work. Hughes labor achieves what all faithful and Godly writers are after, namely pointing the reader back to the beauty of the Scriptures and the Christ they reveal. Another benefit from this work is it’s short chapters with engaging illustrations make it ideal for laity and non-scholars to engage with on their own. It’s a valuable resource for the church at large.

I’m forever grateful for men like R. Kent Hughes and other scholars who work to help men like me be faithful shepherds of the flock God entrusted to us.

[Nicole Rollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intentionally read this one SLOWLY since Christmas, taking notes and really absorbing the info. Compared to other commentaries I have read (or tried to read), Hughes' is by far one of my favorites. He's easy to understand and does not shy away from the hard truths of Scripture. I would recommend this book to anyone- a new believer, someone growing in their faith, or a life-long believer. This commentary is for the majority.

[Richard LeMons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that was a little better than average to me. It seemed to lack the cultural context of what Jesus was teaching while on the mount. There is a good description of what Jesus said, just not why He said it. I gauge a book by whether I would repurchase the book if something happened to it. This is one that I would not quickly replace. I believe this commentary (and I'm not sure it really qualifies as one) would fall in the category of devotional commentary.

[Joe Molinari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best commentaries I have read. Informative, impactful, and often truly convicting. I will definitely be seeking out other commentaries by R. Kent Hughes.

[Andy Swart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful introductory read for anyone wanting to know more about The Sermon on the Mount. Approachable for all and thorough for anyone to learn more about Jesus' inaugural sermon!

[Brady Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written predominantly for lay devotion, this is a heartfelt and thorough look at the most unfathomable sermon in human history.

[Wassenario · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to just focus on these passages

[Brad Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up and began reading with hesitation. Reading commentaries is not something I enjoy. Great for reference but not a good cover to cover read. This book is different and is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Hughes walks through the Sermon on the Mount systematically and pulls in references and quotes from scripture and others to support his writing. The book contains 35 chapters across 270 pages. If your into goal setting through chapter milestones this book will be a quick read.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listen to pastor Chucks study on MP3 sermon and the mt and read this at same time. And you will be refreshed and well fead.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Easy to read commentary that does not read like a commentary! This book will nourish you spirit and leave you hungry for the God's word even more!