Q & A on the Sermon on the Mount

I thought I’d take some time to answer some questions I’ve gotten about the study through Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ book Studies in the Sermon on the Mount.

How does the study work with the Workshop (part 1) and Part 2?

The book we’re working through is Studies in the Sermon on the Mount (any version will do–though the page numbers referenced line up with the version with the sunset mountain) by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. It’s 60 chapters long and each chapter is one sermon from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. The first twelve chapters in the book cover the introduction and each Beatitude. Because that portion of the book is crucial to studying the rest of the book, I made those chapters into a workshop.

The workshop (Part one of the study) includes a workbook, memory cards, links, and a ten to fifteen minute video for each chapter discussing the beatitude. I also talk to you from my kitchen table about personal stories of putting the Beatitude into action, plus I get to share an amazing analogy of each Beatitude that my friend came up with that makes it memorable and applicable. Oh, and it’s all self-paced so you work through at your own pace, on your own time. And each private workshop webpage has a place for you to comment and read what other women have learned from their study. It’s like a big, friendly, low key Bible study with amazing depth and no awkward small talk (the worst!).

Part 2 covers the rest of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapter 5-7) and the rest of the Studies in the Sermon on the Mount book. Part 2 is the final part needed to finish the entire book completely.

Are the booklets for part 2 in the same format as the part 1 Workshop booklets?

The format of the booklets are the same (same size and layout) but the questions inside are different than the questions in the Beatitudes workbook. Even though the questions are different they are every bit as thought provoking and applicable as the Beatitudes questions. And in some ways more convicting and applicable.

Why do I need the workshop and the booklets? Can’t I just read the book?

Yes, you certainly can! But if you’re like me you can walk away from a great sermon but little about how to apply it personally. The booklets act like a mirror forcing you to really look at yourself in specific ways. They force you to think through exactly how you will apply, in a very specific and personal way, what you’ve learned. For example, two of the application questions you’ll have to think through in Part Two is “What should living this out look like in my life?” and “How does this go against my natural tendencies?” There are more questions for each chapter, but I don’t want to give too much away. 🙂 Like the Beatitudes workbooks, there will still be space for you to summarize the verses, do a word study (I often use this place to write the definitions of words or key term explanations the Doctor gives in his book) and you will have a place to think back to which Beatitudes are the foundation we build on and how it applies.

Also, when you get to the Lord’s Prayer section, the questions change for that part too, so you can be sure to think though what it means and how to specifically apply it.

How has this workshop and booklets changed you personally?

This study has been the single most impactful study I’ve ever done, and I’ve done a lot of studies including very in depth inductive studies and classes. All of them were great for head information and some spiritual growth, but nothing, and I mean nothing has opened my eyes to sin and the absolute need I have of Christ than this study.

I used to think the Beatitudes must be super encouraging for those people who were naturally meek or merciful, but not for me, because I was none of those. Plus, I used to think that the rest of the sermon was packed full of great things to live by, super important things to try harder to do, but kind of disconnected thoughts that I had to piece together to be a better Christian.

The Doctor showed me how the Sermon on the Mount actually all ties together… and how it all crushes me to the ground. But he is so good to remind me that the hope and healing I need is freely available when I seek Christ in everything. It shows me my absolute, desperate need of abiding in Him (and it showed me actually what abiding in Christ looks like lived out in day to day, ordinary life).

It shows me the importance of abiding in Him because once I step off that narrow path of abiding, I’m instantly wandering in the Try Harder meadow –with no shade trees or quiet rivers– or I’m falling into the mucky, stinky Pit of Lawlessness on the other side. I am just so tired of that kind of Christian walk! I’m so thankful that Jesus has truly shown me through the Sermon on the Mount how He wants me to live: walking in trust, eyes on Him, moment by moment.

I also used to struggle with relating to God as my caring Father. Perhaps it was because I never had a good example of a father? But this study has shown me how much my Father cares for me and how very, very good He is. It has helped reveal to me what I’m actually believing, confess my sin, confront my unbelief, and shown me, in a super practical way, how to die to self so I can live for Him. Each chapter reveals a new aspect that I hadn’t considered before and a new insight into God’s goodness I still can’t fathom. I could go on and on, but there really aren’t words full enough to describe how Jesus’ sermon, explained by the Doctor, has completely changed me.

Where can I get Part One (the Workshop)?

You can get Part One here. And you can access the videos and extra information after buying it by going to the Workshops tab above and entering the password that is given in the Printing Instructions.

Where can I get Part Two (to finish the book)?

Part two is found here. There are no videos for part two, but you won’t need them. After the workshop you’ll be off and running. There are 8 booklets (and bonus mini-binder tabs if you want to store them all in a mini-binder) that will take you through the rest of the Sermon.

How long is the half off sale?

The half off sale is good through Monday, June 27 till midnight. Don’t miss out on the best price ever!