Reading the Sermon on the Mount with John Stott: 8 Weeks for Individuals or Groups

Reading the Bible with John Stott

by John R.W. Stott, Douglas Connelly (Contributor)

The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus' most inspiring and challenging description of the Christian counterculture. John Stott's teaching on this timeless text shows how its value system, ethical standard, religious devotion and network of relationships clearly distinguish it from both the nominal church and the secular world. In this volume Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount is offered in brief readings suitable for daily use which take us passage by passage through the Scripture text. Including eight weekly studies for individuals or groups, this book covering Matthew 5-7 allows readers to enjoy the riches of Stott's writings in a new, easy-to-use format. John Stott was one of the most beloved and masterful Bible teachers of the last fifty years. His books have sold in the millions. Christians on every continent have heard and read his instructive and inspiring expositions of Scripture. The books in the Reading the Bible with John Stott series offer the essential message of Stott's teaching, largely drawn from his Bible Speaks Today volumes, and present it in a format suitable for daily reading. Questions at the end of each section make these books even more useful for individuals or groups.

Genres: Christianity, Religion, Christian, Christian Living, Faith, Devotional, Theology

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2016

About the author

John R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."

Reviews

[Rohan]

Audiobook theologian #4?
I liked his section on unanswered prayer (if a child asks his parents for a poisonous snake, a wise parent wouldn't give it to him. god is all-wise so we can even thank him for "no")

but most of it I was too tired to really be listening but it was feeding for that moment (that's why no star review, don't want to skew statistics)

[Adam Bloch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for its length and not too heavy of hitting (since it is so short), but not a bad read on the Sermon on the Mount.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just So Great

This is an exceptional book that provides a comprehensive study of The Sermon on the Mount.

Stott's expertise and scholarship in biblical studies are evident throughout the book, and his insights and interpretations of the text are valuable and thought-provoking.

Although the book is set up as a Bible study book for groups, it can also be read alone and is still just as beneficial.
The book is well-organized and structured, making it easy to follow and engage with the text.
Additionally, the writing style is clear and accessible, making it easy for readers to grasp complex ideas and concepts.

Furthermore, this book is firmly rooted in scripture, with a strong focus on the teachings and messages of The Sermon on the Mount.
The author offers practical insights and advice on how to apply these teachings to our everyday lives and make positive changes.

Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of The Sermon on the Mount and apply its teachings to their lives.

Stott's writing is engaging and thought-provoking, and his biblical scholarship is top-notch.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in biblical studies or those seeking guidance on how to live a more meaningful life.

It is an outstanding book that deserves a rating of...

4.7/5

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for individual or group study.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was a group discussion guide when I checked it out, but the content was great.

[Weston Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. Read on my own but would be very useful as a group study

[Chris Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Stott, even after his passing, continues to be a gift to the Church. This is my first read of a Stott book but what a blessing it was for me. I used this book as a primer for our fall series preaching through The Sermon on the Mount. I'm using his full commentary on the Sermon for weekly sermon prep.

The beauty of this book is its deep theological content that is presented in an easy to digest format. Set up as an eight week study it breaks down Jesus' words into segments that help you gain a grasp of the overall message and thrust of the sermon. Also, the discussion guide/questions at the end of each chapter are ready made to enrich personal study or assist in facilitating a Bible study.

We plan to order this book in bulk for our people to be able to use as we study this sermon together.

[Álvaro · Rating 3 out of 5]

En general, bastante obvio, al menos si venís de una tradición evangélica tipo. Usa muchos recursos que son cliché, o al menos yo los leí o escuché mil veces.

Lo que me llamó mucho más la atención es como muchos de esos recursos tienen tremendo sesgo de un trasfondo religioso específico y que recién en esta estapa de mi vida me estoy pidiendo dar cuenta. Lo que antes me parecía obvio y la verdad absoluta, ahora a lo sumo lo veo como una interpretación arriesgada pero válida dentro de otras.

De todas maneras, aún esos momentos de girar los ojos, me llevaron a analizar un poco más lo que leía, mi vida y mi pasado que no se si era el resultado que esperaba.

Por otros breves momentos, me encontré con alguna idea nueva que sirvió para que el ejercicio no se me hiciera aburrido y repetitivo.

[Matt Daq · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great book to read. One I think I should read every year. John Stott covers Matthew chapters 5-7 - it is almost like his preaching notes.

Stott adds in a heap of first century Jewish customs I didn’t know that relays helped Jesus teachings come alive.

In addition this book is often used for Bible study groups and so it contains some very in depth, reflective question after each chapter.

All in all a great read.

[Josh Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every disciple of Jesus and his teachings should at some point, carefully study the sermon on the mount - and a handy book like this is incredibly helpful with doing that. Stott works through the entire sermon almost like an academic commentary but written for the layman. If you've ever wondered how Jesus would want you to live, this is a great place to start.

[Mary Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series! This format has been excellent for a Bible study with a few ladies from my church. We found there was just enough direction to jump start conversation but also plenty of freedom for organic discussion. As always Stott’s insights are biblical and helpful. This one had lots of practical application and thoughtful discussion questions.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

So-so book that mostly retred the obvious meaning of the text. And clearly summarized from longer works. But some good points are within too - I really liked his points about “thy will be done” as opposed to our will.

[Stephanie Heald · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute gem. I read this while travelling, and savoured every page. Real wisdom and insight from a great leader. Can't recommend it highly enough.

[F.C. Shultz]

A good introduction to the sermon on the mount. Includes helpful discussion questions after each chapter. Definitely a great starting point for studying the sermon.

[James Brixey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this much less attentively than it deserves (because audiobook). This is an excellent read, well done John Stott.

A great, reasonably concise commentary.

[Juliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great solo read but will love to re-read with a group as part of a Bible study, to really dive deep into the passage.

[Christoffer Techow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super god lille gennemgang af bjærgprædikenen.

[Sassy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Sermon on the Mount is the most complete delineation anywhere in the New Testament of the Christian counter-culture" - Stott

[Joshua Biggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully concise and thoughtful.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stott is such an excellent teacher. I always learn a great deal from his thoughtful and thorough explanations. This was meant for group study with questions for discussion at the end, but it works just fine for the individual.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been a very straight forward and interesting analysis of the Sermon on the Mount. This is also my first time reading anything by Stott. I have really enjoyed his insightful and clear analysis of this often misrepresented teaching. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Stott. Very encouraging and a timeless, simple, and clear read for all Christians.