Pt. 1. Getting ready to read the Sermon on the mount. The setting of the Sermon: what is Matthew's relation to Judaism? -- The context of the Sermon: who speaks and to whom? -- The structure of the Sermon: in what order does Jesus speak? -- The functions of the Sermon: character formation and decision making -- Is Matthew a legalist? Enablement of obedience in response to the Sermon -- Pt. 2. A reading of the Sermon on the mount. A portrait of disciples with promises and expectations: Matthew 5:3-16 -- The antitheses with their heading: Matthew 5:17-48 -- True piety: Matthew 6:1-18 -- God and possessions: Matthew 6:19-34 -- Judging--condemnation and discernment: Matthew 7:1-12 -- Exhortations, warnings, and closing: Matthew 7:13-27; 7:28-8:1 -- A précis: Matthew 4:18-8:1.