Evaluation
Overall Score: 8.8/10
A gospel-rooted, pastorally wise guide to preaching and living the Sermon on the Mount in the 21st century church.
We believe The Message of the Sermon on the Mount by John R. W. Stott remains one of the most valuable guides for preaching Christ’s kingdom ethics today. This volume does not sacrifice theological integrity for accessibility. Instead, it brings the call of the Sermon on the Mount into vibrant and convicting clarity—rooted in gospel grace and calling believers to live under the reign of Christ.
Summary
At a Glance
- Length
- 224 pages
- Type
- Application, Expositional
- Theo. Perspective
- Broadly Evangelical
- Overall score
- 8.8 / 10
- Strength
- Faithful exposition that bridges demanding ethics and gospel-shaped grace for kingdom living.
- Limitation
- Not a technical or original-language commentary; less suited for deep scholarly exegesis.
Stott leads the reader carefully through the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), drawing out its demands, its heart, and its hope. He contextualises the ethical and spiritual demands of Jesus’ words in light of the gospel—showing that obedience is not legalism, but life under God’s rule shaped by grace. Stott highlights how the Beatitudes, the call to holiness, the teaching on prayer, love, and kingdom-values, all point not only to Christian conduct but to the identity of the people of God under Christ’s lordship.
Throughout the exposition Stott neither shrinks from the radical demands of the Sermon nor divorces them from the comfort of gospel assurance. He helps us see that the Sermon on the Mount is not a checklist for self-righteousness but a vision for kingdom living empowered by Christ—calling believers to holiness, mercy, integrity, dependence on God, and love that reflects the gospel.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
This commentary makes one of the richest and most challenging portions of Scripture accessible for preaching and pastoral teaching. The Sermon on the Mount often intimidates preachers because of its ethical demands; Stott helps pastors navigate those demands faithfully and pastorally—making the text approachable for sermon preparation without softening its bite or diluting its demands.
Stott’s pastoral wisdom and gospel awareness mean this volume can serve as a bridge between text and congregation—helping us preach Matthew 5–7 in a way that calls for holiness while pointing to our need for Christ’s saving work and the Spirit’s enabling. That balance is exactly what many local churches need today: convicting truth wrapped in gospel hope.
Finally, because the book remains readable, practical, and spiritually rich, it is a wise tool not only for sermon preparation but also for small-group study or personal application—helping believers internalise the Sermon as ways of life, not just doctrine to admire.
Closing Recommendation
We heartily commend The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to pastors, church leaders, and serious believers who want to preach or teach Jesus’ kingdom ethics with integrity and grace. It combines fidelity to the text with pastoral sensitivity and gospel vision. If you intend to lead your congregation into the radical, counter-cultural life Jesus calls us to, this commentary should be on your shelf.
Classification
- Level: Mid-level
- Best For: Busy pastors, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-training
- Priority: Strong recommendation