As Jesus concludes his sermon on the mount, he again speaks as one with authority. Throughout his sermon, whilst he quotes from the Scriptures, he repeatedly says, “I tell you…” He is not merely quoting Scripture, nor passing on what God says, but actually claims the words to be his own. From what he says he is either a lunatic who believes himself to be God, a liar with evil intent or he is God. From his behaviour, as well as his words, he is neither a lunatic, nor a liar, leaving us with only one conclusion. Therefore, the sermon recorded in the gospel of Matthew, in chapters 5,6 and 7, are the words of God (Of which there is no higher authority).

If Jesus’ words are the words of God, they should be of utmost importance to us. We should know what he says, that we should understand what it is to follow him. To know and understand that he defines his followers as those who are “poor in spirit”. He speaks of how his followers should think and behave, not just those who are “religious”, but all his followers in day to day life. He points out how Scripture should be understood, that we should be affected by Scripture, rather than Scripture affected by us. Consequently, his followers should have an effect on society, being the “salt”, preserving it, flavouring it, rather than society having an effect on them.

Above all, even if we know his words and understand them, that is not enough A true follower of Christ will do what he says. Someone who understands but doesn’t truly believe will continue to live their life as they always have.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Mt 7:24-27

In our politically correct world, the words of the apostle Paul in the fifth chapter of his epistle to the Ephesian church are unacceptable to many in the world. The idea that men and women are created to be different, yet equal. Even in the church, the world’s thinking has seeped in, undermining the biblical teaching on gender and relationships.

In his other letters, Paul advises those who are single, that they may serve God in their situation. In Ephesians, he turns to those who are married, putting forward God’s will for marriage. A marriage is the combination of one man and one woman, who have signed a contract to be together until they are parted by death. Paul even quotes the same passage of scripture as Jesus Christ as his basis:

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24

Or, as the traditional vows state:

“I… take you… to be my… to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.”

Within marriage, the relationship between husband and wife should be above all other human relationships, and is itself only to be below that of each person’s relationship with God.

Wives are to submit to their husbands. Just as the church submits to Christ. Whilst women are in no way inferior to men, this is God’s design. Similarly husbands should love their wives, just as Christ loves the church. When we consider that Christ willingly gave up his life for the church that she might live, the love of a husband for his wife should not be a trivial thing. Yet, their differences should complement each other, that together they might be able to achieve more for God than if they were two separate entities.

It should also be remembered that this is a union of two imperfect human beings, that there will be difficulties, it won’t always be plain sailing. When one person within a marriage puts themselves before God and before their spouse, things will be difficult.

Above all, just as with unmarried people, those who are married should seek to put God first in their lives, and through it the Holy Spirit will be with them and strengthen and guide them.