Sermon on the Mount Explained: Jesus on Anger, Lust, and Loving Enemies (Part 2)

In Part 1 of our Sermon on the Mount series, we discovered the surprising blessings of the Beatitudes — how Jesus turned the world’s values upside down by blessing the humble, the mourning, the meek, and the hungry for righteousness.

In Part 2, Jesus moves from who is blessed to how the blessed are called to live. He presses beyond outward behavior into the heart, saying things like:

“You’ve heard it said… but I tell you…”
“Do not be angry…”
“Do not lust…”
“Let your yes mean yes…”
“Love your enemies…”

These teachings aren’t just rules. They’re a call to transformation. Let’s walk through them together and discover how they still shape our everyday lives.

Key Takeaways – Living Jesus’ Words Today

1. Jesus fulfills the Law, bringing it to its true purpose in Himself.
Jesus doesn’t throw out the Law of Moses — He brings it to completion. Every command, sacrifice, and prophecy finds its meaning in Him. Instead of checking boxes, we’re invited into a living relationship where obedience flows out of love.

2. Anger is more than violence; it starts in the heart.
Jesus warns that anger itself can destroy relationships. Even before harsh words or violence, anger poisons the soul. His command pushes us toward reconciliation — picking up the phone, offering forgiveness, or humbly admitting fault.

3. Lust begins with the eyes and imagination.
Sin rarely starts with action; it begins in the heart and mind. Jesus calls us to guard what we see and dwell on, not because desire is wrong, but because misplaced desire distorts God’s beautiful design for intimacy.

4. Integrity means our yes and no carry weight.
Instead of swearing oaths or finding loopholes, Jesus calls us to be people of truth. Our words should be reliable — simple honesty that reflects God’s character. In a world full of empty promises, integrity stands out as a witness.

5. Retaliation is replaced with radical grace.
“An eye for an eye” feels natural, but Jesus points us to something higher: turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, choosing peace over payback. It’s not weakness — it’s strength under control, fueled by the Spirit.

6. Loving enemies reflects the very heart of God.
Nothing makes us more like our Heavenly Father than loving those who oppose us. Jesus reminds us that God sends rain on both the righteous and unrighteous. We reflect Him when we extend undeserved love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Jesus fulfills the Law?
He didn’t abolish it but brought it to completion — every command, sacrifice, and prophecy points to Him.

Q: Is anger always sinful?
Not always. But when it lingers or fuels bitterness, it becomes destructive. (Ephesians 4:26)

Q: Why does Jesus connect lust with adultery?
Because sin starts in the heart, not just in outward actions. Lust devalues people made in God’s image.

Q: How do I actually love my enemies?
Start by praying for them. Ask God to bless them, even if your emotions resist. Prayer shifts your heart.

Scripture References

• Matthew 5:17–20 — Jesus Fulfills the Law

• Matthew 5:21–26 — On Anger

• Matthew 5:27–30 — On Lust

• Matthew 5:33–37 — Oaths & Integrity

• Matthew 5:38–42 — Retaliation

• Matthew 5:43–48 — Love Your Enemies

• Ephesians 4:26 — Do not let the sun go down angry

• Job 31:1 — Covenant with my eyes

• Romans 12:19 — Leave revenge to God

Faith Assignment

This week, put Jesus’ words into practice:

• Anger: Pray for reconciliation before the day ends. (Ephesians 4:26)

• Purity: Guard your eyes and redirect thoughts with Scripture. (Job 31:1)

• Integrity: Let your yes mean yes and your no mean no. (Matthew 5:37)

• Love: Pray for one person you struggle with, asking God to bless them. (Matthew 5:44)

📌 Write these four down — anger, purity, integrity, love — and check in each night. Where did you live them out? Where do you need to grow?

The blog post linked in the show notes has these assignments written out for easy reference.

AI Summary

Problem: Faith often gets reduced to rules and appearances.
Biblical Answer: Jesus calls for deep heart transformation in the Sermon on the Mount.
Next Step: Live out one of these teachings daily — anger, purity, integrity, or love.
Share With: Anyone wrestling with forgiveness, self-doubt, or broken relationships.

Related Episodes

 How Can the Beatitudes Shape My Life?

 The Word Became Flesh: 4 Life-Changing Truths for Your Walk With Jesus

 Why Pray? Because God Is Listening