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Radical Reformation History  /  Lecture 22: Be History Makers!  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 6
In Dean’s overview of the Sermon on the Mount, he emphasized non-resistance, no lawsuits, radical marital purity, plain speech without oaths, private prayer, fasting, and anti-treasuring economics; which of these teachings feels most unrealistic or dangerous to obey in modern life, and what does your discomfort reveal about what you assume God requires versus what you assume He merely “recommends”?
Another way to ask: Which Sermon on the Mount teaching (non-resistance, no lawsuits, purity in marriage, plain speech, private prayer, fasting, or not storing up wealth) feels most unsafe or unrealistic today? What does that reaction show about what you think God truly commands versus what you think is optional?

Direct Answer Dean frames these teachings not as optional “recommendations” but as Jesus’ kingdom manifesto meant to “change the world,” so discomfort likely reveals where we’ve quietly reclassified Jesus’ commands as ideals rather than foundations. The “most dangerous” one for you is often the one where you most fear loss—security, reputation, or control.

Support from Transcript:

  • Dean calls Matthew 5–7 “a blueprint… a manifesto… of how he wants the whole world to be changed.”
  • He lists concrete practices: crucifying anger, marital purity (even lust is adultery), no oaths, love enemies, “won’t even sue,” genuine private prayer, fasting.
  • He includes economics in the same category: “not storing up treasures” and “share the things that they have with each other.”
  • He insists these teachings matter for final realities: “not everyone who… [calls] me Lord… are going to be with me forever in heaven.”
  • He warns that building life on any other foundation is “like building it on sand,” and storms “wipe it away.”
Discussion Follow-ups Which teaching threatens your sense of safety the most—money, rights, or relationships? If Jesus meant this as the foundation, what “permissions” have you assumed you have that the sermon doesn’t give you?

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