S6 E9: Matthew 5

Welcome to Season 6 of Down Under Theology, a podcast equipping and encouraging Australian Christians to get down and under the theology impacting the life and mission of the church.In Season 6 of the show, we’re working our way through the story of the Bible in 12 key passages. Together, these passages will take us from creation to new creation, across the different sections and genres of Scripture, with Christ at the centre.In this episode, Allister, Cam and Murray discuss the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5–7, beginning with the Beatitudes. They place the sermon in the context of Matthew’s Gospel, where Jesus is presented as the new and greater Moses teaching his disciples on the mountain. They explore the Beatitudes as blessings of grace, the call to be salt and light, and how Jesus’ teaching on the law fulfils the law by showing its heart. They also work through what Jesus says about practising righteousness, the Lord’s Prayer, anxiety and the call to build on the rock.They also trace the sermon to Jesus himself, who perfectly obeys what he teaches and bears the curse of the law in our place, and consider how the church should teach this passage without falling into moralism or antinomianism. They finish with how the Beatitudes look ahead to the day when the kingdom is fully realised.Thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch with us at [email protected].— Episode Hosts:Allister Lum MowCameron Clausing (@cam_clausing)Murray SmithProducer:Josie DallosEpisode Sponsor:Christ College, Sydney — S6 Episode 9 – Show Notes Recommended Resources –Grace and Glory: Sermons Preached at Princeton Seminary by Geerhardus VosThe Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich BonhoefferThe Message of the Sermon on the Mount (The Bible Speaks Today) by John StottPrinciples of Conduct: Aspects of Biblical Ethics by John MurrayThe House That Went Splat by Steph Williams (part of the Little Me, Big God series for young children)Many of these resources are available to borrow from the Christ College Library. General library membership is $100 per year.Our friends at Reformers Bookshop are offering all of our listeners 15% off their orders. Enter the code DUTHEOLOGY15 at checkout to receive the discount. Thank you so much to Reformers for partnering with us in this way.

Welcome to Season 6 of Down Under Theology, a podcast equipping and encouraging Australian Christians to get down and under the theology impacting the life and mission of the church.In Season 6 of the show, we’re working our way through the story of the Bible in 12 key passages. Together, these passages will take us from creation to new creation, across the different sections and genres of Scripture, with Christ at the centre.In this episode, Allister, Cam and Murray discuss John 1:1–18 and the prologue to John’s Gospel. They explore how John’s Gospel relates to the Synoptics, how the prologue echoes Genesis 1 and the revelation of God’s glory at Sinai, and how to hear Old Testament allusions when reading the New Testament. They also look at the shape of the prologue and its likely chiastic structure, centred on the Word becoming flesh so that we might become children of God.They also consider how the prologue displays the full deity of the Son, the incarnation and the light shining in the darkness, and how Jesus makes the Father known. They reflect on what this means for the church as the children of God drawn from every nation, and for the hope of seeing Christ’s glory face to face in the new creation.Thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch with us at [email protected].— Episode Hosts:Allister Lum MowCameron Clausing (@cam_clausing)Murray SmithProducer:Josie DallosEpisode Sponsor:Christ College, Sydney— S6 Episode 8 – Show Notes Recommended Resources –The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary) by D. A. CarsonJohn (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) by Edward W. Klink IIICSB Connecting Scripture New Testament edited by G. K. Beale and Benjamin L. GladdFather, Son and Spirit: The Trinity and John’s Gospel (New Studies in Biblical Theology) by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Scott R. SwainDevotions on the Gospel of John for Teens (four-book series: Who Is Jesus?, Humble Servant, The Way, the Truth, and the Life and That You Might Believe) by Abby Van SolkemaMany of these resources are available to borrow from the Christ College Library. General library membership is $100 per year.Our friends at Reformers Bookshop are offering all of our listeners 15% off their orders. Enter the code DUTHEOLOGY15 at checkout to receive the discount. Thank you so much to Reformers for partnering with us in this way.

Welcome to Season 6 of Down Under Theology, a podcast equipping and encouraging Australian Christians to get down and under the theology impacting the life and mission of the church.In this special episode, Murray is joined by Dr Guy Prentiss Waters, the James M. Baird Jr. Professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, to discuss his new book One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church: The Biblical Doctrine of the Church, the latest volume in the We Believe: Studies in Reformed Biblical Doctrine series.They discuss how Guy came to write on the church and how he brings biblical and systematic theology together. They also discuss why the church began not at Pentecost but in Eden, and what continuity and newness mean for the people of God across the covenants. Along the way they explore the four creedal attributes of the church, how the church relates to the Trinity, and why the Reformers saw the word as the primary mark of the church.They also consider the church’s mission to gather and perfect the saints, and the relationship between church and state. The conversation closes with the seven theses that summarise the book’s argument.Thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch with us at [email protected].— Episode Host:Murray SmithSpecial Guest:Guy Prentiss WatersProducer:Josie DallosEpisode Sponsor:Christ College, Sydney— Show Notes Recommended Resources –One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church: The Biblical Doctrine of the Church by Guy Prentiss WatersHow Jesus Runs the Church by Guy Prentiss Waters Many of the resources are available to borrow from the Christ College Library. General library membership is $100 per year. Our friends at Reformers Bookshop are offering all of our listeners 15% off their orders. Enter the code DUTHEOLOGY15 at checkout to receive the discount. Thank you so much to Reformers for partnering with us in this way.

Welcome to Season 6 of Down Under Theology, a podcast equipping and encouraging Australian Christians to get down and under the theology impacting the life and mission of the church.In Season 6 of the show, we’re working our way through the story of the Bible in 12 key passages. Together, these passages will take us from creation to new creation, across the different sections and genres of Scripture, with Christ at the centre.In this episode, Allister, Cam and Murray discuss Isaiah 52:13–53:12 and the song of the suffering servant. They place the passage within the book of Isaiah and the unfolding Servant Songs, and explore how the servant moves from Israel as a nation to a single individual. They look at the servant who is marred, rejected and exalted, who bears the griefs and iniquities of many and is vindicated, sees his offspring and divides the spoil.They also trace this prophecy through Scripture to Jesus, the servant who gave his life as a ransom for many, and consider what it means for the church’s assurance, mission and suffering. They reflect on the nations gathered around the slain Lamb, and on the priest who even now makes intercession for the transgressors until the kingdom is consummated.Thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch with us at [email protected].— Episode Hosts:Allister Lum MowCameron Clausing (@cam_clausing)Murray SmithProducer:Josie DallosEpisode Sponsor:Christ College, Sydney—S6 Episode 7 – Show Notes Recommended Resources –The Gospel According to Isaiah 53: Encountering the Suffering Servant in Jewish and Christian Theology edited by Darrell L. Bock and Mitch GlaserWhat Did the Cross Achieve? The Logic of Penal Substitution by J. I. Packer (free online)From Heaven He Came and Sought Her: Definite Atonement in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective edited by David Gibson and Jonathan GibsonMotyer By the Day: A Psalms and Isaiah Devotional Collection by Alec MotyerMany of these resources are available to borrow from the Christ College Library. General library membership is $100 per year.Our friends at Reformers Bookshop are offering all of our listeners 15% off their orders. Enter the code DUTHEOLOGY15 at checkout to receive the discount. Thank you so much to Reformers for partnering with us in this way.

Welcome to Season 6 of Down Under Theology, a podcast equipping and encouraging Australian Christians to get down and under the theology impacting the life and mission of the church.In Season 6 of the show, we're working our way through the story of the Bible in 12 key passages. Together, these passages will take us from creation to new creation, across the different sections and genres of Scripture, with Christ at the centre.In this episode, Allister, Cam and Murray discuss Proverbs 9 and the invitation of Lady Wisdom. They explore how to read the aphorisms of Proverbs as wisdom for living in God's good but fallen world, and why the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. They also consider the contrast between Lady Wisdom and Woman Folly, and how wisdom and law belong together.They also trace wisdom through Scripture to Jesus, the true and greater Solomon, in whom the wisdom of God is displayed supremely in the cross. They consider what this means for the church as the household where the simple are called in, fed and taught to live well, and look ahead to the two feasts of Revelation: the wedding supper of the Lamb and the judgment on those who followed folly.Thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch with us at [email protected].— Episode Hosts:Allister Lum MowCameron Clausing (@cam_clausing)Murray SmithProducer:Josie DallosEpisode Sponsor:Christ College, Sydney— S6 Episode 6 – Show Notes Recommended Resources –The Christ of Wisdom: A Redemptive-Historical Exploration of the Wisdom Books of the Old Testament by O. Palmer RobertsonProverbs (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries) by Derek KidnerOur friends at Reformers Bookshop are offering all of our listeners 15% off their orders. Enter the code DUTHEOLOGY15 at checkout to receive the discount. Thank you so much to Reformers for partnering with us in this way.Many of these resources are available to borrow from the Christ College Library. General library membership is $100 per year.

Welcome to Season 6 of Down Under Theology, a podcast equipping and encouraging Australian Christians to get down and under the theology impacting the life and mission of the church.In Season 6 of the show, we're working our way through the story of the Bible in 12 key passages. Together, these passages will take us from creation to new creation, across the different sections and genres of Scripture, with Christ at the centre.In this episode, Allister, Cam and Murray discuss 2 Samuel 7:1–17 and the Davidic covenant. They trace how David's desire to build a house for God is answered by God's promise to build a house for David—a dynasty, a throne and a kingdom established forever—and explore how this covenant draws together and focuses the earlier promises to Adam, Abraham and Israel at Sinai on one chosen offspring.They also trace this promise through Scripture to Jesus, the true Son of David who is raised up to reign forever, and consider what it means for the church as the house and temple that Christ is building, and for our hope of the day when God dwells with his people face to face in the new creation.Thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch with us at [email protected].— Episode Hosts:Allister Lum MowCameron Clausing (@cam_clausing)Murray SmithProducer:Josie DallosEpisode Sponsor:Christ College, Sydney— S6 Episode 5 – Show Notes Recommended Resources –Sons in the Son: The Riches and Reach of Adoption in Christ by David B. GarnerShepherds After My Own Heart: Pastoral Traditions and Leadership in the Bible by Timothy S. LaniakOur friends at Reformers Bookshop are offering all of our listeners 15% off their orders. Enter the code DUTHEOLOGY15 at checkout to receive the discount. 

Welcome to Season 6 of Down Under Theology, a podcast equipping and encouraging Australian Christians to get down and under the theology impacting the life and mission of the church.In Season 6 of the show, we're working our way through the story of the Bible in 12 key passages. Together, these passages will take us from creation to new creation, across the different sections and genres of Scripture, with Christ at the centre.In this episode, Allister, Cam and Murray discuss Exodus 19:1–6 and 20:1–21, God's covenant with Israel at Sinai. They trace how the giving of the law follows God's gracious redemption of his people from Egypt, explore the theophany of God coming down the mountain to dwell with his people, and unpack why the Ten Commandments stand at the heart of the law.They also trace these themes through Scripture to Jesus—the true and better Moses who fulfils the law both actively and passively—and consider what Sinai means for the church's identity as a holy nation and kingdom of priests, and for our hope of the day when God dwells with his people face to face.Thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch with us at [email protected].— Episode Hosts:Allister Lum MowCameron Clausing (@cam_clausing)Murray SmithProducer:Josie DallosEpisode Sponsor:Christ College, Sydney— S6 Episode 4 – Show Notes Recommended Resources –The Ten Commandments: What They Mean, Why They Matter, and Why We Should Obey Them by Kevin DeYoungDelighting in the Law of the Lord: God's Alternative to Legalism and Moralism by Jerram Barrs

Welcome to Season 6 of Down Under Theology, a podcast equipping and encouraging Australian Christians to get down and under the theology impacting the life and mission of the church.In Season 6 of the show, we’re working our way through the story of the Bible in 12 key passages. Together, these passages will take us from creation to new creation, across the different sections and genres of Scripture, with Christ at the centre.In this episode, Allister, Cam and Murray discuss Genesis 12:1–9 and God’s call of Abram. They explore how God responds to the curse and scattering of Genesis 3–11 with promises of land, offspring and blessing—not only for Abram, but ultimately for all the families of the earth.They also trace these promises through Scripture to Jesus, the true offspring of Abraham, and consider what they mean for the church’s identity, mission and hope. God’s people continue to live by faith as pilgrims, looking forward to the renewed creation in which the nations gather before Christ and faith finally gives way to sight.Thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch with us at [email protected].—Episode Hosts:Allister Lum MowCameron Clausing (@cam_clausing)Murray SmithProducer:Josie DallosEpisode Sponsor:Christ College, Sydney—S6 Episode 3 – Show NotesRecommended Resources –Covenants Made Simple: Understanding God’s Unfolding Promises to His People by Jonty RhodesBiblical Theology: Old & New Testaments by Geerhardus VosVos Group from Reformed Forum—a podcast series working through Vos’s Biblical Theology

Welcome to Season 6 of Down Under Theology, a podcast equipping and encouraging Australian Christians to get down and under the theology impacting the life and mission of the church.In Season 6 of the show, we’re working our way through the story of the Bible in 12 key passages. Together, these passages will take us from creation to new creation, across the different sections and genres of Scripture, with Christ at the centre.In this episode, Allister, Cam and Murray discuss Psalm 104. They explore its relationship to Genesis 1 and its celebration of God’s wisdom, sovereignty and generous providence throughout creation.They also consider how the psalm points to Christ and the work of the Spirit, shapes the church’s understanding of ordinary work and creation care, and looks forward to the renewal of creation when sin and evil will be no more.Thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch with us at [email protected].—Episode Hosts:Allister Lum MowCameron Clausing (@cam_clausing)Murray SmithProducer:Josie DallosEpisode Sponsor:Christ College, Sydney—S6 Episode 2 – Show NotesRecommended Resources –How to Read the Psalms by Tremper Longman IIIThe Psalms: A Christ-Centered Commentary by Christopher Ash

Welcome to Season 6 of Down Under Theology, a podcast equipping and encouraging Australian Christians to get down and under the theology impacting the life and mission of the church.In Season 6 of the show, we’re working our way through the story of the Bible in 12 key passages. Together, these passages will take us from creation to new creation, across the different sections and genres of Scripture, with Christ at the centre.In this episode, Allister, Cam and Murray introduce the season and discuss why reading the Bible can sometimes feel difficult. They outline five questions that will guide their reading of each passage: its context, content, relationship to Christ, significance for the church, and fulfilment in the consummation of God’s purposes.The first passage for the season will be Psalm 104.Thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch with us at [email protected].—Episode Hosts:Allister Lum MowCameron Clausing (@cam_clausing)Murray SmithProducers:Josie DallosEpisode Sponsor:Christ College, Sydney—S6 Episode 1 – Show NotesRecommended Resources –Savoring Scripture: A Six-Step Guide to Studying the Bible by Andrew AbernethyCSB Connecting Scripture New Testament by G. K. Beale and Benjamin L. GladdTransformed by Truth: Why and How to Study the Bible for Yourself as a Teen by Katherine ForsterA Hermeneutic of Wisdom: Recovering the Formative Agency of Scripture by J. de Waal Dryden