Matthew 5-7 is one of the most powerful, counter-cultural, and defining pieces of literature. It is either a single sermon of Jesus or a collection of multiple sermons. The entire sermon contrasts a Christian and two groups of people, the religious and the secular.
The Sermon on the Mount answers the question: What is the character of a disciple of Jesus?
Here is a general outline of the Sermon. There are numerous such outlines, this is just one of them.
Outline of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
1. Character and Influence of a Disciple
1.1 The blessed state of a believer 5:2-12
1.2 The transformative influence of a believer 5:13-16 (Salt and light)
2. Contrast with the Secular
2.1 Prayers (6:7–13)
2.2 Worry (6:25–34)
3. Contrast with the Religious
3.1 Christian Morals vs. legalistic actions (5:21–48)
Anger, lust, divorce, oaths, revenge, love
3.2 Christian Devotion vs hypocritical piety (6:1–18)
Giving, prayer, fasting
Related Sermon: A Disciple's Disposition
