John R.W. Stott - Reading the Sermon on the Mount with John Stott: 8 Weeks for Individuals or Groups

During his life (19212011) John Stott was one of the worlds master Bible teachers. Christians on every continent heard and read John Stotts exposition of Scripture, which was at once instructive and inspiring. With over eight million copies of his more than fifty books sold in dozens of languages, it is not surprising that Time magazine recognized him in 2005 as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World and Christianity Today called him evangelicalisms premier teacher and preacher. At the core of his ministry was the Bible and his beloved Bible Speaks Today series, which he originated as New Testament series editor. He himself contributed several volumes to the series, which have now been edited for this Reading the Bible with John Stott series.

The purpose of this volume is to offer excerpts of Stotts The Message of the Sermon on the Mount in brief readings, suitable for daily use. Though Stott was himself an able scholar, this series avoids technicalities and scholarly debates, with each reading emphasizing the substance, significance and application of the text.

Following each set of six readings is a discussion guide. This can be used by individuals to help them dig more deeply into the text. It can also be used by study groups meeting regularly. Individuals in the groups can go through the six readings between group meetings and then use the discussion guide to help the group understand and apply the Scripture passage. Discussions are designed to last between forty-five and sixty minutes. Guidelines for leaders at the end of this volume offer many helpful suggestions for having a successful meeting.

If you are a group member, you can help everyone present in the following ways:

1. Read and pray through the readings before you meet.
2. Be willing to participate in the discussion. The leader wont be lecturing. Instead all will be asked to discuss what they have learned.
3. Stick to the topic being discussed and focus on the particular passage of Scripture. Only rarely should you refer to other portions of the Bible or outside sources. This will allow everyone to participate on equal footing.
4. Listen attentively to what others have to say. Be careful not to talk too much but encourage a balanced discussion among all participants. You may be surprised by what you can learn from others. Generally, questions do not have one right answer but are intended to explore various dimensions of the text.
5. Expect God to teach you through the passage and through what others have to say.
6. Use the following guidelines and read them at the start of the first session.
   • We will make the group a safe place by keeping confidential what is said in the group about personal matters.
   • We will provide time for each person to talk who wants to.
   • We will listen attentively to each other.
   • We will talk about ourselves and our own situations, avoiding conversation about others.
   • We will be cautious about giving advice to one another.

John Stott had an immense impact on the church in the last half of the twentieth century. With these volumes readers today can continue to benefit from the riches of the Bible that Stott opened to millions.