Here is a sketch of a decision process I use from the Sermon on the Mount outline:

Here is a sketch of the process I use from the Sermon on the Mount outline:

VISION of BLESSEDNESS: in a given model, what would the desired outcome look like? What would be good about it? (Corresponds to MT 5:3-10)

TREASURE/COST: Take the general idea of the vision: “Wouldn’t it be great if…” and add some detail. Here you list what would be gained (treasured to be obtained) and the likely costs of what it will take to get there. With this, try and evaluate what your bottom line is, even if you think you could get a better deal. (Treasure – MT 6:19-24) (Cost – MT 5:11-20).

PUT OFF: You then write out what you would actually have to stop doing in order to have a hope of achieving what you are now treasuring. (MT 5:21-26)

PUT ON: You then write out what you would actually have to start doing, or do differently, in order to have a hope of achieving what you are now treasuring. (MT 5:27- 37)

LIVE OUT: You then try and sketch out what it would look like to work out the plan of obtaining and using the treasure. (MT 5:38-48)

What happens in the Sermon is Jesus anticipates the basic objections/excuses that will work against following through:

Physically: I have to do this and that, I can’t do this too. (Answer: Where God calls, God provides).

Socially: I have to fix others first, then maybe it will work (Answer: You need to decide what you need to do, and you do that by treating God like you would want to be treated: ASK HIM (Ask, seek knock [actively work at praying, investigating and pursuing and answer]

Spiritually: I am looking good as it is (Answer: the test is from the inside out. Get deeper evaluation than surface level stuff. You need answers that stand up to the test of reality)