What is the main teaching in the Sermon on the Mount?

• A. Dietary laws and cleanliness rites
• B. Ritual sacrifices and temple offerings
• C. Ethical instructions on righteousness, love for enemies, humility, and trust in God
• D. Military strategy for defeating enemies

Answer: (C)

The Sermon on the Mount teaches how people should live in a way that expresses God’s righteousness through inner attitudes and outward actions. It emphasizes ethical conduct rooted in the heart—humility, mercy, purity, and sincere righteousness that goes beyond mere rule-keeping. The message calls for love that reaches even to enemies, a trustful dependence on God, and a shift from worrying about daily needs to seeking God’s kingdom first. This isn’t about ritual dietary laws, cleanliness rites, or temple sacrifices and offerings; it’s about shaping character and everyday behavior to reflect God’s will.

So the main teaching centers on living with righteousness that comes from the heart, loving others (including enemies), practicing humility, and trusting God in everything—precisely what this option describes.