Understanding the context of this series is essential to get the most out of the teaching. Where did we come up with the idea that Jesus was dealing with six things that separate us from God? Actually, as you keep reading you'll see that Jesus dealt with many more things in this great sermon. But to be real transparent, Jesus didn't teach on six things that separate us from God. Really, there is only one.
To understand that you have to take into account 5:1-11 where Jesus teaches the true religion is not a matter of external dos and don't. True religion is a matter of the heart -- its an attitude that says, "I want to please you with my whole being." However, the attitude of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees was, "let's just do what we have to because no one can keep the whole law." Interestingly enough, that was what God wanted them to conclude (see Galatians 3:24). The law is our teacher to show us we can never be perfect, therefore, we need a savior to deliver us from sin's penalty and power (Romans 8:1-3). The one and only thing that separates us from God is our lack of trust. We fail to trust that God has our best interest at heart. When he speaks he speaks for our good. When he says, "don't" it is for our good. When he says, "do" it is for our good. Because we trust him we say, "Father, I will obey you because I trust you."
For further study see Romans 4 and look at the life of Abraham (see verse 21-22).
