The Spirit of Justice and Dealing with Enemies

Let's look at two attitudes towards justice and enemies that come out of the law, and how Jesus taught the spirit and intent behind them.

The Spirit of Justice

A law of just compensation gave the value for repayment of a lost eye or tooth in an accident or altercation. But Jesus said not to seek equal repayment for injuries, but to have the attitude of being the more generous one.

"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. (Matthew 5:38-42 NIV)

Generosity of spirit may seem like taking a loss, or being a sucker, but it is the attitude of heaven that makes for a better world. Generosity is better than seeking justice for every wrong now. It is the attitude of faith that trusts God to compensate for all injustice in eternity. Imagine a world where instead of being gouged in business each sought the other’s benefit, and instead of taking each sought to give. God will put up with no lesser society for all eternity. That is the eternity that we are preparing for now by how we choose to live.

The Spirit of Dealing with Enemies

Similar to seeking justice is the attitude we have towards our enemies. Are we generous of heart, or stingy, demanding our rights? Does the cross teach us anything at all?

Everyone has enemies, whether they are being bullied or cheated. Nobody wants personal enemies, but we all have them, even if it is only the rude driver who is impatient with us for keeping the speed limit, or the neighbor who hates us because we are a Christian. How are we to treat our enemies? This is perhaps Jesus’ most difficult teaching.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48 ESV)

God gives rain and sunshine to all of humanity, even our enemies. Our attitudes towards our enemies ought to consider what God provides even for those who hate us. How can we be more in line with what His attitude is? How can we be more spiritually mature (perfect) in our thinking?

Jesus died on the cross for those who were His enemies, in hope that they would eventually repent and turn to Him. We should learn from Him and want to copy His attitude of self-sacrifice for our own enemies.

The Spirit of Lying

Today we make vows of marriage, pledges of allegiance, and take oaths of office or make oaths in court. What would Jesus say about this?

Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, 'YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.' But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING. Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your statement be, 'Yes, yes ' or 'No, no'; anything beyond these is of evil. (Matthew 5:33-37 NASB)

It is not pledging allegiance to a spouse in marriage, or to our country of residence that is wrong here, but the oath-taking using outside superstitious leverage, such as swearing by heaven, or anything on earth, such as our mother’s grave or the hair of our chin. Jesus encourages us to simply tell the truth with a yes or no, rather than add plethoras that are completely irrelevant, as if they somehow create leverage to make our words all the more truthful.

Truth is in short supply in newsmaking, politics, advertising and even some areas of scientific research. Is it any wonder that we live in a skeptical society. But, truth tellers are not always popular either.

They tell the seers, "Stop seeing visions!" They tell the prophets, "Don't tell us what is right. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies. (Isaiah 30:10 NLT)

Even in churches, where truth is valued, pastors are pressured into picking and choosing those parts of the Bible that comfort and avoiding those parts of the Bible that discomfort and call people to repent. Yet, how will true worshipers be led?

But a time is coming, and it is already here! Even now the true worshipers are being led by the Spirit to worship the Father according to the truth. These are the ones the Father is seeking to worship him. (John 4:23 CEV)

Why is truth in such short supply? Can the world accept the truth?

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17 NIV)

How can we know the truth?

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. (John 16:13 ESV)

Is there one sure word of truth that we can trust?

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (John 17:17 KJV)

What did Jesus say about who we should listen to for truth?

“... for this I have come into the world: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.” (John 18:37 NASB)

What causes today’s problems with truth?

But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. (Romans 1:18-20 NLT)

Yes, the evidence for God’s existence is ubiquitous, but many people prefer to live in denial, to live a lie. And what’s the motive? Read the rest of the chapter. It’s quite plain. People want to engage in many different kinds of sin. Yet the sins described in the latter part of the chapter only harm us. What can set us free from this bondage?

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32 NKJV)

Truth is a precious commodity. Don’t be deceived into thinking that lies are profitable. Only the truth can set us free.

The Spirit of Adultery

Like murder can exist in our hearts when we don't value other people's lives, how many of us have truly been unfaithful to a spouse? Probably more have been unfaithful before or during marriage than have committed actual murder, but what about those who can truly claim faithfulness in marriage, before and during? What did Jesus say?

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell." (Matthew 5:27-30 NIV)

That’s right, looking or touching inappropriately is the same as acting when it comes to the spirit of the law. That means that sneaky look as a good-looking member of the opposite sex walks by, or pornography, or sleazy advertising, or even looking too long into another person’s eyes in conversation, or that favorite movie actor or popular singer. Even a hug that lingers a little too long can be wrong. I don’t think that any of us can claim innocence here.

What about the eye or the hand? Must Christians really gouge them out or chop them off? Of course not, that was also against the law. Jesus often spoke in exaggerated tones to emphasize a point. It’s called hyperbolic speech. It’s meant to emphasize how drastic our efforts ought to be in order to avoid even mental adultery. Our grandparents sometimes separated men and women, so as to avoid temptation and wrong thoughts. Of course, modern generations are too “righteous” to take advice from them. We, with the highest divorce rates in history, who farm our children out to be raised by others, and whose youths join gangs, are so much smarter than our grandparents, not.

Divorce

Divorce is not the unpardonable sin, but it is still a common sin. What does Jesus say about it? How would He speak to our generation?

“You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery." (Matthew 5:31-32 NLT)

Jesus expects a higher standard than easy divorce, where the exception has become the rule. Whereas today’s courts give many reasons, even including no reason at all in some states, Jesus only includes one valid reason for divorce.

Marriage is the foundational institution upon which the health of any society rests. We should value it and treasure it as highly as God intended, taking every precaution to preserve it, even in how we look at and touch each other.

The Spirit of Murder

Jesus said that He did not come to abolish the law or the prophets. What did He mean? These were the two main divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures. So then, the Old Testament will not be abolished, but fulfilled. What does fulfill mean. It can’t mean abolish, because Jesus said that He did not come to abolish the law, any of it.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:17-20 NIV)

When Jesus upheld the commandments, did He only uphold the Ten Commandments or all 613 commandments from the Hebrew Scriptures? He did not specify, so we cannot assume that He only meant the ten. In fact, He mentioned that some were considered to be the least commandments. Is Jesus trying to tell us that all the commandments of God have a role to play in the kingdom of heaven? It seems so, but how? He goes on to comment on a few of the Old Testament commandments.

Did Jesus say He did not come to abolish the so-called moral law but only the so-called civil and ceremonial law? No, “until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law [all of it] until all is accomplished.” What did Jesus mean, “Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven?” Does that mean that those who annul the so-called civil and ceremonial parts of the law will be the least?

If “whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven,” what does that mean? How can it be that, “unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven?” Could it be that the entire law, scripturally divided as commandments, statutes and judgments, has a spiritual application? Let’s look at Jesus’ commentary on the law.

The Spirit of Murder

In the letter of the law most of us would say we are not murderers, but Jesus has a different take on the spirit of the law against murder.

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.” (Matthew 5:21-26 NLT)

Which of us has not been unrighteously angry or hurled verbal abuse at someone else? How hard is it to reconcile with those who have deeply hurt us or our families? How hard is it to quickly settle out of court rather than be taken to court by an enemy? Most of us can rightly claim not to have murdered someone according to the letter of the law, but the spirit and attitude of murder are very different matters.

The spirit of murder is found in unrighteous anger, verbal abuse and an unwillingness to even attempt reconciliation. It may not always be possible and mutual trust may not come for a very long time, but have we even tried?

How does this play out between the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox churches, the Eastern and Western church, between Protestants and Catholics, and between different Protestant denominations? Have we allowed too many twigs or non-essentials to murder fellowship? Would we excuse burning those of a different denomination at the stake as did some of our ancestors?

How is our attitude on the road? Do we drive like we have murder on our hearts? How is our attitude to politics? Though we may not trust either side, do we slay them with verbal abuse? Is the spirit of murder or value for human life, both born and unborn, within our hearts?

Salt and Light

What do people with the beautiful attitudes described in the beatitudes do for the world?

Salt

Jesus describes them as being like salt.

Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.”

To understand this verse we must know that salt in those times was not defined in chemical terms as pure sodium chloride or calcium chloride as today, but was a rock which contained a salt, and as such the rock called “salt” could lose its saltiness. That being said, Jesus compliments His disciples by calling them salt, and by extension all those who make the world taste good because of the attitudes He spoke about.

Light

The same could be said of light. These beautiful attitudes provide light in an otherwise dark world.

Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Being a light is intentional. We may not hide our good deeds, but do good things with a particular attitude in mind. We do not do good to be spiritual show-offs. Jesus later spoke of praying, fasting and giving alms with the wrong self-glorifying motive to be seen by men. Here he shows that we ought to do good works in front of men, but with a different attitude, the notion of glorifying God.

If we want to be like Jesus, we will be salt and light. We will make the world taste better. We will preserve the good. We will also make the world a much brighter place.

Beautiful Attitudes

Definitely the crowning explanation of the spirit of the law is Jesus’ commentary on the law in the Sermon on the Mount. It’s the climax of our discussion. Let’s examine some key elements.

Jesus begins His commentary on the law with the beatitudes, sometimes called the beautiful attitudes, which is a good description. As an analysis of the spiritual attitudes that are missing from legalism, the beatitudes are a masterpiece. These are foundational attitudes for the rest of the Sermon on the Mount.

Translators have struggled with the Greek word for “blessed” over the centuries, because it literally means happy, but it is more than mirth, mere laughter or momentary happiness. It is what we may say colloquially as “more than happy.” It is being well-off, blessed. And “blessed” is the word that most translators have settled upon, because it is a happiness that is long-term and transcends normal human cheerfulness. The happiness that comes with these attitudes comes from heaven. The attitudes are from above. They are blessed.

Poor in Spirit

One way to look at the beatitudes is to contrast them with their opposites. What’s the opposite of being destitute or poor in spirit? What about being affluent in spirit, or self-satisfied in spirit? Thinking that we are sufficient to ourselves and not in need of God is obviously a delusion, living a lie. Poverty of the spirit is facing reality, because we certainly cannot claim to be self-sufficient like God.

Mourning

What is the opposite of mourning or lamenting guilt? What about delighting in and even praising guilt? That is a danger in any society. It too is a delusion. Mourning for our own and society’s sins opens the door to possible repentance and thereby creates a better world.

Meekness

What is the opposite of meekness, gentleness and humility? What about disobedience, cruelty and pretentious arrogance? Such an attitude is found among those who are unlikely to care about others, and therefore not advantageous to a healthy society. Selfish societies die. A lack of meekness causes destruction from within any society? An attitude of humility is more pleasant company than arrogance? A society built on the basis of mutual love and assistance is healthy and more likely to thrive.

Hunger and Thirst for What’s Right

What is the opposite attitude of hungering and thirsting for justice and doing the right thing? What about hungering and thirsting for corruption, dishonesty, dishonor and lawlessness? What kind of society can survive when these attitudes gain the upper hand? How is hunger and thirst for doing the right thing good? When a majority of people want to do the right thing, how much better is our world?

Merciful

What is the opposite of mercy, pity and compassion? Is intolerance, ill will, hatred, indifference and tyranny harmful? How many suffer under such societies today? How many even in our politically free countries suffer because of this attitude among the powerful and wealthy? Would not a merciful society be a wonderful place to live? Doesn’t it all start with our attitudes?

Pure in Heart

What’s the opposite of being clean, pure, unstained, and innocent of heart? Is being dirty-minded, impure, tarnished and immoral good? How can a world survive if everyone is only thinking of ways to take from their neighbor? The business world is better off if in every transaction we seek to make a win-win instead of a win-lose. It makes better business sense that our customers trust us and will keep returning because we have treated them from an attitude with a pure heart, rather than a corrupt and dishonest heart.

Peacemakers

What’s the opposite of being pacific, loving peace and being a peace-maker? Is being constantly agitated, loud, quarrelsome and an instigator profitable? Is not life so much better when we are not constantly quarrelling between nations, between neighbors and family members? Making peace sometimes means walking away from a fight, taking a loss in a transaction, refraining from criticism or revenge. It’s not always easy to make peace, but isn’t the world a better place when there is peace?

Persecuted for Doing What’s Right

What is the opposite of being persecuted, harassed or hunted down for righteousness? Is it being commended for doing wrong, encouraged to be corrupt, left alone to continue being dishonest? Even though persecution is not a pleasant thing, is it not better to be harrassed for standing up for what is right, than to live in a world that allows corruption to continue?

The beatitudes are not just a naïve view of the world, but a practical way to live and create a healthy society. It’s the way of the kingdom of heaven for all eternity.

The Spirit of Truth-Telling Laws

In the Old Testament vows were taken very seriously. The positive side of this topic in the Old Testament was that a vow was taken more seriously than many modern written contracts. The negative side of this topic in the Old Testament was that at least two people died due to foolish vows and stubborn pride.

Deuteronomy 23:21-23 When you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay to pay it, for it would be sin in you, and the Lord your God will surely require it of you. However, if you refrain from vowing, it would not be sin in you. You shall be careful to perform what goes out from your lips, just as you have voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God, what you have promised.

How does that work for coerced vows of celibacy, or truth telling in a court of law, or pledges of allegiance, or broken marriage vows? Jesus did mention some overall principles regarding the spirit of this law.

Matthew 5:33-37 “Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.

The foolishness of swearing by a stack of Bibles, or our mother’s grave, are modern equivalents of invoking superstitious objects to coerce our truth-telling. A Bible, a raised right hand and an oath in a courtroom are merely modern leverages to try and coerce truth. Christians ought to not need such pressure to tell the truth, but always give truthful testimony anyway.

What do you do when the ethics in the church is worse than that of the world? What do you do when you are slandered in a church meeting, remembering that the word devil means slanderer? What do you do when someone lies about you in church, remembering who is the father of lies? What do you do when bullies in the church engage in defamation of your character and toss you aside like unwanted trash? The church ought to be better than this, but remember, it was religious leaders who called for Jesus’ death and encouraged false witnesses to testify against Him. True Christians can expect to be lied about in the world, and at times even in the church. Remember Jesus’ words, Father forgive them; they don’t know what they are doing!

Jesus and the Law, Part 2

Imagine a commentary on the Old Testament by Jesus Christ. It would be the best, and we have one in the Sermon on the Mount. Let’s begin to understand the intent of the law by its author. Let’s look at murder, adultery and bearing false witness in Matthew 5:21-37.

Murder

Matthew 5:21-26 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”

23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”

Jesus angrily turned over the money-changers’ tables (Matthew 21:12-13), and was angry with the Pharisees’ hard hearts (Mark 3:1-5) without sin (Ephesians 4:26-27). Unrighteous anger (Proverbs 15:18) is discerned by what comes out of our mouths, hate words, verbal abuse. The opposite is valuing human life.

Obeying just the letter of the law misses its purpose, love. Jesus encouraged us to reconcile with enemies if possible, or at least find some kind of agreement quickly, lest the whole matter go to an unjust court and we lose everything. The opposite of murder is reconcile or settle.

Adultery

Matthew 5:27-32 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.”

31 “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

The letter of a law leaves loopholes as long as the specific forbidden act is not done. Jesus addressed the principle. As anger can lead to murder, lust can lead to adultery. Exaggerating to make the point, Jesus suggested self-mutilation, a sin. He meant: take drastic steps to avoid adultery.

Is all divorce a sin? Jesus’ exception is “porneia.” Louw-Nida defines that as sexual immorality of any kind. The Friberg Lexicon defines it as every kind of extramarital, unlawful, or unnatural sexual intercourse. Jesus is stricter than we are, but the general principle is: easy divorce is not God’s way.

Bearing False Witness

Matthew 5:33-37 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

Rather than make rash promises that we may not be able to keep, God inspired James, “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.’" (James 4:15) Foolish and superstitious oaths don’t guarantee truth. Simply answer yes or no.

Ever felt like you are never good enough? Let’s face it! We’ve all been verbally abusive, lustful and broken promises. But it doesn’t end there. Take it to God. It’s over, forgiven! Don’t live in the failures of the past, but in the forgiven life of the people of Christ.
New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Readings

1) Deuteronomy 30:15-20

15 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

17 But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, 18 I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.

19 This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

And that’s God’s Word for today from Deuteronomy...

Do we love God or not? Do we make excuses why we will not hear Him? Today God has given us the choice between life and death, blessings and curses. Heaven and earth witness our choice. Oh, that we would choose life, so that we and our descendants might live!

2) Psalm 119:1-8

1 “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. 2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—3 they do no wrong but follow his ways. 4 You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. 5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! 6 Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. 7 I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. 8 I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.”

And that’s the Aleph section, the 1st of 22 parts to Psalm 119...

Whole-hearted servants of God diligently keep themselves pure. They love God’s teachings, remember His testimonies, seek Him wholeheartedly. They have no interest in worldly iniquity. God’s way is their meditation, and they desire it above everything. In deep humility know how imperfect we are and strive to live God’s way.

3) 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

1 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?

5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

The Word of God for the people of God…

The Corinthians were immature Christians who gloried in factions. The apostle reminds them that all ministers contribute to God’s work not their own and not to party factions. We are all workers along with God, who is pleased to associate us with Himself in the great work of His kingdom.

Matthew 5:21-37 in Rhyme

You’ve heard it said, You shall not kill
But I tell you don’t bear ill will
Angry, shouting verbal abuse
Using insults there’s no excuse

If while giving your offering
Mindful your brother has something
Against you, leave your gift and go
First be reconciled with your foe
Best settled quickly out of court
Than thrown in jail for a fake tort

So, Don’t commit adultery
And I say don’t look lustfully
If your right eye looks, gouge it out
If your right hand rubs do without
Better a body part expel
Than your whole body go to hell

Give the wife a divorce decree
Except for immorality
She’s victim of adultery
And don’t marry a divorcee

You’ve heard it said, Don’t break your oath
But to the Lord fulfill your troth
But I tell you, don’t swear at all
By heaven, or earth, His footstool

Or by Jerusalem city
Or by your head black or snowy
All you need is say, ‘Yes’ or ‘No’
All else is evil don’t you know

Jesus and the Law

Jesus condemned whoever sets aside the least of God’s commands. What does that mean? Let’s learn what our relationship to the law is. Let’s examine salt, light and the law in Matthew 5:13-20.

You ARE Salt

Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”

How can salt lose its flavor? Good Bible study involves historical research, in order to make informed conclusions. We must be open to ancient definitions of things. Their definition of “salt” was most probably a mixture of gypsum and what we call salt today. This mingling could lose its “saltiness.”

You ARE Light

Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Jesus said, his disciples are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. This was encouragement to be what they already were. We too are the salt that gives the world a good taste and the light that brightens this dark planet. Salt preserves. Let’s be ourselves.

Lamps Give Light

Matthew 5:15 “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

Some Christians hide their faith. Being a closet Christian contradicts what Jesus taught. A city on a hill cannot be hid. A light is meant to be seen, not hidden away in secret. What must be seen? Our good deeds must shine, not to boast, but so that others may glorify God.

Good Works

Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Jesus encouraged his disciples to do good deeds. We don’t do good works in order to be saved, but because we are saved. “Do-nothing” Christianity is incomplete and weak. Faith without works is dead. One of the most effective forms of letting our light shine is by our good deeds.

Law not Abolished

Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

The law of Moses (the Torah) is the first 5 books of the Old Testament. The rest of the Old Testament is often called the writings. Jesus endorsed the entire Old Testament for Christians. Jesus did not do away with the Old Testament but fulfilled it. How? Let’s keep reading.

Letter or Spirit?

Matthew 5:18 “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”

Has the Old Testament been handed down to us faithfully? Jesus claims that no part of it is missing, not the smallest letter. Jesus endorses of every part of the Old Testament, even those parts that moderns don’t like. The Bible is the most historically accurate document in all history.

613 Commandments

Matthew 5:19 “Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

In an age when some pick and choose which parts of the Bible they agree with or not, Jesus endorses the entire Old Testament, all its 613 commandments. After this Jesus began to teach how Christians obey the law better than the Pharisees did, in the spirit of the law.

A Better Righteousness

Matthew 5:20 “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Deuteronomy expounds the Ten Commandments (#1 6-11; #2 12; #3 13:1-14:21; #4 14:22-16:17; #5 16:18-18:22; #6 19-21; #7 22:1-23:14; #8 23:15-24:7; #9 24:8-16; #10 24:17-26:15).[1] However, the letter of the law kills (2 Corinthians 3:6) and there is a righteousness by faith that is superior to the righteousness of the law.

[1] Hill, Andrew E. & Walton, John H. “A Survey of the Old Testament.” Zondervan Publishing House. 1991. 58.

The only option left is keeping the law in spirit. For example, circumcision is not of the flesh but the heart (Romans 2:29); there remains a Sabbath rest in Jesus for eternity (Matthew 11:28; Hebrews 4) and love fulfills the whole law (Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:14).

The letter of the law is not righteous enough. It’s the way to cultish legalism. We fulfill the law via Jesus’ law of love. The law can teach us, but it is only a shadow of things to come. The cross is the reality. Love in action fulfills the law, all of it.

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Readings

Isaiah 58:1-12

1 “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the descendants of Jacob their sins. 2 For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them. 3 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. 4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? 6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness a will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. 11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. 12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

And that was God’s word through Isaiah.

True religion is more than outward rites. It includes a change of heart, evidenced by good works.

Psalm 112

1 Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. 2 Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. 4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. 5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.

6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. 7 They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. 8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. 9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor. 10 The wicked will see and be vexed, they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.

Thus ends the reading from Psalm 112.

This psalm praises God for blessings in this life, for spiritual wealth, consolation and a blessed life.

1 Corinthians 2:1-12

1 And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him — 10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us

The word of God for the people of God.

Spiritual wisdom is higher than worldly wisdom. The gospel is both milk for babes and meat for adults. Are we ready for the meat yet?

Matthew 5:13-20 in Rhyme

You all are the salt of the earth
But if the salt has lost its worth
Can you make it salty again?
No, it will just be ditched by men

You all are light the world to fill
You can’t hide a town on a hill
Nor hide lamps under basket domes
Lamps are meant to light up our homes

Let good deeds shine for all to see
They’ll praise your Father heavenly
The law or prophets, I’ll not kill
No, I came the law to fulfill

Till heaven and earth pass away
The law’s smallest details will stay
So don’t annul the least command
Teaching the same to those at hand

You’ll be the least in the Kingdom
So obey God’s laws and teach them
You’ll be great in the Kingdom

Unless your righteousness exceeds
That of the scribes and Pharisees
You’ll never be there guaranteed!

Secrets of Happiness

What are the secrets of happiness? Are they really secrets or just ignored? Let’s understand secrets of true, permanent happiness, found in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12.

Poor in Spirit

Matthew 5:1-3 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them. 3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

The word usually translated as blessed also means happy. Most translators seem to have come to the same conclusion, that happiness can be fleeting, but blessedness remains. The beatitudes are keys to a core inner condition. So, the word blessed was chosen, because yes, we can be more than happy.

Poor people are dispossessed, abandoned, with a deep sense that the world has failed them. Can the wealthy be poor in spirit? Wealth deceives many into thinking that they are more important than the “little people.” Has the world provided for us or has the world in reality failed us?

Jesus did not say “poor in possessions” but “poor in spirit.” The description is independent of this material world. The blessed of God rely on God not this world’s possessions, but boldly face the truth of our abject spiritual poverty. We are blessed when heaven rules us, not material possessions.

Poor means destitute and without food, not someone who believes they are spiritually filled, in need of nothing, obnoxious, self-satisfied, shallow, judgmental, and deluded by spiritual fools-gold. Being poor in spirit is simply facing up to the facts. We are all desperately poor and in need of God’s merciful provision.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” not will be but is. The kingdom of heaven is both future and here now. True Christians are not spiritually arrogant, deluded, but those who know they are neither filled nor satisfied, but spiritually destitute.

Mourning

Matthew 5:4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

There is a time to mourn (Ecclesiastes 3:4). It’s part of repentance. Mourning prepares a change of heart. Fasting is associated with mourning, humbling ourselves before God (James 4:7-10), cleansing our hands of dirty deeds and purifying our hearts of wrongful thoughts. There is no joy in sin.

What if we never learn from our mistakes? Never mourning for personal sins is a dangerous attitude. Mourning means there is hope for better decisions next time. If we don’t mourn our mistakes, we will never be comforted. So yes, blessed are those that mourn, for THEY will be comforted.

Meekness

Matthew 5:5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.

Inheriting the land can be a metaphor for God’s provision. Who is more likely to be given a job, the arrogant misfit or the humble team player? Humility is ignored by the proud to their own hurt. Surely, the meek are blessed and inherit all the good things of life.

Weak people cover failures with lies. Meek people are strong enough to face the truth, that life is a mere vapor. Humble people are good company, not arrogant people. Overbearing buffoons don’t last long. Gentle people are loved by all and inherit the land after spineless bullies are long forgotten.

Righteousness

Matthew 5:6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.

Praying “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” asks for God’s righteousness on earth. Is this impossible? The Holy Spirit patiently works with us and pricks our consciences to do right. Jesus promises that if we crave justice and what is right, we will be filled.

Righteousness is out of fashion. Our world craves to do wrong, yet there is an emptiness that can only be filled by righteousness. Jesus said blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Those who do, find an incredible sense of happiness beyond words, a blessing directly from heaven.

This is far above the fleeting thrills and hilarity of this world. What is right about right? Wrong produces pleasure for a night, a headache tomorrow and grinding burdens for life. The secret is that righteousness may be difficult, but it leaves unspoiled happiness for this life and the next.

Mercy

Matthew 5:7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Our world is cruel, intolerant, indifferent, tyrannical, disdainful, accusatory, punishing, and totally lacking mercy. Who really cares about the sick or needy? Thankfully some tender-hearted souls work with sinners to guide them towards a better life. Jesus promised that if we show mercy, we too will be shown mercy.

Lack of mercy creates a police-state like atmosphere of secrecy and distrust. Mercy creates an atmosphere of trust, a warm, affirming atmosphere. Without mercy, we tend to cover up problems and leave them unresolved. In an atmosphere of mercy, we are not afraid to admit mistakes and they can be worked on.

Pure-Heartedness

Matthew 5:8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

The Pharisees were clean on the outside (Matthew 23:26). Being clean before God begins on the inside. It is not naivety but innocence, a motivation to do good without pretense, to carry no malice or dishonesty in our hearts. How can the real world survive without such blessed people?

What results from pure motives, which only come from God (Ezekiel 36:25-27)? The pure hearted will see God. Is that because they see the hand of God behind things? Do those with pure motives look for God in everything and thus see Him? Are our hearts contaminated or pure?

Peacemakers

Matthew 5:9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

Imagine the anarchy if nobody tried to negotiate peace. Humanity exists in a constant state of hostility. Peacemakers bring a measure of calm to a potentially escalating situation often at great personal sacrifice. Some people love a good fight. Only peacemakers are blessed to be called the children of God.

Jesus said blessed are the peace-MAKERS, not the peace-attempters. If peacemakers are blessed, are peace-breakers cursed? Nobody likes a troublemaker. Pride may prevent making peace, but necessity demands it. Living in freedom must also include freedom from strife and warfare. Peace does not just happen. It has to be made.

Persecution for Righteousness

Matthew 5:10-12 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

Persecution can be mild criticism or bad enough to flee town (Matthew 20:23). A quarter of Christians suffer severe mistreatment worldwide. If we cherish what is right, loving God, we will be hated. Persecution for righteousness tells us clearly that we are blessed because we are on God’s side.

If we do the right thing, we’ll be insulted and vilified. It’s a badge of honor. It confirms that we are on God’s side. The opposite is also true. If everyone loves us, maybe we are doing something wrong. When harassment comes because we did right, it is a blessing.

Heavenly thinking brings happiness. It’s humility, mourning, meekness, right living, mercy, clean-heartedness, making peace and harassment for doing what is right. Happiness is being more heavenly minded than earthly minded. Let’s learn to be truly happy.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Readings

1) Micah 6:1-8

1 Listen to what the Lord is saying: “Stand up and state your case against me. Let the mountains and hills be called to witness your complaints. 2 And now, O mountains, listen to the Lord’s complaint! He has a case against his people. He will bring charges against Israel. 3 “O my people, what have I done to you? What have I done to make you tired of me? Answer me! 4 For I brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to help you. 5 Don’t you remember, my people, how King Balak of Moab tried to have you cursed and how Balaam son of Beor blessed you instead? And remember your journey from Acacia Grove to Gilgal, when I, the Lord, did everything I could to teach you about my faithfulness.” 6 What can we bring to the Lord? Should we bring him burnt offerings? Should we bow before God Most High with offerings of yearling calves? 7 Should we offer him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins? 8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Thus ends the reading from the prophet Micah.

Micah asks us to listen to God, who has a controversy with humanity. God challenges us to find fault with Him. He delivered Israel from Egyptian slavery and gave them their own land. We are in heaven’s great court, arraigned before our Judge, and commanded to listen to His voice.

We too are commanded to give a full explanation of our conduct. If we have any fault to find with God, let’s bring it forth. Let’s also repent and be grateful for His wonderful mercies. God requires us to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly in fellowship with Him.

2) Psalm 15

A psalm of David. 1 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? 2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. 3 Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. 4 Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts. 5 Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.

Thus ends the reading from the Psalms.

We are imperfect, yet we strive to have perfect character. This describes the person we all want to become. We are inspired to copy God’s character, with a social life marked by heavenly patterns and noble virtues. Our goal is heaven. Blessed are those who make heaven their role model.

3) 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 19 As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.” 20 So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish.

21 Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.22 It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom.23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.

24 But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. 26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28 God chose things despised by the world,things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29 As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.

30 God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. 31 Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”

The Word of God for the people of God!

Without the cross. Christianity is meaningless. To the Jews, who looked for a conquering Messiah, the cross was a stumbling block. To the Greeks, who looked to human wisdom, the cross seemed foolish. We all come to God by the same path, confessing sin and the failure of human wisdom.

Matthew 5:1-12 in Rhyme

When Jesus saw the crowds around
He climbed a mountain and sat down
Then His disciples came to Him
He opened His mouth and taught them

The poor in spirit they are blest
For heaven’s kingdom they’ve possessed
Blest and happy are those who mourn
For comfort will to them return

The meek and gentle they are blest
For the earth will be their bequest
Blessed are those who want to do right
For they’ll be satisfied forthright

Blest are those who are merciful
For they’ll be shown mercy [in full]
God blesses those whose hearts are pure
Because they will see God [for sure]

Blest and happy are peacemakers
They’ll be sons of God [our Maker’s]
Blest those harassed for doing right
Heaven’s kingdom is theirs outright

Blest are you when you’re insulted
For My sake smeared, persecuted
Joy! Your reward in heaven’s great
For the prophets you emulate

Giving and Loving

Intro

Did Jesus tell us to be as perfect as God? How is that possible?

Goal

Let us understand the measure of love God expects.

Sermon Plan

We will examine Matthew 5:38-48, an eye for an eye, insults, generosity, enemies, borrowers and God’s love.

Matthew 5:38 “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. 40 If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. 41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. 42 Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.

43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Matthew 5:38 Eye for Eye

How did Jesus explain an eye for an eye? Jesus addressed a law that many have applied in error, an eye for an eye, legally called lex talionis. A vindictive application might be trading tit for tat, escalating hostilities and hindering peace. A principle might be monetary compensation equal to an eye. Jesus taught a higher application of the the eye for an eye principle. As with many of Jesus’ teachings, this is very hard. Jesus suggested that if we have been responsible for injury to another, go above and beyond in compensation. Jesus wants us to go further than mere justice. He wants us to learn to create good will.

Matthew 5:39 Insults

What did Jesus say about responding to an insulting backhanded slap on the cheek? He said to turn the other cheek, not to retaliate but to humiliate ourselves by allowing further slaps. Even the business world understands that the best thing to do with a customer complaint is to allow them to vent without interruption, to get it off their chest. Give them time to calm down, and after having a hearing, many become a more satisfied customer. If even the carnal world understands how to win people, by respectfully giving them opportunity to fully complain, then how much more should we take insults in order to win peace for Christ.

Matthew 5:40 Generosity

What did Jesus say about losing the shirt off our backs in court? Perhaps we lost before we even got to court, by letting things go too far (1 Corinthians 6:7)? Did we fail to create peace? Were we at fault? Either way, Jesus told his disciples how to really win in heaven’s eyes. Give more than was asked for. Go way above the settlement price. If someone sues us for the shirt off our backs, let’s gift wrap our coat as well and give it away to the plaintiff. Does Jesus want us to be suckers who are easily taken advantage of, or does living generously really work?

Matthew 5:41 Enemies

Why did Jesus suggest that if a soldier from enemy occupation forces asks us for help carrying their equipment a mile, we should carry it two? In Roman occupied Palestine, there was a law that if a Roman soldier asked any Jew for help, they were required to come to their aid. Jesus alluded to just such a scenario where it was common for an enemy soldier to ask a Jew to carry arms for a distance. Jesus suggested helping out to double the distance asked. Jesus challenges us by teaching what is the exact opposite of our natural inclination. God is impartial and treats all people equally. Do we?

Matthew 5:42 Lending

Why did Jesus encourage his disciples to lend to the borrower and not turn him away? We have all lent something which was not returned. We become reluctant to lend again. Did Jesus mean that we are to keep lending until we have nothing left? That is how some criticize Jesus. He spoke of one borrower, not an unlimited number. Our natural inclination is not to lend at all or with very few exceptions for family or close friends. It is that extreme that Jesus challenged. He challenges us also to consider lending without discrimination. Of course there are boundaries and limitations, but perhaps we could lend to at least one.

Matthew 5:43-47 Loving our Enemies

Why did Jesus say to love our enemies? Isn’t the rule, love your neighbor? Jesus expanded it to include everyone. We love our friends but hate our foes. Now Jesus wants us to love even our enemies? Is that possible? How can that make any sense in a world of war and crime? We tend to follow the example of the good neighbors around us who treat their friends with respect and dignity, but Jesus challenged us to live above the standards of our neighborhood. We are to live by heavenly standards. Those standards are not defined by address, flag or national border, but by God who loves all peoples equally.

Matthew 5:48 Spiritual Maturity

How could Jesus expect us to become perfect? Should we be more nitpicky than the hypocritical Pharisees? The word perfect is better understood to mean mature or complete. It has nothing to do with nit-picky Christianity at all. Being obsessed with non-essentials is a mark of spiritual immaturity. Mature Christians are salty. They taste good. Mature Christians are a bright shining light. They are liberated from picky legalism. Mature Christians reconcile rather than harbor grudges. They preserve the sanctity of marriage. They are not pretentious, create good will and take insults without retribution. They are generous people who do not quibble and would treat an enemy the same as a friend.

Outro

It is impossible for us to live morally perfect lives, but we can grow in God’s love. Let’s start with our closest enemy.

Jesus Explains the Law

Intro

If we could read a commentary on the Old Testament from Jesus Christ how would that be? Well, we actually have that in the Sermon on the Mount.

Goal

Let’s see the intent of the law by its author, the One who is God with us.

Sermon Plan

Let’s examine Matthew 5:21-37, the laws on murder, adultery and bearing false witness and their real intent.

Matthew 5:21 “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ 22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. 23 “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. 25 “When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.

27 “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 31 “You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ 32 But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.

33 “You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ 34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. 35 And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. 36 Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. 37 Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Matthew 5:21-26 Murder

Is all anger sin? Jesus was angry when he turned over the money-changers’ tables (Matthew 21:12-13) and he was angry with the Pharisees for their hard hearts (Mark 3:1-5). There is an anger without sin (Ephesians 4:26-27). The anger of mourning or for the injustice of the world is not necessarily sinful. We do need to be careful with our anger (Proverbs 15:18), because anger at people can cause us to sin. It is the root of murder. Jesus showed that although most of us may have never actually committed murder in the letter, we are guilty of breaking the spirit of the law in any unrighteous anger.

How do we tell the difference between righteous and unrighteous anger? - by what comes out of our mouths. Words of hate for others, that murder the reputation of another are not godly. Hate words are excuses for treating people with prejudice, paying so-called “little people” poorly, giving grossly excessive salaries to so-called “big people.” Jesus condemned this way of dealing with fellow human beings. It is such an offense that it could be charged in heaven’s court. Jesus is serious about this and those who use such words are in danger of hell. We are called to live the opposite of this kind of verbal abuse, by valuing human life.

What is the spirit of murder? Obeying just the letter of the law “thou shalt not murder” misses its purpose, love. We may have never killed in the letter. When calling others nobodies or stupid, we deceive ourselves that we are not criminals. Jesus explained that such insults put us in the same category as murderers. He encouraged us to operate in a totally opposite way. First, to reconcile with our enemies if possible. When that is not possible, we ought to at least find some kind of agreement quickly, lest the whole matter go to an unjust court and we lose everything.  The opposite of murder is reconcile or settle.

Matthew 5:27-32 Adultery

What did Jesus teach about “thou shalt not commit adultery?” The problem with the letter of any law is that it gives excuse to use loopholes as long as the specific forbidden act is not done. Jesus addressed the principle using the example of a lustful look. As anger can lead to murder, lust can lead to adultery. Both begin in our hearts. Jesus challenged us to see the thought as essentially the same as the act. As with murder, there is a positive alternative. Jesus shocked everyone by suggesting self-mutilation. Such self-harm is sin. So, Jesus was exaggerating to make a point. We must take drastic steps to avoid adultery.

Is all divorce a sin? Jesus gave the exception as “porneia.” Louw-Nida defines that as sexual immorality of any kind. The Friberg Lexicon defines it as every kind of extramarital, unlawful, or unnatural sexual intercourse. Jesus’ position on divorce is stricter than western culture, but does provide freedom for the sexually-wronged marriage partner. His description was broad enough that the sin could be something either during or even before a marriage took place. In 1 Corinthians 7:14-15, Paul explained that if an unbelieving spouse walks out, the believing spouse is free from the marriage. There are arguably other exceptions, but the general principle is: easy divorce is not God’s way.

Matthew 5:33-37 Bearing False Witness

The Old Testament forbade bearing false witness, including making an oath and not fulfilling it. Jesus encouraged not to swear fake oaths, but to just say yes or no. Swearing by external things is artificial and does not guarantee fulfillment of an obligation. Using this form of leverage supposedly makes a person more believable. It emphasizes how we humans are too often unreliable and untruthful. By invoking heaven or earth, we delude ourselves that this veneer of honesty can change liars into truth-tellers and covenant breakers into contract keepers. We Christians do not need to engage in such self-deceptive swearing. We simply need to be truthful as best as we can.

Are pledges, covenants, vows or oaths in court Christian? God confirmed His promises by an oath (Hebrews 6:16-18), Jesus answered a question stated as an oath (Matthew 26:63-64), and Paul called upon God as his witness that he was telling the truth (2 Corinthians 1:23) and not a lie (Galatians 1:20). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus did not say “swear not at all” period. He preached against swearing an oath too lightly. People do not take oaths seriously. Jesus did not condemn sincere oaths, but frivolous and deceptive ones. Rather than making oaths to cover up perjury or insincerity, simply answer yes or no.

Outro

Jesus showed if we claim not to have murdered but were angry or insulting, we failed. If we claim to be faithful spouses, but have lusted at any time, we failed. If we claim to tell the truth, but have ever broken a promise, we failed. The Sermon on the Mount should teach us we have all failed. Only Jesus was faultless. That’s why we need a Savior.