MATTHEW 5:38-42 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Responding To WRONGDOING There is something deep within the human heart that demands justice be served for wrongs done and for atrocities committed. When we have been hurt, mocked, falsely accused, insulted, violated, injured, persecuted, wronged, betrayed, slandered, discriminated against, etc., we typically desire to take matters into our own hands and execute justice the way we see fit. In order to satisfy ourselves first and foremost. However, what complicates the situation even more is when those through whom the offense comes have little to no remorse over sins they’ve committed, they have no desire to truly change their foolish behavior but continue on their path and pattern of abuse with no consideration or remorse for injuries caused. However, how do we respond to those who show no remorse for acts committed against us? What is the proper way to respond to evil? How should you and I respond when we are wronged? As we continue to examine Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. The picture he prints truly becomes clearer and clearer that God demands a “righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees and the Teachers of the law” (Matthew 5:20). Jesus presented a righteousness that characterized his Father’s kingdom. thus, revealing the righteousness that God expects of the citizens of his kingdom, by contrasting it with the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. So far, we have seen nothing the law actually said, but only how the Law had often been interpreted and applied by the Scribes and Pharisees. Jesus had taught his disciples the importance of having the right attitude(3-12), aptitude (13-16), latitude (17-20), and now the right fortitude (5:21-7:1-27), again by contrasting what He expected of His disciples and what was taught by the scribes and Pharisees. We have seen Jesus contrast God’s righteousness with what “was said to the people long ago.” He showed from God’s perspective a righteousness that matters. In our lesson tonight, we shall look closely at what Jesus taught concerning vengeance, and how we should respond to an evil person. Let's consider first. THE LAW OF MOSES ON WRONGDOING The passages concerning an “eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” are expressions found in two places in the law in Exodus 21:24-25 and a parallel passage in Deuteronomy 19:21. This was both a command to punish and a limitation on punishment. The penalty must not exceed the crime. • 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. – Exodus 21:24-25 • 21 Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. – Deuteronomy 19:21 Note carefully what is being communicated in these verses found in the books of the law – Deuteronomy 19:15-21; Exodus 21:22-23. Therefore, according to the Hebrew Bible, authority for punishment was vested in the government, not in the individual. So that these verdicts were applied only by the courts, for fair and balanced judgments. The principles given here were to guide the priests and the judges in issuing proper rewards and punishments. What the Pharisees and scribes had done, they had interpreted these statements for personal use and/or to justify personal retribution! They applied these laws by frequently taking matters of revenge into their own hands. Just as some of us do today! The law repeatedly forbids “personal” vengeance, that is taking matters into our own hands. Or become vigilantes of our own justice and retribution. Consider carefully how these other passages read in Leviticus 19:18; Proverbs 20:22; 24:29 • Leviticus 19:18 • Proverbs 20: 22 • Proverbs 24: 29 These passages clearly forbid us from taking personal revenge, but instead for us to make room for God’s vengeance and his appointed governing authorities. In both the Old and New Testaments, the matter of justice was to be left up to God and His ordained agents: civil governments! Here are some examples from the scriptures. • Romans 12:19 • Romans 13:1-4 • 1 Peter 2:13-14 There is clearly no difference between what we find in the Law and what we find in the New Testament in this regard. “Personal” vengeance has no place in the lives of those who are the children of God! Vengeance is to be reserved for God and government. Secondly, let's consider… THE PROPER RESPONSE TO WRONGDOING In this passage, Jesus proclaimed two principles... First principle: Do not resist an evil person (39a) Not only should we not take vengeance into our own hands...But clearly from Jesus’ words here, we should not even oppose (resist) the evil person when the evil is being done! Second principle: Respond to evil by doing good! (39b-42) Jesus illustrates this principle with several examples... • In responding to physical abuse (39b) o How should we respond? o We respond by "Turning the other cheek." o This may refer to accepting mistreatment without personally retaliating or seeking revenge. • In responding to a civil suit o How should we respond? o We respond by giving more than what the person is suing for! (40) • In responding to government oppression o How should we respond? o We respond by offering to do more than what is being demanded of us! (41) • In responding to those asking for help. o How should we respond? o We respond by giving them what they ask! (42) In each case, the principle is the same, we are not to resist any person... • Those who would mistreat us. • Those who would try to deprive us of our possessions. Instead, we should respond positively by demonstrating love towards them. We ought to do so by freely giving them more than they were hoping to gain by power, domination, or exploitation! Should we take what Jesus is saying here literally? We have several O.T. examples... • Joseph forgave his brothers for their mistreatment of him – Genesis 45:4-15 • David spared the life of Saul, even though Saul wanted so to kill him – 1 Samuel 24:8-15. • Elisha fed the army of the Arameans and they ceased raiding Israel’s territory – 2 Kings 6:8-23. • Daniel relayed to the king his dream, although he wanted all the wise men killed Daniel being one of them. – Daniel 2:12 • Hosea's faithfulness to his wife, although she was unfaithful to him as a wife – Hosea 2 We also have several N.T. examples... • Jesus, our prime example – 1 Peter 2:20-23 • Stephen, when he was being stoned – Acts 7:59-60 • The Hebrew Christians, who "joyfully accepted" the plundering of their goods – Hebrews 10:32-34 Paul is clear in his letter to Romans, Romans 12:19-21, how we as believers should respond to wrong being down to us. I see two practical principles here… 1. We must not seek to avenge ourselves. 2. We must seek to overcome evil with good. Lastly, let's consider. SOME MORE PRACTICAL APPROACHES TO WRONGDOING How then do we apply these words of Jesus to everyday living? Here are my practical observations of Jesus’ words: 1. We are not to stand back and do nothing. 2. We are to always act in the best interest of others. 3. We are to always place justice in the hands of God and the governing authorities. 4. We are to meet the needs of those who ask, to the best of our abilities and beyond. 5. We are to reserve all punishment for God and the government. 6. We are to love and forgive, by letting God’s appointed agents handle whatever the given situation may be.
THE BOOK OF MATTHEW 5:33-37 33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have to the Lord made.’ 34 But I tell you, do not swear 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 Simply let your ‘Yes ’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” ‘KEEP YOUR WORD’ We live in a world in which the truth is often the first casualty among men. We would rather lie than tell the truth. And because of this predisposition, we have built an elaborate system of lawyers, notaries, contracts, and written agreements in order that men may keep the word they have made to each other. We sign these binding agreements to ensure that we do what we say we will do for each other. However, the sad commentary is, that none of it makes people more truthful or honest, because most of the dishonesty is in the fine print. Are you a man or woman of your word? When you say “yes” or “no”, do people take it as “gospel” (i.e., truth)? Are you someone whose word is questioned, unless confirmed with an oath? Last week we saw how Jesus dealt with divorce, when persons who were once married and bonded by an oath, reneged on the promises they made to each other and ended up going their separate ways. So, to further his teaching on commitment Jesus now speaks on the issue of oath swearing. In which He set a high standard for His disciples and devotees to follow. A standard that was to exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees, and also exceed the standards followed by many people today. This evening, we will reflect on what it means to ‘keep our word.’ And we will consider what Jesus taught from the standpoint of four questions: What did the Law of Moses teach concerning the swearing of oaths? How did the Scribes and Pharisees, interpret the Law? What did Jesus teach in response to the scribes and Pharisees' interpretation of the Law concerning oaths? Was Jesus forbidding the swearing of oaths in court? To answer the first question, what did the Law of Moses teach concerning the swearing of oaths? Let's consider first... THE LAW OF MOSES AND ITS VARIOUS QUOTATIONS ON SWEARING OF OATHS The Mosaic Law contained several prohibitions against swearing falsely by the name of God. Four scriptural passages will help us to see more clearly how these quotations are written in the Torah. Exodus 20:7 Leviticus 19:12 Numbers 19:12 Deuteronomy 23:21 The emphasis in all these passages of scripture is on truthfulness and faithfulness to God and your fellow man. To swear by God’s name meant that he was your witness and that you were telling the truth. Therefore, we must be truthful when we swear an oath; We must truly mean it. We must also be faithful in keeping the oath and ensure that it is carried out to completion. Do not misrepresent yourself in any way, shape or form. This emphasis on truthfulness was also conveyed by the psalmists and the prophets who stressed that truth should proceed from the heart. The Psalmist Psalm 15:1-2 Psalm 24:3-4. The Prophets Jeremiah 5:1-2 Hosea 4:1-2. So, the teaching of the Law is clear: Vows made to the Lord should be kept, and truthfulness in all things is expected. This leads me to our second question: How did the Scribes and Pharisees, interpret the Law? Let's consider secondly... THE SCRIBES' AND PHARISEES’ INTERPRETATION OF LAW CONCERNING THE SWEARING OF OATHS It appears from the words of Jesus here in Matthew 5:33 that the emphasis had shifted from truthfulness in all things to just honoring only those oaths that have been made to the Lord. Jesus says, “again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, Do not break your oath but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.” So from Jesus' words, the teaching long ago was, that only those vows made to the Lord were binding…this can also be seen clearly in the words of Jesus in Matthew 23:16-19 Due to these interpretations offered by the scribes and Pharisees, daily conversations were often spiced with meaningless oaths and fruitless impressions. They sought to avoid the impropriety of swearing falsely by God’s name by substituting it for “I swear by heaven”, “I swear by the throne of God”, “I swear...by the earth...by Jerusalem...by the altar...by the temple...by my head...” so that those oaths made only to the Lord were binding. These fruitless impressions released them from any responsibilities. By shifting the emphasis from truthfulness to honoring only those vows made to the Lord, the Scribes and Pharisees in their treatment of the Law justified the use of meaningless vows. This brings us to our third question: What did Jesus teach in response to the Scribes and Pharisees' interpretation of the Law concerning oaths? Let's consider Lastly... JESUS’ ILLUSTRATION AND EXPLANATION OF THE LAW ON OATHS Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees in their arbitrary distinctions. Jesus is clear that to make a distinction between vows made to the Lord and vows made to anything else, is meaningless, as he puts it “But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.” Jesus’ argument here clearly shows that when one swears by... “The temple” “The altar” “The Heavens” “The Earth” “The City of Jerusalem” “Your head” “The throne of God”...because regardless of where you swear, we cannot eliminate God from any of it, it all belongs to him. It is His creation, and it is all under His control. So that wherever you swear, you are swearing by the LORD also. The point Jesus was making here was that one cannot swear by these things without involving God. Jesus like the psalmist and the prophets appealed to the truthfulness of the heart. Jesus says, “Simply let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
“LAW ABIDING CITIZENS” Matthew 5:21-26 (NRSV) “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'You shall not murder'; and 'whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, 'You fool,' you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. The section of scripture that we will consider tonight marks the first of six contrasting statements in the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus shares with His newly called disciples. These statements are regarding what the disciples (and the people of that day) had been taught, versus what Jesus was now teaching. These six contrasting statements all begin with “…Ye have heard…But I say unto you” to show the contrast between what was taught then and what is being taught now. ▪For clarity: It’s important to note that Jesus WAS NOT contrasting His teaching to that of the teachings of Moses, but He was contrasting His teaching to that of the Pharisees and scribes. Christ had no argument with Moses; His argument was with the scribes and Pharisees of His day who perverted the truth in what they taught the people. The primary issue Jesus had with the teachings of the Pharisees and Scribes was how they LIMITED THE AREA OF APPLICATION concerning the law. They delighted in specific precepts but never saw an all-encompassing principle in any law. ■For example, if the law said, “Thou shalt not steal thy neighbor’s watermelon,” they would reason that it was only the neighbor’s watermelons that mattered therefore it was perfectly permissible for them to steal watermelons of someone who was not their neighbor. Furthermore, they would be very specific about defining who their “neighbor” was and it would be defined in the narrowest of limitations so that they could steal from as many people as possible. The Pharisees never saw THE PRINCIPLE in the command that conveyed all stealing was wrong. So, in regard to the command about murder, they limited it to the actual killing of someone. They never saw any enlargement of the command to include that which provoked the act of murder, or verbal abuse—which we know can lead to death. They focused on the DEED, NOT THE DISPOSITION which brought about the deed. THEREFORE, JESUS IN OUR TEXT EXPANDS ON THE LAW REGARDING MURDER. ➔Matthew 5:21-22 (NRSV) "You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'You shall not murder'; and 'whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, 'You fool,' you will be liable to the hell of fire. Jesus is trying to impress upon His disciples that conformity to the law must not be thought of in terms of actions only! Our thoughts, our motives, our intentions as well as our desires are equally important. THE LAW OF GOD IS CONCERNED WITH WHAT LEADS TO THE ACTION AS WELL AS THE ACTION ITSELF. THE LETTER OF THE LAW VERSUS THE SPIRIT OF THE LAW. oTHE LETTER OF THE LAW – refers to the literal interpretation of the law, focusing on the exact wording and language used in the legal text. It emphasizes strict adherence to the explicit requirements and rules stated in the law. oTHE SPIRIT OF THE LAW – refers to the intended purposes or the underlying principles behind the law. It looks beyond the literal wording of the law to consider the broader objectives, values, and goals that the law is designed to achieve. ■The trouble with the Pharisees and Scribes is they concentrated only on the LETTER, and they did so to the exclusion of the SPIRIT. It was such a problem that the Apostle Paul had to deal with the matter in his second letter to the Corinthians. Paul said in 2 COR. 3:5-6 [KJV] – “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” This is the attitude (the one the Pharisees possessed) THAT WANTS A SPECIFIC COMMANDMENT FOR EVERY EVIL! And if there is not a specific commandment for it, they do not see and will not recognize the conduct as evil. E.g., there’s no specific commandment regarding smoking. In regard to the enlarging of the application of the command against murder, Christ gives two examples of the enlargement of its application: One examples has to do with MURDER WITH OUR TEMPER and the other is MURDER WITH OUR TONGUE. MURDER WITH OUR TEMPER Jesus said, “But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; ■ALL ANGER IS NOT EVIL oJesus was angry with those who opposed Him healing on the Sabbath – Mark 3:5 oGod’s anger was kindled against the shepherds [rulers] Zech.10:3 oPaul said, “Be angry but sin not” Eph.4:26 The anger Jesus is referring to in the text is the emotion that oft times leads to violence, destruction and/or death. It is evil anger that has no justification. It is anger without cause. And it is this anger which He condemns that makes one just as guilty of violating the sixth commandment as actual murder itself. ❖CRIME OF PASSION – A term that describes a criminal act that is committed in the heat of the moment due to strong emotions such as anger, jealousy, or betrayal. These crimes are often associated with intense emotional reactions that lead to impulsive and violent behavior. What Jesus is conveying to His disciples in the text is that it is not just the deed of taking someone’s life that is the sin. It is the disposition that one has prior to taking someone’s life that is the sin as well! This concept contradicts the Pharisees, because they would say you are only in danger of the judgment when you actually murder a man, but Jesus said, “But I say unto you that if you are angry in your heart with a brother without a cause you are exposed to precisely the same punishment of the law.” MURDER WITH OUR TONGUE “…and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, 'You fool,' you will be liable to the hell of fire. ■JESUS IS FORBIDDING VERBAL ABUSE ■ABUSIVE LANGUAGE REVEALS THE TRUE STATE OF THE HEART Jesus said in MATT.12:34 [NIV] – “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Jesus said in MATT.15:18 [NIV] – “But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.” The word translated “Fool” means “stupid, dull” and we get the word “moron” via transliteration from the word. The word translated “Raca” means “empty”. It was a word use frequently to show contempt of a person. ■The Point Jesus Is Making Is That Words Can Be Murderous Prov.18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” ❖Lawsuit Claims Bullying, Verbal Abuse Led to US San Diego Athlete’s Suicide – THE NEED FOR RECONCILIATION So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. These sins which are included against the sixth commandment are sins that WE MUST PUT AWAY BEFORE WE WORSHIP! The teaching that Jesus is emphasizing is… RECONCILIATION HAS PRIORITY OVER WORSHIP! We normally think of worship as having the highest priority, but Christ tells us of a higher priority than worship…and that is RECONCILIATION with a brother with whom we have offended with sins that are against the sixth commandment. What Jesus is teaching is… ➔You Can’t Come and Worship With Me…When You’ve Done Wrong To Me! ➔Reconciliation Comes Before Worship. It was the doctrine of the Scribes, and the practices of the Pharisees corresponded with it, that anger, hatred, and the expression of these, if they did not go so far as the demonstration of an overt act of violence, God would not severely judge them and, in turn, accept their acts of worship, but Jesus refutes that notion. ❖THE FIRING OF KING SAUL ILLUSTRATES THE FUTILITY OF THIS NOTION. I Sam.15:22 – “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” Jesus Said Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. Here it is the great need of promptness to take care of the reconciliation matter lest judgment comes before reconciliation is accomplished. Let’s be reminded of Paul’s commandment to the church at Ephesus: “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil”.
Matthew 5:17-20 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. 18 I tell you the truth, 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. 19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do the same 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. 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. ENTERING INTO KINGDOM LIVING So far, we have been studying the sermon on the mount, and so far, Jesus has been teaching on the principles that govern persons who belong to his Father’s Kingdom. He has shown how this life progresses into what his Father wants. The two aspects of this life are seen here so far: The life of blessedness (the Beatitudes) The life of usefulness (salt and light) And now he confronts his audience with the life of righteousness, and how we as believers should live out this life of righteousness here and now. From Jesus’s statement here in Matthew 5: 17, many present were already questioning his authority. Certainly, from the beginning of his ministry, people had been awe-struck by his teachings. A -matter-of-fact Matthew records them this way: “…The people were astonished at his doctrine” (Matthew 7:8). “What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him” (Matthew 8:27). “But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God which had given such power unto men” (Matthew 9:8). “And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake and the multitudes marveled saying, it was never so seen in Israel” (Matthew 9:33). “And all the people were amazed and said is not this the son of David” (Matthew 12:23). “And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works” (Matthew 13:54). “But when they sought to lay hands on him they feared the multidude, because they took him for a prophet” (Matthew 21:46). “When they had heard these words, they marveled and left him, and went their way” (Matthew 22:22). “And when the multitude heard this they were astonished as his doctrine” (Matthew 22:33). It was only natural therefore that many were asking what the relation was between Jesus’ authority and the authority of the law of Moses. It was clear to the people that the scribes were submissive to the law, for they were the teachers of it. They devoted themselves to its interpretation and claimed for themselves no authority apart from the authorities they cited. But it was not as clear with Jesus of Nazareth. He spoke as the authority and by his own authority. He introduced a formula no ancient prophet, priest, or modern scribe had ever used before. He would introduce some of his most impressive utterances with the words “Truly I say to you” or “I tell you the truth” or “I say unto you.” Jesus began the sermon on the mount with the beatitudes in the third person (Blessed are the poor in spirit), continued in the second person (you are the salt of the earth), and now he changes to the authoritative first person and uses for the first time his distinctive and emphatic formula “I say to you” (18) or “I tell you” (v.20). This passage that we have before us this evening is of great importance not only for its definition of righteousness but also for the light it throws on the relation relationship between Jesus and the Torah and hence our relationship with the law. Notice first. OUR COMMITMENT TO THE LAW v. 17, 18 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. 18 I tell you the truth, 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. Jesus was clear that his mission was not to abolish, nullify, bring to an end, or put aside the law and prophets. His purpose here was clear, he came to fulfill them. And we can see this in all the gospels, but more intentionally in the book of Matthew. Matthew emphasizes this truth more than any other evangelist by his repeated formula “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet…” or “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet…” Matthew 1:22 Matthew 2:5, 6 Matthew 2:15 Matthew 2:17 Matthew 2:23 Matthew 4:14 -16 Matthew 8:17 Mattew 12:17-21 Matthew 13:35 Matthew 27:9 Jesus’ understanding of the law was comprehensive. Jesus’ understanding of the law was conclusive. Notice secondly, OUR INVOLVEMENT WITH THE LAW v. 19 19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do the same 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. Here we see our involvement with the Law in three aspects. The Law and God’s Kids The law and God's Kingdom The Law and God’s Kindness OUR ASSESSMENT OF THE LAW v. 20 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. Jesus, in verse 20, is clear that unless we do far better than the Pharisees in the matters of right living, we won't know the first thing about entering the kingdom of heaven. The author of Matthew uses the Greek word which means to superabound. KJV “exceeds” NIV “Surpasses” AMP “More than” CEB “greater than” GNT “More faithful” MSG “better than”
MATTHEW 5:14-16 14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. SHINE AS LIGHTS One of the most classic sections of the gospel according to Matthew is what we find here known as the Sermon on the Mount. Where Jesus teaches the principles of his Father’s Kingdom in Chapters 5, 6, and 7 of Matthew’s gospel. It is here he unfolds various values that would govern the lives of all who come to God the Father through him. The sermon opens with the beatitudes or blessings that we have covered for the past several weeks. They set forth the characteristics of the citizens of the Kingdom of Light. The qualities described and approved of are opposite of those that the world values. Jesus pushed his argument even further to suggest that those who are living out the terms of discipleship that are listed in the Beatitudes and throughout the rest of his discourse, must do so as lights shining in darkness. If he/she fails to exhibit these characteristics, the world of men will trample all over his/her testimony and will have only contempt awaiting an undedicated believer. The testimony of scripture is we are the light. John records Jesus as saying “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). The gospel according to John is clear that Jesus is the Light of the world. John 9:5 Jesus says, “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 1:9 calls Jesus “the true light that gives light to every man…” John 1:4 says “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” John 12:35 records Jesus as saying “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” John 12:46 John records Jesus as saying, “I have come into the world as a light so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” It is clear then from these passages that Jesus is the Light of the world and if he is indeed the light of the world, then as believers we are lights as well in this world in which we live. A matter-of-fact Jesus calls believers “the light of the world” here in Matthew 5:14. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. The scriptures speak of God as our light and salvation (Psalm.27:1) and as an everlasting light (Isaiah 60:19). His word is called a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105) Messiah is called a light of the nations (Isaiah 49:6). The true light which enlightens every man (John 1:9), and the light of the world (John 8:12) for a believer to imitate God, therefore, he/she must share in and reflect God‘s light. Light symbolizes according to Paul in his letter to the church of Ephesus, Ephesians 5:9 “for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.” All goodness (here is an inclusive term for all moral excellence done on behalf of others). All Righteousness (means integrity in all dealings with God and men, not just in whom we believe, but in how we live before whom we believe). All truth (is honesty, reliability trustworthiness, and integrity- in contrast to the hypocritical, deceptive, and false ways of the old life of darkness). Putting them all together, you have the light of a divine life shining out amid dismal darkness. Therefore, goodness pertains primarily to our relationship with others. Righteousness is primarily to our relationship with God, and truth points primarily to personal integrity within ourselves. By these three things, Paul summarizes what the fruit of the light consists of. Darkness, on the other hand, symbolizes according to the scriptures the fruitless works of men. Our evil deeds - Romans 13:12; John 3:19-20 “The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore, let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.” Our blinded minds - 2 Corinthians 4:4 “In whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” Our hardness of heart - Ephesian 4:18 “Being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart…” our hatred for our brothers and sisters - 1 John 2:9 1 John 2:11 “The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now.” “But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” Jesus says… 14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. This evening, I would just like to look at Jesus’ words found here in Matthew 5:14-16 Note first… IMPLICATIONS OF THIS STATEMENT What are the implications of Jesus’ statement? The implications of Jesus' statement are both negative and positive. Jesus says, “You are the light of the world...” Negative implication The world is in a state of darkness. · Due to Satan – 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 · Due to sin – Romans 5:12 · Due to self – James 3:16 The wickedness of man’s sinful deeds (Romans 1:18-32). Due to Degrading Practices v. 24 Due to Disgraceful Pleasures v. 26 Due to a Depraved Perception v. 28 Positive implication The witness of the Savior in a dark world He is the Light of the World – John 8:12 He is the Light that gives light to every man – John 1:9 He is the Light for all who believes – John 12:46 The witness of the saints in a dark world · We are light in the world – Matthew 5:13 · We are to love not the world – 1 John 2:15-17. · We are liberated from the world – Colossians 1:9-14. Note second… RAMIFICATIONS OF THIS STATEMENT What are the ramifications of Jesus’ statement? Jesus says, “You are the light of the world…” The ramifications of Jesus’ statement can prove a different outcome if we don’t shine as light in nature’s night. · Darkness may overcome it – John 1:5 · Desire may overcome it – John 3:19 · Death may overcome it – John 8:13 Therefore, the commands to us are to: · Shine as lights – Philippians 2:12-16 · Show forth the light – Ephesians 5:8-11 · Share the light – Acts 26:15-18 Note third… QUALIFICATIONS HIDDEN IN THIS STATEMENT What are the qualifications hidden in this statement? Jesus says, “You are the light of the world...” We are to be lights and shine as lights. · We must be a follower of the Light – John 8:12 · We must be a witness to the Light – John 1:7 · We must walk in the Light – 1 John 1:7
“SALT LIFELIFE” Maintaining Your Kingdom Influence Matthew 5:13 [NKJV] “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. This lesson is a continuation of Jesus pouring into His newly called disciples. The fact that Jesus is taking the time to do this shortly after calling them is significant because it shows: ▪JESUS JUST DIDN’T WANT PEOPLE WHO WERE PICKED-OUT FOR HIM. HE WANTED PEOPLE WHO WERE POURED-INTO BY HIM. ➔What Makes Us Special Is Not God’s Decision of Us…But It’s God’s Deposit In Us. In this section of the teaching, the emphasis has shifted from THE DISCIPLE’S ATTITUDE IN THE WORLD To THE DISCIPLE’S AFFECT ON THE WORLD JESUS WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR INFLUENCE ❖Today, individuals who’ve lost their influence are dominating the headlines. ▪Harvey Weinstein – Film producer ▪Sean Combs – Rapper/Songwriter/ Record producer ▪Anthony Weiner – Politician / U.S. House of Representatives ▪Andrew Gillum – Politician / Former Mayor of Tallahassee 2 SAM.1:25 – “How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle!...” JESUS WANTS US TO KNOW THREE THINGS ABOUT OUR INFLUENCE… OUR INFLUENCE IS VALUABLE TO SOCIETY Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth...” That was significant because of all things to compare these disciples to, Jesus compared them to one of the most precious commodities of that day…salt. In today’s climate and culture, salt is seen as mundane and run-of-the-mill. We literally can find packages of salt almost anywhere, but that was not the case in Jesus’ day. In that day, salt had an extreme value attached to it. ▪THEY USED SALT FOR SACRIFICING. Jewish worshippers knew based on Levitical law (LEV.2:13) that when presenting their “GRAIN OFFERINGS” unto the Lord, it had to be seasoned with salt. ▪THEY USED SALT FOR SAFEGUARDING There was no refrigeration in the 1st century; therefore, they used salt as a means of preserving their food. Salt draws water out of food thus causing it to dehydrate. The absence of water prevents bacteria from growing which can cause food poisoning. ▪THEY USED SALT FOR SEASONING Salt was the primary means for flavoring food. There were no special tenderizers; there were no exotic spices; so salt was used to change and enhance the taste of food. ▪THEY USED SALT FOR SALARIES In ancient times, Roman soldiers who worked for the empire were partly paid in salt! In fact, the word “salary” is derived from the word salt. Therefore, as you can see, salt affected every aspect of life. Salt affected the Spiritual, the Physical, and the Financial Life of every person in that culture, and it is THIS that Jesus compared these men to! ❖ The Lord Wants Our Influence To Be So Valuable It Affects Every Aspect Of A Person’s Life OUR INFLUENCE IS VITAL FOR SOCIETY Our influence is SO vital for society that Jesus talked the possibility of us losing it. In the text Jesus said, “…But if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?” The chemical components that make salt what it is, are so powerful together, that there’s really only one way for it to lose it’s flavor and that is, a chemical reaction has to take place. In other words, salt would have to be diluted in water! So, for the Christian to lose his/her “saltiness,” the Gospel of Jesus Christ would have to become diluted in their life! ❖ THAT WOULD BE A TRAGEDY BECAUSE SALT IS VITAL FOR THE BODY ELECTROLYTE BALANCE: Salt helps maintain the electrolyte balance in the body, which is essential for nerve function, muscle contraction and overall body functioning. FLUID BALANCE: Salt helps regulate the fluid balance in the body by retaining water and preventing dehydration. NERVE FUNCTION: Sodium, a component of salt, is necessary for nerve transmission and communication between cells. MUSCLE FUNCTION: Salt is important for proper muscle function, including muscle contraction and relaxation. NNUTRIENTUTRIENT AABSORPTIONBSORPTION: Salt helps the body absorb and utilize nutrients from food effectively. ■ THE INFLUENCE OF OUR SALT IS VITAL FOR SOCIETY ➔ GEN.18 – THE DESTRUCTION OF SODOM AND GOMORRAH III. OUR INFLUENCE IS VIEWED BY SOCIETY Jesus said if our salt loses its flavor, “…It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. Please understand: ▪Jesus IS NOT talking about our Soul…He is specifically talking about Savor! ▪Jesus IS NOT talking about our Worth. He is talking about our Witness. And when our Walk doesn’t line up with our Witness, we are viewed as ineffective!
UNDERSTANDING PERSECUTION Matthew 5:10-12 (NKJV) “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. This beatitude begins part two of our six-part study of the Sermon on the Mount. The first part was about the CHARACTER of holy conduct, and it focused on the first seven beatitudes. The second part is about the CRUELTY for holy conduct, and it focuses on the last two beatitudes. The first part was about the VIRTUES of holy conduct and the second part is about the VEXATIONS as a result of holy conduct. The first part deals with the INWARD CONDITION of the godly; the second part deals with the OUTWARD CIRCUMSTANCES of the godly. The first part deals with the WALK of the godly; the second part deals with the WARFARE of the godly. What is interesting is… ▪ YOU CAN’T HAVE ONE WITHOUT THE OTHER ▪ YOU CAN’T RECEIVE BLESSINGS WITHOUT HAVING BURDENS Many, if not most, Bible commentators have characterized verses 10-12 as two separate beatitudes. This is understandable because when you read these verses, you will notice at least two noteworthy differences between them. First, there is a difference in the portrayal of persecution; and second, there is a difference in the pronoun of those being persecuted. Regarding the PORTRAYAL OF PERSECUTION, the eighth beatitude (in Matt.5: 10) describes persecution in GENERAL while the ninth beatitude (in Matt.5: 11) describes a SPECIFIC form of persecution, namely, verbal attacks on the persecuted. And regarding the PRONOUN of those being persecuted, the eighth beatitude refers to the persecuted ones as “they,” while the ninth beatitude refers to the persecuted ones as “ye.” These differences are not so great as to hinder some theologians treating the two beatitudes as one, therefore we will study both beatitudes as one. THE CHARACTER OF THE PERSECUTION The character of persecution here is learned by looking at the meaning of the word “persecuted” which is found three times in these verses. “Persecuted” – in this text means, “to pursue, or follow after.” It is used to connote the thought of being pursued in a hostile manner. A good illustration of what this word means is seen in the action of the APOSTLE PAUL when he was confronted by Jesus Christ in Acts 9. Paul was on his way to Damascus from Jerusalem to “pursue” believers, to “bring them bound unto Jerusalem” (Acts 9:2). Paul was engaged in the aggressive, hostile, persecution of believers until Christ met him and changed his life. ■ Like a hunter pursues its prey, Paul pursued believers! ■ Please note: Persecutors are not passive; they do not sit back and wait for a believer to pass by and then persecute him. Rather, they go after the believers to persecute them! ➔ There is some stuff that is coming after you! ➔ There is a level of attack that’s tracking you right now. THE CONTINUANCE IN THE PERSECUTION There is another aspect of persecution we learn of by examining the word “persecuted” in our text. “Persecuted” – The word is in the perfect tense, which describes a past action that continues in the present. THIS EMPHASIZES THE FACT THAT PERSECUTION IS PERSISTENT! Persecution is unrelenting. Persecution does not just deliver one blow then quit, but it delivers blow after blow after blow after blow. This helps us understand something that we read in Daniel which can apply to the antichrist in the future, but will also, in principle, show the work of persecution in every age. In Daniel [7:25] we read about the man the Bible says, “…And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most high…” ❖ Unrelenting persecution can “wear out” Saints. ▪ Elijah – I Kings 19:4 ▪ Jeremiah – Jer.20:9 ▪ Asaph – Psa.73:1-2 We can take a blow or two though cruel and painful it is, but to experience blow after blow after blow soon begins to wear on a person. The devil knows this and so relentlessly persecutes the believers. [I Pet.5:8] “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” The Shaming – The word “revile” [V.11] – means “to cast in one’s teeth” that is “it is that reproach, upbraiding, and reviling that is done in our presence—abuse that is cast at us in our faces! TO BE VERBALLY ABUSED. ▪ The Slander – “And shall say all manner of evil against your falsely”. PERSECUTORS HAVE NO REGARD FOR THE TRUTH. They will fabricate and falsify the worst of lies. ➔ JESUS WAS SLANDERED! o He was accused of being illegitimate. Jn.8:41 o He was called a Samaritan. Jn.8:48 o He was accused of being demon possessed. Jn.10:20 o He was accused of blasphemy. Matt.26:65 o While on the cross, He was verbally abused. Matt.27:39 THE CAUSE OF THE PERSECUTION The cause of the persecution is clearly stated in both verses 10 and 11. “…Persecuted for righteousness sake” (v.10) “…for My sake” (v.11) With righteousness as the cause of persecution, we can also eliminate many sufferers from the “persecuted” category. Many people try to claim their suffering as “PERSECUTION” when really it is “PROSECUTION.” Peter, when speaking of persecution in his first epistle, clarified this matter about who is experiencing persecution and who is not when he said, “Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed” [I Pet. 4:15,16] ❖ PLEASE NOTE THE TWO SUFFERINGS: ■ MANY OF OUR SUFFERINGS ARE BROUGHT ON BY OUR DEFICIENCIES, NOT BY OUR DEVOTIONS. As it relates to persecution, logically it is strange that good people should be treated meanly because they are good. It is natural to think that when a person is good, then he will be treated with respect. The people we would expect to be treated roughly would be those who are bad. YET IT IS THE OPPOSITE IN LIFE. When a person who was in “darkness” gets saved, you would think that THAT person would get patted on the back; not stabbed in the back! THE TRUTH IS THAT HOLY LIVING UPSETS THOSE LIVING UNHOLY LIVES. Holy Conduct Is an Abomination to Unholy People “He that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked” Prov.29:27 THE COMPENSATION FOR THE PERSECUTION One of the reasons why the persecuted one can rejoice is because of the reward! ■ THERE IS A REWARD FOR THE RIDICULED! Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. ▪ The Plentifulness in The Reward The reward is described as “great.” The word translated “great” here means “much, many.” It is used to express an incredibly substantial number. GOD IS NOT CHEAP! His rewards are not stingy but reflect the great wealth and benevolence of God. Whatever is done for Christ’s sake is rewarded with an abundance which comports with His greatness and glory, and which is exceedingly far beyond our ability to conceive. ▪ The Promise in The Reward “For great is your reward in heaven.” Not all the rewards God has for us are given here on this earth. Some are, but not all. This is encouraging. It tells us that the heavenly rewards are of such value that they cannot be paid to us in the currency of the earth. If all our rewards are paid in the coin of the earth, we will not get much. THE COIN OF THE EARTH DOES NOT LAST! But when God pays one in heavenly currency, it will last for eternity. It is much more valuable.
ARE YOU A PEACEMAKER? Matt.5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the Children of God” In this verse of scripture, we have come to the last of what is referred to as the “SEVEN FOUNDATIONAL BEATITUDES” in the Sermon on the Mount. There are two more beatitudes that follow these seven, but they emphasize the persecution that comes from holy conduct and not the pattern required for holy conduct. This seventh beatitude, which focuses on peacemaking, really reminds us of a great lack of peace in the world. Realistically speaking, if we didn’t have any PEACE-BREAKING…there would be no need for any PEACEMAKING! But unfortunately, peace-breaking is what characterizes the world. ▪ Civil unrest in United States – in 2020 ▪ Civil unrest in Haiti – 2018 – Present ▪ The conflict between Russia and Ukraine 2014 – Present ▪ Civil unrest in Belarus – 2020 – Present ▪ Civil unrest in Colombia – 2021 God calls us to be “Peacemakers” “Peacemaker” – The word translated simply means, “to make peace.” Being a peacemaker involves more than just talking about peace, loving peace, and even honoring peace. It means to be to be actively involved in doing something positive to bring about peace where strife may be present. ❖ Firefighters don’t run from fires…they run to fires! They seek to put fires out. Peacemakers seek to put out the fires of discord. MOST OF US ARE “PEACE-LOVERS” ➢ Peace lovers hate contention and try to avoid it at all costs. ➢ Peace lovers hate being around confusion. ➢ Peace lovers don’t like fighting and will flee hostile situations. ➢ Peace lovers strive to have and maintain a drama free life. ➢ Peace lovers will do an “about-face” at the very sight of trouble. ROM.12: 17,18 – “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably will all men.” [KJV] HE.12:14 – “Follow peace with all men, and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord” But Jesus is not talking about “peace-lovers!” Jesus wants us to be “peacemakers.” ➢ Peacemakers look for contention, but they do so to bring calm. ➢ Peacemakers look for strife so that they can bring some structure. ➢ Peacemakers look for problems, but they do so to bring peace. ➢ Peacemakers look for cliques, but only to bring cohesiveness. ➢ Peacemakers look for divisions so they can dissolve them. ARE YOU A PEACEMAKER? To be a peacemaker requires at least two important musts or qualifications. They are SANCTITY and SACRIFICE. The peacemaker must be pure, and he must be willing to pay a price. Both these qualifications are seen in the work of Jesus Christ. In order for Christ to bring peace with God for mankind, He had to be absolutely sinless, and He had to pay an enormous price—that price was Him dying at Calvary. Note what the Apostle Paul said, “And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” Col. 1:20 ■ We have to be righteous to be peacemakers, for sin causes strife. How can one who is causing strife be a peacemaker? We have to be willing to pay a price or we will not do much peacemaking either! F.B. MEYER elaborated on the cost it will be to us to be a peacemaker when he said, “If we are to make peace with others it may well be at heavy cost to ourselves....at a great cost of tears and anguish. It will cost us something to make and maintain peace. We might have to sacrifice our pride, reputation, and the maintenance of our fancied rights, to say nothing of ease and self-indulgence, if we shall repair the wrong of the evildoer, and readjust broken relationships. It’s going to cost us something.” This might explain why so few are peacemakers! MAKING PEACE TAKES EFFORT! THE PROFILE OF TWO PEACEMAKERS: ABRAHAM & ABIGAIL Abraham – GEN.13: 1-13. Abraham’s dealing with Lot regarding a problem they had living together, displays in an excellent way the peacemaking work Christ spoke of in this beatitude. Abigail – I Sam. 25:1-35 – Abigail’s wisdom in defusing a hostile situation led to the salvation of her household. When Nabal refused to recompense David for the protection he and his men provided for Nabal, David threatened bloody revenge. When Abigail heard of David’s threat, she quickly took action and brought about peace.
Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.” The Pure in Heart Jesus had been teaching his disciples and the crowds who had gathered to hear him from one of the mountaintops in Galilee. It was here that he shared the principles that governed his Fathers’ kingdom. He took his hearers on a logical journey into the depths of spiritual maturation. He guided them through the values and practices that characterized the Kingdom of Light. Each beatitude served as a link connecting one beatitude to the other. For instance, Jesus begins with the poor in spirit those of us who recognized our complete and utter spiritual bankruptcy before God. Secondly, those of us who mourn over our sinful condition, and have deep sorrow over our sinful state. Thirdly, those of us who are humble and gentle, displaying restraint over our sinful passions. Fourthly, those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will not go away empty but will be filled to the fullest of God. Then those who show mercy to others will receive mercy for themselves from God. We have come now to the sixth beatitude “Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.” But who has a pure heart? I would argue that no human being has a pure heart in our current state. The scriptures say several things about the human heart I want to highlight four: 1. The corruption of the human heart – Jeremiah 17:9 2. A caution to the human heart – Proverbs 4:23 3. The condition of the human heart – Matthew 15:19 4. The command to the human heart – Deuteronomy 10:16 As we look at this sixth beatitude several things instantly catch our attention. Four words, in particular, jump out immediately to the reader: Blessed (Makarios) which means to be happy, to be blessed, to be envied. Pure (katharos) which means to be clean, pure, unstained, either literally or ceremonially or spiritually; guiltless, innocent, upright. Heart- (Kardia)which also means mind, character, inner self, will, intention, or center. See (horaó) which means I see, look upon, experience, perceive, discern, beware. “Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.” What does it mean to be pure in heart? To have a pure heart means: 1. We genuinely love people -1 Peter 1:22 2. We genuinely serving people – Colossians 3:22 3. We genuinely obeying the truth – 1 Peter 1:22 4. We genuinely instruct people who are opposed to us -1 Timothy 1:5 5. We are genuinely drawn closer to God – Hebrews 10:22 6. We genuinely run away from sinful practices – 2 Timothy 2:22 Who are the pure in heart? The pure in heart are those who have purified themselves by obeying the truth, loving deeply from the heart their brothers and sisters in the Lord (1 Peter 22-23). How can we become pure in heart? We become pure in heart: 1. By believing in and obedience to the truth – 1 Peter 1:22 2. through suffering which purifies – 1 Peter 2:21-23. 3. By keeping God’s commandments – Ps. 119.9-16 4. By recognizing that its more than just saying, but doing is the true test of your conduct – Proverbs 20.9-11 5. By setting your mind on things of virtue – Philippians 4.8 6. By living in the hope of Christ’s appearing. 1 John 3.2-3 7. By keeping in mind, it’s God who purifies and not you – Titus 1.13-14; Hebrews 9.13-14 8. By humbling yourself before God – James 4.4-10
"HUNGERING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS” Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” [NKJV] Once again, my brothers and sisters we are blessed to have the focus of our Bible Class on this tremendous teaching of Jesus Christ better known to us as The Sermon on The Mount. We have in this teaching reached the attitude that William Barclay (the famed theologian and biblical commentator) has distinctly described as the most difficult attitude of them all...having a hunger and thirst for righteousness. If you’ve been studying with us the past few weeks, you know that Jesus at this point has already shared with His disciples the importance of: •BEING IN POVERTY OF SPIRIT •BEING IN PIECES BECAUSE OF SIN •HAVING THEIR POWER UNDER SUBJECTION >However, in this 4th attitude, the emphasis is NOT on SELF…the emphasis is on the SOVEREIGN. And it is this “shift” in emphasis that prompted Barclay to label the attitude most difficult because it, unlike the other seven, forces the disciple to Discipline Their Desires. It forces the disciple to have to... •Harness What They Are Hungering For •Control What They Are Craving IT’S HARD TRYING TO CONTROL CRAVINGS! ❖The Issue Is Not Having A STRONG Desire…It’s Having The WRONG Desire! We Have To Guard Against Carnal Cravings The Bible is filled with a plethora of people who started out doing phenomenally well but became sidetracked by being consumed with having a carnal craving. CAN I GIVE YOU SOME EXAMPLES OF CARNAL CRAVINGS? 1) WHEN YOU CRAVE FOR RULER-SHIP – That was Lucifer’s problem [Isa.14: 12-15]. The bible says of Lucifer that He got kicked out of heaven because he said in his heart he was going to ascend into heaven and exalt his throne above the stars of God. He got kicked out of Heaven because he wanted to rule God! ➔When you crave an appointment without carrying an anointment for the appointment, it’s a carnal craving! 2) WHEN YOU CRAVE FOR RECOGNITION - That was Nebuchadnezzar’s problem. [DAN.4:30] The bible says that one day King Nebuchadnezzar was walking on the walls of Babylon, and he looked around at everything and said, “Is not this great Babylon that I have built for a royal dwelling by my power and for the honor of my majesty?” He robbed God of recognition. As a result, the bible says Ver.31, “While the words were still in the king’s mouth…” God struck him down. 3) WHEN YOU CRAVE FOR RICHES – That was the Rich Farmer’s problem. [LUKE 12:16] The Bible says that a certain farmer’s farm yielded “plentifully”. In fact, his year was so good until (ver.17) he had “no room to store his overflow.” But instead of blessing another believer, (ver.18) he chose to build a bigger barn! Therefore, Jesus in the text sits down His newly called disciples and speaks to them about controlling their cravings! There are three lessons we learn about our hunger in this text: I. WE HAVE TO HAVE A HOLY HUNGER. >“We Have To Hunger For Holiness” In the text, Jesus makes it clear that He didn’t want His disciples making the mistake LUCIFER made by hungering after Ruler-ship; nor the mistake KING NEBUCHADNEZZAR made by hungering after Recognition; nor making the mistake that THE RICH FARMER made by hungering after Riches. JESUS WANTED THEM TO HUNGER AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS. >“WHAT IS RIGHTEOUSNESS"? We Can’t Desire What It Is...Until We Know What It Is! •Some people think “Righteousness” –Is not listening to secular music –Is not wearing makeup or jewelry –Is not wearing certain clothing –Is not having a glass of wine or strong drink –Is not going to a nightclub or hanging out Righteousness Is None of That! ■ARTHUR PINK – Righteousness is “being right with God and living right with men” It’s important to know that when Matthew uses the term “righteousness,” he always uses it in the sense of personal fidelity to God and His will. He never used it like Paul did, in the sense of “imputed righteousness” or “justification.” Matthew is NOT saying the "blessed" person is the one who hungers and thirsts for salvation! He is saying the “blessed” person is the one who has a desire to be right with God and live right with their fellow man! II. WE HAVE TO HAVE A HABITUAL HUNGER The funny thing about an appetite is, even though it’s satisfied at the moment, it’s coming back again! Jesus is teaching His disciples that hungering and thirsting for righteousness is not to be a one-time deal or something that should take place only once in a while, rather something that has to be continual! We know this to be true by looking at tenses of the two words "HUNGER” and “THIRST." These two words are in the present active nominative tense, which means that in the Greek language there’s an ING behind those two words. JESUS IS SAYING THAT THERE OUGHT TO BE A HABITUAL HUNGERING ■Peter Helps Our Understanding of Habitual Hunger. Peter compared the believer to a newborn baby. Healthy babies are always hungry. >I Pet.2:2 “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” I KNOW YOU’RE HUNGRY ON SUNDAY, BUT HOW’S YOUR APPETITE DURING THE WEEK? III. WE MUST HAVE A HEALTHY HUNGER. “Oh the Blessedness of those who are hungering and thirsting for the fullness of righteousness, for they shall be filled” Let me park there for a minute because the word “they” in the Greek language is emphatic, meaning it’s denoting a distinction. In the original language, it reads “they alone.” Jesus is saying that what we have coming to us IS NOT for everybody! “WE’VE GOT SOMETHING COMING THAT EVERYBODY CAN’T HAVE” What is It? A “Filling” This word “Filled” was used to describe cattle that were Fed, Filled, and Fattened. It means, "to be satisfied to the fullest.” The passive voice of the word "filled" in the Greek language indicates that God Himself is the one doing the filling. •Psalm 68:19 ”Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation •Psalm 107:9”For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness •Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.” “Be merciful” So far Jesus has been sharing with his disciples and the crowds who had gathered to hear him, the beatitudes of his Fathers’ kingdom. They had come from great distances to hear this parabolic teacher from Galilee. Jesus was sitting on the mountaintop, as he continued to expound on practical truth. He takes his hearers on a logical sequence into the depths of spiritual maturation. He guides them through the principles and practices of people that would characterize the kingdom of his Father. Each step in the progression of beatitudes indicates or presupposes that one goes before the other. For instance, Jesus begins with the poor in spirit those of us who recognized our complete and utter spiritual bankruptcy before God. Next, those of us who mourn our sinful condition that is, having deep sorrow over our sinful state before God. Then, those of us who are humble and gentle, displaying restraint over our sinful passion, will stand to inherit everything that God has given to us. Fourthly, those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will not go away empty but will be filled to the fullest of God. We have come now to the fifth beatitude “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.” Now to be sure there is a subtle difference between grace and mercy. Grace is God giving us what we don’t deserve (Ephesians 2:8), while mercy is God withholding from us what we do deserve (Titus 3:5; Psalm 103:8-12). As we look at this fifth beatitude several things instantly catch our attention. Four words, in particular, jump out immediately to the reader: Blessed – the word again refers to those who were fortunate, well-off, wealthy. The merciful – refers to one who is actively compassionate or one who is benevolently kindhearted, which involves both thought and action. Shown/ Mercy to be compassionate (by word or deed) to have compassion, to take pity on. What is mercy? In Hebrew, the word for “mercy” is closely related to the word for “womb,” which is rechem. This linguistic relation is significant as it sheds light on the nature of God's mercy as depicted in the Scriptures. In Greek, the word for “mercy” is “eleos,” signifying compassion and pity. It is used in the New Testament to convey God's compassionate care and forgiveness towards humanity. Who is merciful? God is merciful. Exodus 34:6 “And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” Deuteronomy 4:31 “(For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he swore unto them.” Psalm 103:8 “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” Lamentations 3:22 “It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” Daniel 9:9 “To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against him;” We ought to be merciful. We are commanded to be merciful – Luke 6:36 When speaking of the wisdom the child of God should possess, James says it's full of mercy – James 3:17 We are told in the book of Jude that our duty is to be merciful – Jude 22 Who are the merciful? The merciful are those who extend active compassion to others without hesitation as in the parable of the good Samaritan who “took pity on” the man who “fell into the hands of robbers…and took care of him” (Luke 10:30). How is mercy demonstrated? Well, if we were to follow the example of the good Samaritan, we can derive a clearer picture of how to be merciful… or better yet full of mercy. (First to be merciful is…) TO FEEL SOMETHING FOR OTHERS Notice that the priest and the Levite, though persons who should have felt something for this man felt nothing, the text says they simply “passed by on the other side,” although the law excused them from touching things that were dead, the man injured was not dead but “half dead.” And to add insult to injury the priest and the Levite were off duty. Looking closely at the text they were coming “down from Jerusalem to Jericho” and so had an opportunity to help the man but refused. There was a sense in which their duty was over, and they did not want to be bothered. But the Samaritan on the other hand went to where the injured man was and helped him. This was not the desire of interest that you pass by, but a gut feeling, which moves you to do something for others. The concept here for compassion is to have the bowels yearn, that is, feelings of sympathy, or pity: - (to be moved with) compassion. The moving of “the bowels of mercy” is where your only resolve is to help. The lesson here is that as believers we ought to be touched by the circumstances and situation of others with the intent to do something for them. (Secondly to be merciful is…) TO BE SOMETHING FOR OTHERS Note carefully that the most unlikely person in the parable to help this injured man should have been the Samaritan, for he was an enemy, and hated by his fellow Jews. But unlike the priest and the Levite who were family (fellow Jews) and did nothing for the injured man in need of help. The Samaritan not only stopped to see what the problem was but stooped down to protect the injured man, despite his own safety. There were several things the Samaritan did to protect the injured man...he went to him, bounded his wounds, poured in oil and wine, set him on his beast, brought him to the inn, and took care of him. Notice that these things that the Samaritan did for the injured man not only protected the quality of his life but practically saved his life. Question, what are we doing in order to save a life? Are we taking the proper steps to ensure that we are taking care of others with the necessary tools for saving their lives? Or are we like the priest and Levite followers of God only in name and not action? (Thirdly to be merciful is…) TO DO SOMETHING FOR OTHERS Notice again how the Samaritan takes of his own resources to help the man further, he goes beyond the call of duty to meet the needs of the injured man fully. The Samaritan gives of his resources to help the man, but not only to help him but also to ensure that if he should incur any debt while staying in the inn it would be taken care of. He would gladly repay or reimburse the inner keeper for his troubles. The lesson here is in order to be merciful, we ought to be ready at any given time to go beyond the call of duty to help persons in need of our assistance. We ought to do so without prejudice, and avoid discriminating against, regardless of circumstances. However, being merciful is going to cost us, along with many extras if we are going to obtain mercy. James 2:13 puts it this way “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” In practical terms how do you and I obtain the mercy of God in everyday living? To summarize all that I have said tonight to obtain the mercy of God or better yet to be shown mercy…we must keep in mind three practical elements: 1. We see the need of others —that’s recognition. 2. We are moved by the needs of others —that’s motivation. 3. We move to meet the needs of others —that’s action.
