SERMON ON THE MOUNT continued

Murder

21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.

Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But 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 has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; 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 with him on the way, or he 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 I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. (Matthew 5: 21-26)

EXPOSITION:

This is generally considered to be an extension of the Sixth Commandment 'Thou shalt not kill'. However this is not actually correct, as the Rabbis had interpreted the commandment too narrowly. Jesus gave us the true explanation of the meaning of the commandment, which applies to thoughts and motivation as well as actual actions. In essence, we are to readily forgive and live in peace with one another.

TESTIMONY:

It would be fair to say that each of us has broken the 'Jesus explanation' of this commandment many times. I am no exception! For anger and resentment are part of the human condition.

While I have never had more than a 'normal(!)' anger problem, I certainly noticed a difference in my behaviour once I gave my heart to Jesus and tried to walk more in His image. Part of this may be due to the mellowing of age, but more to an understanding that getting angry and retaining resentment or unforgiveness does not do me any good!

Of course, we must learn from bad experiences, but carrying their memory simply leads to a bitterness of personality that is likely to shorten our lives as well as being most unattractive to others.

Self control does have a part to play in controlling anger, as seen in the 'anger management' programmes taught in the world. Understanding our triggers and walking away from potentially explosive situations certainly helps.

However, like the rest of the Mount Sermon, the only real answer is a change of character through submission to the will of the Father through the guidance of the Holy Spirit to become like Jesus in character.

This is not an formula for instant success but a process that takes a lifetime. I am still 'work-in-progress' in this area, as in many others of my life.

I trust you are too.

Adultery

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do 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 sin, 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 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 go into hell. (Matthew 5:27-30)

EXPOSITION:

Like the previous exposition about anger being included with murder, so this explanation of the seventh commandment was again given by Jesus to correct earlier incorrect teachings by the Pharisees. Thoughts as well as actions were to be included.

TESTIMONY:

Before commencing this series, I read through the Scripture, saw this section, and dreaded having to write about it! For I am red blooded man and being honest, have heaps of problems in living out the righteous 'Jesus interpretation' of this commandment.

I know that many male readers will experience the same challenge with these words of Jesus too! Females - I don't know about, nor will I pretend to understand!

I understand the importance Jesus placed on this with his descriptive advice of what to do about it! Fortunately He said it to make a point, not be taken literally, otherwise nearly every man would be blind, at the very least!

'Girls, gold and glory' are the three '3G' major downfalls of men. (How about 'glamour, gossip and generational' for women?)

I simply ask for His forgiveness and pray that as I take on more of His character, I might become more like Him. Please help me Lord.