Thesis: To enable the hearers to tie the additions and changes which the Jews made concerning the Law of Moses to the changes and additions which the traditions/religions of men make today concerning the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, and to direct them closer to the will of the Lord, instead of men.
Text: Matt 5:17-20, (21-48)
Mat 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish (destroy) the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish (destroy) them but to fulfill them.
Mat 5:18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota (jot; letter), not a dot (tittle; one stroke of a letter ), will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
Mat 5:19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter (into) the kingdom of heaven.
Introduction,
We are continuing to look at what is commonly referred to as the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matt ch 5-7).
In this particular section we see our Lord dealing with the oral traditions of the scribes and Pharisees.
They changed God's very laws by addition, subtraction, and misapplication, thus making them of little or no account, oftentimes even promoting sin.
Thus our Lord sets them straight concerning these traditions, and basically clarifies the Law of Moses to them in all its purity while simultaneously putting in place the teachings of the New Covenant (Mt 4:23), and shows them how they (the old and the new) are to be based on selflessness, and to be performed from the heart, being motivated by love.
It is a strange thing, for even today, we see the very same thing occurring, even though our Lord explicitly taught against such (Mt 15:3b, 6b, 9) . . .
Mat 15:3b And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?
Mat 15:6b So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God.
Mat 15:9 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'"
Today we have differing religious groups making additions, subtractions, and misapplications concerning the Law of Christ, that perfect Law of liberty, and thereby making it of little or no account, and also oftentimes even promoting sin instead of holiness (e.g. agreeing with and thereby promoting divorce, adulterous marriages, sodomy, lesbianism, marital relations apart from marriage, abortion, the love of money, general worldliness, and such like).
Let us not forget the words of Jesus in what we refer to as the great commission in Mt 28:19-20a . . .
Mat 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Mat 28:20a teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you . . .
a. And that would include the Sermon on the Mount, for this was commanded (taught) to His disciples (Mt 5:1-2).
Mat 5:1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
Mat 5:2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
Thus we will look at the Lord’s teachings here from 2 perspectives . . .
1) “You have heard that it was said” (the Law modified by the doctrines of men)
2) “But I say to you” (the commands of God)
I. (Mt 5:21-26) THE GOSPEL CONCERNING ENMITY (hatred, ill will, or anger)
A. (v 21)
Mat 5:21 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not (kill) murder; and whoever murders (kills) will be liable to judgment.'
This law was clearly stated in the Scriptures (“you shalt not kill; or murder;” Ex 20:13), and the one who murdered was to be put to death (Ex 21:12; Num 35:20-21).
1. But their traditions (“you have heard it was said”) softened this law and added “whosoever shall kill (murder) shall be in danger of the judgment” which refers to a human tribunal (a court of law) which gave many circumstances in which the guilty party could avoid the punishment due them according to the Law, thus weakening its effect upon others,
a. For a swift and just penalty is a very strong deterrent to those contemplating crime, but a long and drawn out trial does nothing but promote such wickedness, as it is written (Eccl 8:11) . . .
Ecc 8:11 Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.
b. The same could be said today, if one guilty of murder was put to death within a very short period (say no more than a week), that certainly would put fear into those who contemplate taking away God’s gift of life from others, for God certainly approves of the death penalty, for it is written in the OT (Gen 9:6) . . .
Gen 9:6 "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.
c. And the apostle Paul stated in Acts 25:11 . . .
Act 25:11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar."
d. Clearly the old and the new testaments teach and agree with the death penalty.
B. (v 22)
Mat 5:22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.
The phrase “but I say to you” is our Lord asserting His authority as Deity, setting the Law of Moses back where it belonged, and simultaneously bringing forth the gospel (Mt 4:23), that perfect Law of liberty (Ja 1:25), the Law of Christ (Gal 6:2), which would go into effect after His death (Heb 9:16-17).
Heb 9:16 For where a testament is, there must of necessity be the death of him that made it.
Heb 9:17 For a testament is of force where there has been death: for it does never avail while he that made it lives.
1. He goes to the root of the problem, He states that a person’s anger should be crime enough to bring a person before a legal tribunal, and if that anger manifests its self in outward words to another they should be brought before the Sanhedrin (which is likened unto our supreme court), and if those words are ones that condemn another to hell (as was the word “raca” here translated “fool” here meant in the 1st century), they shall be in danger of hell themselves (Mt 7:12; Gal 6:7).
Mat 7:12 "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
2. We are all at times going to get angry, but we must learn to control anger, not let anger control us, God angered numerous times against His people, Christ angered (Mk 3:5), yet they did not sin, neither ought we (Eph 4:26-27; Ja 1:19-20).
Eph 4:26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
Eph 4:27 and give no opportunity to the devil.
Jas 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
Jas 1:20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
3. And we need to be very careful of the words we speak, for we will give account of them on the Day of Judgment, the Lord stated in Mt 12:36-37 . . .
Mat 12:36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless (idle) word they speak,
Mat 12:37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
C. (v 23-24)
Mat 5:23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,
Mat 5:24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
It is better to be reconciled with a person than to let your inward man have the spirit of enmity (ill will, anger, hatred). This is not the frame of mind with which we are to approach God, for it is written in 1 Tim 2:8 (turn there) . . .
1Ti 2:8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling (disputing or doubting);
1. Many go to this verse to teach that men have been given the leading role by God (and that is true), but it also teaches that prayer (which is a spiritual sacrifice; 1 Pet 2:5) is to be offered up with a heart (hands) that are holy, which does not include anger, wrath, or a despiteful nature, these things need to be taken care of first, then go to God in prayer, this applies to both men and women.
D. (v 25-26)
Mat 5:25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison.
Mat 5:26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
Considering the briefness of human life this should be done quickly, or one may find themselves self-sentenced to the eternal fires of hell, for today is the day of salvation.
1. We need to make sure that we are walking in the light of the gospel (1 Jn 1:7), walking (living a life) according to the Spirit (Rom 8:4), confessing our sins (1 Jn 1:9) and sinfulness (Lk 18:13), not holding on to unforgiven sins but forgiving others that we might also be forgiven (Mt 6:12, 14-15).
a. And we need to understand that the spirit of anger or wrath is opposed to God’s will for us, this (anger management) is part of the renewal that is to take place in our lives, look at Eph 4:20-32
Eph 4:20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!—
Eph 4:21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus,
Eph 4:22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,
Eph 4:23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
Eph 4:24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Eph 4:25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Eph 4:26 Be (if you are) angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
Eph 4:27 and give no opportunity to the devil. (Here we see anger management, we are to control anger not let anger control us, giving in to anger is giving in to Satan)
Eph 4:28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
Eph 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Eph 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
Eph 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
b. Instead of anger and such like, we are to be kind, tender, forgiving, as God is towards us.
2. And those who are not born again need to believe in the good news and enter into the process of being saved (Jn 5:24) in order to access the grace of God and attain forgiveness, for all that the unforgiven attempts to offer up the God is tainted, unacceptable, until that sin is first dealt with through the gospel (1 Pet 3:12; Jn 16:6; Mt 7:23; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 8:12).
1Pe 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Mat 7:23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'
2Co 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Heb 8:12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more."
3. Also today in the church we hardly ever see the exercising of church discipline when it is due, we hear phrases such as “we need to be patient in this matter” or “we need to show love concerning this situation,” all the while time is ticking by, this brother may die in his sins, and said congregation is being disobedient to the Lord’s commands in Mt 18:15-17.
a. Just like the law concerning murder, its swift carrying out of punishment was not only to bring about justice, but also to manifest fear in others in order that they may sin not, the same is taught concerning church discipline as seen in 1 Tim 5:20 (turn there; 1 Tim 5:19-22) . . .
1Ti 5:19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
1Ti 5:20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.
1Ti 5:21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.
1Ti 5:22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
b. Thus the congregation that lets active adulterers (those twice married), fornicators (which includes the promiscuous, sodomites, lesbians, etc.), drunkards (practicing not struggling against), covetous men (money lovers) who are idolaters, etc. in full fellowship, contrary to God’s laws concerning church discipline, and even at times giving them leading roles in the congregation (while they are in fact separated from God, they that practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God; 1 Cor 6:9-10; Gal 5:19-21),
c. These are in fact separated from Christ because they practice lawlessness (Mt 7:23), and thereby don’t partake of His imputed perfection (2 Cor 5:21), for they don’t walk after the Spirit (Rom 8:4), the blood of Jesus does not cleanse them from all sin because they don’t walk in the light (1 Jn 1:7), thus their righteousness does not exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, and they shall no wise enter into the kingdom of Heaven (v 20), we need to teach, pray, and hope in order that these things would be changed.
II. (Mt 5:27-32) THE GOSPEL CONCERNING ADULTERY
A. (v 27)
Mat 5:27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.'
This is a quote from Ex 20:14, it seems to be perfect, yet the phrase “you have heard that it was said” implies that there was a problem with the way they explained this command.
1. What they were teaching was that “adultery” was “only” that of lying (having sexual relations) with another individual’s spouse, let us note that in verses 31-32 most versions want to change the subject from adultery to divorce; yet verse 32 ends with the word “adultery”, thus “adultery” is the subject matter down to v 32. This first section deals with “adultery and the unmarried person,” the second section, “adultery and the married person.”
B. (v 28-30)
Mat 5:28 But I say to you that everyone who looks (looketh; stares) at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Mat 5:29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.
Mat 5:30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.
“But I say unto you” The Lord took them to the root of the false interpretations and violations of these laws.
1. The look of lust must not be made, it is the first step leading to spiritual death (look at Ja 1:14-15).
Jam 1:14 but each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.
Jam 1:15 Then when the lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin: and when the sin is accomplished (fullgrown), it brings forth death (NASB).
2. In fact a person should not do anything that might draw one’s self close to sin.
a. The ex-drunkard should in no wise put himself close to a bar, walk through the alcohol section of a store; the ex-fornicator should not look at immodestly dressed women, anywhere or anyway but rather look the other way; and the person lent to covetousness should keep his eyes on his own possessions, not always shopping for bigger and better, but rather being content and thankful unto God for that which he or she has.
b. Whatever it takes for the Christian to stay away from temptations, their personal problem areas, those steps must be taken, better that, than to burn in a devil’s hell, for it is written (2 Cor 10:3-5; Col 3:1-4) . . .
2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh
2Co 10:4 (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds),
2Co 10:5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;
Col 3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Col 3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Col 3:3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Col 3:4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
3. Yet today we see “keeping up with the Joneses,” social drinking, gambling, immodest dress, sensual dancing, mixed swimming, and unscriptural marriages all being accepted to some extent among the Lord’s people today, they may accept them, but the Lord does not!
a. The congregation and individuals therein that promote and practice such, and do not teach the truth concerning this, are in fact separated from Christ because they practice lawlessness (Mt 7:23), and thereby don’t partake of His imputed perfection (2 Cor 5:21), for they don’t walk after the Spirit (Rom 8:4), the blood of Jesus does not cleanse them from all sin because they don’t walk in the light (1 Jn 1:7), thus their righteousness does not exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, and they shall no wise enter into the kingdom of Heaven (v 20), they need to repent and believe in the gospel.
C. (v 31)
Mat 5:31 "It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.'
They were also teaching that one could divorce for any number of trivial reasons, they would merely have to make up the paperwork; this is very similar to what we see today in so called “no fault divorce”, people divorce their spouses because of selfishness, “they” don’t love their husbands or wives anymore, “they” don’t want to put up with their spouses problems anymore, “they” want to move on to greener grass, “they” have decided that “they” want to pursue “their” career at the cost of someone else, “they” are not being taking care of as “they” expected from “their” husbands or wives and so on, while the Law of Christ teaches that we are to be (Col 3:13; Mt 6:14-15) . . .
Col 3:13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Mat 6:14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,
Mat 6:15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
And that older women are to . . . (Tit 2:4)
Tit 2:4 . . . train (teach) the young women to love their husbands . . .
1. This implies that some may have not loved their husbands as they ought, thus they needed to be taught such, this was likely due to the fact that many marriages were set up by the fathers of the virgins; marriages may not be set up like they were in that day, but the principle still applies, a married couple is to endure hardships between themselves and grow in love towards each other as time goes on, for Christ commands (Mt 19:6b).
Mat 19:6b What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."
D. (v 32)
Mat 5:32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality (fornication), makes her commit (committeth; continue to commit) adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits (committeth; continues to commit) adultery.
Note the two statements made here, the first one about divorce and where it leads, the second one about
marriage and a divorced person, the first section straightens out Moses’ law, the second section is Christ’s law,
in other words under Moses divorce is only allowed because of fornication, and if it was for some other cause it
will likely lead the wife into fornication making her an adulteress, but under Christ “any” remarrying results in
a continuing act of adultery.
1. Concerning Moses’ Law there was a controversy among the Jews concerning the divorce law under the law of Moses (Deut 24:1-4) , one group (Hillel) said “for any (every) cause” (Mt 19:3), and the other (Shammai) said “only for adultery,” turn to Deut 24:1 . . .
Deu 24:1 When a man taketh a wife, and marrieth her, then it shall be, if she find no favor in his eyes, because he hath found some unseemly thing in her, that he shall write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. (ASV)
Deu 24:1 "When a man takes a wife and marries her, if then she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house, and she departs out of his house, (ESV)
Deu 24:1 When a man376 hath taken3947 [8799] a wife802, and married1166 [8804] her, and it come to pass that she find4672 [8799] no favour2580 in his eyes5869, because he hath found4672 [8804] some1697 uncleanness6172 in her: then let him write3789 [8804] her a bill5612 of divorcement3748, and give5414[8804] it in her hand3027, and send7971 [8765] her out of his house1004. (KJV)
“III. "The school of Hillel saith, If the wife cook her husband's food illy, by over-salting or over-roasting it, she is to be put away."
IV. Yea, "If, by any stroke from the hand of God, she become dumb or sottish," etc.
V. But not to relate all the things for which they pronounce a wife to be divorced (among which they produce some things that modesty allows not to be repeated), let it be enough to mention that of R. Akibah instead of all: "R. Akibah said, If any man sees a woman handsomer than his own wife, he may put her away; because it is said, 'If she find not favour in his eyes (KJV).' "
“Some of them interpreted this law of Moses (as by right they ought to interpret it), of the case of “adultery only.” The school of Shamaai said, “A wife is not to be divorced, unless for filthiness [that is, adultery] only, because it is said, Because he hath found filthy nakedness in her;" that is, adultery.”(Lightfoot)
Thus our Lord here settles the matter and expounds on it, again look at Deut 24:1 . . .
Deu 24:1 When a man376 hath taken3947 [8799] a wife802, and married1166 [8804] her, and it come to pass that she find4672 [8799] no favour2580 in his eyes5869, because he hath found4672 [8804] some1697 uncleanness6172 in her: then let him write3789 [8804] her a bill5612 of divorcement3748, and give5414[8804] it in her hand3027, and send7971 [8765] her out of his house1004. (KJV)
The word “uncleanness” “unseemly” indecency” here in the Hebrew is the word ‛erva^h
H6172 ; ערוה ; ‛erva^h
BDB Definition:
1) nakedness, nudity, shame, pudenda
1a) pudenda (implying shameful exposure)
1b) nakedness of a thing, indecency, improper behaviour
1c) exposed, undefended (figuratively)
Lightfoot writes . . .
“Our Saviour does not abrogate Moses' permission of divorces, but tolerates it, yet keeping it within the Mosaic bounds, that is, in the case of adultery, condemning that liberty in the Jewish canons, which allowed it for any cause.
God, indeed, granted to that nation a law concerning divorces, Deu_24:1; permitted only "for the hardness of their hearts," Mat_19:8; in which permission, nevertheless, they boast, as though it were indulged them by mere privilege. When God had established that fatal law of punishing adultery by death (Deuteronomy_22), for the terror of the people, and for their avoiding of that sin; the same merciful God foreseeing also how hard (occasion being taken from this law) the issue of this might be to the women, by reason of the roughness of the men; lusting, perhaps, after other women, and loathing their own wives; he more graciously provided against such kind of wife-killing by a law, mitigating the former, and allowed the putting away a wife in the same case, concerning which that fatal law was given; namely, in the case of adultery.
So that that law of divorce, in the exhibition of it, implied their hearts to be hard; and, in the use of it, they shewed them to be carnal.
And yet hear them thus boasting of that law: "The Lord of Israel saith, That he hateth putting away; Mal_2:16.” (Lightfoot)
2. But under Christ only death dissolves the marriage bond, period, look at (Rom 7:1-3; 1 Cor 7:39)
Rom 7:1 Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives?
Rom 7:2 For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of (the husband) marriage.
Rom 7:3 Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress.
1Co 7:39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.
a. In 1 Cor 7:15 we find the only place that implies divorce is allowed, only if initiated by the unbeliever, there it talks about being in slavery (under bondage) to one’s spouse, if an unbelieving spouse wishes to depart, so be it, you can’t stop him or her, let them leave and remain unmarried, or be reconciled to them (1 Cor 7:11), but it would be better if you attempted to keep the relationship going in hopes of bringing them to Christ (1 Cor 7:16), yet Paul says nothing about remarriage, for it is not allowed (look at Mt 19:5-6; Mk 10:6-12; Luke 16:18; 1 Cor 7:10-11).
Mat 19:5 and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast (cleave) to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?
Mat 19:6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."
b. Here is the thrust, the point of our Lord’s teaching concerning divorce “don’t do it!”
Mar 10:6 But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.'
Mar 10:7 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife,
Mar 10:8 and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh.
Mar 10:9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."
Mar 10:10 And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter.
Mar 10:11 And he said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits (committeth; continues to commit) adultery against her,
Mar 10:12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits (committeth; continues to commit ) adultery."
Luk 16:18 "Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits (committeth; continues to commit ) adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits (committeth; continues to commit) adultery.
1Co 7:10 To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband
1Co 7:11 (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce (leave) his wife.
c. In these passages God plainly teaches us that divorce is not approved under Christ, marriage it to be for life, any remarriage results in a continuing act of adultery, yet Mt 19:9 is commonly used to justify divorce and remarriage to the innocent party concerning a divorce that was made because of fornication (look back at Mt 19:7-9).
Mat 19:7 They said to him, "Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?"
Mat 19:8 He said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.
Mat 19:9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality (fornication), and marries another, commits (committeth; continues to commit) adultery."
d. Yet there are a few problems with that assertion . . .
1) It is in contradiction to Mk 10:11 and Luke 16:18 where it is written that “whosoever,” “everyone” that puts away his wife and marries another continues to commit (“committeth”) adultery, this would include the marriage dissolved for fornication and the innocent party thereof. Therefore there must be a logical way to solve this supposed contradiction.
2) In Paul’s inspired discourse in 1 Cor 7 separation was allowed between spouses or reconciliation, nothing else, it seems funny that Paul knew nothing of the “excepted cause” for remarriage as part of Christ’s doctrine even though he sites the Lord (1 Cor 7:10-11).
3) There is a textual variant in Mt 19:9 (Margin ASV; RV; NASB), which basically makes it say the same as seen in Mt 5:32, remarriage concerning the “innocent party” is not addressed.
4) Mt 19:9 was addressing a “difficult” question concerning “the Law of Moses” not a question about “the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” from the Pharisees, and the Pharisees were being addressed by Christ, not “His disciples” as in Mt 5:32 (Mt 5:1) and Mk 10:10-12 (Christ answered the question concerning the law of Moses and when His disciples asked Him later in the house Christ states “to them” (His disciples) “whosoever” puts away their spouse and marries another commits (committeth; continues to commit) adultery (Mk 10:11-12), therefore the command to teach this (Mt 19:9) as part of the “teaching them to observe all things” as seen in Mt 28:20 is made void because it was not directed towards the disciples, and in fact when we look at the sum of God’s word concerning the account (Ps 119:160), in Mk 10:10-12 the Lord clarifies the matter.
5) The early church testifies in its writings (Ante-Nicene fathers; pre AD 325) that no divorce was allowed at all, those that did such and remarried were committing adultery, in other words they were living in sin, practicing sin, therefore they were children of the devil (1 Jn 3:4-10), just like Christ said (Mk 10:11; Luke 16:18).
Mar 10:11 And he said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits (committeth; continues to commit ) adultery against her,
Luk 16:18 "Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits (committeth; continues to commit) adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits (committeth; continues to commit ) adultery.
e. This interpretation is in harmony with the rest of the bible’s teaching concerning it, it is that “sum” of God’s word, which is the truth on any given matter (Ps 119:160).
f. All these points seem to point to the one truth of the bible, only death breaks the bond of marriage (Rom 7:2; 1 Cor 7:39), all other states and variations are sin and need to be dissolved (Ezra 10). Look again at Rom 7:2; 1 Cor 7:39 . . .
Rom 7:2 For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of (the husband) marriage.
1Co 7:39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.
g. The sum of God’s word is truth (Ps 119:160) it is not a contradictory riddled product of man as some would have us believe, and this is the truth that if you abide in it, it will set you free (John 8:31-32)
Joh 8:31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
Joh 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
h. The congregation and individuals therein that practice and promote, and do not teach the truth concerning such, has righteousness that does not exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, these are in fact separated from Christ because they practice and encourage lawlessness, therefore He doesn’t know them (Mt 7:23), and they cannot partake of His imputed perfection (2 Cor 5:21), for they don’t walk after the Spirit (Rom 8:4), the blood of Jesus does not cleanse them from all sin because they don’t walk in the light (1 Jn 1:7), thus their righteousness does not exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, and they shall no wise enter into the kingdom of Heaven (v 20), let us pray and teach in order that these things may change.
III. (Mt 5:33-37) THE GOSPEL CONCERNING OATHS
A. (v 33)
Mat 5:33 "Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord (your oaths) what you have sworn.'
Here again we see almost a direct quote from Num 30:2, but the phrase “you have heard that it was said” implies that there was some problem with the way they explained this command.
B. (v 34-36)
Mat 5:34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,
Mat 5:35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
Mat 5:36 And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.
This is very similar to Ja 5:12 (turn there) . . .
Jas 5:12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your "yes" be yes and your "no" be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.
“But I say to you” (Mt 5:34) again refers to Christ rightly dividing the Law of Moses and proclaiming His Law to come (Mt 28:20), and here He also explains the problem.
a. The Law of Moses stated that if a man made a vow to the Lord he had to keep it (look at Num 30:2; Deut 23:21-22).
Num 30:2 If a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
Deu 23:21 "If you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay fulfilling it, for the LORD your God will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin.
Deu 23:22 But if you refrain from vowing, you will not be guilty of sin.
2. Note that one was not required to vow, I think it would be safe to say the same concerning oaths. Yet the only oath authorized by the Law of Moses was one taken by the name of God (turn to Deut 6:13).
Deu 6:13 It is the LORD (Jehovah) your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear.
3. Yet the Jews of that day would swear upon things other than the Almighty in order to make their words seem more important (the sin of vain glory; sinful pride; self-exaltation), and if they didn’t keep them, they thought they would not be condemned.
a. These oaths were lawlessness to start out with, yet they were still obliged to keep them none the less, for God created all these things they had sworn upon.
b. Christ told them that when they made these vows upon these things they in fact were making a vow to the Lord, for all these things are His (Ps 24:1), even down to the very hairs on our heads. Thus in these self-lifting oaths they were in fact condemning themselves in the sin of the boastful pride of life (1 John 2:16) and not escaping the wrath of God, He again stated in Mt 23 (look at Mt 23:16-26) . . .
Mat 23:16 "Woe to you, blind guides, who say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.'
Mat 23:17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred?
Mat 23:18 And you say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.'
Mat 23:19 You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred?
Mat 23:20 So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.
Mat 23:21 And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it.
Mat 23:22 And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.
Mat 23:23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.
Mat 23:24 You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!
Mat 23:25 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.
Mat 23:26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.
4. Again all this leads us to making our inner persons right in the sight of God, as it is written (Mt 23:12; Ja 4:10; 1 Pet 5:5b-6) . . .
Mat 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Jam 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall exalt you.
1Pe 5:5b Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
a. Instead of self-lifting oaths, humility, lowliness of spirit, is where God wants us to be.
C. (v 37)
Mat 5:37 Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil (or “the evil one”).
1. The point being made here is that they and we should keep our word, it should be binding enough, an oath should not be needed.
a. The frivolous, untruthful, empty, falsehoods the you constantly hear spewing out of the mouths of those of the world, is not acceptable for the true follower of Christ, there is no such thing as an acceptable (or white) lie, the Christian’s word is to be binding, even if unto death, for “all unrepentant liars” are committed to the lake of fire (Rev 21:8).
b. And when one attempts to lift themselves up before men, by words or whatever means, that is merely Satan (the evil one) working through them in the avenue of “the pride of life” (1 John 2:16) and it could cost one their soul, for haughtiness (as in a haughty look) is at the top of the list of the things Jehovah hates the most, turn to Pro 6:16-19 . . .
Pro 6:16 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him:
Pro 6:17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Pro 6:18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil,
Pro 6:19 a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
c. Again first on this lists is a haughty, a high (proud) look, and second is a lying tongue, these two sins (self pride and lying) are equal to God as one that would shed innocent blood, and this is not just an OT teaching, we see that murderers and liars are coupled together in both the New and Old Testaments turn to Rev 21:8 . . .
Rev 21:8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless (unbelieving), the detestable (abominable), as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur (brimstone), which is the second death."
d. Instead of speaking lies the imitator of Christ is to be speaking the truth motivated by love (turn to Eph 4:15-25) . . .
Eph 4:15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
Eph 4:16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Eph 4:17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.
Eph 4:18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.
Eph 4:19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.
Eph 4:20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!—
Eph 4:21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus,
Eph 4:22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,
Eph 4:23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
Eph 4:24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Eph 4:25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
e. For to attempt to make our words seem more important to others through these idle oaths is evil, and could bring about our condemnation on the Last Day (Mt 12:37), The inspired James pictures condemnation from our words this way in Ja 3:5-6 . . .
Jam 3:5 In the same way the tongue is a small part of the body, but it can brag about doing important things. A large forest can be set on fire by a little flame.
Jam 3:6 The tongue is that kind of flame. It is a world of evil among the parts of our bodies, and it completely contaminates our bodies. The tongue sets our lives on fire, and is itself set on fire from hell. (GW)
f. Instead of making self-lifting oaths, here are the types of words by which we will be justified (look at 1 Pet 4:11a; Eph 4:29; Col 4:6)
1Pe 4:11 Whoever speaks must speak God's words. Whoever serves must serve with the strength God supplies so that in every way God receives glory through Jesus Christ. Glory and power belong to Jesus Christ forever and ever! Amen. (GW)
Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace (favor) to them that hear.
Col 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace (favor), seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
g. Look at Mt 12:34-37; 15:18-20a . . .
Mat 12:34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
Mat 12:35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.
Mat 12:36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,
Mat 12:37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
Mat 15:18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.
Mat 15:19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.
Mat 15:20a These are what defile a person."
h. We need to be quick to hear and slow to speak in order that we might spiritually discern our situation, then if needed speak, that which is good, and edifying.
i. Our words are going to have an eternal impact on ourselves and others, therefore let us do our God given best to glorify Him through them (Ps 22:22-23; 1 Cor 10:31) . . .
Psa 22:22 I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:
Psa 22:23 You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
Heb 13:15 Through him (Jesus) then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name (power).
1Co 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
i. That would include our speaking
j. The Christian therefore is to be painstakingly truthful, humble, lowly, meek, having a servant attitude towards all, realizing that they, and all they have, are the work of God (John 3:27; 19:11; 1 Cor 4:7; Ja 1:17), and that if we demonstrate this attitude “He (God) will lift us up” (Ja 4:10), in doing this we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Mt 5:13-16).
k. Yet what is being taught today by some religions of men today is that God, Christ and Paul all made oaths, so therefore so can we, the problem with that is it goes directly against what the Lord and other inspired men taught (Deut 23:22; Mt 5:34; Ja 5:12), therefore I encourage to believe and obey God rather than men (Acts 4:19; 5:29), do not make oaths, simply say yes or no, any more than this is Satan working in your life.
l. A few religious bodies still do adhere to the Lord’s teachings here (Anabaptists; Quakers, etc.) and our government has aligned itself also with the Lord allowing for one to merely “affirm” instead to “swear” to tell the truth, therefore we ought to take advantage of these opportunities and continue to obey the Lord whenever and wherever possible.
m. The congregations and individuals that practice and promote oaths, and do not teach the truth concerning these matters do not walk after the Spirit (Rom 8:4), do not walk in the light (1 Jn 1:7), therefore they do not partake in Christ’s imputed righteousness (2 Cor 5:21), thus they have righteousness that does not exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, and they shall no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven (v 20).
IV. (Mt 5:38-42) THE GOSPEL CONCERNING RETALIATION (vengeance)
A. (v 38)
Mat 5:38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'
1. Again we have our phrase “you have heard that it was said” concerning a quote from the OT specifically Lev 24:20, we must consider that there was a problem here also, or the Lord would not have brought it up (turn there; Lev 24:19-20)
Lev 24:19 If anyone injures his neighbor, as he has done it shall be done to him,
Lev 24:20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; whatever injury he has given a person shall be given to him.
a. This is talking about punishments as a result of judicial proceedings (turn to Deut 19:16-21),
Deu 19:16 If a malicious witness arises to accuse a person of wrongdoing,
Deu 19:17 then both parties to the dispute shall appear before the LORD, before the priests and the judges who are in office in those days.
Deu 19:18 The judges shall inquire diligently, and if the witness is a false witness and has accused his brother falsely,
Deu 19:19 then you shall do to him as he had meant to do to his brother. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
Deu 19:20 And the rest shall hear and fear, and shall never again commit any such evil among you.
Deu 19:21 Your eye shall not pity. It shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
b. This speaks of punishment the law system instated by God should inflict. He who took a life should lose his life; he who robbed another of an eye should be punished by the loss of an eye. The Jews perverted it to justify “private” retaliation, we nor they are to take the law into our own hands, the governments are God’s agents for doing such (Rom 13:1-7).
B. (v 39)
Mat 5:39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
1.Instead of retaliating we are to take the wrong and give of ourselves, for all we have, and are, is God’s (Jn 3:27; Job 1:21; 1 Cor 4:7; Ja 1:17; Ps 24:1).
a. We are not to resist evil with evil, but rather to overcome evil with good (Rom 12:21).
b. We are supposed to be protected by the laws of the land, and are entitled to that protection as we see in the case of Paul (Acts 22:25-29).The context is not defense, but rather retaliation, which is evil based (look at Rom 12:17-13:5).
Rom 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
Rom 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Rom 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
Rom 12:20 To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head."
Rom 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Rom 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Rom 13:2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,
Rom 13:4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.
Rom 13:5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
c. Look at verses 12:19; 13:4, 13:5, note that they all speak of God’s wrath, this passage (Rom 12:17-13:5) teaches us that we are not to take the law in our own hands, God has appointed the governments and legal authorities to bring forth His wrath, we rather are to overcome evil with good (Rom 12:21), not with acts of retaliation, but rather with acts of love, both Jesus and Paul were struck in the face by God ordained authorities (John 18:23; Acts 23:2), and wrongly so, yet they did not retaliate physically (turn to 1 Pet 2:21-23) . . .
1Pe 2:21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
1Pe 2:22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
1Pe 2:23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him (God the Father) who judges justly.
d. God is attempting to teach us to commit ourselves to Him, instead of relying, trusting in the arm of flesh, rather trusting in God, even if it costs us our physical lives, for dying because of God is better than living because of Satan.
e. Many were called upon to give up their lives in the first few centuries after the establishing of the church, rather than tossing a pinch of incense in a small fire (this construed emperor worship), this is what is spoken of in Rev 2:10 (look there).
Rev 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
f. Keep in mind that God is over all, even the evil governments, and what does He say about our wrongful treatments from them, look at Rev 13:10 . . .
Rev 13:10 If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
g. What about those that tossed that pinch of incense, who didn’t endure faithfully, what was their lot in eternity? (look at Rev 14:9-12).
Rev 14:9 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand,
Rev 14:10 he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur (brimstone) in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.
Rev 14:11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name."
Rev 14:12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
h. What about today, God is drawing lines, seeing who is faithful and who is not, expressions of the Christian faith are increasingly looked down upon and evil spoken of, individuals are losing their jobs and being sued because they are attempting to be salt and light that our world might continue (2 Pet 3:9), but we must obey God rather than men when the two contradict (Acts 4:19; 5:29).
C. (v 40)
Mat 5:40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.
1.Now we see this principle of non-resistance brought over into the case of litigation (Ex 22:26-27),
a. Rather than imitating one of the world by filing a counter suit, it is more fitting that one concede, trust in God to care for him and manifest outward love towards the individual attempting to sue us, which would be as heaping coals of the fire of Christian love upon another, perhaps our actions will bring them closer to God.
D. (v 41)
Mat 5:41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
1.This was a custom that started with the Persian government, it was also taken up by the Greeks, and then the Romans, it concerned assistance to the government by the individual.
a. But in the days of the Roman empire soldiers would stop anybody on the street and make them carry a load, thereby perverting this law, and the Jews resented it
b. But the truth is that in this over-exercising of authority God was testing and refining them, but they couldn’t see it, they could just see the world as the world, they were spiritually blind.
c. Yet one was supposed to do this and more, again in the hope of shining as lights before men, instead of retaliating, fighting evil with good.
E. (v 42)
Mat 5:42 Give to the one who begs (asks) from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
1. The spirit of retaliation is still under consideration, even if one who has injured us is in need, we are not to turn him away, but rather give, as our Father gives.
a. Also at this time Palestine swarmed with the blind, lepers, and maimed, who were dependent on charity and needed such, there were no social systems as we see today, when they asked for alms, they were to be given alms, remember Pro 19:17 . . .
Pro 19:17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.
2. But keep in mind that the Lord does not require us to give to “every” one, to loan to “every” one, we need to be discerning in our good works at times, being wise as serpents but harmless as doves,
a. For this would not be a blessing to those who abused this principle, it could sink them deeper into their sin, and would have us partaking thereof (2 Jn 11).
b. Also the scriptures teach in 2 Thess 3:10 that if one will not work for his food that he is not to be given any handouts either, turn there (2 Thess 3:7-15)
2Th 3:7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,
2Th 3:8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.
2Th 3:9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.
2Th 3:10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.
2Th 3:11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.
2Th 3:12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
2Th 3:13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
2Th 3:14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.
2Th 3:15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
c. Generally speaking those that aren’t willing to work are not to be given handouts either, but we are to have a spirit that will be ready to do so whenever it is right, and it is better to help someone that is not in need, than to not help someone who truly is needful, for cause of caution, yet in most cases, one can discern fraudulency, and we should be generous with that which has been given us, which is all we possess, even our own selves, God says (Ps 50:10-12; 24:1; 100:3) . . .
Psa 50:10 For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
Psa 50:11 I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.
Psa 50:12 "If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine.
Psa 24:1 The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,
Psa 100:3 Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
d. The same can be said for us today, as God’s people we are to heap the coals of good (love) upon others instead of the coals of retaliation (Rom 12:19-21), realizing that all we have and are belong to God (Ps 24:1),
e. Therefore we ought to use all this to promote eternal life through Christ, and thereby laying up treasures in Heaven (Mt 6:19-21),
f. The congregations and individuals that do not teach and practice the truth concerning such, and misapply scriptures to form doctrines God has not commanded, do not walk after the Spirit (Rom 8:4), do not walk in the light (1 Jn 1:7), therefore they do not share in Christ’s imputed perfection (2 Cor 5:21), thus they have righteousness that does not exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, and they shall no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven (v 20).
V. (Mt 5:43-48) THE GOSPEL CONCERNING LOVE (of fellow man)
A. (v 43)
Mat 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
1.They were taught to love their neighbor in the OT (look at Lev 19:18),
Lev 19:18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.
a. But they weren’t taught to hate their enemy in the OT, this is something they added by traditions, by their reasoning, this verse seems to imply that they were only to love their fellow Israelites, but the truth is the verse states you shall not bear a grudge against your own people and when it speaks of loving one’s neighbor it is not necessarily a Hebrew parallelism, but an extension, not only is love to be practiced to owns own, but also to one’s neighbor, whoever they are, here is a couple examples from their written traditions . . .
"But as to the Gentiles, with whom we have no war, and likewise to the shepherds of smaller cattle, and others of that sort, they do not so plot their death; but it is forbidden them to deliver them from death if they are in danger of it." . . .
"A Jew sees one of them fallen into the sea; let him by no means lift him out thence: for it is written, 'Thou shalt not rise up against the blood of thy neighbour': but this is not thy neighbour." . . . (Lightfoot)
b. But in the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:27-37) the Lord teaches us that anyone and everyone in need is our neighbor, as it is written (Gal 6:9-10) . . .
Gal 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Gal 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
c. Here is another example from there written traditions . . .
"An Israelite, who alone sees another Israelite transgressing, and admonisheth him, if he repents not, is bound to hate him." (Lightfoot)
d. As you can see they were actually teaching that they were to hate those captured by Satan through sin.
e. But we learn in the truth of the gospel that the sinners are to be loved (John 3:16) as God loves them, yet we are to hate the sin (Heb 1:9) that they and we are held captive through (Lk 4:18), and attempt to open their eyes through the gospel (Jn 9:39), that they might see, and escape from the devices of the devil (Ja 4:7).
f. But nowhere in the OT were they Jews taught to hate their enemies, but through their traditions they taught this.
g. They were to be executioners for God concerning certain nations, what they did was in obedience to God’s commands, not acts of personal vengeance.
h. Even though God had some nations destroyed, he took no pleasure in it (Ezek 18:23; 2 Pet 3:9; 1 Tim 2:4).
Eze 18:23 Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?
2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
1Ti 2:4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
i. Verses such as these should have been the mindset of the Jews, it must also be ours.
j. And concerning God’s appointed servants who bring about His wrath, those who are in the faith, and attempt to be soldiers or police officers also need to keep these types of verses in mind, for there are no commands forbidding such occupations.
k. But it will certainly be difficult for the Christian soldier to convert one to Christ whom he has killed on the battlefield, as the Christian police officer will have difficulty teaching the gospel to one whom he had to exert deadly force upon,
l. Thus we can see the difficulties involved with the Christian holding such occupations, therefore it is probably best if Christians let the dead bury the dead (let unbelievers have occupations that promote unbelieving), and let us spend more time focused on the things above (Col 2:12; 3:1-4) . . .
Col 2:12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Col 3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Col 3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Col 3:3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Col 3:4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
B. (v 44)
Mat 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
1. Again “But I say to you,” here is what the totality of God’s word teaches, praying for those at enmity with God and showing outward love for them (the word translated “love” here is “agapao” ( “to love in a social or moral sense, to do good towards them in order to effectuate their ultimate good”), simply speaking this means to “care for them.”
a. This speaks of love manifested by actions, to care “about” them enough to care “for” them (Gal 5:6)
Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
b. Doing good to them when possible (Gal 6:10), feeding the hungry, clothing the cold, housing the destitute, living, speaking and preaching of the good news about Christ, that they might awake from their spiritual sleep (Eph 5:14) . . .
Eph 5:14 . . . Therefore it says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
c. Doing good would also include praying for them, interceding for them (look at 1 Tim 2:1-6).
1Ti 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,
1Ti 2:2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
1Ti 2:3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,
1Ti 2:4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
1Ti 2:6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
d. The reason we are to do this is because this is something that they cannot really do for themselves (Jn 9:31; Pro 15:8, 29; 28:9; Ps 66:18) being separated from God by their sins (Rom 3:23; Isa 59:2), because they are not priests of the Most High as are Christians (1 Pet 2:5, 9), nor have they accessed the blood sacrifice of Christ according to the “one faith” (Eph 4:5), the “one gospel” (Gal 1:6-9) which enables them to approach God, through our High Priest Christ Jesus (Heb 3:1), for without priesthood and sacrifice, sinful man cannot approach a sinless, holy God.
e. Therefore we need to pray for those in the world, that are at enmity with God (Ja 4:4), yet not only prayer, but prayer combined with our approaching them with gospel teachings, in word and in deed (1 Jn 3:18), that is the prayer of faith (Ja 1:6), one that demonstrates itself along with actions, in order that all the more might be saved, which is in alignment with God’s will (1 Tim 2:4).
1Ti 2:4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
C. (v 45)
Mat 5:45 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.
1. God has also blessed those who were outside the covenantal relationship with Him, except when He was bringing judgment upon certain nations, He did not withhold any physical blessings from the Jew nor the Greek, with the hope that His goodness shown therein may draw some to Him.
a. Therefore we likewise need to do good to all (Gal 6:10), even those in friendship with, who love the world, who are the enemies of God (Ja 4:4), remembering “such were some of you” (1 Cor 6:11), letting our good works shine forth (Mt 5:16) to them, holding forth the word of life (Phili 2:16a), the gospel, that power of God unto salvation (Rom 1:16).
D. (v 46-47)
Mat 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
Mat 5:47 And if you greet only your brothers (relatives; ISV; i.e. either by religion or blood), what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?
1. If we do not pray and act as God, we are just like those without God, and without hope in the world (Eph 2:12), and we likewise might be without hope (Gal 6:7), we will be that one talent person, unprofitable and cast into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping, and gnashing of teeth (Mt 25:30).
a. We need to be kind to sinners, we need to greet them, to help them, to teach them, perhaps they will see the love of Christ through us and come to the glorious light of the gospel unto eternal life.
E. (v 48)
Mat 5:48 You therefore (shall; future tense) must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
1. But if we do love, pray and approach the enemies of God, some will be the good ground (Luke 8:15), those with the good and honest hearts, who when hearing God’s word in truth, will believe it, and begin to follow Jesus, thereby manifesting the obedience of faith unto the life eternal (Rom 1:5; 16:25-27).
Rom 1:5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,
Rom 16:25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages
Rom 16:26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—
Rom 16:27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
a. Then will we be perfect, complete in our faith working through love (Gal 5:6), as our Father in heaven is complete, perfect, working though His love.
b. Also there may be some prophetic significance in our Lord’s statement here . . . “you therefore shall (future tense) be perfect”, when we enter the process of salvation (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2, 2 Cor 2:15), upon belief (Jn 5:24; Rom 5:1), we become the righteousness of God in Him (Jn 3:16; Eph 4:15; 2 Cor 5:21), we continue to receive Christ’s imputed perfection as we walk after the Spirit (Rom 8:4), walk in the light as He is in the light (1 Jn 1:7), thereby we are truly perfect as God is perfect, because of Jesus’ perfection which is imputed to us (Rom 4; 2 Cor 5:21).
2. The congregation and individuals therein that do not teach and practice the truth concerning such do partake of Christ’s imputed righteousness (Rom 8:4; 2 Cor 5:21) and thus have righteousness that does not exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, and they shall no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven (v 20), therefore let us pray, and teach, and live in a manner, that this might be changed.
Conclusion,
1. “You have heard that it was said” (the doctrines of men; Col 2:8) are everywhere, throughout the multitude of religions in Christendom, denominational and non-denominational.
2. Many have formulated these beliefs in creed books, prayer books, catechisms, and manuals of discipline, and in their own minds, just as the Jews formulated their traditions in the form of the Talmud.
3. The reason is, they do not believe that God in His infinite wisdom made His word clear enough, in others words, “you have heard it said” “it doesn’t mean that.”
4. “But I say unto you” “yes it does” the Bible is clear, understandable (Eph 3:4), it gives one simple message, it is to be believed, and obeyed from the heart, unto the life eternal.
5. One is directed to . . .
Hear the word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17);
Believe that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 8:37; John 8:24);
Repent of sins, and determine to follow God (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5);
Confess Christ before humanity (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9);
Be baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27; Rom 6:3) unto (for) the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; 22:16);
And live a holy life (1 Pet 1:15) that exceeds that of the righteousness of the scribes and the Pharisees, realizing that it is not you, but rather God working in you (Phili 2:13), Christ in you (Col 1:27), that by His grace, Jesus Christ and His gospel (Tit 2:11), enables you to have the hope of glory.