Matthew Chapter 5
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Matthew Chapter 5 (Expansion of the Law)
Matthew Chapter 5 (Expansion of the Law)
Intro:
James covered a couple Sunday’s ago verses 1-20 here in Matthew chapter 5, and we saw how we should always strive to follow the law by the very best of our ability and understanding, but also we WILL fall short, and that is why repentance is so important, because Christ’s mercy and his blood shed is what cleanses us from our shortcomings and gives us eternal peace and life
So picking up this morning on the last half of Matthew chapter 5, were going to be reading through verses 21-48,
We are going to see Christ using oppositions here to show a contrast and exaggerations of the law in a way, and this helps his disciples and also us as the body of Christ, to better understand what it means to have righteousness from Jesus’s mercy and forgiveness more so than “merit” of the written law.
We will see how the “criteria” required of Jesus’s disciples is taken further than the written law,
Keep in mind that Christ’s teachings never contradict or overturn the existing law,
They simply further explain and elaborate in greater detail the old law.
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
So we are going to see that phrase “of old time” repeated throughout the rest of this chapter.
Whenever we see that phrase it is Christ referencing the old law in Exodus.
Here in verses 21, he is referencing Exod 20:13 to be exact.
Thou shalt not kill.
That word “kill” there is H7523 in the strongs, and it does not simply mean to take a life.
it means to unlawfully kill, murder, or a premeditated act of taking a human life.
There is a time to protect your family, accidents may happen where someone was to lose their life, but the law from the Old testament means to unlawfully take someones life.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Notice it says “as a roaring lion” not that the devil IS a roaring lion.
Working together to resist the temptations and afflictions from Satan, I am a firm believer in standing my ground.
It is up to me as the man of my house to follow the guidance of Christ to the best of my ability, which trickles down to me and my wife’s relationship being together in the name of God, which then trickles down to our children,
you can read all of this in Ephesians 22, but
I am the protector physical protector of our home, and I believe when it comes to our home and family my wife is a better spiritual protector,
I make sure we are protected from intruders, She makes sure we are protected by those spiritual intruders and wickedness.
Papa has said my entire life, Women and mothers are the strongest prayer worriers on the planet,
And where I'm going with this, is that there is a difference in protecting your family, your country from wickedness, and then premeditated murder or unlawfully taking someones life.
But Let’s see how Christ expands on the old law.
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Pay attention to that first statement, “But I say unto you,”
This is showing the authority of Christ, God with us in the flesh, He has to power to further these laws.
Again he isn’t changing the laws, He is taking them a step further here,
Does anyone know what “Raca” means?
G4469 in the strongs, meaning “O empty one” or “thou worthless”
It is slang for talking down to someone.
Christ is taking the old law of “thou shall not kill or commit unlawful murder”
and furthering it saying, “ if you talk down to someone or have hate in your heart toward them for no reason, it is the same law as committing murder or killing for no reason.”
Remember God is full of peace and love, and how can we follow Him and reflect His light onto others with hate in our hearts.
And look at this now as the expansion of thou shalt not kill.
Imagine during judgement, the sin of the man who was an unlawful assassin is being judged by the same sin of the person who “Just couldn't stand someone” and dogged them all the time.
and I'm guilty of it, but reading and understanding the old law, and seeing how Christ fulfilled and expanded on it really opens my eyes to how there is only 1 unpardonable sin. And how to use the law to help my overall mindset and outlook toward others,
Again, we are going to fall short of the law, the only man who did NOT fall short is the reason we have salvation through repentance and faith.
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
So what are these 2 verses saying here.
A lot of times there are conflicts and bitterness toward people because of misunderstanding,
Lack of communication. Especially this day in time with text messages, and social media, you can’t read someones tone in a text.
Basically, what this is saying is when you have conflict with someone,
Talk about it, have an IN PERSON conversation with them to try and weed out the misunderstandings BEFORE you go to the altar with anger and hatred in your heart.
Before you start asking for God to work on the situation when most of the time the situation isn’t even a situation but a misunderstanding, or a miss communication, or a Lack of communication.
Before we start getting worked up over conflict with someone, sit down in person and talk about it. If Jesus said it then it HAS to be true.
Most conflict now days is from misunderstanding through social media or texts when all it takes to resolve the conflict is to talk it out in person.
You can’t go to God with hatred in your heart and expect to reflect the light of Christ. It doesn’t work that way.
Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
Who is the adversary?
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
In other words here in Matthew, don’t entertain or argue with those who have believe false doctrine from the adversary or the devil.
All this causes is conflict.
Instead, explain using the word of God, plant a seed, and walk away, Let God water that seed.
Rapture theory is a great example of this.
There are people who when the time comes, and Satan comes first portraying himself as Christ, where people will fully believe that he is the Messiah,
Stick to the word of God, let the word of God guide them.
As children of Christ, we are all teachers of His word, don't bash people down, use the word of God to lead them to the truth.
Again, plant the seed of Christ and walk away, let God water that seed.
Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
Again, it is a waste of time to argue and get worked up trying to explain to some people the true word of God when they have been taught there entire lives a false doctrine,
Plant the seed and let God do the watering, walk away.
We aren’t here to judge, we are here to educate, God does the saving.
Going back to this verse in Ephesians.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
That’s what these 2 verses are talking about, Christ is telling us,
Don’t fight with one another, use the word of God to guide us, because our battle isn't against one another, its against the adversary the devil.
When we fight with one another, all it causes is conflict and strife that gets us no where.
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
There’s that phrase again, Christ referencing the law in the Old testament.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Do not commit sexual relations with a married person or someone other that your spouse.
A lot of times we will see throughout the Old Testament that committing adultery is punishable by death.
Why?
Because Adultery is a metaphor for unfaithfulness to God.
And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
This is Jesus later in Matthew 19 referencing Genesis 2:24 which was a commandment from God to Adam and Eve to be passed down from then on out.
And take a look at what Christ says next in chapter 19.
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Together through God, let NO MAN separate.
Again, people make mistakes. but your marriage with your wife or your husband is a sacred bond or covenant,
Coming together as one through God.
Marriage is not to be taken lightly. As much as I hate it, I feel like a lot of times marriages take place out of vanity instead of commitment to God with one another.
But anyway, study for another time, lets see how Jesus takes this law a step further.
But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Jesus takes it a step further,
Before you just couldn't have physical relations with another
But now, lusting after another person in your mind is the same as physically having committed adultery,
Not trying to sugar coat or child proof this,
But there is a very very microscopic line between admiring someone and lusting after them.
A lot of times you hear “ well I'm just admiring God’s creation”
Knowing good and well it is lust not admiration, okay.
So now showing lust towards someone other than your spouse or who is married is the same sin as having physical sexual relations with them
And again, Christ takes the Old Law and expands on it to take it a step further.
And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
What is Christ giving us these extreme examples for?
He is showing us how through the power of God, we can turn away from sin.
Its gonna be hard, its gonna be tough.
As we read through Exodus, and read these laws here, we are going to see just what sin is.
Sin does what?
It pleases the flesh right? 9 times out of 10, committing sin pleases the fleshly desires.
Look at verse 29 here”
IT may be hard in the moment, but for long term effects, and for final judgement from God, It would be a WHOLE lot less painful to lose your hand than your entire body.
Its a WHOLE lot less painful to turn away from sin now than rather than during your final Judgement when we are face to face with our creator.
No turning away from sin is not easy, that's why Christ gives us the exaggerated examples here,
Cutting off your hand isn't easy either, but losing from the neck down would be a lot worse than just your hand.
Turning away from Sin and fleshly desire now is better than facing God with these sins on our soul during final judgement.
Scariest verses in the bible to me.
Jesus is speaking upon the ones who claim to be a child of God but are not following God’s guidance and his works.
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
That is a very intense chapter which we will get to, but we see a lot of the parable of the fig tree in that chapter.
Again, strive to turn away from sin now, because it is a whole lot easier now than during Judgement.
It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
Jesus is quoting Old testament law here, we aren't going to go there but it is Deuteronomy 24 verses 1-4
There is always a lot of different outlooks on divorce, but I want to take a look at a different verse here.
And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.
God is comparing the tribes of Israel, and the tribes of Judah here to a woman,
and remember the covenant that was between God and Abraham?
That is what God is saying they are backsliding from here, disobeying the agreement, the covenant between God, and the children and lineage of Abraham that is to be passed down from generation to generation,
They constantly kept backsliding and steering away from God and the covenant, when eventually, God said you know what, enough is enough,
Here is the divorce papers, Here is God lawfully ending the covenant between Him and the children of Abraham,
Because they constantly committed adultery, or corrupted their end of the deal.
This is the big turning point in the Bible that contradicts a lot of man’s belief about, “oh well we should stand with Israel because they are God’s chosen people”
After God lawfully divorces Israel here, that covenant is now void, it has ended.
Jesus Christ is the covenant, the seal between Man and God.
But getting back to verse 31 here in Matthew,
Sometimes, if you are consistently praying for, trying to witness to, and committing to your relationship with Christ, and your spouse just can’t seem to get it together, constantly backsliding, stepping on your marriage, the covenant between Man, wife, and God,
Sometimes divorce is what is necessary to further your relationship with Christ and not let the sin of man hold you back.
God had to divorce Israel because they just could not get it together and obey and abide by the covenant.
Every relationship is different, by no means am I a relationship therapist in anyway,
Everyone marriage is different and personal between Man, wife, and Christ,
All I’m speaking on is taking away this verse here,
Sometimes divorce has to take place for the better, but that does not mean it is the unpardonable sin.
So this was Christ referencing the old Law, lets see what He expands on.
But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
I want to take note here from the Old Law, the only reason for divorce could be sexual immorality under the law of Moses.
To take it a step further, there were a lot of Ra-bi's and so called “religious leaders” during and before this, they believed and taught that any form of uncleanliness was okay for divorce, and that uncleanliness meant just any displeasing act unto husband or wife.
Honestly working on a lesson for these 2 verses it didn’t take long to see that you can put together a whole lesson just over these two verses.
But long story short, there were so many different interpretations and beliefs on what is and is unacceptable for divorce during these times, so Christ simplifies it with this verse.
So Christ is explaining and expanding the old law where man took it and twisted it into believing it was okay to get divorced just because there was displeasure in a marriage,
He is saying that apart from sexual immorality, this divorcing over any and every little confrontation is WRONG.
I am trying to read and explain the word for what it is, these two verses are very in depth spiritually.
What I take away from this expansion on the law of divorce is this.
Your marriage, the coming together between Man and Woman, under the covenant of God, is a sacred bond.
By no means whatsoever should marriage be taken lightly in any way shape or form.
The true beauty of marriage that God intended on back in the old days, was that Man and woman were to come together as one flesh. Spiritually and Physically through their children,
Your relationship in your marriage in a way should be looked at as a benefit or asset for your relationship with Christ.
Your marriage if your keep Christ as the focal point will actually grow your entire family closer toward God and prosperity.
When there is corruption or sin in your marriage, It not only blemishes your marriage, but blemishes our relationship with God.
But again, there are certain situations where separation, or ending marriage between Man and woman may be needed.
Just like we saw with God and the divorce of Israel, the ending of that covenant.
Marriage is just like your relationship with Christ. Every one is different,
Take marriage seriously, but in some cases, take divorce seriously.
All in all both situations should never be taken lightly, so pray over it, and let God guide through situations like these.
whether that be marriage or divorce.
Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.
Jesus referencing the law from the Old testament here,
Be a man, (or woman) of your word. if you make a promise or swear an oath, stick to it.
Don’t make promises you cant keep, take Oath’s seriously. a lot like what we just read about divorce.
But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:
Jesus expanding on this law,
Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
Christ expanding on the law of committing a promise,
Telling us, be careful with your words, don't make commitment you cant uphold, speak truth in your promises, we never know what could come up and throw a monkey wrench in our plans and promises,
Keep it simple so we can be truthful with our promises.
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
Christ is referencing the law of retaliation
And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
This is probably one of the most well known laws.
Even for people who don't study the word of God knows this law.
when reading this Law from the Old testament, subconsciously we read it as returning a negative with a negative.
if someone sins against you return it to them, “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth,”
But take a look at how Christ explains and expands on how this law was intended from God.
But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Return evil doing with righteous doing and love.
Like James covered at Thanksgiving, plant that positive seed no matter how much darkness that person radiates.
Negativity should never be returned to someone.
Whether someone does something good toward you, or someone does something against you,
Return the favor with love and compassion toward them. Love and compassion isn’t always easy, but look at what we have seen so far with Christ,
God provided man laws on how to live life and man took these laws and used them and interpreted them for the satisfaction of the flesh,
God returns that negative with love and compassion,
God said,” alright you didn't hold up your end of the covenant, that covenant is over, I am going to send my son, God in the flesh, to once again reiterate these laws, to simplify them even more so there is no excuse because man with free will is going to fall short, so Christs blood will cover it.”
God returning the sin of man with love and compassion and fairness,
The same way we are to return the sin of man against us with love, compassion and the word of God.
And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
As children of Christ, we are to be characterized by overwhelming generosity,
When we see people in need, help them, that doesn't necessarily mean just give them what they are requesting,
We’ve all heard the old saying, “give a man to fish and he will eat for a day, but teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a lifetime,”
As Christians we should be helping those in need no matter the cause, but also use it as a way to witness to others,
Overwhelm others with generosity, the same reflection we get from Christ, a flood of love and generosity, helping one another.
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
The law Christ is quoting here is in Leviticus
Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.
And where it says “hate thine enemy” people always get caught up on holding hateful feelings toward people that sin against you,
Who is thine enemy? Satan. not man.
Again going back to Ephesians
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
the only hate permitted is toward the enemy, Satan, not toward your brethren.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
We are seeing a repetition here, two negatives do NOT make a positive
The people who sin against you, don't hold a grudge onto them, don't see them as enemies, flood them with love and generosity and witness to them.
Just like God does with us, we fall short of the grace of God each and every day, but God sent his son to shed his blood, and through His love for us, gave us a fair chance for repentance and salvation.
Treat your peers the same way as Christ as the example.
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
What this is saying here, is God rises the sun in the morning and sends the rain to feed ALL people.
Good, Bad and the ugly,
As children of God, we should treat ALL with love and kindness just as Christ does as a reflection of God.
We have to strive to be that reflection of Jesus’s character.
For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
This is pretty direct here, but who are some of the most hated people, even in the old days?
Tax collectors, that's what Christ is using as an example here saying publicans.
No matter the nature or intent of someone, Love them, witness to them through generosity and the word of God.
All have the right to witness the word of God.
And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
If we Only reflect Christ onto those who are children of Christ, and are studying and striving to live his word, Christ compares it to tax collectors, we are no different with our intent than they are.
ALL people have the right to learn and hear God’s word.
As the body of Christ it is our duty to witness to ALL people through love and generosity, no matter how someone may sin against you.
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Strive for perfection in the word of God.
We will ALWAYS fall short of God’s commandments, we are flesh, there was only 1 who was perfect and that was Christ who is speaking here.
Reflect God’s perfection through our speak, through our action, through our interaction with others, and be a witness to ALL.
Reflection the light of Christ to others isn’t just about teaching them this book, It is our responsibility to strive every day to follow His word and His guidance.
Witnessing to others through our speech and actions is just as important as teaching them His word.
Christ is saying here, LEAD BY EXAMPLE.
are we going to fall short, YES, we all make mistakes but we gotta get back up, acknowledge our shortcomings and learn from our mistakes.
Conclusion.
Reading through these laws, going back to the days of Moses when these laws were given to man and documented in order to be passed down,
Notice Christ never changed the old laws,
Christ furthered them, he expanded on them, simplifying there meaning, giving us example of them through his actions.
These laws were given to mankind for OUR sake. They were written to spiritually guide us the way God intended.
He even sent Christ to give us living example of them.
I always get in this mindset sometimes of “God I feel like I'm getting hit from every direction, all this weight is bearing me down”
That’s when we pray about it and ask God’s guidance,
But at the same time, when we are praying to God for assistance, its also important that we go back to the word of God.
Anybody in here seen “where the red fern grows”
We have to meet God halfway,
There’s a time when we have these feelings of defeat and we pray for God’s help, that
We also have to do some self reflecting.
Those of you who work construction know,
but for everyone's sake, have you ever bought a Lego set?
When you buy a knew Lego set, they provide you with all the pieces you need to build it, and also the instructions on how to put them together properly.
When we submit ourselves to Christ, He will provide every piece we need,
The instructions to get there are right here in this book.
When we go through troubling times, and get that feeling of defeat, 9 times out of 10 we do it to ourselves.
We have all the pieces, but we don’t follow the blueprints provided.
You cant expect build a 7500 piece Lego Millennium Falcon and not run into problems, if you don't follow the instructions.
Just like in life, we cant walk with Christ spiritually and physically reflect his light onto others without conflict, if we don't follow the instructions.
I know I speak on it all the time but Spiritual discernment, that is why it is SO IMPORTANT.
The ability to discern right and wrong, good verses evil through the faith, knowledge, and understanding of God’s word.
God’s instructions provided for US
Last thing,
The new year is coming up, everyone has all there new years resolutions, eating better, having a positive mindset etc etc.
We don't have to wait for a new year to make changes.
Just like spring cleaning, every so often we need to spring clean our mindset, our spiritual outlook.
Self reflect on these laws Christ has given us.
These laws were given to us by God for spiritual and physical guidance.
are we going to fall short, YES, we are going to sin.
just like new years resolutions, we are gonna slip, we are gonna stray away from them.
Statistically 23% of new years resolutions end on the first day,
43% are ended by the end of January.
Don’t let your spiritual walk with Christ be forgotten like a new years resolutions.
Don’t wait until the first of the year self reflect and make changes
Everyday, strive to follow Christs example, everyday we should ask him for forgiveness for our shortcomings and learn from them.
Matthew Chapter 5 (Expansion of the Law)
Matthew Chapter 5 (Expansion of the Law)
