Struggling With Heresy

Works Righteousness

Throughout my Christian experience I have struggled with a heresy common called “works righteousness.” It is based on the belief that we can earn extra blessings from God based upon our good works. The flip side of that argues that God will punish us if we commit deeds that violate his laws. This is most often carried into our prayer life when we engage in bartering with God. My guess is that more than one person in this sanctuary has had a similar experience.

You just interview for a really nice job. it would mean a promotion and a salary increase. You go to God in prayer and ask him for the position promising Him that you will attend church more regularly or use the position to invite people to church.

ce job. it would mean a promotion and a salary increase. You go to God in prayer and ask him to for the position promising Him that you will attend church more regularly or use the position to invite people to church.

Or maybe a family member has a horrible illness. They may not be dying, yet, but they are incredible sick. You tell God that you will change your ways. You will give up a few bad habits and take on a few good ones.

Or maybe you wonder why all the prayers that you have uttered and all the time you have spent reading Scripture has not gotten you very far in your profession.

On the surface we all know that this type of bartering with God just does not work. God does not dole out favors for our good works. Our actions do not achieve spiritual merit badges from him. We also understand that God is not some “rule-obsessed tyrant” who is waiting to zap us if we dare step out of line.

Then we hear today’s Gospel reading and we wonder. Is Jesus really saying, “If you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to the judgement of God.” Is he really suggesting that we gouge out our eye over a few lustful thoughts. What if our accusers or lying and they refuse to settle out of court? Are we still liable to their claim? Does God expect us to never divorce?

These are very troubling passages. They could certainly be used to support the heresy of works righteousness. That is the belief that God will reward us for our good works and punish us for our evil deeds. The notion of unconditional love is replaced by a conditional love. The God of the sermon on the Mount appears to be a perfectionist. The teaching is riddled with dire warnings. Loopholes are non existent. It goes beyond the letter of the law and incorporates every errant thought.

In her weekly blog Debbie Thomas gave me a new perspective on this passage. She encouraged her readers to move from a sermon about rules and regulations a sermon calling forth a new community. She claimed that if we read this passage with a communal context rather than an individual focus a new version of God emerges. Rather than the vengeful judge, we find a God “who cares about human dignity and human relationships.” This not is not intent on punishing the evil doer but forming a community that honors and respect each and every person.

Let’s consider a few examples from the passage that was read.

Matthew 5:21 NIV84

21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’

Matthew 5:22 NIV84

22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

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The law of Moses taught the people that murdering another person was wrong. This does not apply to killing in self -defense, or in times of war. This meant the intentional taking of human life was wrong. The Pharisees were quite proud in their obedience to this law. But Jesus aimed his words at all the other ways that we “kill” our relationships through resentment, rage, unforgiveness, and spite. Such action treat others as if they are dead to us, or less human and unworthy of our love. We use words to inflict violence on one another. What good is sparing the life of someone but brutally attacking them with our words. Our refusal to extend and receive forgiveness is the highest form of hate and sabotages our message of a loving God.

Matthew 5:28 NIV84

28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

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Let us consider adultery. Refraining from sleeping with the spouse of another person is the bare minimum. What about preserving human dignity by refusing to exploit or objectify another person for our own personal pleasure? What about working to build marriages and other community commitments. What about taking seriously our responsibility to encourage one another in holy living?

Not “holy” as in stiff, boring, lifeless, and prudish, but holy as in whole, abundant, faithful, and life-giving?

Let us consider the instruction not to swear by heaven or earth. There was once a day when a yes meant yes and a no meant no. There was once a day when a person kept their promise without having to sign a piece of paper. I do not know if there ever was a day when any politician would keep his campaign promises.

Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself. - Mark Twain, a Biography

In God’s community the members do not use their words to manipulate or deceive or lie. The people use words to care for one another and show respect for each other.

Matthew 5:33–34 NIV84

33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ 34 But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne;

Mark 5:33–34 NIV84

33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

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Matthew 5:32 NIV84

32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.

Finally, the exhortation that is most difficult in today’s society. Divorce is so common. A person is no long ostracized by the members of the community. However, we cannot neglect it or skip over it. The admonition to preserve the marriage bond still applies to our relationships today but we must remember the context. In Jesus’ day women who were divorced were abandoned by both their husband and their own family. They could not return home. They were homeless beggars. They suffer humiliation and shame. They were completely vulnerable. Jesus is striking at a system that devalues human life and responsibility to one another. Relationships cannot be dissolved by signing a piece of paper. Unconditional love cannot be treated so cheaply. It endures no matter what

Living according to a limited set of rules is quite easy. It may alleviate some guilt but it does not earn us any special favors with God. However, Jesus does want us to know that how we live matters. What we say to others, our priorities and the focus of our life matters.Our choices have life and death consequences, so take them seriously. Reconcile with one another. Respect each other. Speak truthfully to each other. Protect each other. Commit your live to doing these things, not to earn God’s special merit, or to extract an answer to prayer but because God has showered you with his live and grace.

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