The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 June 27, 2018 Matthew Chapters 5-7 Luke 6:20-49 The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 The Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5:21-48 Jesus’ standard of righteousness

Anger – Matthew 5:21-26 “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be …” Who was it said to: “Why are you angry?” “Do you have a good reason to be angry?” Genesis 4:6, Jonah 4:4 We need “discretion.” Proverbs 19:11 What can we accomplish for the Lord’s sake when selfishly angry? James 1:19-20. Caused by an inability to “rule our spirit.” Proverbs 25:28; 16:32

Anger – Matthew 5:21-26 “But I say to you that everyone who is angry … shall be guilty before the court.” “Angry” – “to provoke or enrage … become exasperated.” (Strong) “Guilty” – held and bound and worthy of punishment. “Court” – judicial decision. “A separating.”

Anger – Matthew 5:21-26 “Whoever says to his brother, ‘You good- for-nothing (raca; ASV; NASB),’ shall be guilty before the supreme court.” Useless or empty; “Without a brain” “But I didn’t mean it …” (Matthew 12:36) How do you not say such things? Consequence? “guilty before the supreme court.” (The Sanhedrin) Thought to be an offense worthy of answering to the Council for.

Anger – Matthew 5:21-26 “Whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.” From the Greek word moros (where we get the English word “moron”). Considered this word cursing. Viewing others as morally deficient. Disparaging the souls of others. Speaks to a persons “worth.”

Anger – Matthew 5:21-26 “Whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.” Again, how do you avoid saying such things? Consequence: “Fiery hell” – eternal judgment.

Anger – Matthew 5:21-26 The solution (or standard of righteousness) is to recognize the sin in our heart and seek reconciliation. When? Now! (verses 23-25; “… quickly [without delay] …”) ASAP. Ephesians 4:26; 1 John 3:11-17 Unresolved conflicts can hinder our worship and service to God. 1 Peter 3:7 What is needed? Humility, love. Romans 12:18; Philippians 2:3-5

Anger – Matthew 5:21-26 The solution: “Make friends quickly with your opponent …” “Make friends” – “Come to terms” (ESV); “Agree with” (ASV; NKJV) Defined as: “to wish (one) well; to be well- disposed; used of a peaceable spirit.” (Thayer) (Romans 12:18; 14:19) To what extent? 1 Corinthians 6:7

Anger – Matthew 5:21-26 Possible consequences? “… hand you over to the judge … judge to the officer … thrown into prison …” Officer – the one who exacts payment. Debtors prison – Matthew 18:23ff Unforgiven/unrepentant sin – a debt that must be paid. Our sin must be dealt with NOW!

Anger – Matthew 5:21-26 Regarding anger, lust or any other sin: is being tempted sin? James 1:14-15, “… carried away and enticed by his own lust … when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin …” “Carried away” – “drag forth” (Strong); “draw away; lure forth” (Vine) The temptation isn’t sin but proceeding down that “path” is. A step does not a walk make but a walk doesn’t begin without a step.

Anger – Matthew 5:21-26 Flee and Pursue – Ephesians 4:31-32: What are we to flee? Bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander. What are we to pursue? Kindness, tenderheartedness, forgiveness.

Anger – Matthew 5:21-26 Flee and Pursue – Colossians 3:8-14: What are we to flee? Anger, wrath, malice, slander, abusive speech, lying. What are we to pursue? The image of the One who created him, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love.

Righteousness surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees regarding: Lust Lust – Matthew 5:27-30 “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’ …” Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18

Righteousness surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees “… but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (cf. Exodus 20:17)

Lust – Matthew 5:27-30 “Lust” – epithumeoo – “to set the heart upon, i.e., long for (rightfully or otherwise)” (Strong) Not necessarily an evil thing: (Matthew 13:17; Luke 15:16; 1 Timothy 3:1; Hebrews 6:11; cf. Romans 7:7 [Exodus 20:17]) In this case? The type that would lead to the sin of adultery. The look is supposed to be not casual but persistent, the desire not involuntary or momentary, but cherished with longing (The Expositor's Greek Testament, I, 108). Many commentators limit the "lust" of Matthew 5:28 to the intention to commit adultery prevented only by the lack of opportunity (cf. Foy E. Wallace, Jr., The Sermon on the Mount and the Civil State, p. 37).