Jesus People it’s about…

what if there was a life available to us that looks much different than what most of us experience, but is exactly what God made us for, and exactly what our hearts long for? what if this life is not a life that constrains and restricts, but a life that is itself truly life – life outside the box

A RELATIONALLY HEALTHY LIFE life outside the box

Jesus – the point of it all ““Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.” (Matthew 5:17, NLT)

the purpose of the law – provide life-giving direction ““And now, Israel, listen carefully to these decrees and regulations that I am about to teach you. Obey them so that you may live,” (Deuteronomy 4:1, NLT)

the purpose of the prophets – call for renewed faithfulness ““Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.” (Isaiah 55:3, NLT)

Jesus – the point of it all Law Prophets Jesus “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9).

the high call of the new covenant “I can guarantee that unless you live a life that has God’s approval [righteousness] and do it more faithfully than the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20, GW)

the heart of righteousness Precept “Do not murder” Principle High Value of Human Life and Relationships Person God of Life and Relationship “but [and] I tell you…” “You have heard it said…” Focus of Jesus The Kingdom

essence of true righteousness God never intended us to just “obey the rules;” He wanted us to be like him. He intended us to value what He values.

THE POWER OF BROKENNESS A Relationally Healthy Life

Matthew 5:21–22, (NLT) ““You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’”

Matthew 5:21–22, (NLT) ““But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment!”

the heart of brokenness The issue is not just murder. The issue is the power of anger that flows from jealousy, envy, unresolved hurt, disappointment, and the myriad of dynamics that cause relational fracturing.

destructive anger “Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” (James 1:20, NLT)

Godly Anger Others Motivated Violation of Justice/Evil Seeks to Correct Human Anger Selfishly Motivated Didn’t Get My Way Seeks Revenge

antidote to anger “You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (James 1:19, NLT) Seek to Understand before You Seek to Be Understood.

the relational cancer of contempt “If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.” (Matthew 5:22, NLT)

it’s not just the words… The issue is more than just the words, the issue is the angry, spiteful, words/tones – and body language - by which we refer to those whose lives and actions we disapprove of.

cure evil speaking “…evil-speaking is neither more nor less than speaking evil of an absent person; relating something evil, which was really done or said by one that is not present when it is related,” (John Wesley).

cure contempt with blessing “Bless those who curse you.” (Luke 6:28, NLT)

THE PRIORITY OF RESTORATION A Relationally Healthy Life

What is more important to God than worship?

Matthew 5:23–24, (NLT) ““So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.”

“People love to substitute ceremony for integrity, purity, and love; but Jesus will have none of it,” (D.A. Carson)

the great commandment: priority of worship and relationships “Jesus replied, “ ‘You must love the L ORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37–39, NLT)

Authentic Worship Demands Authentic Relationships

1 Corinthians 11:27, (NLT) “So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily [selfishly/divisively] is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.”

“be reconciled” Related to “peacemakers” in 5:9 Take the initiative to work toward resolution.

do what you can do “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18, NLT)

Steps that Restore Forgive – Forgive – Forgive! Take Initiative Stop Rehearsing Own Your Part without Excuse

When You Can’t Reconcile with Them, Reconcile with Yourself and with God

before you reconcile… “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23–24, NLT)

THE PRINCIPLE OF URGENCY A Relationally Healthy Life

Matthew 5:25–26, (NLT) ““When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison.”

Matthew 5:25–26, (NLT) ““And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.”

As certain as unpaid debts result in swift and certain judgment, anger, contempt, and an unwillingness to address relational fractures brings God’s judgment.

satan’s foothold in the church “And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26–27, NLT)

James 4:1, (The Message) “Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves.”