In The Footsteps Of The Master: The Life and Times of Jesus Christ The Sermon on the Mount Personal Relationships June 7, 2009 Matthew 5:

Fulfill The Law 17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 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,

Fulfillment cont…… but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus drives to the original intention of the Law in the mind of God. Do you think verse 20 provides a case for legalism?

Out Pharisee the Pharisees “It’s not that Christians succeed in keeping some 240 commandments when the best Pharisees may only have scored 230. No. Christians righteousness is greater than pharisaic righteousness because it is deeper, being a righteousness of the heart… The righteousness which is pleasing to God is an inward righteousness of mind and motive. For the Lord looks on the heart.” Remember “whitewashed tombs”

Moving forward However, the following verses illustrate a life of living by the purpose and principles of the Law rather than by only observing the external requirements. When we understand the Law to be a window into our hearts God has a chance to speak the gospel (good news) to us in this section of Matthew

Great Antitheses Following Jesus’ discussion of his relationship to the Old Testament Law You have heard it said (Old Testament quote) But I say to you (Jesus’ take) He moves beyond the letter of the Law to the heart In this sense Christ restores the Law to its God-intended purpose

Anger 21"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' 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. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,

Anger cont…. "24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 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. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny – Matthew 5:21-26 ESV

Feeling Anger Jesus demands that we not FEEL the internal emotion of anger What makes you angry? Who here decides to get angry??? Anger happens, it’s spontaneous, not a rational choice Jesus is calling for a deep inward transformation of mind and heart that doesn’t give rise to anger.

One Example 11"Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12"Rejoice and be glad – Matthew 5 Few things make us angrier than unjust treatment He says “Rejoice”, not “try to control your anger” Rage transformed to Rejoicing

Lustful Intent 27"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 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. 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 –Matthew 5:27-30 ESV

Divorce 31 "It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' 32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. – Matthew 5:31-32 ESV

Radical Point Inward desires cannot be controlled by amputation The point is how ENORMOUS the stakes are We must do what we have to do to defeat the bondage of sinful desire Many Christians deal with their sin casually Fight for a pure heart with the same urgency as maiming yourself We cannot forsake the battle for purity, or risk perishing

14 Next Week The Sermon on the Mount Matthew 6