Early County News

Christ said ‘Love one another’

Sunday School Lesson


 

 

Matthew 5:21-32

It is easy for one to become locked into the we-have-never-done-it-this-way mind-set. However, one can become trapped in the we-have-never-thought-this-way prison. Either way, the snare can prevent one from approaching a situation with an “open mind.” This attitude will block the Holy Spirit from revealing the divine plan for one’s life.

As Jesus Christ of Nazareth was teaching his disciples of the work and ministry of the Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, he wanted these disciples to be open to the divine plan. Our Lord said of this divine power, “he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26b, c. He, further, reminded them, “but (1) whatsoever he [the Holy Spirit] shall hear, that shall he speak: and (2) he will shew you things to come. (3) He shall glorify me.” John 16:13c, 14.

As Jesus gave details regarding the expectations and privileges of the kingdom of heaven, he contrasted the provisions of the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. When the Old Covenant was given at Mount Sinai, the moral laws were “written in stone.” However, through the king poet, our Heavenly Father, the Creator of the universe said “thy law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8b.

During the time between the testaments, divine silence became a time that allowed the carnal minds of men to run rampant with theories and human interpretations of the divine law. These ideas of men took on a “spiritual life of their own.” During this four hundred year period, the history of Israel went through some difficult times. However, there was a small group that continued to attempt to serve Jehovah. See Malachi 3:16-18.

In his sermon on the Mount, our Lord referred to the original divine declarations, and addressed the twisted theology that had been introduced. “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill (murder); and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment.” Matthew 5:21. The first portion of this statement was correct. Yet, the last part had been modified to “fit the society.” The Mosaic Law required capital punishment for the murderer, “He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.” Exodus 21:12. The teachers of that day had reduced the penalty to that of coming under some kind of simple judgment.

Under the New Covenant, our Lord gave His application of the Law. The Old Law was limited to the “outward act,” while our Lord was more interested in the “cause,” the inner state of our lost race. The Master continued his discourse, “But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause (i. e., vainly) shall be in danger (liable) of the judgment: and whosoever shall say unto his brother, Raca (vain fellow; intellectually simple-headed), shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool (morally worthless scoundrel), shall be in danger of hell fire.” Matthew 5:22.

Outward acts reflect the inward state of the heart, the essence of the person. This fact carries into the “religious life” of all who would approach worship. The Old Testament system was built around the temple worship and sacrifices. Pious acts were not sufficient to cover the acts of the heart. “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest (to bear in mind) that thy brother hath aught (one thing) against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled (yielding to mutual concession) to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” Matthew 5:23, 24.

There are times when conflict comes. This situation can take any number of patterns. Personal attention and resolution are the best approach. “Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art (are) in the way with him; lest (if not) at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.” Matthew 5:24. This situation can grow to difficult proportions. Jesus did not desire this condition to touch members of the Kingdom. “Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence (i. e., of there), till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.” Matthew 5:26.

Our Lord addressed the Seventh Commandment in a direct way. He quoted, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Matthew 5:27. The Master did not change the commandment. However, he reached into the “heart of the matter.” “But I say unto you, the whosoever looketh on woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Matthew 5:28. Jesus was just as interested in the “heart,” the fountain of life, as he was in the physical act.

The Master gave a word picture of the situation that he had described. “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 perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” Matthew 5:29. He gave another example regarding the “right hand.” Matthew 5:30. Jesus was not teaching that one must mutilate the body in order to be part of the kingdom. This teaching underscores the need to have all parts of our bodies submitted to the service of the Kingdom.

The teachers of that day had reduced the fact of divorce to frivolous and ridiculous situations, much as we see, today. Jesus quoted the accepted standard, “It hath been said, whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving (except ) for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” Matthew 5:31, 32.

Each life is expected to be centered around the things of the kingdom of heaven. The principles by which each life is governed are to be found in the “heart.” This kind of life begins when one accepts Jesus Christ of Nazareth as his or her personal Savior. If you have not made this all-important decision, please invite Him into your life, today. John 3:16.

Rev. James C. Temples’ Sunday School Lesson has appeared in the Early County News each week since 1967. He can be contacted at P. O. Box 1484, Swainsboro, GA 30401; 478- 299- 2068. Email: temples_james@yahoo.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.