NOTES ON THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

MATTHEW 5-7

Introduction

♦          Jesus planned to reach the multitudes through making disciples. Jesus pulled aside from teaching, preaching, and healing the crowds that He might develop the character of those who would fulfill the Great Commission after Pentecost.

♦          Jesus saw the multitudes with compassion. Yet, Jesus went up to the mountain in private away from the ministry in public.

♦          Jesus drew aside the disciples to Himself from catching fish that He might make them fishers of men. Jesus brought the disciples to sit at His feet before He sent them to take up the cross.

♦          Jesus opened the fountain of life when He spoke. Jesus taught the disciples with words never before spoken. Jesus’ teaching on discipleship differed radically from those whose life contradicted their religion. The purity and power of Jesus transformed the disciples who opened their hearts to these life-changing words.

Beatitudes

♦          The Sermon began by telling the disciples how to become like Jesus before it commanded them to do something for Jesus.

♦          The Sermon described an inner heart of righteousness instead of an outward, hypocritical righteousness.

♦          The Sermon emphasized that the purity of the light shining within determined the brightness of that light shining without.

♦          The Sermon affirmed righteousness by faith and salvation by grace.

♦          The Sermon convicted the legalist by interpreting the spirit of the law of God.

♦          The Sermon explained to those who considered themselves good enough that Jesus’ disciples would “turn the other cheek” and “go the second-mile” in relationships.

♦          The Sermon exposed those more interested in appearing religious and seeking men’s open applause than in having a real relationship with the Father and seeking His secret approval.

♦          The Sermon demanded the Lordship of Jesus above all earthly treasures or loves.

♦          The Sermon addressed anxiety or worry by contrasting those who stared at situations without faith rather than looked to the Father in faith.

♦          The Sermon confronted the cruel, legalistic attitudes of those too blind to examine the need for grace in their own hearts.

♦          The Sermon showed those who never experienced the goodness of God the privilege of asking and receiving gifts from a loving Father.

♦          The Sermon detailed the reality of true salvation to those with a false experience.

♦          The Sermon tested those who professed salvation but never produced good fruit.

♦          The Sermon revealed those who imitated good works but whose nature never changed.

♦          The Sermon warned those who suppose they will go to heaven but will be surprised when they enter hell.

♦          The Sermon blessed those who heard and obeyed the teaching and bypassed those who listened but would not be taught.

Poor in Spirit

5:3. Blessed (Mt. 16:17; Rom. 4:7; Jas. 1:25; Rev. 22:14) are the poor (Mk. 12:42; Rev. 3:17) in spirit (2 Cor. 8:9): for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Mt. 5:10, 18:4, 19:14).

      The poor in spirit do not have anything or need anything because they do not find their worth in their self, others, or things. They have become bankrupt before God as having nothing. The poor in spirit give up their rights to self and serve others. They do not live to protect (defend) their pride or hear applause. They do not measure worth by the number of their things. The poor in spirit have made a total surrender to God. They no longer live for self but only to magnify the Lord. Only the poor in spirit go to heaven because they have humbled their pride by bowing at the cross.

Mourners

5:4. Blessed are they that mourn (Ps. 30:11; Is. 51:11, 61:3; Jas. 4:9): for they shall be comforted (Job 16:2; Ps. 23:4, 69:20; Is. 40:1; Lk. 16:25; Jn. 14:16-26, 15:26, 16:7; 2 Cor. 1:4, 7:6; 1 Jn. 2:1).

      The Lord gives joy out of sorrow. When a sinner grieves over sin, then God’s grace will abound even more. The Lord draws near the broken in heart. The Lord walks beside the suffering. Friends can only go so far in trying to comfort, but the Lord will never abandon His disciples. The Lord encourages the downcast in heart. Jesus promised that another Comforter just like Him would never leave His disciples alone. Those who experience the deepest earthly sorrow can know the comfort of heaven. Heaven will heal all of earth’s pain. God must crush us before the fragrance comes out (Ex. 30:6).

Jn. 12:24. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

Ps. 34:18. The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Meek

Mt. 5:5. Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

      Meekness defined. (prauV-Mt. 5:5, 11:29, 21:5; prauthV-Jas. 1:21, 3:13; 1 Pet. 3:15; praothV-1 Cor. 4:21; 2 Cor. 10:1; Gal. 5:23, 6:1; Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:12; 1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:25; Tit. 3:2; LXX [prauV]–Num. 12:3; Job 24:4, 36:15; Ps. 25:9, 34:2, 37:11, 76:9, 147:6, 149:4; Zech. 9:9; [prauthV]–Est. 3:13, 5:1; Ps. 45:4, 90:10, 132:1)

      Meekness described. In secular Greek the writers associated the term with medicine that soothed pain. Secular Greeks also used the term to describe the gentleness of conduct on the part of people who had the power to act otherwise.

      Meekness demonstrated:

♦          Joseph, whom God raised to the pinnacle of power in Egypt, acted in meekness when he wept before his brothers and forgave them.

♦          Moses (Num. 12:3; cf. Mt. 17:3), just after the exodus from Egypt, acted in meekness by asking God to remove him from the book of life rather than withhold forgiveness from the sins of the Hebrews.

♦          Jesus, when upon the cross, acted in meekness by staying on the cross and not calling legions of angels in His defense while the mob said, “Save yourself, if you are the Son of God.”

♦          Paul, while an aged prisoner in Rome, acted in meekness by asking Philemon whom he led to Christ to be kind to a runaway slave Onesimus who recently came to Christ.

      Jesus illustrated meekness (Mt. 11:29, 21:5) perfectly in the entire period of the incarnation by temporarily veiling His glory until the second coming (Mt. 21:5; Zech. 9:9). Jesus controlled His strength (cf. Jesus–Mt. 26:53) and tempered His zeal (Jn. 2:17).

      Jesus taught that the disciples would conquer in His Kingdom through gentleness (Mt. 5:5; Ps. 37:9-11-22, 147:6). The person with true might and wisdom walks mildly and does not wildly wield authority (Jas. 3:13). A Christian witness knows the difference between brashness and a winsome defense of the faith (1 Cor. 4:21; 2 Cor. 10:1; 1 Pet. 3:15). Even in the Christian home a couple wins in the relationship by humility (1 Pet. 3:4).

      Meekness comes by the inner working of the Spirit rather than a willful disposition (Gal. 5:23). Meekness results from a transformation of character that produces godliness (1 Tim. 6:11). The Spirit of Jesus has tamed the inner spirit of the meek from being undisciplined to controlled (cf. Prov. 16:32, 25:28).

      Meekness will enable a Christian to put up patiently with the little aggravations and irritations of others that come without provocation (Eph. 4:2). Peaceful harmony in a home or church cannot be enjoyed without kindness, gentleness, or meekness which is a practical demonstration of the Christ-life (Col. 3:12).

      A gentle Christian does not pounce on those who falter in the faith knowing that his spiritual maturity came by God’s grace (Gal. 6:1). A meek Christian leader does not make angry remarks about the response of sinners but lovingly weeps because they do not know Christ (2 Tim. 2:25; Tit. 3:2). A truly meek Christian does not take the slightest credit for salvation but rather boasts in what the Lord has done for him (Ps. 34:2).

      Jesus will bless the person with an attitude of teachability (Ps. 25:9; Mt. 11:29). A person who hears the conviction of the Word of God without prideful resistance will be saved (Jas. 1:21). Only the meek in spirit can go to heaven (Ps. 149:4).

Hungering and Thirsting

Mt. 5:6. Blessed [are] they which do hunger (Ps. 107:9; Is. 49:10; Jn. 6:35; Rev. 7:16) and thirst (Ps. 42:2, 63:1; Is. 44:3; Jn. 4:13-15, 7:37; Rev. 21:6, 22:17) after righteousness: for they shall be filled (Mt. 14:20, 15:37; Phil. 4:12).

      Jesus understood thirst (Mt. 4:2). God who “sends springs into the valleys” (Ps. 104:10) sent His Son to die on a parched hill (Jn. 19:28). After six hours upon the cross, Jesus said, “I thirst” (Ps. 22:15). Jesus’ thirst on the cross will bring “cool water to thirsty souls” (Prov. 25:25).

      Three grammatical notes help in the interpretation of this Beatitude.

1. Present tense. Hungering and thirsting represent continual, ongoing longings.

2. Definite article. The object of the hunger and thirst is the righteousness of Jesus that begins as a position by faith and continues as a practice.

3. Passive verb. The verb “filled” is in the passive voice–the filling comes from God.

      Search for satisfaction. A search for happiness apart from Christ brings only emptiness.

Hos. 2:3. Lest I strip her naked, and set her as in the day that she was born, and make her as a wilderness, and set her like a dry land, and slay her with thirst.

      In this search men turn to substitutes.

Jer. 2:13 [NIV]. “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

      In this search men return in sadness.

Am. 8:11 [NIV]. “The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign LORD, “when I will send a famine through the land–not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD.

      Sweetness of sanctification. Jesus satisfies with the free gift of salvation.

Is. 55:1 [NIV]. “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.

Jn. 4:13-14 [CEV]. Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again.

 14. But no one who drinks the water I give will ever be thirsty again. The water I give is like a flowing fountain that gives eternal life."

      Jesus satisfies with the sweet taste of sanctification (Ps. 34:8).

Ps. 42:1. As the hart panteth (craving water; audible thirsting) after the water brooks (stream-bed, flowing water that never dries up), so panteth my soul after thee (Ps. 63:8, 143:6). O God.

 2. My soul thirsteth (Ex. 17:3; Ps. 69:21) for God, for the living God (Ps. 42:8, 84:2): when shall I come and appear before God (Gen. 32:30; see the face of God)?

      Jesus satisfies with sweet times for sanctification.

Ps. 63:1-2. O God, thou [art] my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

 2. To see thy power and thy glory, so [as] I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

      Saltiness in salvation. J. Hudson Taylor spoke of the sin of not being closer to God. Jesus both satisfies from the thirst of this age and initiates thirst for more.

      Jesus will fill those who seek. Revival comes when God’s people seek His face (2 Chr. 7:14; Ez. 7:10, 8:21; Hos. 10:12). It is not seeking His hand but His face. It is not wanting His help but His heart (Ps. 27:4-8-9; Prov. 8:17; S.S. 3:1-2; Col. 3:1). Seeking His face is to seek Him alone (Mt. 13:45). In his early years A. B. Simpson sought experiences and until he discovered, “Once it was the blessing, now it is the Lord.” Another hymn writer said, “Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest; Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best; This all my prayer shall be; more love O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee! More love to Thee!”

Is. 44:3 [NIV]. For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.

Jn. 7:37-38 [NIV]. On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.

 38. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."

      Jesus will fill those with saturation. D. L. Moody experienced God’s filling after a period of intense thirst. He related, “I was crying all the time that God would fill me with His Spirit. Well, one day, in the city of New York–ah, what a day!–I cannot describe it, I seldom refer to it, it is almost too sacred an experience to name–Paul had an experience of which he never spoke for fourteen years–I can only say God revealed Himself to me, and I had such an experience of His love that I had to ask Him to stay His hand. I went to preaching again. The sermons were not different; I did not present any new truths; and yet hundreds were converted. I would not now be placed back where I was before that blessed experience if you should give me all the world; it would be as the small dust of the balance.”

Like the woman at the well I was seeking,

For things that could not satisfy;

And then I heard my Savior speaking;

"Draw from My well that never shall run dry".

Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up Lord Come and quench this thirsting of my soul. Bread of Heaven feed me till I want no more; Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.

There a millions in this world who are craving,

The pleasure earthly things afford;

But none can match the wondrous treasure;

That I find in Jesus Christ my Lord.

So, brother, if the things this world gave you,

Leave hungers that won't pass away;

My blessed Lord will come and save you;

If you kneel to Him and humbly pray.

Merciful

Mt. 5:7. Blessed [are] the merciful (Heb. 2:17): for they shall obtain mercy (Mt. 18:33; Mk. 5:19; Lk. 16:24; Rom. 12:8; 1 Tim. 1:13-16; Jas. 3:17; Jude 22-23).

      Unlike the religion of the legalistic Pharisees, Jesus demonstrated mercy on sinners, not condemnation (Mt. 23:23). By showing mercy, Jesus reflected perfectly this attribute of God the Father.

Mt. 9:13. But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Lk. 10:37. And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

      In this Beatitude Jesus did not teach that the disciples would earn salvation because of acts of mercy. Instead, the disciples ought to act in mercy as a result of salvation (1 Tim. 1:13-16). Those forgiven much sin by God should forgive the most sin in others (Lk. 7:47). Nothing reveals one's relationship to God as much as their attitude toward lost sinners. Samuel Chadwick said, “There is no sterner test of grace than the attitude to the lost.” He said, “Spirit-filled hearts are always tender, and they see men through the tears of a holy compassion.”

      Mercy revealed by God. God, in His rich mercy, initiated the kindness that leads to salvation (Eph. 2:4; Tit. 3:5). In mercy, God pities the sinner (Ps. 85:10; Jon. 4:2). Jesus laid down His life as a merciful High Priest (Heb. 2:17).

      Those who practice mercy mirror an attribute of God. A disciple’s growth in likeness to Jesus will increase his consciousness of personal sin. This desire for personal holiness will deepen compassion on the fallen.

Ex. 34:6. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Ps. 86:5. For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Ps. 103:8. The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

Lam. 3:22-23. [It is of] the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

 23. [They are] new every morning: great [is] thy faithfulness.

Mic. 7:18. Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.

      Mercy related to others. Jesus taught the disciples to be redemptive in their actions toward others (Mt. 18:33). The merciful practice 1 Pet. 4:8 [WNT]–“Above all continue to love one another fervently, for love throws a veil over a multitude of faults.” The merciful man finds no shortage of heartbreak where he might apply God’s healing ointment (2 Sam. 9:3). The merciful always finds a place for healing words, ministering hands, and forgiving attitudes (Prov. 19:17). The church exists as a sea of mercy in a world of guilt (Rom. 12:8). Personal soul-winning is an act of mercy (Mk. 5:19; Jude 22-23).

      This beatitude does not teach the approval of wrong or encourage a license to sin. It confronts the “holier than thou” attitude of a Pharisee. Like Jesus, His disciples ought to pity sinners and say, “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.”

Job 6:14. To him that is afflicted pity [should be shewed] from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.

Mic. 6:8. He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

      Mercy returned on disciples. The Scripture repeatedly taught the principle of reciprocity (Jos. 2:12; Ruth 1:8). The blessing of mercy is received by the giving of mercy. Jesus instructed that the disciples would receive in proportion and in kind to what they gave (Lk. 6:38). The Lord heaps bountiful mercy back on the kind in heart. Disciples who sow seeds of mercy will reap a harvest of mercy.

      The merciful man receives back the benefits of grace in the well-being of his own soul, but the judgmental person heaps judgment upon his own soul (Prov. 11:17). Those recipients of mercy return similar attitudes of grace both on the giver and others. Churches, marriages, or parents who approach life with an attitude of mercy create an aroma of love and acceptance. That kind of Christ-like love becomes contagious. Sinners dined with Jesus because He honestly exposed their sin and then graciously pardoned when they repented.

Mt. 6:14-15. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

 15. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

      Jesus described hell as a place for the unmerciful soul. God will confine those who reject His mercy to a place absolutely devoid of mercy.

Lk. 16:24. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

Pure in Heart

Mt. 5:8 Blessed [are] the pure in heart (1 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 2:22; Tit. 1:15; 1 Pet. 1:22): for they shall see God.

      Problem in the heart. Jesus wanted His disciples to differ from those who only appeared righteous (2 Chr. 29:34; 2 Cor. 5:12). Jesus could see the hearts of the hypocrites who hid their corruption (Mt. 5:28, 6:21). Jesus looked for purity in the heart while the Pharisees only imitated holiness outwardly through asceticism, formalism, or legalism.

1 Sam. 16:7. But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

Ps. 55:21. [The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war [was] in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet [were] they drawn swords.

Mt. 15:8. This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me.

      Jesus exposed the deceitfulness (insidious) and depravity (incurable; dangerously sick) of the heart (Jer. 17:9). The outward keeping of the Law of God by the Pharisees still did not restrain the exceeding sinfulness of sin (Rom. 7:13).

Jer. 17:9. The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Mt. 15:19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

      The original sin of man flawed the heart. Even the best of religious intentions suffer the tainted stain of unrighteousness (Is. 64:6). Jesus Christ, the Searcher of the heart, exposes the motives of the heart (Rev. 2:23).

Prov. 23:7. For as he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart [is] not with thee.

      Jesus sees into the hearts of His disciples. He sees high-mindedness (arrogance) and half-heartedness (coldness, passionless, perfunctory, mechanical). He sees unfaithfulness (busy) and uncharitableness (loveless, critical). He sees compromise (ethics, morals, standards, doctrine, world, apostasy, neutrality) and carnality (abuse grace, excuse sin, accommodation, toleration, participation, alliance). He sees the lack of discipline and devotion (service, apathy, callous). He sees the intentions and interior (home, hidden).

Prov. 20:9. Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

Mt. 12:34. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

      A disciple must guard the heart (Ps. 139:23). Usefulness in Christ’s kingdom flows from the pure heart (Mt. 23:26).

Ps. 24:4. He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

Prov. 4:23. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.

      John Newton wrote,

I asked the Lord, that I might grow

   In faith, and love, and every grace;

Might more of His salvation know,

   And seek more earnestly His face.

I hoped that in some favoured hour

   At once He’d answer my request,

And by His love’s constraining power

   Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this, He made me feel

   The hidden evils of my heart;

And let the angry powers of hell

   Assault my soul in every part.

Yea more, with His own hand He seemed

   Intent to aggravate my woe;

Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,

   Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

“Lord, why is this?” I trembling cried,

   “Wilt thou pursue Thy worm to death?”

“Tis in this way,” the Lord replied,

   “I answer prayer for grace and faith.

These inward trials I employ

   From self and pride to set thee free;

And break thy schemes of earthly joy,

   That thou may’st seek thy all in me.”

      Purity of the heart. Jesus called His disciples unto holiness (Is. 52:11). Disciples must serve Christ with a clean heart of honesty, simplicity, and singleness (Mt. 6:22). A clean heart is unsullied before God and irreproachable before man.

1 Tim. 1:5. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and [of] a good conscience, and [of] faith unfeigned:

2 Tim. 2:22. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

1 Pet. 1:22. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:

      Positional cleansing comes to a disciple from the cross where Christ exchanged His righteousness for our unrighteousness and placed a sinner in the position of a saint (Heb. 1:3, 9:22). Christ is a believer’s holiness (1 Cor. 1:30).

Jn. 15:3. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

Tit. 2:14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Heb. 9:14. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

      Progressive cleansing comes to a disciple who daily walks in the light of the cross (1 Jn. 1:7). The Spirit keeps on transforming that disciple. Such a disciple lives void of offence before men (Acts 20:26; Jas. 1:27) and in obedience to the commands of Christ (1 Tim. 3:9; 2 Tim. 3:9).

Change my heart, O God.

Make it ever true.

Change my heart, O God.

May I be like You.

      Practical cleansing comes to a disciple who continuously pursues holiness by faith and receives God’s gracious pardon through ongoing repentance. Purity of heart both enlightens a consciousness of God and exposes sin in the conscience. Purity comes both as a gift by God’s grace and as disciplined process by repentance.

2 Cor. 7:1. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Jas. 4:8. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

1 Jn. 1:9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

      Jeff Nelson wrote,

Purify my heart.

Touch me with your cleansing fire.

Take me to the cross.

Holiness is my desire.

Breath your life in me.

Kindle a love that flows from your throne.

Oh, purify my heart. Purify my heart.

      Permanent cleansing comes to a disciple only in heaven when God removes the presence of sin. More to be desired than a new body in heaven is the longing for a pure heart.

      Perception from the heart. Impurity will cloud a vision of God (Rev. 3:18). Duplicity of heart will obscure a disciple’s discernment into the ways and will of God. Cleansing will clear a disciple’s view and focus on God.

      Paul Baloche wrote,

Open the eyes of my heart Lord.

Open the eyes of my heart.

I want to see You. I want to see You.

To see You high and lifted up,

Shining in the light of Your glory.

Pour out Your power and love,

As we sing holy, holy, holy.

      To see God is to know Him (Jn. 1:18). Jn. 3:3. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

      To see God is to repent (3 Jn. 11). Is. 6:5. Then said I, Woe [is] me! for I am undone; because I [am] a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

      To see God is to fear Him (Jud. 13:22). Ex. 33:20. And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

Is. 6:1. In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

      To see God is to approach Him. Heb. 12:14. Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

      To see God is to experience Him. Gen. 32:30. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

      To see God is to recognize Him (Jn. 14:9). 2 Kg. 6:20. And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these [men], that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, [they were] in the midst of Samaria.

      To see God is to love others. 1 Jn. 4:12. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

1 Jn. 4:20. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

      To see God is to look for Him (Heb. 9:28). Mt. 24:30. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

1 Jn. 3:2. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Rev. 22:4. And they shall see his face; and his name [shall be] in their foreheads.

      Fannie E. Davison (1877) wrote,

Purer in heart, O God, help me to be;
May I devote my life wholly to Thee:
Watch Thou my wayward feet,
Guide me with counsel sweet;
Purer in heart, help me to be.

Purer in heart, O God, help me to be;

Teach me to do Thy will most lovingly;
Be Thou my Friend and Guide,
Let me with Thee abide;
Purer in heart, help me to be.

Purer in heart, O God, help me to be;
Until Thy holy face one day I see:
Keep me from secret sin,
Reign Thou my soul within;
Purer in heart, help me to be.

Peacemakers

Mt. 5:9. Blessed [are] the peacemakers (Rom. 14:19; Eph. 2:15; Col. 1:20; Jas. 3:18): for they shall be called the children of God (Rom. 8:15).

      Jesus, the peacemaker (Is. 53:5). Jesus came on a peace mission to reconcile sinners to Himself. His death on the cross made peace between man once alienated by sin and God (Rom. 5:1).

Lk. 2:14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Eph. 2:15. Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace;

Col. 1:20. And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.

      When Don and Carol Richardson went as missionaries to the Sawi tribe of Irian Jaya, they could not make peace between the warring villages. With a threat of leaving, the Richardson finally witnessed the way the warring neighbors established peace. A peace child was taken from a family and offered to the other tribe. As long as this child lived, there would be peace.

      Disciples, the soul-winners. Jesus called the disciples to preach the gospel of peace (Acts 10:36; Eph. 6:15). Soul-winners bring people into the family of God (2 Cor. 5:20).

Prov. 16:7. When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Jas. 3:18. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

      Kingdom, the house-divided (Ps. 133:1). A house-divided needs a peacemaker. Jesus did not call the disciples to be known for fighting but making peace.

Mk. 9:50. Salt [is] good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

      Jesus taught the principles of reconciliation to the disciples (when the offender–Lk. 17:3 or when the offended–Mt. 5:23, 18:15). He taught them to initiate forgiveness, suffer wrongs, make peace, release offenders, and confess faults.

Rom. 12:18. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Rom. 14:19. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Eph. 4:3. Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

♦          Peacemaking requires risk-taking. In reconciliation someone must initiate the painful process.

♦          Peacemaking does not bring equals together. In reconciliation someone must be willing to suffer wrongs.

♦          Peacemaking does not reconcile all details. Someone must be willing to forgive the past and relinquish the right to blame.

♦          Peacemaking requires soothing words of reconciliation. Someone must avoid the temptation for the last or cutting word.

♦          Peacemaking begins at the cross. Persons must seek reconciliation for Christ’s sake.

      If God in Christ Jesus has forgiven us, why is it unreasonable to forgive another (Eph. 4:32)?

      In April 1865 when Richmond’s fall appeared certain, Abraham Lincoln determined to go there. He visited the hospital tents and to shake hands with Union and Confederate soldiers alike. Col. Harry L. Benboe lay in a cot, wounded in both hips. Lincoln stopped and offered the Confederate commander his hand. Benboe said, “Mr. President, do you know to whom you offer your hand?” Lincoln said, “I do not.” Benboe said, “You offer it to a Confederate colonel who has fought you as hard as he could for four years.” Lincoln replied, “Well, I hope a Confederate colonel will not refuse me his hand.” The colonel clasped the President’s hand with both of his.

Persecuted

Mt. 5:10-12. Blessed [are] they which are persecuted (diwkw-Mt. 5:10-11-12-44; Lk. 21:12; Jn. 15:20; Acts 7:52, 9:4-5; 1 Cor. 4:12, 15:9; 2 Cor. 4:9; Gal. 1:13-23, 6:12; Phil. 3:6; 2 Tim. 3:12; diwgmoV-Mt. 13:21; Mk. 10:30; Acts 8:1, 13:50; Rom. 8:35; 2 Cor. 12:10; 2 Th. 1:4; 2 Tim. 3:11; diwkthV-1 Tim. 1:13) for righteousness’ (Mt. 5:6-10-20, 6:33) sake: (Mt. 5:10-11, 10:18-39) for theirs (Mt. 5:3-10, 19:14) is the kingdom of heaven (Mt. 5:3-10-20, 7:21).

 11. Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile (Mt. 27:44; Lk. 6:22; Rom. 15:3; 1 Tim. 4:10; 1 Pet. 4:14; oneidismoV-Heb. 10:33, 11:26, 13:13) you, and persecute [you], and shall say (Lk. 6:26; Jn. 18:19) all manner (Mt. 12:36) of evil (Mt. 5:11-37-39-45, 6:13-23, 7:11-17-18) against you falsely (Acts 5:3-4; yeudomartur-Mt. 26:60; yeudomarturia-Mt. 26:59; yeudoprofhthV-Mt. 7:15; Rev. 20:10; yeudoV-Jn. 8:44; 2 Th. 2:9-11; yeusthV-Jn. 8:44; 1 Jn. 2:22), for my sake (Mt. 10:18-39, 16:25).

 12. Rejoice (Lk. 6:23, 10:20; Jn. 16:20-22; Acts 5:41; Rom. 12:12-15; 2 Cor. 6:10; Phil. 2:17-18, 3:1, 4:1-4; Col. 1:24; 1 Pet. 4:13; cara-Jn. 15:11, 16:20-21-22-24; Acts 13:52, 20:24; Col. 1:11; 1 Th. 1:6; Heb. 10:34; Heb. 12:2; Jas. 1:2), and be exceeding glad (Lk. 1:47, 10:21; Acts 2:26; 1 Pet. 6-8, 4:13; agalliasiV-Lk. 1:14-44; Acts 2:46; Heb. 1:9; Jude 24): for great [is] your reward (Mt. 5:12-46, 6:1-2-5-16, 10:41-42; Lk. 6:23-35; 1 Cor. 3:8-14; Rev. 22:12; misqapodothV-Heb. 11:6; misqapodosia-Heb. 11:26) in heaven (Mt. 5:12, 6:1; Lk. 6:23): for so persecuted they the prophets (Mt. 5:12-17, 7:12, 10:41, 13:57, 23:29-30-31-34-37; Lk. 6:23, 11:47-49-50, 13:34; Acts 3:18, 7:52; Rom. 11:3; 1 Th. 2:15; Rev. 11:10-18, 16:6, 18:20-24) which were before you.

      Augustine said that the “blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”

      Associates in persecution (“they,” “you”). Jesus prepared the disciples to share His sufferings.

Jn. 15:20. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

Mt. 10:18. And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

      Kingdom in history. Throughout history, the Kingdom marched triumphantly against the attempt of the enemy to extinguish God’s people through persecution. God refined His kingdom people in the crucible of suffering.

♦          Joseph in the prison (Gen. 37:24)

♦          David in the cave (Ps. 27:12)

♦          Jeremiah in the pit (Jer. 38:6)

♦          Daniel in the den (Dan. 6:16)

♦          Stephen in the city (Acts 7:58)

♦          Paul in the jail (Acts 16:23)

♦          Christians in the coliseum (Rev. 2:10; Christ as Lord or Caesar as lord)

      Tacitus (Ann., XV, 44) reported the persecution of Nero against Christians, “And they were not only put to death, but subjected to insults, in that they were either dressed up in the skins of wild beasts and perished by the cruel mangling of dogs, or else put on crosses to be set on fire, and, as day declined, to be burned, being used as lights by night.”

      Disciples need to read anew the history of persecuted church. The Epistle of the Church at Smyrna recorded the martyrdom of their beloved pastor Polycarp. Foxe’s Book of Martyrs tells the stories of the ten periods of the imperial persecutions. Southern Baptists need to remember their martyrs like Bill Wallace of China.

      Today, in the Sudan the Muslim government has made it a crime to convert to Christianity–a policy enforced brutally. Christian children have been captured from their families and sold at open-air slave markets for as little as fifteen dollars per child.

      At the funeral of 17-year-old Columbine High student Cassie Bernall, Pastor George Kirsten told 2,000 mourners gathered at the West Bowles Community Church, including rescuers who lined one wall of the church and received a standing ovation, that Cassie died a martyr. ‘’She went to the martyr’s hall of fame,’‘ he said. Other students had said after the rampage that when one of the gunmen asked, “Do you believe in God?” Yes, she replied; “and you need to follow along God’s path.” The gunman then killed her.

      Kingdom of heaven. Heaven will be sweet for the persecuted (Rev. 6:9).

      Anticipation of persecution (“when”). Billy Graham asked two Christians from Eastern bloc countries how it felt to be persecuted for their faith, they replied, “We thought it was the normal Christian life.”

2 Tim. 3:12. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

      Though believers can expect persecutions, they should work to change persecution (Heb. 13:3). Also, believers must pray for their persecutors (Mt. 5:44).

      Qualifying statements. The persecuted only receive God’s reward when it comes for righteousness sake or for Jesus’ sake.

      Quantity of sufferings. Jesus identified just a few forms in the catalogue of sufferings for Him.

      Jesus’ disciples might be mocked.

Mt. 27:44. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

Heb. 10:33. Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

Heb. 13:13. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

      Five Afghan men who converted to Christianity have been killed in separate incidents since late June near the borders of eastern Afghanistan. All five men were stabbed or beaten to death in executions by Taliban adherents who accused them of abandoning Islam and then “spreading Christianity” in their communities. Reuters news agency reported, “A group of Taliban dragged out Mullah Assad Ullah and slit his throat with a knife because he was propagating Christianity.” According to local sources, Assad Ullah was seized in broad daylight while at the market buying fruit and vegetables for his family. His attackers reportedly dragged his dead body around the market area, shouting warnings that the same fate awaited anyone else who listened to his heretical teachings. The former mullah had first obtained a copy of the New Testament about five years ago, while still living under the Taliban regime. He had been baptized secretly about two and one-half years ago.

      Jesus’ disciples might be mistreated. For more than four years Christians in Indonesia’s Maluku Islands suffered cruel attacks from Jihad Holy Warriors. At least 300 churches were burned down and thousands of Christians were killed there. Many Christians have had to flee to jungles or mountains to avoid capture, torched homes, or bloody streets.

      Jesus’s disciples might be maligned.

Lk. 6:26. Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

Mt. 26:59. Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;

      More than 100 house church leaders were arrested in Xinjiang Autonomous Region in North West China on July 12. More than 200 military police, Public Security Bureau and other officers arrived in 46 military and police vehicles. This incident was the latest in a pattern of increased persecution and arrests targeting the unregistered house churches of China. A report last month from an inside source disclosed that the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party had convened a secret meeting which called on the Party and every level of government to crackdown on illegal religious activities. It also directed the Department of Propaganda to carry out a campaign to promote atheism.

      Attitude toward of persecution. Christ taught His church the proper response to persecution.

1 Cor. 4:12. And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

2 Cor. 12:10. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

      Glory. Believers should rejoice if they endure persecution for the faith (Acts 20:24; Phil. 4:4).

Acts 5:41. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Phil. 2:17. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

Col. 1:24. Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

Heb. 10:34. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

Heb. 12:2. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jas. 1:2. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

1 Pet. 4:14. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

1 Pet. 4:16. Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

      The Chinese church suffered deeply, particularly during the 1966-76 Cultural Revolution, when the Red Guards attempted to eradicate religion altogether. Yet, Chinese believers endured, learned to depend on God alone, grew strong under pressure, and multiplied. They numbered in the hundreds of thousands before the communist era. Now they number in the tens of millions, with thousands more coming to faith each day. Some Chinese house-church leaders actually dread the day persecution ceases. They fear their strong, faithful congregations will become flabby and complacent like so many in the West.

      Gladness. Jesus told the disciples to respond with exceeding joy to trials of faith from enemies of the gospel.

1 Pet. 1:6. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

1 Pet. 4:13. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

      Jesus’ disciples who suffer for righteousness will receive a crown.

Heb. 11:26. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Rev. 22:12. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

      Jesus’ disciples who suffer for righteousness will join a company (Rev. 18:20).

Mt. 23:37. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!

Acts 7:52. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

Rom. 11:3. Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.

1 Th. 2:15. Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:

Salt and Light

Mt. 5:13-17. Ye are the salt (Mk. 9:50; Col. 4:6) of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour (Lk. 14:34-35), wherewith shall it be salted (Mk. 9:49)? it is thenceforth good (Phil. 4:13; Jas. 5:16) for nothing, but to be cast (Mt. 5:25-29-30, 7:6-19) out (Mt. 13:48; Lk. 13:25-28; Jn. 6:37, 15:6, 12:31; Col. 4:5; 1 Cor. 5:12; 1 Tim. 3:7), and to be trodden (Mt. 7:6; Lk. 8:5; Heb. 10:29) under foot of men.

 14. Ye are the light (Mt. 6:23; Jn. 1:8-9, 3:19-20, 8:12, 9:5, 12:46; Rom. 13:12; 2 Cor. 4:6; Eph. 5:8; Col. 1:12; 1 Jn. 1:7) of the world. A city that is set on an hill (Mt. 4:8, 5:1-14, 21:21) cannot (Mt. 5:14-36, 6:24, 7:18, 17:16-19, 26:42; Jn. 15:5) be hid (Mt. 13:35-44, 25:25; Jn. 12:36; 1 Tim. 5:25).

 15. Neither do men light (Lk. 12:35; Rev. 4:5) a candle (Mt. 6:22; Jn. 5:35; Rev. 21:23, 22:5), and put it under a bushel (Mk. 4:21; Lk. 11:33), but on a candlestick (Ex. 25:31; Zech. 4:2-11; Rev. 1:12-13-20, 2:1-5, 11:4); and it giveth light (Mt. 17:2; Lk. 17:24; 2 Cor. 4:6) unto all that are in the house (Acts 16:32).

 16. Let your light so shine (Phil. 2:15) before (Mt. 5:24, 6:1-2, 7:6, 10:32-33, 26:70; 2 Cor. 5:10) men, that they may see your good works (Mt. 26:10; Eph. 2:10; 1 Tim. 6:18; Tit. 2:7-14; 1 Pet. 2:12), and glorify (Mt. 6:2; Jn. 14:13, 15:8, 17:1-4-5; Acts 4:21) your Father (first time) which is in heaven.

      The New Testament repeatedly called the disciples to the higher life by teaching them who they were in Christ. Here, Jesus reminded the disciples of who they were in the Kingdom.

      Jesus empowered the disciples to enter all the earth with Kingdom living. Jesus bridged the character of the disciples taught in the Beatitudes with the commission of the disciples illustrated by the Similitudes of salt and light. Jesus pulled the disciples aside for equipping that He might send them forth in evangelism (Mt. 4:19).

      Powerful gospel (Jas. 5:16). The active chemical compound of salt symbolized the power of the Kingdom in the earth.

Col. 4:6. Let your speech [be] always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

      Salt possessed the power to purify (Ezek. 16:4). Just as salt acts as a necessary requirement for health, even so the people of the earth require the gospel.

2 Kg. 2:21. And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren [land].

      Salt possessed the power to preserve (2 Chr. 13:5). Just as salt pictured a covenant of friendship, even so the earth enjoys covenant blessings by the presence of Christ's disciples.

      Powerless religion. The salt from the Dead Sea might lose its flavor by contamination with other minerals or exposure.

Mk. 9:50. Salt [is] good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

      “Un-saltiness” illustrated disciples with no revival within. Jesus despised a form of religion lacking the power of salt within.

Lev. 2:13. And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt.

      “Un-saltiness” illustrated disciples with no relevance without. Religious activity without the power of the living Christ makes lost men trample the gospel (Mt. 7:6).

Job 6:6. Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt? or is there [any] taste in the white of an egg?

Mt. 7:19. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

      Jesus equipped the disciples to evangelize all the world with Kingdom light. Jesus came to dispel the darkness (Mt. 4:16; Jn. 3:19).

Lk. 15:8. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find [it]?

Jn. 1:8. He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light.

      Shine to radiate the light of Christ. Jesus did not call the disciples to retreat in the solitude of the desert but to take the light to the masses of people.

Jn. 8:12. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

      Jesus sent the disciples to shine in the highest city (Rev. 1:12). Cities on hills and lighthouses in harbors function as beacons of light for all men to see. Those lighthouses exist to shine.

Rev. 2:5. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

      Jesus sent the disciples to shine in the lowest house. The gospel of Christ lightens each home so that families do not stumble without biblical direction. Christ must be the welcome and not hidden guest in the house.

Lk. 12:35. Let your loins be girded about, and [your] lights burning;

      Shine to reflect the light of Christ. Men need to see Jesus, unshielded and unclouded, in the lives of those who profess Him (2 Cor. 3:18, 4:4).

Mt. 6:23. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great [is] that darkness!

      Disciples must shine so that men might see the goodness of Jesus (Eph. 2:10). Men need to see lives uncompromised in profession and practice.

Rom. 13:12. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Eph. 5:8. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Phil. 2:15. That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

      Disciples must shine so that men might be saved to glorify the Father (Acts 4:21). Lifestyle witnessing does not serve as an end in itself but serves as a means to win others to the Father.

Jn. 15:8. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

1 Pet. 2:12. Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Jesus and the Law

Mt. 5:17-20. Think not (Mt. 10:34) that I am come to destroy (Mt. 27:40; Acts 5:38-39, 6:14; Gal. 2:18) the law (Jn. 1:17; Rom. 5:20, 10:4; Gal. 3:13; Phil. 3:9), or the prophets (Mt. 7:12, 11:13, 22:40; Rom. 3:21): I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil (Mt. 1:22, 2:15-17-23, 3:15, 4:14, 8:17, 12:17, 13:35, 21:4, 26:56, 27:9-35; Lk. 24:44; Jn. 12:38, 13:18, 17:12, 18:9-32, 19:24-36; Acts 3:18).

 18. For verily (Mt. 5:18-26, 6:2-5-13-16) I say unto you, Till heaven and earth (Mt. 28:18; 2 Pet. 3:7-10; Rev. 20:11) pass (Mt. 24:35; Lk. 16:17, 21:33; Jas. 1:10; 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 21:1), one jot or one tittle (Lk. 16:17) shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled (Mt. 24:34).

 19. Whosoever therefore shall break (Jn. 5:18, 7:23) one of these least (Mt. 25:40-45; Lk. 16:10, 19:17; 1 Cor. 15:9) commandments, and shall teach (Mt. 15:9; Acts 21:28; Gal. 1:12; Col. 1:28; 2 Tim. 2:2) men (Mt. 5:13-16-19, 6:1-2-5-14-15-16-18, 7:9-12) so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven (Mt. 5:3-10-19-20, 6:10-13-33, 7:21): but whosoever shall do (Acts 1:1) and teach (Mt. 7:29) [them], the same shall be called great (Lk. 1:32) in the kingdom of heaven.

 20. For I say unto you (Mt. 5:2-18-20-22-26-28-32-34-39-44, 6:2-5-16-25-29), That except your righteousness (Mt. 5:6-10-20, 6:1-33; Rom. 3:21, 8:4, 10:4; Gal. 2:21; Phil. 3:9) shall exceed (Mt. 5:20-47; Lk. 15:17, 21:4) [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees (Mt. 23:13-14-15-23-25-27-29; Lk. 15:2), ye shall in no case enter (Mt. 7:21, 18:3, 19:23, 23:13; Jn. 3:5) into the kingdom of heaven.

      The scribes and Pharisees held such to the regulations of the Temple (Mt. 27:40; Acts 6:14) and legalism of their traditions that they missed the meaning of the Law of Moses (Mal. 4:4). The scribes and Pharisees so defended legislation that they missed the grace of Jesus Christ (Jn. 1:17). Jesus seemed a threat to their religious system.

      Though Jesus reverenced every grammatical Hebrew point (2 Tim. 3:16), He did not come to put new patches on old wineskins (Mt. 9:16-17). Jesus came to fulfill the heart and spirit of the commandments and covenant (Jer. 31:33).

      Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Law and the prophets in His crucifixion and resurrection (Lk. 24:44; Acts 3:18). Unlike the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus also fulfilled the spirit of the Law with no contradiction (Acts 1:1). Jesus in His life completely fulfilled the written Law of God (Mt. 24:35; Lk. 16:17).

      Purpose of the Law.

1 Tim. 1:9 [CEV]. We know that the Law is good, if it is used in the right way. We also understand that it wasn't given to control people who please God, but to control lawbreakers, criminals, godless people, and sinners. It is for wicked and evil people, and for murderers, who would even kill their own parents.

      Sin existed before the Law (Rom. 5:12-13). Sin did not originate with the Law but with the fall of man (Rom. 7:13-14). The Law revealed the evil already present in man who sinned against the Creator, conscience, and finally the commandments.

      School (Gal. 3:24). The entrance of the Law magnified sin and death and, like a teacher, showed the need of grace (Rom. 5:20).

Gal. 3:24. [NIV]. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.

      Short-fall (Rom. 3:23). The Law fulfilled God’s purpose for the commandments by convicting of sin and death (Rom. 3:20, 4:15). The Law demonstrated the impossibility of perfection (Mk. 10:21). The person who seeks salvation by keeping the Law must do each detail of the Law (Lev. 18:5; Rom. 10:5; Gal. 3:12).

Jas. 2:10. [CEV]. If you obey every law except one, you are still guilty of breaking them all.

      Perfection of the Law. The Law of God cannot excuse sin. The Law of God demands holiness and changes not.

      Settled (Ps. 119:89). The perfection of the Law does not make any allowance for wrong or lower the standard of righteousness.

      Strong (1 Cor. 15:56). Because of the Law’s holy standard, the Law of God will always create a sense of sin in us. The commandments become the basis of the Law’s condemnation and Satan’s accusations.

      Perversion of the Law. Some frustrate grace (Gal. 2:21) through the abuse of liberty (Rom. 6) or through the adherence to legalism (Rom. 7).

      Cheap grace (Rom. 6:1). Those who want to enjoy God’s grace by continuing to sin miss the gospel entirely. Those who practice “cheap grace” consciously or unconsciously say, “God loves to forgive, and I love to sin. I will sin today, and God will forgive me tomorrow.”

      Crucify grace (Gal. 3:3). Legalism cannot produce holiness in life (Acts 15:10; Gal. 3:21; Phil. 3:6).

      Person of the Law. Man can do nothing to achieve a right standing with God or meet God’s righteous demands. Man needed a righteous Substitute who perfectly kept the Law.

Rom. 8:3 [CEV]. The Law of Moses cannot do this, because our selfish desires make the Law weak. But God set you free when he sent his own Son to be like us sinners and to be a sacrifice for our sin. God used Christ's body to condemn sin.

      Satisfaction (2 Cor. 5:21). The cross finished God’s requirement for righteousness. Jesus died to pay the penalty of the Law.

Gal. 3:13 [NIV]. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."

      P. P. Bliss wrote, “Free from the law, O happy condition, Jesus hath bled, and there is remission; cursed by the law and bruised by the fall, grace hath redeemed us once for all. Now we are free–there’s no condemnation, Jesus provides a perfect salvation. . . .”

      God counts faith as righteousness (Acts 13:39; Rom. 3:21-28, 9:32). To become righteous, sinful man turns in faith to the One who kept the Law perfectly. Sinners cannot fulfill the requirements of the Law but only can trust in the One who exactly fulfilled the Law.

      God counts as righteous all who trust Christ instead of works (Rom. 4:3-5, 10:10; Gal. 3:6; Phil. 3:9; Tit. 3:5). A Christian answers the accusation of Satan and condemnation of the Law by faith in the blood of Christ.

Gal. 2:16 [GNB]. Yet we know that a person is put right with God only through faith in Jesus Christ, never by doing what the Law requires. We, too, have believed in Christ Jesus in order to be put right with God through our faith in Christ, and not by doing what the Law requires. For no one is put right with God by doing what the Law requires.

Gal. 3:11 [NKJV]. But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith."

      God calls for obedience out of love. The Holy Spirit gives believers the power to obey their new master (Rom. 6:12-13). Believers do not obey His commands out of grim duty but with loving gratitude.

Jn. 14:15. If ye love me, keep my commandments.

1 Jn. 5:3 [NIV]. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,

      Spirit (Rom. 8:4). The Christian life must be lived by a new law–the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. Practical righteousness progresses in the believer not through struggling against sin but through surrendering to the Spirit (Rom. 8:13).

Rom. 7:6 [GNB]. Now, however, we are free from the Law, because we died to that which once held us prisoners. No longer do we serve in the old way of a written law, but in the new way of the Spirit.

Rom. 8:4 [NIV]. In order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

Murder

Mt. 5:21-26. Ye have heard that it was said (Mt. 5:21-27-33-38-43) by them of old time (5:21-27-33), Thou shalt not kill (Mt. 19:18; Rom. 13:9; Jas. 2:11); and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger (Mt. 5:21-22, 26:66; Mk. 3:29; 1 Cor. 11:27; Jas. 2:10) of the judgment (Mt. 5:21-22, 10:15, 11:22-24, 12:36; Jn. 5:22, 16:8; Heb. 9:27; 2 Pet. 3:7; Jude 6):

 22. But I say unto you (Mt. 5:22-28-32-34-39-44; Jn. 14:12, 16:7), That whosoever is angry (Lk. 15:28; Eph. 4:26; orgh–Rom. 12:19; Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8; Jas. 1:19-20) with his brother without a cause (1 Cor. 15:2) shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca (empty-headed, senseless, worthless), shall be in danger of the council (Mt. 26:59; Acts 23:1): but whosoever shall say, Thou fool (1 Cor. 1:27), shall be in danger of hell fire (Mt. 18:9; Mk. 9:43).

 23. Therefore if thou bring (Acts 21:26; Heb. 5:1) thy gift (Lk. 21:4) to the altar (Lk. 1:11), and there rememberest (Lk. 16:25) that thy brother hath ought against (Mk. 11:25) thee;

 24. Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first (Mt. 6:33, 7:5) be reconciled (kathllaghmen-Rom. 5:10; 2 Cor. 5:18-19-20; katallagh-Rom. 5:11; 2 Cor. 5:18-19) to thy brother (Mt. 18:15; Lk. 17:3), and then come and offer thy gift.

 25. Agree (Eph. 6:7) with thine adversary (Lk. 12:58, 18:3) quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver (Acts 8:3) thee to the judge (Lk. 18:2), and the judge deliver thee to the officer (Acts 5:22), and thou be cast into prison (Mt. 18:30; Acts 16:23).

 26. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid (Mt. 18:25; Lk. 12:59) the uttermost farthing (Mk. 12:42).

      Jesus applied the command against murder to words of anger. Words spoken in rage pierce another’s heart with a deadly wound.

Jas. 1:19. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

 20. For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

      Anger if directed against sin and tempered by grace works powerfully as a good emotion, but anger if left undisciplined and allowed to settle becomes a bad emotion.

Prov. 15:1 [NIV]. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

      Jesus spoke of anger that is baseless (unrighteous anger). Anger unequal to any offense and repeatedly rehearsed in the mind can poison relationships. Unresolved anger can trigger outbursts disconnected and disproportionate to any word or deed preceding the expression of anger (cf. Moses–Num. 20:10-11).

Eph. 4:26. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

      Jesus spoke of anger that is against a brother (unchristian anger). Nothing undermines the testimony of Christians and gives Satan a victory like broken relationships within the family of God.

Lk. 15:28. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

      Jesus spoke of anger that becomes a basis (underneath anger). Anger overflows and affects detrimentally all other relations. Unresolved anger contaminates the emotions of those it comes in contact with and creates distance.

Eph. 4:31. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

      Jesus spoke of anger that is boiling (unleashed anger). Anger that explodes into words and actions causes irreparable damage.

Rom. 12:19. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Prov. 16:32.”He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit than he that takes a city.”

      Jesus spoke of anger that is belittling (unforgivable anger). It would be better to cut off the tongue than to wrong the fragile emotions of the weak.

Prov. 22:24 [NIV]. Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered,

      What causes anger?

♦          Selfishness causes anger (perception of unmet needs).

♦          Exactness causes anger (expectation for others).

♦          Suspiciousness causes anger (projection of thinking).

♦          Consciousness causes anger (imagination about others; cf. Haman– Est. 3:5).

♦          Defensiveness causes anger (confrontation with others).

      Jesus applied the command against murder to worship in one accord. In the Great Commandment, Jesus joined inseparably the love of God and love of one another.

Mk. 11:25. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

      Jesus spoke of the conviction to reconciliation (“remember”). The Holy Spirit will remind believers of sins against one another which cut off true worship.

      Jesus spoke of the initiation of reconciliation (“against you”). The offended must not wait on the offender to build the bridge of restoration.

Mt. 18:15. Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

      Jesus spoke of the condition in reconciliation (“first”). The Lord never heard the Pharisees who devoured widows’ houses and then made long prayers.

      Jesus spoke of the celebration after reconciliation (“then”). Revival breaks out at the altar when brothers restore Christian unity with one another.

      Jesus applied the command against murder to walking in agreement.

      Jesus said that the disciples must restore unity swiftly (“quickly”). Unresolved matters cause relationships to deteriorate rapidly.

      Jesus said that the disciples must restore unity opportunely (“while in the way”). Disciples should prayerfully seek the right words and the right moments to initiate reconciliation.

      Jesus said that the disciples must restore unity quietly (“council”). If two persons do not give attention to restoration, then the issue of disagreement will explode into the public arena.

Prov. 29:22 [NIV]. An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.

      Jesus said that the disciples must restore unity or it will be costly (“repay”). A root of bitterness grows from attitudes of unforgiveness and produces bitter resentment.

Prov. 19:19 [NIV]. A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.

Mt. 18:30. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

Adultery

Mt. 5:27-30. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery (Mt. 15:19; Rom. 2:22):

 28. But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust (epiqumia-Mk. 4:19; Rom. 1:24, 6:12, 7:7-8, 13:14; Gal. 5:16-24; Eph. 2:3; Col. 3:5; 2 Tim. 2:22; Jas. 1:14; 1 Pet. 1:14, 2:11; 2 Pet. 1:4; 1 Jn. 2:16-17; epiqumew-Mt. 5:28; Gal. 5:17; Jas. 4:2) after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

 29. And if thy right eye offend (skandalizw–Mt. 13:21, 18:6; Rom. 14:21) thee, pluck it out (exairew–Gal. 1:4), and cast [it] (Mt. 18:8) from thee: for it is profitable (sumferw–Mt. 5:29, 18:6; Jn. 16:7; Acts 20:20; 1 Cor. 6:12, 10:23-33) for thee that one of thy members should perish (apolummi–Mt. 10:28, 18:14; Jn. 3:16), and not [that] thy whole body (Rom. 12:4; Jas. 3:6) should be cast into hell (Mt. 5:22-29-30).

 30. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off (ekkoptw-Mt. 7:19, 18:8; Lk. 13:9) , and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell.

      Expansion of the seventh commandment. Disciples cannot relax the definition of adultery.

      Definition of lust. Jesus expanded the prohibition against adultery to the lustful look from the heart.

Jas. 1:14-15. But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.

 15. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

      Lust means a continuous look (present tense verb).

Prov. 6:25 [NKJV]. Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her allure you with her eyelids.

      Lust means a contemplative look (conjunction of purpose).

Ps. 119:37 [NLT]. Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.

      Lust means a conscious look (definite verb).

Ps. 101:3 [Cambridge]. I will not put any evil thing before my eyes; I am against all turning to one side; I will not have it near me.

      Temptation of men. This temptation particularly affects men (Christian ladies must guard their appearance and attire as well)

      Completion of sin. Impure thoughts lead to impure deeds (Prov. 23:7).

      Location of adultery (“heart”).

      Mortification of sin’s control. Lustful thoughts must be resisted (Jas. 4:7) and replaced (Lk. 11:24; Phil. 4:8).

      Hell’s attack. Satan quickly shows the glamour of sin but never reveals the consequences.

      Heaven’s answer.

      Obedience means to yield the members to God (“don’t gratify the flesh”).

1 Th. 4:3-4. It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;

 4. that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable.

      Obedience means to yield the mind to God (“do guard the heart”).

Job 31:1. I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl.

      How can disciples obey the Bible’s teaching to flee lust?

♦          Keep a healthy fear of falling (1 Cor. 10:12).

♦          Refuse to entertain evil thoughts (2 Cor. 10:4-5).

♦          Stay away from improper conversation, physical contact, or emotional attachment (Eph. 5:3-4).

♦          Hold holy standards of accountability (Gen. 39:8-9).

♦          Escape situations and avoid traps that lead to lust (Gen. 39:10).

♦          Ask God to cleanse the heart (Ps. 51:10; Jn. 8:11).

♦          Put on the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18).

♦          Live the crucified life (Gal. 2:20, 5:24; Col. 3:5).

♦          Trust Christ to deliver from temptation (Rom. 8:34).

Divorce

Mt. 5:31-32. It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away (apoluw-Mt. 1:19, 5:31-32, 19:3; Lk. 16:18; luw-1 Cor. 7:27; afihmi-1 Cor. 7:11-13; cwrizw-Mt. 19:6; egkataleipw; exapostellw-Mal. 2:14-16) his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement (apostasion-Dt. 24:3; Is. 50:1; Jer. 3:8; Mt. 5:31, 19:7):

 32. But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving (Acts 26:29) for the cause of fornication (porneia–Mk. 7:21; Acts 15:29; Rom. 1:29; 1 Cor. 6:13-18; Gal. 5:19; Eph. 5:3; Col. 3:5; 1 Th. 4:3; pornoV–Eph. 5:5; 1 Cor. 5:9; Heb.13:4), causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry (Mt. 19:9; Lk. 16:18) her that is divorced committeth adultery.

      Between 40 and 45 percent of marriages started today will end in divorce. The church should show compassionate concern for those hurt through divorce. In one study ½ of those going through a divorce, though church members, received no visits during the divorce from the church.

      Expanding the permissions for divorce. Jesus confronted those who wanted multiple reasons for divorce. According to one recent study, the meaning of “not getting along” is being defined down. More than half of recent divorces occur, not because of high conflict, but because of “softer” forms of distress and unhappiness.

      Interpretation of a Scripture (Dt. 24:1). A segment of the Pharisees approached marriage liberally (Mt. 14:4–John beheaded for condemning adultery). In Mt. 19:3-12 Pharisees questioned Jesus’ interpretation of Dt. 24:1 where Moses permitted divorce in the case of uncleanness. The Shammai school of Pharisees said that “uncleanness” meant adultery, but the Hillel school said that it meant any reason. Those liberal Pharisees desired the freedom to divorce a wife for any charge (Mt. 19:10) brought against her. They looked for logic even in Scripture to get them out of their marriages, but Jesus gave them Scripture to hold them in the marriage and protect the woman from abuse.

      Initiation of a divorce. Some marriage partners turn quickly to divorce without giving the time for reconciliation to work. Some never consider the long term effects of divorce before beginning a bitter legal fight.

      Jesus denounced the actions of the strong versus the weak. Some marriage partners initiate divorce and take advantage against the weaker. A Christian counselor wrote, “I have learned that solving people’s marriage problems has more to do with the character of the people than the complexity of their situation.”

      Jesus denounced the actions of the selfish versus the wrongs. Some initiate divorce because they constantly find faults (1 Pet. 4:8).

      Division of a covenant. Divorce breaks a covenant promise with God (Mal. 2:14).

      Presentation of a paper. Pharisees excused divorce for any reason as long they issued a legal paper, but God did not dismiss their reasons in His court. In Mt. 19:4-6 Jesus reminded the Pharisees of the first marriage (Gen. 1:27, 2:24–Pharisees’ argumed against God). God intended to cement a couple together as one flesh never to be divided (1 Cor. 7:10-11-15). Marriage means more than a legal document. Marriage is a union of not only body but also soul and spirit (1 Cor. 6:13-18).

      Narrowing the permission for divorce. The Lord will not lead a Christian to divorce contrary to Scripture. Jesus spoke to those contemplating divorce for an unbiblical reason and looking for ways to dissolve the marriage rather than solve it. The teaching of Jesus contradicted the numerous rationales given for divorce.

      Explanation of Moses. In Mt. 19:7-9 the Pharisees asked why Moses commanded the giving of a certificate of divorce. Jesus replied that Moses did not command divorcement but permitted the writing of the paper because of the abuses of those who put away their wives with no biblical cause (to some divorcement a gracious provision instead of stoning–Lev. 20:10). The Pharisee viewed the Mosaic legislation as a loophole to get out of marriage for any cause, but Jesus defined the exception that permitted divorce as adultery.

      Distinction of Christians. Christians ought to be different. Sadly, 33 percent of all born again individuals who have been married have gone through a divorce, which is statistically identical to the incidence among non-born again adults.

      Exception of fornication. Jesus did not command divorcement for adultery (Mt. 19:9; cf. Hosea), but He gave this permission. The leading cause of divorce is still adultery.

      Implication of families. Divorce impacts the home negatively.

♦          A careful analysis of divorce statistics shows that, beginning around 1975, the presence of children in a marriage has become only a very minor inhibitor of divorce.

♦          The number of children under age 18 newly affected by parental divorce each year remains close to a million.

♦          Four out of ten children will experience the breakup of their parents by the time they are sixteen years old and the greater part of them will become members of step-families.

♦          Judith S. Wallenstein studied sixty families over a decade after divorce. She wrote, “We found family after family still in crisis, their wounds wide open. Turmoil and distress had not noticeably subsided. Many adults were angry, and felt humiliated and rejected, and most had not gotten their lives back together. An unexpectedly large number of children were on a down-ward course. Their symptoms were worse than they had been immediately after the divorce. Our findings were absolutely contradictory to our expectations.” Wallenstein said, “Divorce is not an event that stands alone in a child’s or adults’ experience. It is a continuum that begins in the unhappy marriage and extends through the separation, divorce and any remarriages and second divorces.”

      Intention of remarriage (Lk. 16:18). Jesus added that to put away a spouse to marry another also meant adultery. Jesus’ radical teaching on the seriousness of marriage meant that a person should not enter a marriage with a view to exit (Mt. 19:10-11).

Words

Mt. 5:33-37. Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear (Lev. 19:12; Num. 30:2; Dt. 23:2; Mt. 26:72; Jas. 5:12) thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths (Mt. 23:16-18-20-21-22; Heb. 6:16; Jas. 5:12):

 34. But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne (Mt. 23:22; Acts 7:49; Rev. 4:2):

 35. Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool (Mt. 22:44; Acts 2:35, 7:49; Heb. 1:13, 10:13): neither by Jerusalem (Ps. 48:2; Mt. 20:18, 23:37; Jn. 4:21; Heb. 12:22; Rev. 11:8, 20:9, 21:2-10); for it is the city of the great King.

 36. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair (Mt. 10:30; Lk. 12:7, 21:18; Acts 27:34) white or black.

 37. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay (2 Cor. 1:17-19; Jas. 5:12): for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

      D. L. Moody said, “The most dangerous thing about it is that a word once uttered can never be obliterated.”

Col. 4:6 [NIV]. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

      Strong words. Jesus spoke against the idea that someone could add strength to his words by anything other than a Christlike life (Mt. 23:16). A person can misuse the strength or power of words.

Prov. 13:3 [NIV]. He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

Prov. 18:21a. Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue:

Jas. 3:5 [NIV]. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

      A woman said to John Wesley, “My talent is to speak my mind.” Wesley replied, “I am sure, sister, that God wouldn’t object if you buried that talent.”

      Words cannot be retrieved.

Jas. 1:19 [NIV]. My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

      Words can bless.

Prov. 15:23 [NIV]. A man finds joy in giving an apt reply–and how good is a timely word!

Prov. 16:24 [NIV]. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Prov. 25:11 [NIV]. A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

Is. 50:4a [NKJV]. "The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary.

      Words can bitter.

Prov. 12:18 [NIV]. Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Prov. 15:1 [NIV]. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Jas. 3:10 [NIV]. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.

      Words can be restrained.

Jas. 1:26 [NIV]. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

Jas. 3:2 [CEV]. All of us do many wrong things. But if you can control your tongue, you are mature and able to control your whole body.

1 Pet. 3:10. [MSG]. Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, Here's what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful;

      Wisdom restrains words.

Prov. 15:28 [GNB]. Good people think before they answer. Evil people have a quick reply, but it causes trouble.

Prov. 17:27-28 [NIV]. A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

 28. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Prov. 29:11 [ESV]. A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

      Abraham Lincoln said, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”

      Kindness restrains words.

Ps. 141:3 [NIV]. Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.

Prov. 26:20 [NIV]. Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.

Prov. 29:20 [NIV]. Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

      Straight words. A true disciple does not need to exaggerate words but simply speak the truth. The word of a disciple acts as a bond.

Mt. 12:36 [NIV]. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.

      Speech that is the truth.

Eph. 4:15. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

      Stay true to promises.

Ecc. 5:4 [GNB]. So when you make a promise to God, keep it as quickly as possible. He has no use for a fool. Do what you promise to do.

      Stay true to pledges.

Num. 30:2 [NIV]. When a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.

      Speech that is trustworthy. God’s name is His bond (Heb. 6:17). Men who need to swear with words indicate their hypocrisy in life and their lack of integrity.

      Stay away from duplicity.

      A young teacher appeared for his first job interview in a rustic mountain village. The members of the school board quizzed him thoroughly on his views. At last one of the elders asked, “We have heard a lot of talk that the world is round, while others reckon that it appears to be flat. How do you feel about this?” The young man, anxious for employment, replied, “I can teach it either way.”

Ps. 55:21 [NKJV]. The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.

Ps. 101:7 [NIV]. No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.

      Stay away from inaccuracy.

Eph. 4:25-26 [NIV]. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

      Specific words. Words spoken without the Spirit’s control hold the power to hurt and damage. Words like cutting remarks or unkind jest can wound a fragile heart.

Jas. 5:12 [NIV]. Above all, my brothers, do not swear–not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.

      Words without exaggeration.

2 Cor. 1:19 [NIV]. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes."

      Cleanse the vocabulary. The Bible catalogues a long list of sins with the tongue: accuse, backbite, blaspheme, boast, brag, break confidentiality, criticize, curse, deceive, defame, demean, double-talk, exaggerate, flatter, gossip, gripe, innuendo, insinuate, intonation, libel, lie, misquote, misrepresent, nag, perjure, rumor, silence, slander, slur, speak filth, speak hastily, speak inaccurately, speak falsehood, swear, tale-bearing, unedifying speech, whisper.

Ps. 34:13. Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Ps. 19:14 [NIV]. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Mt. 12:34b [NIV]. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

Rom. 3:13. Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips:

      D. L. Moody stated, “A man’s words are an index of what is within.”

      Cheer the vocabulary.

Prov. 10:11. [MSG]. The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse.

Eph. 4:29 [NIV]. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

      Words without hesitation.

      Speak decisively. The Lord’s Prayer contained only 56 words, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address had only 266 words, and the Declaration of Independence was comprised of only 300 words!

      Speak definitively. Disciples must not give an uncertain sound concerning the gospel (1 Cor. 14:8).

1 Pet. 3:16 [NIV]. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Retaliation

Mt. 5:38-42. Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth (Ex. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Dt. 19:21):

 39. But I say unto you, That ye resist (Acts 6:10, 13:8; Gal. 2:11; Eph. 6:13; 2 Tim. 3:8, 4:15) not evil (Mt. 5:11; Acts 17:5; 2 Th. 3:2; 3 Jn. 10): but whosoever shall smite (Mt. 26:67; Mk. 14:65; Lk. 6:29; Jn. 18:22, 19:3) thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

 40. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat (Mt. 10:10; Lk. 3:11), let him have [thy] cloke (Mt. 9:20, 21:7, 27:35; Jn. 13:4; Acts 7:58) also.

 41. And whosoever shall compel (Mt. 27:32) thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

 42. Give to him that asketh (Mt. 7:7-11) thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away (Heb. 12:25).

      This Mosaic legislation controlled excesses of revenge. The law referred to punishment commensurate with the offence (punishment to fit the crime).

      However, when disciples suffer injustice (and they will), they must not retaliate. A disciple does not respond in kind (Prov. 25:21; Rom 12:17-20). A disciple of Jesus should not respond in personal defense (1 Pet. 2:23).

      Unjust treatment (smite–Mt. 26:67; Acts 23:2).

      Unjust requirements (tunic–Mt. 10:10; outer garment–Jn. 19:23). The law forbad a man to take another's cloak overnight (Ex. 22:26), but a disciple surrendered even that right.

Lk. 3:11. He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

Jn. 13:4. He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

      Unjust demands (impressment into service–Mt. 27:32; Jos. Ant. XIII, 2, 3). The Romans could demand any citizen to become a courier for up to 1600 yards (the next station). Jesus said that a disciple would go beyond the requirements without a resentful spirit.

Mt. 27:32. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

      Unjust requests (lend money–Lk. 6:34). A disciple will give a person the benefit of the doubt.

Enemies

Mt. 5:43-48. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour (Lev. 19:18; Mt. 19:19, 22:39; Lk. 10:27; Rom. 13:9; Gal. 5:14; Jas. 2:8), and hate thine enemy.

 44. But I say unto you, Love your enemies (Lk. 6:27-35), bless them that curse you (Lk. 6:28; Rom. 12:14), do good to them that hate (Mt.10:22; Lk. 6:22-27, 21:17; Jn. 15:18; 1 Jn. 3:13) you, and pray for them which despitefully (1 Pet. 3:16) use you, and persecute (Mt. 5:10-11-12, 10:23; Lk. 21:12; Jn. 15:20; Acts 7:52, 9:4; Rom. 12:14; 1 Cor. 4:12, 15:9; 2 Cor. 4:9; Gal. 1:13-23; Phil. 3:6) you;

 45. That ye may be the children of your Father (Mt. 5:9-45) which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise (Mt. 13:6; Jas. 1:11) on the evil and on the good (Mt. 12:35), and sendeth rain (Jas. 5:17) on the just and on the unjust (Acts 24:15; 1 Pet. 3:18).

 46. For if ye love them which love you, what reward (Mt. 5:12-46, 6:1-2-5-16, 10:41-42; 1 Cor. 3:8-14, 9:17-18; Rev. 22:12) have ye? do not even the publicans the same (Rom. 2:3)?

 47. And if ye salute your brethren (Acts 21:7; Rom. 16:14-23; 1 Cor. 16:20; Phil. 4:21; Col. 4:15; 1 Th. 5:26) only, what do ye more (Mt. 5:37-47) [than others]? do not even the publicans so?

 48. Be ye therefore perfect (Mt. 19:21; 1 Cor. 2:6; Eph. 4:13; Col. 1:28, 4:12; Heb. 5:14; Jas. 1:14), even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

      Ancient Greek schools divided pupils between the mature (1 Cor. 2:6, 13:10, 14:20; Eph. 4:13; Phil. 3:13; Col. 1:28; Heb. 5:14; Jas. 1:4, 3:2) and the immature (Mt. 11:25; Rom. 2:20; 1 Cor. 3:1, 13:11; Eph. 4:14; Heb. 5:13).

Eph. 4:13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Col. 1:28. Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Heb. 5:14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

      Jesus explained to the Twelve the marks of maturity in discipleship. True disciples demonstrate genuine maturity in relationships.

[MSG]. "In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.

      Mature disciples follow the uncommon path in friendship (5:43-44). The scribes in Jesus' day only proudly associated with those who shared their ideas. Those hypocritical Pharisees shunned sinners. Even the “sons of thunder” in the early days with Jesus wanted to call down fire from heaven on those not with them.

      The natural man apart from Christ wants to pray the imprecatory psalms on enemies and see them suffer their due. However, Jesus’ disciples must walk another path if they enter the school of maturity. David, the shepherd-warrior, did not avenge himself on King Saul. Jesus, after the trying hour of prayer in Gethsemane, called Judas “Friend.” Jesus taught the disciples to pray for enemies (Lk. 23:34; Acts 7:60). A Christian cannot pray for an enemy and hate him at the same time.

♦          A mature disciple sees the Father's love for enemies.

♦          A mature disciple prays for those who wrong him for righteousness sake.

♦          A mature disciple places himself in the shoes of an enemy and pities him.

♦          A mature disciple reacts kindly toward those who act rudely.

♦          A mature disciple returns blessings on those who heap fiery criticisms.

♦          A mature disciple refuses to let thoughts of retaliation lodge or to rejoice in the misfortunes of antagonists.

Rom. 12:14. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

      Mature disciples follow the uncommon pattern of the Father (5:45).

      The Father sends forth new mercies each new day both on the righteous and unrighteous, the saved or the unsaved. The Father's faithful mercies do not waver (Jas. 1:17) even when sinners ignore Him.

♦          Mature disciples do not develop a straight-line theology like the friends of Job.

♦          Mature disciples do not stop trying to win those who see no need of Christ.

♦          Mature disciples do not see the unsaved world outside the possibilities of God's salvation and wish God's punishment on them.

      Mature disciples follow the uncommon pattern of forgiveness (5:46-47).

      Proud people with grudges stick together. Broken people with compassion forgive one another.

      Jesus called His disciples to demonstrate Christlikeness to one another and thus convince the unsaved world of the reality of the gospel (Jn. 13:35). The stake of evangelism depends on the unity of the church (Jn. 17:21).

      The Pharisees all looked alike in their legalism. These proud religionists separated themselves from sinners and murmured against them (Lk. 15:2).

      Jesus sent His disciples outside the comfortable circle of those like them. Evangelism demands the removable of a Pharisaical scorn for sinners. Those with a likeness to Jesus possess a love for sinners.

      Mature disciples follow the uncommon pattern of faith (5:48).

      Jesus alone fulfilled God's demand for holiness. In this description of the Old Testament Law, Jesus dismantled any hope in legalism as a way of perfection. Spiritual completion according to the Sermon on the Mount cannot be achieved by an outward show of righteousness.

      Spiritual maturity will come through a transformation of the heart. The spirit of a man must change and conform to the image of Christ. Legalism will not change the heart.

      Spiritual perfection comes through a walk of faith that allows the Word of God to convict and change the heart. A spiritually complete man brings self to the cross daily.

ENDNOTES