Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 58)
Introduction:
1. According to James 1:27, we must "keep ourselves unspotted from the world" to practice "pure and undefiled religion before God." 2. In His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Jesus revealed a number of instructions that will help us to remain free from the world's spots. 3. In Matthew 5:21-48 Jesus dealt with 5 important subjects: how to treat a brother, adultery, swearing, revenge, and how to treat enemies. 4. In dealing with these subjects, Jesus first mentioned what the Jews had been taught, and then He revealed His will. 5. As we study these matters we must remember the Lord's words in Matthew 5:19-20. 6. With this information before us, let us consider what Jesus said about having proper relationships with our fellow man (Matthew 5:21-26).
Discussion:
I. (vs.21) JESUS FIRST MENTIONED WHAT THE JEWS HAD HEARD
A. Murder was forbidden by the Law of Moses (Exodus 20:13; Matthew 19:18). B. The punishment for murder was death (Exodus 21:12). C. The Jews interpreted Moses' law to mean that they could do just about anything they wanted to other people as long as they did not murder them. D. However, this interpretation actually contradicted the law (Leviticus 19:17-18). E. After dealing with what the Jews had heard from their teachers, . . .
II. (vs.22) JESUS REVEALED HIS LAW
A. Whoever is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment (Ephesians 4:26-27). B. Whoever says "Raca" [an insult: a senseless, empty-headed man] to his bother will be in danger of the council. C. Whoever says, "Thou fool" will be in danger of hell fire. 1. In general, "fool" refers to a foolish person, one who lacks wisdom. 2. Specifically, Jesus dealt with using "fool" in the sense of calling someone "a godless person" [a term of condemnation]. 3. "Fool," in itself, is not necessarily bad. 4. However, it is wrong when it is said with the intention of condemning someone. D. Jesus dealt with some matters that the Jews overlooked because of their interpretation of "Thou shalt not kill." E. The Lord's law deals with the heart -- not just outward action.
III. (vs.23-24) JESUS WENT ON TO SHOW THAT HAVING RIGHT RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR FELLOW MAN IS A CONDITION OF ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP
A. Acceptable worship requires reconciliation. B. Several of the Beatitudes relate to this command (vs.5, 7, 9). C. If we will follow this principle, personal problems between brethren will not exist because they will be taken care of. D. However, it takes both parties wanting to reconcile before peace can be enjoyed.
IV. (vs.25-26) JESUS TALKED ABOUT SETTLING MATTERS BEFORE THEY GO TOO FAR
Conclusion:
1. Some of the Lord's instructions in this sermon are challenging, and we may not be used to doing things His way. 2. However, if we want to keep ourselves unspotted from the world so we can practice pure and undefiled religion before God, we must do things the Lord's way (1 John 4:20-21).
