How Does God Feel About Murder? (Proverbs 6:16-19)
Introduction:
1. In our lesson we are searching the Scriptures to answer a timely question: "how does God feel about murder?" 2. This question is answered in Proverbs 6:16-19 where we are shown how God hates certain things, and they are an abomination to Him. 3. Please note the third subject in this list: "hands that shed innocent blood." 4. While Solomon answered our question in Proverbs 6, let us examine additional passages.
Discussion:
I. GOD SHOWED HOW HE FEELS ABOUT MURDER WHEN HE PUNISHED CAIN
A. According to Genesis 4:8, Cain committed the first murder when he killed his brother Abel. B. Later, God said to Cain: "the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground" (vs.10). C. God punished Cain for killing Abel (vs.11-15). D. After the flood (Genesis 9:5-6), God gave the penalty for murder. 1. God made man in His image. 2. Those who commit murder give up the right to live.
II. GOD SHOWED HOW HE FEELS ABOUT MURDER WHEN HE GAVE UP ON THE GENTILES (Romans 1:26-32)
III. GOD SHOWED HOW HE FEELS ABOUT MURDER IN THE LAW OF MOSES
A. One of the 10 commandments was, "Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 20:13). B. This is interesting because God also commanded the Israelites to take the lives of certain people. 1. Some violations of the law were punishable by death (Exodus 21:12, 15-17). 2. On several occasions God instructed the Israelites to completely destroy their enemies (Saul was told to destroy the Amalekites -- 1 Samuel 15:3). C. According to Matthew 19:18, "murder" was the kind of killing forbidden by God.
IV. GOD SHOWED HOW HE FEELS ABOUT MURDER IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
A. Let us first examine the teachings of Christ. 1. (Matthew 5:21-22) Jesus contrasted His will with what the Jews had been taught. 2. (Matthew 15:19-20a) He showed that murder proceeds from the heart. 3. Jesus gave 2 commands that will end murder (Matthew 22:39; 7:12). B. Let us examine the New Testament epistles. 1. (Galatians 5:19-21) Murder is described as a work of the flesh. a. Those who persist in the works of the flesh will not inherit God's kingdom. b. (Revelation 21:8) "Murderers" will have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone. 2. Who is responsible for punishing murderers? a. The state is responsible (Romans 13:3-4). b. God has given the state authority to administer capital punishment. c. One problem we have today is addressed in Ecclesiastes 8:11. 3. The New Testament also addresses spiritual murder (1 John 3:14-15).
V. GOD SHOWS US HOW MURDER CAN BE AVOIDED
A. We must remember that life is a gift from God (Acts 17:25b). B. We must root things out from the heart that can lead to murder [anger, hatred, bitterness, greed, etc] (Matthew 15:19). C. We must practice the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). D. We must strive to live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18). E. We must avoid evil influence (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Conclusion:
1. We know how God feels about murder. 2. Let us pray for our country as well as other countries (2 Chronicles 7:14).
