Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. Approach to the Scriptures
The Lord Jesus explained His approach to the Scriptures

a) To fulfil the Scriptures personally

b) To teach people how to regard the Scriptures correctly

2. To help the Disciples

a) How to practise true righteousness

b) It is not a matter of external, ritualistic righteousness

c) Personal righteousness of the Disciples must exceed that of the Pharisees

THE KEEPING OF THE LAW

1. This is essentially an extension and application of the Law correctly

2. The 5th Commandment

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’

Matthew 5:21

3. The Lord Jesus dealt with a teaching that had prevailed in Israel for a long tome

a) You shall not murder

b) This is the 5th commandment

c) The Judgment of God would fall only on those who commit murder

d) But is God’s judgment limited to those who actually murder?

i) This was taught to Israel

ii) One needs to fear judgment only when murder is committed

THE TEACHING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

1. It is true that Judgment will be meted out against the murderer

a) The Law will deal with the criminal

b) God would also judge the unrepentant murderer

2. But God’s Judgment is not limited to the sin of murder

3. An important Corrective Teaching

22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.

Matthew 5:22

a) Anger without a cause

i) Anger (rage) is often easily excused

ii) It is dismissed as not significant

iii) This is incorrect

b) Possible to be angry with cause

i) Justifiable cause

ii) A righteous cause

iii) A holy cause

c) Anger without a cause

i) Cain was angry with his brother

ii) He was guilty of being angry without a cause

iii) He was guilty also of murdering Abel

d) The problem of name-calling

i) Raca (means “empty-headed”)

ii) “Fool” (also contains the idea of being “empty-headed”)

e) Unwise and Incorrect “distinctions”

i) The Council

This is a reference to the Sanhedrin Council

ii) A person can bring up a case before the Council if he is slandered (or libel)

iii) A distinction is made between the two names (Raca and Fool)

4. Wherein lies the problem?

a) Is it the use of words?

b) Or is it with reference to the intention of the heart?

5. Words can do much damage too!

a) It can cause hurt to the heart

b) It can hurt the mind

c) It can destroy a person emotionally

d) Would God not have to judge such matters too?

6. A modern day problem

a) Cyber bullying

b) Trolling

c) Causing grievous damage to a person’s mental well-being

d) Would not God have something to say about such matters?

THE CORRECT THING TO DO

23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,

24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.

26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.

Matthew 5:23-26

1. Our worship of God

a) Animosity in the heart will affect the worship of God

b) Ill-feelings ought to be resolved before worship

2. An illustration of two people going to a Law Court

a) If a case can be settled out of court, that would be best

b) There could be an undesirable outcome for the individual

c) Problems must be well-resolved bearing in mind the Presence of God

CONCLUSION

1. The law of God

a) It must be given proper respect

b) It cannot be twisted to suit our purposes

c) It must not be taken woodenly

2. The following truths must be borne in mind

a) The teachings of the Lord Jesus

b) Wrong teachings must be corrected

c) The right understanding must be adopted and practised