Bible Study - Distinct (6) - Distinct in My Love - Matthew 5:43-48 - February 28, 2016

Bible Study – Distinct (6) – Distinct in My Love – February 28, 2016

This is lesson six (6) in our series entitled “Distinct: Living above the Norm.”

Our focus scripture is Matthew 5:43-48.

Love everyone unconditionally.

This is the end of JESUS’ message which began with Matthew 5:20-22:

20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Murder Begins in the Heart

21 "You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. 

22 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to ----

JESUS’ message to HIS followers then and now is that GOD looks at our hearts or the very core of our being. It is from the heart that springs how we, as Christians, respond to the issues of life that we encounter. Without the indwelling Holy Spirit leading, guiding, enlightening, empowering and controlling our lives, living as CHRIST taught is impossible. The key is that when we fail to measure up to HIS teaching, it should be a wake-up call for Christians to ask GOD to reveal it to us. When HE reveals these areas to us that is our cue to confess them and ask GOD to bring them under HIS control.

In the study of the “Sermon on the Mount” we have studied that JESUS’ message is how Christians are “Distinct” from others in the world:

-         By living a life that reflects “greater righteousness” Christians are not to look at the letter of the law but the Spirit of the Law.

-         Anger and murder

-         Lust and adultery

-         Adultery and divorce

-         Oaths

-         Retaliation

-         Going the extra mile

-         Love your enemies

-         Pray for those who persecute you

GOD equips HIS Children, those born into HIS Family through the miracle of rebirth through faith in CHRIST to ----

-         Be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect

Christians are to be distinct by being the salt and light as empowered by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is all about the process of sanctification which is growing and maturing as the result of abiding and being grafted into the true vine, JESUS CHRIST.

Let’s read Matthew 5:43-45:

Love Your Enemies

43 "You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 

44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 

The quote “Love your enemies” has its roots in Leviticus 19:18:

18 Do not take revenge or bear a grudge against members of your community, but love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.

The statement “and hate your enemy” is NOT in the Old Testament but it is an extrapolated statement coming from some assumptions e.g. when GOD directed certain battles or addressed certain sins, GOD commanded that all be killed. The Jewish religious leaders created an add-on or an extrapolation “and hate your enemy.” Also note that JESUS in HIS teaching quoted “and hate your enemy” but made “enemy” plural “enemies” as “love your enemies and pray for those.”

JESUS added Spiritual depth in HIS teaching “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

Christians are to love their neighbor as well as their enemy. A caution, we can love our enemy without loving what he or she may be doing. Christians are not to cast away those who are not living according to GOD’S Word. Before we were Christians, as sinners, CHRIST loved us and died for us. We are to love the sinner but hate the sin and never give up hope for the lost person. 

Christians are to pray for their enemies and those who persecute them. This is easy to say but hard to put into practice but JESUS did as HE was being crucified. JESUS is our example.

JESUS stated that there would be benefits for those who have this perspective as we continue to read ---

45 so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 

When Christians live distinctly, as the result of changed lives, brought about by the in dwelling Holy Spirit, they honor GOD. Christians are being the “salt” and the “light” JESUS desires for them. Christians live in a world with both evil and good. But GOD’S love compels HIM to love and care for those who do not love HIM.

I recall many years ago getting upset with GOD. In fact, I told HIM I was better to my children than HE was for HIS children. If someone harmed a hair on one of my children’s head and I had HIS power I would “ZAP” him or her and they would experience the consequences.

GOD is so great and loving. HE let me rant and rave and when I finished, HIS still small voice asked me a question. “Suppose I zapped anyone who harmed a Christian, why would a person come to ME? Would it be because of the protection I would give him or her or because he or she loved ME and desired to have a personal relationship with ME?” It was a humbling moment for me, as well as, a teachable moment. GOD is so wonderful and loves us so much. 

HE wants us to explore and be inquisitive. We must look to HIM for our answers.

JESUS continued HIS teaching with “quid pro quo” questions.

Let’s read Matthew 5:46-47:

46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? 

It is easy to love those who love you. When you do that, you are not being distinct for all people groups love one another in their own way. However, when you love your enemies and those who persecute you, you are being distinct, which can only be accomplished by the indwelling Holy Spirit.  JESUS continued.

47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don't even the Gentiles do the same? 

Again, there was no distinction between the people groups.

JESUS was teaching that Christians need to go outside their comfort zone and reach out to others as led by the Holy Spirit. Cliques tend to isolate those who are in need of fellowship and friendship. Christians can be cliquish but when they are, it restricts the spread of the Gospel of CHRIST and fails to meet the needs of others.

GOD causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Do we as Christians discriminate when GOD does not? What is GOD’S desire for HIS children?

Let’s read Matthew 5:48:

48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Perfection! It is only through having an intimate, personal, loving relationship with GOD through CHRIST can Christians measure up to GOD’S standard.

Christians are to be distinct as GOD is distinct. GOD loves the unlovely, the down and out, the despised and rejected and the list goes on.

Aren’t we glad that GOD allows the sun to rise on the evil and good and the rain to fall on the righteous and the unrighteous! It is GOD’S grace through the covenant of the shed blood of JESUS and our faith in HIM that imputes righteousness to every Christian. All Christians are sinners saved by GOD’S grace.  Perfection is GOD’S gift through faith in JESUS. Enjoy the sunshine of HIS presence in your life and be nourished by the falling rain. Blessings!!!

Bible Study – Distinct (5) – Distinct in My Reactions – February 21, 2016

This is lesson five (5) in our series entitled “Distinct: Living above the Norm.”

Our focus scripture is Matthew 5:33-42.

Practice grace and integrity when others make demands of you.

How do Christians respond to demands? Demands often bring out our true nature. As salt and light how should Christians respond?

The “Do” and the “Do Not” list of the Jewish religious leaders had grown to 613. There were 248 positives – Do This and 365 negatives – Don’t Do This.

JESUS chose two to elaborate on “Oaths” and “Retaliation” is our focus scripture.

Let’s read Matthew 5:33-37:

Tell the Truth

33 "Again, you have heard that it was said to our ancestors, You must not break your oath, but you must keep your oaths to the Lord. 

Oaths had become complicated in JESUS’ day.

Not breaking an oath has its roots in Leviticus 19:12:

12 You must not swear falsely by My name, profaning the name of your God; I am the Lord.

An oath takes the form of a covenant made in the presence of GOD.

Numbers 30:2:

2 When a man makes a vow to the Lord or swears an oath to put himself under an obligation, he must not break his word; he must do whatever he has promised.

The Jewish religious leaders had defined a “binding oath” as an oath made in the name of GOD. An oath referring to heaven, earth, Jerusalem, or one’s head was less binding since there was no direct reference to GOD. It is much like when, as a child, we promised something but we crossed our fingers. That meant the promise could be broken without feeling guilty.

So what is JESUS’ message? As Christians, we need to live such that we do not have to take an oath. Our word should be our bond. I recall the time when deals were made with a handshake. Honesty was a way of life and a person’s honest reputation was part of his or her nature.

Today, swindlers often use the name of CHRIST to give them legitimacy.

JESUS addressed the solution in these next verses.

34 But I tell you, don't take an oath at all: either by heaven, because it is God's throne; 

35 or by the earth, because it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King. 

36 Neither should you swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black. 

37 But let your word 'yes' be 'yes,' and your 'no' be 'no.' Anything more than this is from the evil one.

As a Christians, if we are living a life in obedience to GOD we only need to respond with a “Yes” or “No.” Truth should be our mantra because we represent truth, CHRIST.

Let’s read Matthew 5:38-39:

Go the Second Mile

38 "You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 

In legal terms this is called ‘lex taloinis’ which is Latin referring to the law of equivalent retaliation. The law set limits on retaliation. It was intended for the retaliation not to exceed the infraction committed.

39 But I tell you, don't resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 

Again, JESUS was not telling Christians to be passive but to be deliberate when dealing with an evildoer.

If a person slaps you on the right cheek indicates the person slapping another person on the right cheek is striking him or her with the back of their right hand. The slap in not intended to fight but to insult. When Christians are insulted, they need to be careful how they respond.  They need to remember who they represent. Often, we give a slap to the face of GOD and HE is slow to anger, so should we.

This in no way means that Christians cannot defend themselves but they are to discern the gravity of the situation. Walking away is always an option. But if your life is threatened, then take the appropriate action.

Let’s read Matthew 5:40-42:

40 As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well. 

A shirt was the garment worn against the skin. If a person wants to sue you for your shirt, go the extra step and give the person who sues you your coat or the outer garment. But if you give your coat to the person suing you, he or she would have to bring your coat to you by sundown for you to use as a cover to you warm through the night. Then the next morning, you would give the coat back to the person who sued you.

Here we have to be careful. Christians are not to roll over and play dead when someone has an issue with them. Christians are to take a stand but with the understanding that GOD works in the best interest of HIS children. GOD knows all the real facts regarding issues. As we read in Romans 12:19:

19 Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord.

This comes from Deuteronomy 32:35:

35 Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay. In time their foot will slip, for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly."

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:28:

28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. 

GOD is in all things working to bring about the best result when Christians are following HIM. Some things are the result of our own doing and we have to suffer the consequences but HE is working to bring about the best result. GOD is active in the lives of Christians but HE never overrides their right to choose. But HE can place stumbling blocks along the way for those of us living in the flesh and not in the Spirit. But that is part of the process of sanctification. We learn. Hopefully, we learn not to repeat the same, not so bright things, we do as we walk with HIM.

41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 

This applied to those who have been conquered or under the rule of another nation. Soldiers of a conquering army could demand that a person of the conquered country to carry their packs for a mile. JESUS’ message is for Christians to serve others with the right attitude. In doing so, it opens the opportunity for Christians to share the Gospel with those they assist. Use forced opportunities to share the Gospel of CHRIST to others.

42 Give to the one who asks you, and don't turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

JESUS was referring to helping those in need. The word “asks” can mean “begs” and is translated as such in some Bibles. It also applies to a person in distress or in dire need.

“The great early Christian theologian Augustine (died A.D.430) commented on this by writing “the text says ‘give to everyone that asks,’ not ‘give everything to him that asks.” (Advanced Bible Study, page 127, winter 2015-2016, LifeWay, Nashville, TN)

A judgment must be made. Christians need the Spiritual Gift of discernment. If they do not have the gift of discernment, they need to seek the advice of those who do have discernment. There are those who prey upon others to extract money from them for various reasons. Often, these con-artists are supporting some addiction. But JESUS did not put exclusions into HIS message. 

Again, Christians must be led by the Spirit. Sometimes, Christians need to put requests to prayer. Christians can pray when being asked or use the need for prayer to give them time to consider the request. But then there are times when a Christian responds. If you make a mistake, it becomes a learning experience. Then ask the LORD to help you to be more discerning.

JESUS focused HIS message on the Christian’s heart toward those in dire need. The Christian with the right relationship with GOD knows that nothing he or she has belongs to him or her but belongs to GOD. Christians are stewards of their material means. The bottom line is love.

What is our attitude toward giving of our resources to others in need? Do we tend to want to hang onto the things we have? When giving, judgment is needed.  But there are times the Holy Spirit prompts and we are to give as HE leads us. Our trust is that GOD will provide for all of our needs as we obediently serve HIM.

Christians are to give without expecting to be paid back.

JESUS said it best in Matthew 7:7-12:

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 

8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 

9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 

10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 

11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 

12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

This is the attitude of GOD toward us as HIS children because HE loves us. 

Yet, in HIS wisdom HE will not give us something that will harm us, likewise we need GOD’S wisdom when meeting the needs of others. Seek wisdom and wisdom comes from having the right relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

JESUS has given Christians a lot to consider in their walk as Christians. It is impossible to live the Christian life, as CHRIST has revealed in the “Sermon on the Mount” in our own strength. It is only by having an intimate, loving, personal, relationship with GOD through CHRIST and the leadership of the indwelling Holy Spirit can we obediently walk in the Spirit. But what a journey it is! Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Distinct (4) - Distinct in My Relationships - Matthew 5:27-32 - February 14, 2016

Bible Study – Distinct (4) – Distinct in My Relationships – February 14, 2016

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Distinct: Living above the Norm.”

Our focus scripture is Matthew 5:27-32.

Hold on to purity at all costs.  

JESUS teaches Christian living in HIS message referred to as the “Sermon on the mount.” HIS message emphasizes that Christians are to be distinct and live noticeably different lives than the norm. It is vital that this distinct living come from the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit and for it to be a natural outflow of the indwelling Holy Spirit.  Trying to live the Christian life in one’s own strength is impossible and tiring. That is why it must come from a life that has been changed and is empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit through the renewing of the mind.

In Matthew 5:3-12, JESUS began HIS teaching by focusing on the character of HIS followers.

In Matthew 5:13-20, JESUS instructed HIS followers by commanding them to make their influence count for what matters, making them distinct in their influence.

In Matthew 5:20, JESUS concluded this portion of HIS message by stressing that the “greater righteousness” of those who follow HIM should surpass that of the scribes and Pharisee.

In Matthew 5:21-48, JESUS explained that “greater righteousness” can be a way of life only by having the right heart. HE addressed six examples from the Law and revealed what GOD intended for those laws to do in the hearts of HIS children - Murder Begins in the Heart, Adultery in the Heart, Divorce Practices Censured, Tell the Truth, Go the Second Mile and Love Your Enemies. Life is a partnership with GOD as we journey through life and our thought life is vital to this relationship.

In Matthew 5:48, JESUS admonished Christians to “be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect. That is impossible without the indwelling Holy Spirit but JESUS knew what was going to happen in a short time.

This week’s study focuses on the heart of Christians regarding sex and marriage.

Life is complex and entails many attitudes and natures. Our ancestral heritage opens us up to certain inclinations and proclivities. Our relationships with friends can be a good or a bad influence on our lives. Hormones play a role. 

All of these plus many other influences shape our physical lives and natures.

Accepting CHRIST as our Savior gives the opportunity for the indwelling Holy Spirit to rewire our minds through the renewing of our minds. Romans 12:1-2:

1 Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. 

2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Why do I say “gives the opportunity?” Our will can override the will of the Father. Christians must yield their wills to the Father, which is dying to self. 

The process of sanctification is designed to help us become more like CHRIST.

GOD knows it is a process and certain issues have to be brought to our conscience minds. Thus, the teaching of JESUS focused on the heart from which springs both good and bad attributes, of which, only the Holy Spirit can bring them under the authority and accountability of GOD as we allow.

When we, as humans, seek a relationship with GOD through religious practices, we tend to focus on the mechanical and not the deeper things that are harbored in our hearts, such as lust being equal to adultery or hatred being equal to murder, etc. Failing to recognize and acknowledge these attitudes hidden in our hearts, leaves them to develop, fester, grow and eventually result in inappropriate action especially for Christians.  JESUS focused on the heart or the core of a person who desires to be an obedient follower of HIM.

All Christians are sinners saved by GOD’S Grace through faith in GOD’S Only Son, JESUS. Christians can become self-righteous because we follow the letter of the Law and Commandments but fail to obey the Spirit of them. JESUS’ message is to every Christian. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Matthew 5:27-30:

Adultery in the Heart

27 "You have heard that it was said, Do not commit adultery. 

This was a general teaching in Judaism. Many prided themselves on never committing such an act. However, JESUS goes deeper.

Adultery refers to a married person having sex with another person. Fornication is generally used when referring to sex between unmarried people. Adultery and fornication were both tied to the worship of pagan gods. For those in covenant with GOD becoming involved with pagan gods was an adulterous act because covenant with GOD was broken. GOD looks upon marriage as a covenant made in the presence HIM and must be honored as HE honors HIS covenants through thick and thin.

JESUS is about to burst the balloon of the pious religious leaders.

28 But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 

Notice that JESUS speaks with authority “I tell you.” Typically the Jewish teachers referred to some other authority such as the Torah or a sage rabbi to support what they were about to state. Here we read that JESUS was speaking with authority and HE applied HIS message to “everyone.”

HE used the word “looks.” The word “looks” as used in the original Greek means a prolonged or repeated look. It is more than a casual or normal look at a woman or man other than the person’s wife or husband.

Lust raises its head in the Garden of Eden as we read Genesis 3:6:

6 Then the woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom.

The Jewish religious leaders had a strict interpretation of adultery meaning the physical act.

JESUS was addressing the Spirit of the Law, which goes deeper than keeping the letter of the Law. Some may say that they cannot help lusting. JESUS had the cure.

Simply do something about it. Looking upon another person with lust in your heart is a form of an addiction and must be dealt with quickly and kept under control or else it can lead to acting upon it.  Lust is the gateway to envy, coveting, greed, the act of adultery, possible murder, opening oneself to allowing evil into your life and it breaks barriers and eventually destroys. 

JESUS taught that Christians are to deal with lust aggressively.

29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 

My brother-in-law told me of a man in our hometown who was castrated in order to keep him from lusting.

30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to go into hell!

Did JESUS really mean to physically take such drastic action, if necessary yes. The key message is that lust is serious and it is easy to be frivolous about the desire, after all men will be men and women will be women, etc. Lust opens the world to fantasies and fantasies can unknowingly open a person up to the evil one – pornography, unhealthy sexual desires and the list goes on.

Let’s read Matthew 5:31-32:

Divorce Practices Censured

31 "It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a written notice of divorce. 

Divorce was addressed by Moses as recorded in Deuteronomy 24:1:

1 If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, hand it to her, and send her away from his house. 

JESUS taught in Matthew 19 and pinpointed the problem of divorce:

3 Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” 

4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ 

5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? 

6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Covenant)

7 “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?” 

8 Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. 

9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” 

The hardness of the heart is the problem. The covenant relationship of marriage has not been taken seriously.

There were two first century schools of teaching from two sage rabbis – Hillel and Shammai. 

The school of Hillel taught that a man could divorce his wife “for any good cause.” If she burned the food or did not iron his shirt like he liked, the husband could divorce his wife. He had to give her a certificate of divorce that was to protect the woman. 

The school of Shammai taught that divorce was permitted only after marital infidelity. JESUS taught that divorce was permitted but not required. JESUS knew the importance of keeping a covenant once cut or made. You can read more about covenant in Genesis 15:17-18:

17When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. (Cut pieces)

18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram ----

GOD joins together that which is split apart. When JESUS gave HIS life upon the cross, the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the temple was torn from top to bottom. JESUS gave HIS life by the shedding of HIS blood to establish a new covenant. As a result of the new covenant, as humans, we can all approach GOD directly through faith in JESUS. JESUS stated it well in John 14:6:

6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Salvation is the beginning process of sanctification.

32 But I tell you, everyone who divorces his wife, except in a case of sexual immorality, = fornication, or possibly a violation of Jewish marriage laws causes her to commit adultery. And whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

GOD spoke through the Prophet Malachi regarding the husband wife relationship and divorce as we read:

Malachi 2:14b and 16:

---- the wife of your marriage covenant

“I hate divorce,” says the LORD GOD of Israel ----

First, marriage is a covenant. GOD does not break the covenants HE “cuts” with HIS children. Second, HE expects HIS children to honor the covenants they make. We see in verse 16 that GOD hates divorce. 

If you want to understand the gravity of “Covenant”, I recommend Kay Arthur’s Bible Study entitled “Covenant, God’s Enduring Promises” published by LifeWay, Nashville, TN.

Divorce is rampant in our world today. Many young people do not see the need to marry because they have witnessed so many, Christian and non-Christian, married couples getting a divorce, mostly their parents. Ideal marriages are few and far between.

Many people confuse lust with love. Lust will wear off when the new wears off. When it wears off, the person or persons begin looking around for another partner. It is the excitement of the pursuit and building a new relationship that is enticing. It is a form of discovery and when discovery ceases, so does the interest. The sad part is such jumping from one person to another never gives true love the opportunity to develop and grow. It is pulling together that builds a relationship. No relationship is free of conflict or the need to work together.

Lust can isolate a person in a relationship as he or she begins to build life with another in their mind, which in turn can lead to acting upon the their lustful thoughts. Keep in mind that the renewing of our minds can take on unhealthy activities. This is whether married or not.  Open communication is vital in any relationship.

A former pastor and counselor told a story about himself. Being a counselor, he knew the symptoms of mid-life crisis. When he recognized the symptoms in his life, he acknowledged them to his wife and asked her to be with him through this period in his life. Working together they got through that period in his life. This too will pass.

The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:13:

13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it.

Mid-life crisis can happen to men or women over a broad range of ages. It can last for a short time or a long time. But there are other areas in our lives that can influence a person’s desire to divorce another – abuse (physical, mental, verbal), addictions, poor hygiene, laziness, unforgiving heart and the list goes on.  These and other issues threaten a relationship, especially a marriage covenant, and must be brought to light and dealt with, which may lead to divorce. A man is to love and honor his wife. A true man does not abuse his wife. I hate abuse! This also goes for the woman who abuses her husband. It is all about the heart and your relationship with CHRIST.

JESUS said it best in Matthew 6:33:

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

Seek a personal, intimate, loving relationship with GOD through faith in CHRIST and ask the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct your life. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Distinct (3) - Distinct in My Approach to Conflict - Matthew 5:21-26 - February 7, 2016

Bible Study – Distinct (3) – Distinct in My Approach to Conflict – February 7, 2016

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Distinct: Living above the Norm.”

Our focus scripture is Matthew 5:21-26.

Take the lead in resolving conflict.

As Christians, we are to take the lead in resolving conflict.

Conflict can lead to physical murder, anger or hatred. As Christians, such in our hearts must be resolved and brought under the authority of GOD. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Matthew 5:21-22:

Murder Begins in the Heart

21 "You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. 

Murder is the premeditated taking of another person’s life. Acts of self-defense, accidents, or war were not considered murder. Those who take another person’s life will be subject to judgment. JESUS went deeper than physical murder to the root of having a murderous attitude, anger, envy or coveting.

22 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Fool!' will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But whoever says, 'You moron!' will be subject to hellfire. 

JESUS was teaching and comparing the Law and Commandments to the new dispensation that HE would usher in. JESUS was GOD in the flesh and HE knew that a new paradigm for living would come about. It was that those who seek a right relationship with GOD would find it through the miracle of Spiritual rebirth in CHRIST. CHRIST, within a person, would mean that the Spirit of GOD, Holy Spirit, would be the new norm.

The Jews had been taught that physically murdering another person was the issue but JESUS knew that there were other ways a truly religious person revealed his or her heart - anger. Verse 22, reveals the attitude of the heart as the source of the true nature of a person.

This nature can only be transformed by having the right relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

There seems to be three levels of anger and three levels of punishment:

Anger = judgment (Some manuscripts include “anger without cause.”)

Fool = Sanhedrin (Contempt)

Moron = hellfire (Attacks the spirit of a person e.g. godless)

There has been much debate whether or not this is a progression from bad to worse. Many Bible scholars simply think all such attitudes lead to punishment of one kind or another. Others think it is a progression revealing the deepening deterioration of a person’s heart toward others.  What does our heart reveal about us toward others and how deep does it reach?  

Notice that the scripture reads "subject to." This suggest that circumstances can dictate the conclusion. It is still all about what is in our hearts toward another person and can lead to dire consequences. 

Once GOD reveals the true heart of a person, what is he or she to do? That is the key point JESUS wanted to communicate and that point is reconciliation which leads us to our next verses.

Let’s read Matthew 5:23-24:

23 So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, 

24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 

JESUS continued to teach what a person, who truly desired to obediently serve GOD, was to do when he or she had the wrong attitude toward another person. The sense is that there is a guilt that needed to be resolved. The use of “brother” would indicate a fellow Christian but the intent was to extend to all people.

When we approach GOD to worship HIM, Who is Holy, Pure and Righteous, it automatically results in the Holy Spirit examining our lives compared to GOD’S standard. How do we measure up? This comparison reveals areas where we do not measure up and when revealed we are to do something about it. JESUS made it clear that we are to take immediate action. Why? It is easy for us to put off something that is difficult to do.

To be true Christians, we are to set matters straight with our fellowman before we worship GOD in Spirit and truth. This reveals the importance GOD places on truth and our association with truth: HIM. Worship is often visible and our actions toward others are often visible but whether visible or not, our relationship with GOD through CHRIST must not be compromised by deceit in our hearts.  Deceit dishonors GOD and sends the wrong message to others. When we put our hands to the plow, to obediently serve GOD as Christians, we become accountable to HIM.

Does our life honor GOD among those with whom we worship or others with whom we associate?

This reflects back to being the salt and light that we, as Christians, are to be who are in right relationship with GOD through CHRIST. As Christians we are to be reconcilers. We are to take the first step toward reconciliation. The other party or parties may not accept our offer but that is their problem. Our part as Christians is to make the offer in love.

Settling issues before they become more public are important as we read in the next scripture.

Let’s read Matthew 5:25-26:

25 Reach a settlement quickly with your adversary while you're on the way with him, or your adversary will hand you over to the judge, the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 

26 I assure you: You will never get out of there until you have paid the last penny! / 64 of a daily wage

JESUS knew the importance of settling with a person who has brought a charge against you before going before a judge. Going before a human judge makes issues public and a judge’s decision is always uncertain. Even if you are not guilty unless you can present your side of the case in a convincing manner, you stand the chance of losing.

Issues resolved in the court of public opinion can leave a person in prison. Certain issues may result in a person being incarcerated physically, mentally or socially. That is why JESUS taught that issues between fellow people need to be resolved and reconciled.

There is but one honest and true judge and that is GOD. If you have done wrong, then settle it with the person wronged. The person wronged will see and know that you did the right thing before GOD and there is a chance that GOD will be honored by you doing so.

The greater message is that we are all sinners and before it is too late, all must acknowledge that they are sinners. Acknowledging sin is one thing but what do we do about it.

That is the purpose of JESUS coming to earth and being born as a human. He was tempted in all ways as we are tempted, yet without sin. The sinless Lamb of GOD gave HIS life, through the shedding of HIS blood, to pay, in full, the penalty of sin. JESUS death removed the sin barrier between GOD and mankind. The removal of the sin barrier opened the path between GOD and mankind such that all who place their faith in JESUS will be forgiven, made righteous, given eternal  life and become a Son or Daughter of GOD through the miracle of Spiritual rebirth. GOD did not make any person a robot but HE gave all humans the right to choose. Have you made the choice to become a Christian and follow JESUS? Follow the Roman road to salvation:

Romans 3:23 – ²³ For all have sinned and fall short of the^[s] glory of God.

Romans 6:23 – ²³ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:8 – ⁸ But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!

Romans 10:8-10 - ⁸ On the contrary, what does it say? The message is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.^[f] This is the message of faith that we proclaim: ⁹ If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. 

Once we become Christians do we stop sinning? NO! Christians are saved by GOD’S Grace. 1 John 1:9 tells us:

⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

A Christian’s responsibility is to confess his or her sin and GOD’S part is to forgive, cleanse and restore. Un-confessed sin breaks fellowship with GOD. There is no sin so great that GOD will not forgive when confessed. Satan will try to make you believe that your sin is so bad that GOD will not forgive you. That is Satan’s lie to keep you in bondage to sin. Confess any sin and ask GOD to forgive you. Repent, which means to stop doing that sin and seek the power of GOD to obediently live for HIM.

Keep in mind that it is the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit that comes along beside us to help us in our weakness. It is the Holy Spirit, Who prays in our time of weakness. 1 Corinthians 10:13:

13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it.

It is the indwelling Holy Spirit Who gives every Christian the strength to live each day. Living is just that, day by day, moment by moment. Be patient because GOD is at work rewiring you through the renewing of you mind as recorded Romans 12:2:

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

The indwelling Holy Spirit rewires our minds to the extent we allow HIM. Do not get discouraged but place your hand in the hand of GOD as HE leads you and strengthens you to obediently live for HIM. It is all about having a personal, loving, intimate, dynamic relationship with GOD through JESUS. Salvation is just the beginning of building that relationship. Study GOD’S Word, the Bible, pray, obediently serve HIM as HE leads you. Get to know both GOD and CHRIST and not just know about Them. Seek truth! Why? JESUS said it best in John 17:22-23:

22 I have given them the glory You have given Me. May they be one as We are one. 

23 I am in them and You are in Me. May they be made completely one, so the world may know You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me.

Christians are to glorify GOD in all they say and do. Do those with whom you come in contact with each day know that you serve the living Savior, JESUS CHRIST? Without the indwelling Holy Spirit that is impossible. The indwelling Holy Spirit gives assurance and balance in the lives of Christians. Be empowered to let the light of CHRIST shine and flavor those with whom you come into contact with the right amount of salt. Never to being glory to ourselves but to glorify the LORD JESUS. Blessings!!!