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.
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!!!
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home