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!!!