An Anger That Kills

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2001047

Subject: sermon on the mount; anger

Preached Originally: 09/02/01 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction:

A.     Last two previous lessons – we have discussed how Jesus came to fulfill the law – not destroy it.

1.       talked of how He expects those who serve Him to have a “superior righteousness.” 

2.       This especially true – when compared w/the Pharisees & Scribes of that day – there’s was a hollow/external religion.

3.       Jesus expects more of those who determine to serve Him.

B.     Keep this phrase in mind as we go through the next few lessons:  the spirit of the Law matters more than the letter.

C.    Seems that Pharisees weakened/altered the force of the law.

1.       5:21 – 6th commandment stated here (Ex. 20:13)

2.       Jesus points out their addition to the law by saying whoever killed would be in danger of the judgment.

3.       “Judgment” referred to here: not final judgment – but the local courts of the day.  The tribunal referred to here was the lowest court of the land – consisting of 7 justices.

4.       They had reduced the law to nothing more than legal violation.  “Commit murder? Certain punitive consequences will follow.”

a)           changed it to negative.  Caused them to feel good/righteous because they had not committed murder.

D.    We must guard against turning our religion into a negative point of view.

1.       We can – if not careful – define the law of the Lord as to keep it negatively.

2.       Paul, thought he was keeping the law perfectly – Phil. 3:3-6 (see esp. 3:5)

3.       Rich young ruler – Mt. 19:16-22

4.       Pharisee – Lk. 18:11 – I am not like other people, etc.

 

I.  3 Lessons to be learned from: 5:22-26

A.    The spirit of the law is what matters – not the letter.

1.     principle Jesus establishes here – is that one must not only kill by he must not be angry w/o cause.

2.     Anger justified when used as a proper expression of disapproval of evil conduct; self defense; and is justified when one is upset over sinful behavior.

a)           God = angry w/the wicked – Psa. 7:11

b)           Jesus = angry w/Pharisees – Mk. 3:5

3.     But this not the kind of anger Jesus talking of here.

a)     talking about hate/resentment.  Talking of harsh/unkind feelings.

b)     This kind of anger not justified & is reprehensible b/f God.

4.     Must guard against using expressions of contempt.

a)     wd raca used in NKJV; KJV; ASV – literally means “worthless fellow.” 

1)    Barnes:  senseless; stupid; shallow brains.

2)    Demonstrates an attitude of contempt.

3)    Mt. 12:36 – must guard against this – especially when considering our words could come back to haunt us.

4)    Pharisees talked of murder; robbery; drunkenness – Jesus spoke of “evil thoughts;” “enmity: “Strife” all problems of the heart.

5)    People have destroyed each other b/c of strife; criticism; and deliberate fault finding.

b)     Note:  we have been warned not to vilify another person (5:22) 

1)    indicates heart full of hatred/bitterness.  These things often find way to be expressed in our words.

2)    Eph. 4:31 – to put this away.

3)    Js. 3:6 – cause great problems when we speak in haste – by anger.

5.     Eldred Stevens:  holier one becomes – the more he hates sin – but the more he loves the sinner.

6.     I must ask myself:

a)     How do I react to things that happen?

b)     Do I find myself giving into an uncontrollable rage when wronged?

c)      Do I ever feel contempt/resentment toward one who has not wronged me?

B.    Our attitude must not be negative – but positive.

1.     5:23-24

a)     not only are we not to be angry w/o cause – but we expected to take positive steps to make it right w/the one we may have wronged.

b)     must work to remove trouble b/t ourselves & someone else.

c)      Must not stop at “I must not murder.” Or “I must not put someone down…”

d)     But…our hearts must not think evil!  We must take steps to remove the trouble!

2.     We must also be aware of the subtle danger to try to atone for moral failure by doing something good – to counter balance.

a)     do something wrong – get it in open before God & those you have hurt.

b)     Some:  I’ve done this wrong – I’ll just go worship God – that’ll take care of it.

1)    Jesus says:  go to brother first.

2)    No value praying – if not right w/brother.

3.     Consider Saul – 1 Sam. 15.

a)     done wrong by not utterly destroying Amlekites.    Brought back sheep & cattle.

b)     Planned on covering his wrong by offering sacrifices.

c)      Note 15:22.

C.   This is urgent because of our relationship to God.  5:25-26.

1.     We must recognize that God is the judge.  We must think of ourselves before God – not men!

2.     Phrase in the way in 5:25 suggests that in this life we are walking a road.  A spiritual journey.

a)     law of God asks:  what is your relationship with your brother?

b)     Bad blood?  Some things wrong?  Settle them at once! Why?

c)      Tomorrow not guaranteed.  Don’t enter judgment like that!

3.     Mt. 18:15 further emphasizes this point.  There are steps that can be taken whether you are the offender or the offended!

 

Conclusion:

A.    How do you feel at this point?

B.    What of the things you have done?  Said? Thought?  Failed to do?

C.   Terms of forgiveness easy.  I must acknowledge my sin;

1.    Confess them

2.    stop self defense/self justification – even though the other may have provoked me.

D.   I must turn to a God who loved me; was kind; even send His Son to die for me – while I was provoking Him as an enemy.

E.    Rom. 5:6-8

F.    Not a Christian?  Jesus died on your behalf.

G.   I N V I T A T I O N