SDA Sab Schl Lesn 4-2nd Qtr 2014-Christ and the Law in the Sermon on the Mount

[Wally]

 Lesson 4 *April 19-25

Christ and the Law in the Sermon on the Mount

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week's Study: Matt. 5:17-20, Luke 16:16, Matt. 5:21-32, Rom. 7:24, Matt. 5:33-37, 5:38-48.

Memory Text: " "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot, or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled" " (Matthew 5:17-18, NKJV).

When most people think about the Sermon on the Mount, they automatically think "the Beatitudes" (Matt. 5:1-12). However, the Sermon on the Mount actually covers three chapters that have been divided into four sections. The Beatitudes comprise only the first section. In the second Jesus compares Christians to light and salt (Matt. 5:13-16). The third, Matthew 5:17-48, is where Jesus gives us a new and deeper perspective on the law. And then there is the final and longest section, Matthew 6:1-7:23, in which Jesus provides clear teaching on Christian behavior. The whole talk ends with the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matt. 7:24-27), which stresses the importance of obedience to what God calls us to do.

This week we will investigate the third section, Matthew 5:17-48 (which theologians call the antitheses, cases in which sharp contrasts are presented), to see what it teaches us about the law.

*Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, April 26.

Sunday April 20

"One Jot or Tittle"

Read again Matthew 5:17-20. How interesting that Jesus would greatly emphasize the law here, while at the same time making the statement that He did about the scribes and Pharisees, who so greatly emphasized the law, as well. What important lesson does this passage teach about true obedience to the law?

Jesus begins this section with the assurance that He has not come to abolish "the Law or the Prophets" (Matt. 5:17, NKJV). Although there is no reference to it, many see this as a formulaic expression for the entire Old Testament (see also Matt. 7:12, 11:13, 22:40, Luke 16:16, Acts 13:15, 24:14, Rom. 3:21). In spite of what His opponents claimed, Jesus did not attack the very book that revealed the will of His Father. Instead, His purpose was to "fulfill" the law and the prophets, not to do away with them.

The word used for "fulfill" (plero) literally means to "fill up," or "complete." It carries the sense of "filling to the brim." There are two ways to understand fulfill. One is to place the emphasis on Jesus as being the fulfillment of Scripture (for example, Luke 24:25-27, John 5:39). However, the key to understanding this text lies in the immediate context, which shows that Jesus did not come to destroy Scripture but to reveal its inner essence.

Having established His overall intent, Jesus switched emphasis from the Old Testament in general to the law in particular. Almost as if He knew that people would one day accuse Him of abolishing the law, He cautions that as long as heaven and earth remain, the law will exist until everything "is accomplished" (Matt. 5:18, NIV). With this statement, Jesus confirms the perpetuity of the law.

In fact, the law is so important that all those who violate its precepts will be called "the least in the kingdom." This is just a way of saying that they are wrong in what they are doing. Jesus is quick to point out that He is not promoting the empty righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees but instead a righteousness springing from a heart that loves God and seeks to do His will.

Monday April 21

Murder (Matt. 5:21-26)

After He clarified His intention to uphold the law, Jesus started to explain a righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees. He begins by citing the sixth commandment (Exod. 20:13) and summarizing, from the law of Moses, the penalty for violation (Exod. 21:12, Lev. 24:17).

The sixth commandment does not include all cases in which one person kills another. In cases of manslaughter, a person could flee to a city of refuge and gain temporary asylum (Exod. 21:13, Num. 35:12). However, one who intentionally took another's life would receive swift judgment. In His explanation, Jesus does not focus on the act itself but on the motive and intents of the one who commits the act. One might take a life accidentally, but the person who purposes to take a life has gone through a period of deliberation. The sin took place before the person even carried out the terrible deed. Many potential murderers are stopped only by a lack of opportunity.

Read Matthew 5:22. What does Jesus equate to murder? How does 1 John 3:15 help to emphasize the point? What is the real issue here that Jesus is pointing to, and what does this tell us about the real reach of God's law?

Though the Bible often talks about the power of words, Jesus here takes it to a deeper level. Often, the sole purpose of harsh words or cursing is to evoke negative feelings in the victim. Jesus' point is crystal clear. It's not just those who carry through with the crime who are guilty of murder but also those who speak harsh words to others or who even harbor murderous thoughts. Jesus counsels those harboring these thoughts to reconcile with their victims before coming to the altar (Matt. 5:23-26).

Dwell on the implication of Jesus' words in the texts for today. How well have you done in this regard? What does such a high standard tell you about the need to be covered by Christ's righteousness at all times?

[Wally]

Tuesday April 22

Adultery (Matt. 5:27-32)

Jesus' next example involves commandments concerning adultery. He first cites the seventh commandment, You shall not commit adultery. In the context of the law of Moses, adultery took place when a married person was sexually involved with someone other than a spouse. The law was very clear that both parties found guilty of adultery should be put to death. As with the sixth commandment, Jesus gave the deeper implications of this particular commandment.

Adultery often starts long before the acts are committed. In the same way that murder starts with the intention to inflict permanent harm on an individual, adultery begins at the very moment when an individual lustfully desires another person, married or single, to whom he or she is not married.

Read Matthew 5:29-30. How much more forceful could Jesus be in describing the danger of sin? After looking at these texts, read Romans 7:24. What important truths are found here?

Here, too, Jesus provides an instant remedy for those sins that have been exposed. The solution is not to follow through with the sin but to have a conversion of the heart. With strong metaphors, Jesus counsels the one who has the problem to do what is necessary if she or he wishes to enter the kingdom. This may mean taking a different route to work or terminating a cherished friendship, but eternal gain far outweighs the passions of the moment.

As we saw before, Moses permitted divorce even though he knew it was not a part of God's original plan. After addressing married men with roaming eyes and admonishing them to control their impulses, Jesus encourages lifelong marriage fidelity.

"The surrender of the will is represented as plucking out the eye or cutting off the hand. Often it seems to us that to surrender the will to God is to consent to go through life maimed or crippled. But it is better, says Christ, for self to be maimed, wounded, crippled, if thus you may enter into life. That which you look upon as disaster is the door to highest benefit." Ellen G. White, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 61. What implication might these words have for you?

Wednesday April 23

Promises, Promises . . . (Matt. 5:33-37)

The first two antitheses (murder and adultery) are based on the Decalogue. The antithesis regarding divorce and the ones that follow are taken from other sections of the Mosaic law, including the one about swearing falsely and performing oaths to the Lord.

Read Leviticus 19:11-13. What specific points do we find here? See also Exod. 20:7.

The Mosaic law, from which Jesus quotes, is listed in a section of Leviticus that condemns a number of deceptive practices. Here again it is evident that Jesus' concern is with the intentions. Anyone who makes a promise with no intention of fulfilling it has made a conscious decision to sin.

Though the command against swearing falsely relates to promises made to other people, the second command concerns promises made to God.

Read Deuteronomy 23:21-23. In what way do these verses relate to Jesus' words in Matthew 5:33-37? See also Acts 5:1-11.

Unlike the person guilty of false swearing, the one who makes a financial pledge to God is not necessarily intending to defraud. However, Jesus knows human nature and cautions against making promises that one may later regret. Rather than making promises that may not even be in the power of the individual to fulfill, a Christian should be a person of integrity whose "yes" means "yes" and "no" means "no."

Think about a time that you made a promise (either to a person or to God) that you intended to keep but ultimately didn't. How can you learn to be careful about this problem? What about promises to yourself that you have reneged on?

[Wally]

Thursday April 24

Lex Talionis (Matt. 5:38-48)

It appears that the common theme here (Matt. 5:38-48) is revenge. This first theme concerns the many commandments in the Mosaic law that are built on the principle of repaying a crime with an equal punishment, an idea called lex talionis, a Latin term meaning "law of retaliation."

As we see in a number of passages (Exod. 21:22-25, Lev. 24:17-21, Deut. 19:21), the law called for the offender to suffer the same experience as the victim. If the victim lost an eye, arm, foot, or life, the offender must also. This "law of retaliation" was common among a number of ancient civilizations. Why not, since it seems to reveal a simple principle of justice?

It's important to realize that this principle is there to limit retaliation, that is, to keep people from extracting more from a wrong done to them than they are rightfully entitled to extract. Thus, in many ways, this law was to ensure that justice was not perverted.

Therefore, in Matthew 5:38-42 Jesus was not necessarily attacking the legitimacy of a law that demanded a person to be punished for a crime. Instead, Jesus focused on the Christians' response to people who try to take advantage of them. Rather than seeking opportunities for revenge, Christians should "retaliate" with kindness, something that we can do only through the grace of God working within us. In this appeal, Jesus has taken us to a deeper level in our understanding of what it means to be a follower of the Lord.

The final antithesis addresses the attitude that promotes love for friends and hatred for enemies. The command to love your neighbor is found in Leviticus 19:18. There is no explicit text that calls for hatred of enemies, even despite Deuteronomy 23:3-6.

In the context of Jesus' world, the Jews were under foreign occupation by the Roman oppressive power and were second-class citizens in their own land. Given their oppression, they probably felt justified in hating their enemy, who at times severely oppressed them. Jesus was showing them a better way to live, even under less than ideal circumstances.

Read Matthew 5:44-45. What is Jesus saying to us here? More important, in what way can you apply this teaching in your own life with someone who has done you wrong?

Friday April 25

Further Study: Ellen G. White, "The Sermon on the Mount," pp. 298-314 in The Desire of Ages.

"Jesus takes up the commandments separately, and explains the depth and breadth of their requirement. Instead of removing one jot of their force, He shows how far reaching their principles are, and exposes the fatal mistake of the Jews in their outward show of obedience. He declares that by the evil thought or the lustful look the law of God is transgressed. One who becomes a party to the least injustice is breaking the law and degrading his own moral nature. Murder first exists in the mind. He who gives hatred a place in his heart is setting his feet in the path of the murderer, and his offerings are abhorrent to God."-Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 310.

Love is the binding principle in God's law. In each of the antitheses, Jesus elevates the principle of love: love keeps a person from harboring hatred toward her sister; love keeps a husband and wife together; love challenges the Christian to be always honest in his dealings with others and God; love allows a person to react in kindness when he has been wronged; and love empowers the individual to treat the enemy as he himself would like to be treated.
Discussion Questions:

    In this week's lesson study, Jesus said, "You have heard it has been said by them of old," and then later said, "but I say unto you," and then gave the antitheses. Notice that some of the sayings "of old" were direct quotes from the Bible or taken from Old Testament teachings. Thus, the problem was not with the references but with how they had been interpreted. What lesson can we take from this regarding, if not our doctrines, the way in which we interpret them? How might we be in danger of looking at things too superficially and missing the deeper meaning?

    Many fall into the trap of interpreting texts in isolation from other texts. One such text is Matthew 5:48, where we are told to be as perfect as our Father in heaven. How does the interpretation of this text in its immediate context (Matt. 5:43-48) demonstrate the importance of careful Bible study? How would you respond to a person who claimed that this text was teaching sinlessness? What is the text really teaching, and why does this teaching reveal the true meaning of being a follower of Jesus?

    How do the texts we studied, particularly about murder and adultery, help to show how wrong those are who claim the law was abolished after the Cross?

[Richard Myers]

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week's Study: Matt. 5:17-20, Luke 16:16, Matt. 5:21-32, Rom. 7:24, Matt. 5:33-37, 5:38-48.

Memory Text: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Matthew 5:17-18

When most people think about the Sermon on the Mount, they automatically think "the Beatitudes" (Matt. 5:1-12). However, the Sermon on the Mount actually covers three chapters that have been divided into four sections. The Beatitudes comprise only the first section. In the second Jesus compares Christians to light and salt (Matt. 5:13-16). The third, Matthew 5:17-48, is where Jesus gives us a new and deeper perspective on the law. And then there is the final and longest section, Matthew 6:1-7:23, in which Jesus provides clear teaching on Christian behavior. The whole talk ends with the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matt. 7:24-27), which stresses the importance of obedience to what God calls us to do.

This week we will investigate the third section, Matthew 5:17-48 (which theologians call the antitheses, cases in which sharp contrasts are presented), to see what it teaches us about the law.

The sermon on the mount is the greatest sermon ever preached, and is needed just as much today as it was almost 2000 years ago. Jesus was speaking to a Laodicean people. Thus, this sermon is just what we need today. Many believe they are rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing, but know not that they are miserable poor wretched blind and naked. They believe they are in a saved condition when in fact, they are lost. The "evangelical" gospel teaches that one is saved in sin. The sermon on the mount refutes this perverted teaching. To our Sabbath school students, I suggest you read Matthew chapters five, six, and seven. Let God be your teacher. The lesson quotes from a book "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing". If you are having trouble understanding the Bible, read the book. It will prove to be a great blessing.

But, the Holy Spirit can give you understanding without commentary. The words of Jesus are clear, obedience to the law of God is necessary if one wishes to enter heaven.

[Richard Myers]

Sunday April 20

"One Jot or Tittle"

Read again Matthew 5:17-20.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. 

How interesting that Jesus would greatly emphasize the law here, while at the same time making the statement that He did about the scribes and Pharisees, who so greatly emphasized the law, as well. What important lesson does this passage teach about true obedience to the law?

It teaches that a mere profession of faith is not accepted by God. It is not those who hear the law that will be saved, but those that do the law. The Pharisees were hypocrites, they professed to keep the law, but did not. Our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees. We must obey outwardly and with the right motive.

Jesus begins this section with the assurance that He has not come to abolish "the Law or the Prophets" (Matt. 5:17). Although there is no reference to it, many see this as a formulaic expression for the entire Old Testament (see also Matt. 7:12, 11:13, 22:40, Luke 16:16, Acts 13:15, 24:14, Rom. 3:21). In spite of what His opponents claimed, Jesus did not attack the very book that revealed the will of His Father. Instead, His purpose was to "fulfill" the law and the prophets, not to do away with them.

The word used for "fulfill" (plero) literally means to "fill up," or "complete." It carries the sense of "filling to the brim." There are two ways to understand fulfill. One is to place the emphasis on Jesus as being the fulfillment of Scripture (for example, Luke 24:25-27, John 5:39). However, the key to understanding this text lies in the immediate context, which shows that Jesus did not come to destroy Scripture but to reveal its inner essence.

Let's be more precise. When Jesus said "Think not that I am come to destroy the law" he was speaking of the moral law. In other words the moral law is still in existence and is binding. Obedience to it is required. This is what Jesus meant. The wages of sin, transgression of the law, is eternal death. The gospel of grace brings power to the repentant sinner. There is great power in God's forgiving love.

Having established His overall intent, Jesus switched emphasis from the Old Testament in general to the law in particular. Almost as if He knew that people would one day accuse Him of abolishing the law, He cautions "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law..." (Matt. 5:18). With this statement, Jesus confirms the perpetuity of the law.

In fact, the law is so important that all those who violate its precepts will be called "the least in the kingdom." This is just a way of saying that they are wrong in what they are doing. Jesus is quick to point out that He is not promoting the empty righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees but instead a righteousness springing from a heart that loves God and seeks to do His will.

There are many today who seek to do good, but do not. It may be that they will recognize that they cannot do good until self dies. But, until then their righteousness is as filthy rags. Therefore, it is not those who seek to do his will, but those that do his will who love God supremely.

Understanding the difference between seeking and doing is most important. Professing to love God and to serve Him is not good enough. God looks upon the heart, he knows our motive. If self is not dead, then Christ does not possess the heart. Until we make a complete sacrifice, a complete surrender, we do not have eternal life.

Can you walk on water? Can you resist temptation, and love those who hate you? Do you manifest all of the fruits of the Spirit? Moses had a problem at the end of his life. He did not excuse himself, nor did God. Moses had to die, even though he was repentant and forgiven. Do you excuse your sin? God does not, but He will forgive it.

What is the difference?

[Richard Myers]

When this quarter's lesson began, we looked at the difference between moral law, civil law, and ceremonial law. When we read the words of Jesus "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law...", what does Jesus mean when he says "one jot or one tittle"?

[Richard Myers]

Monday April 21

Murder (Matt. 5:21-26)

After He clarified His intention to uphold the law, Jesus started to explain a righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees. He begins by citing the sixth commandment (Exod. 20:13) and summarizing, from the law of Moses, the penalty for violation (Exod. 21:12, Lev. 24:17).

The sixth commandment does not include all cases in which one person kills another. In cases of manslaughter, a person could flee to a city of refuge and gain temporary asylum (Exod. 21:13, Num. 35:12). However, one who intentionally took another's life would receive swift judgment. In His explanation, Jesus does not focus on the act itself but on the motive and intents of the one who commits the act. One might take a life accidentally, but the person who purposes to take a life has gone through a period of deliberation. The sin took place before the person even carried out the terrible deed. Many potential murderers are stopped only by a lack of opportunity.

Read Matthew 5:22.

But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. 

What does Jesus equate to murder? How does 1 John 3:15 help to emphasize the point?

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 

What is the real issue here that Jesus is pointing to, and what does this tell us about the real reach of God's law?

What's more important, is what does this have to do with salvation? Jesus said that one who hates his brother does not have eternal life abiding in him. Do you believe this? If you do, then our thoughts can keep us out of heaven. Do you believe this? That we will be judged by our thoughts?

Though the Bible often talks about the power of words, Jesus here takes it to a deeper level. Often, the sole purpose of harsh words or cursing is to evoke negative feelings in the victim. Jesus' point is crystal clear. It's not just those who carry through with the crime who are guilty of murder but also those who speak harsh words to others or who even harbor murderous thoughts. Jesus counsels those harboring these thoughts to reconcile with their victims before coming to the altar (Matt. 5:23-26).

Dwell on the implication of Jesus' words in the texts for today. How well have you done in this regard? What does such a high standard tell you about the need to be covered by Christ's righteousness at all times?

The righteousness of Christ is everything to us. But, the devil always takes important truths and attempts to pervert them. So he has with the righteousness of Christ. We all have the need to be covered by Christ's righteousness. But, there are conditions to be met before this can happen. What are those conditions? Will the righteousness of Christ cover unconfessed or unforsaken sins?

[Richard Myers]

Tuesday April 22

Adultery (Matt. 5:27-32)

 5:27   Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 
 5:28   But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 
 5:29   And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell. 
 5:30   And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell. 
 5:31   It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 
 5:32   But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

Jesus' next example involves commandments concerning adultery. He first cites the seventh commandment, You shall not commit adultery. In the context of the law of Moses, adultery took place when a married person was sexually involved with someone other than a spouse. The law was very clear that both parties found guilty of adultery should be put to death. As with the sixth commandment, Jesus gave the deeper implications of this particular commandment.

Adultery often starts long before the acts are committed. In the same way that murder starts with the intention to inflict permanent harm on an individual, adultery begins at the very moment when an individual lustfully desires another person, married or single, to whom he or she is not married.

Read Matthew 5:29-30.

5:29   And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell. 
 5:30   And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell. 

How much more forceful could Jesus be in describing the danger of sin? After looking at these texts, read Romans 7:24.

O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

What important truths are found here?

Truths that contradict practices and teachings in God's church today. First, sin blocks entrance into heaven. Second, divorce is only allowed where there is adultery. It is interesting that Jesus not only points out the sin of divorce, He tells us the husband who unlawfully divorces his wife causes her to sin also. Why is this?

Here, too, Jesus provides an instant remedy for those sins that have been exposed. The solution is not to follow through with the sin but to have a conversion of the heart. With strong metaphors, Jesus counsels the one who has the problem to do what is necessary if she or he wishes to enter the kingdom. This may mean taking a different route to work or terminating a cherished friendship, but eternal gain far outweighs the passions of the moment.

Great care needs to be taken here. Let's take the example of a husband who divorces his wife unlawfully and remarries. He commits adultery as does his new wife. Does this mean that they are not married? No, they are married. The Bible clearly teaches that the husband may not return to his former wife after he remarries. After the new marriage, the sin of adultery may be confessed and repented of. The marriage then is not an adulterous relationship.

This does not mean that when the unlawful marriage takes place the guilty parties may retain their church membership. That would make a mockery out of marriage and Bible doctrine. If truly repentant, the married couple will reveal this over time and may be reinstated in the church. This is a case where re-baptism would be appropriate.

As we saw before, Moses permitted divorce even though he knew it was not a part of God's original plan. After addressing married men with roaming eyes and admonishing them to control their impulses, Jesus encourages lifelong marriage fidelity.

Jesus permits divorce even though it was not part of God's original plan. Adultery is so base that a spouse is not constrained to remain in the marriage. This is when and why divorce is permitted. It is a Bible doctrine.

"The surrender of the will is represented as plucking out the eye or cutting off the hand. Often it seems to us that to surrender the will to God is to consent to go through life maimed or crippled. But it is better, says Christ, for self to be maimed, wounded, crippled, if thus you may enter into life. That which you look upon as disaster is the door to highest benefit." Ellen G. White, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 61. What implication might these words have for you?

The implications are very broad since since we are talking about conversion, an entire surrender to Jesus. He is telling us that it is better to enter heaven maimed than to sin by yielding to the flesh and be denied entrance to heaven. Can we by God's grace not yield to temptation? As Paul pointed out in Romans 7:24, humanity separated from God is likened to a body of death. It can do no good. But after conversion, filled with the Holy Spirit, man is a partaker of God's divine nature and is empowered to obey. In our fallen human nature we cannot resist temptation, but in Christ Jesus we are promised that we will not be tempted beyond what we can bear. Do you believe this promise? Where can we find it in the Bible?

[Al]

Thoughts on Sunday's Lesson

I remember the time I had bible studies with a man who belonged to the Church of Christ. Their belief on this text Matthew 5:17 along with many other denominations is that the law was fulfilled in the sense that it was "completed" or done away with.  This is another tricky way to get rid of the Sabbath. They say that Christ did away with the Old Testament moral law and established a new law of love.

In reality they have Jesus saying "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to do away with it."  Matthew 5:17 Very contradictory to use the word fulfil in this way.

The word "fulfil" is also found in Matthew 3:15 "And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him." If we were to use the understanding that fulfil means to do away with then Christ did away with all righteousness.

The author of the lesson is giving the true intent of the word in its context.

However, the key to understanding this text lies in the immediate context, which shows that Jesus did not come to destroy Scripture but to reveal its inner essence.

The scripture that helps make this text clear in Matthew is Isaiah 42:21 "The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable."

I am sure that most of us have owned a magnifying glass. When I was a young boy, I liked to take my magnifying glass and look at ants, bugs, and all sorts of things. It would help me to get a much closer look at the details I could not see normally.

Christ came to magnify the law to reveal it real purpose and intent. The Pharisees had made the law into nothing more than a legal contract, which in reality they still could not keep. It was Ok to hate the gentiles just as long as you do not kill them.  I am sure they killed them in their heart repeatedly. The real truth is they would have killed the gentiles if the civil law had not prevented it.

"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." James 1:14-15 That which is takes birth in the heart will soon enough be carried out in the life. 

What about the Christian church today?

"The world is looking with gratification at the disunion amongst Christians. Infidelity is well pleased. God calls for a change among His people. Union with Christ and with one another is our only safety in these last days. Let us not make it possible for Satan to point to our church members, saying: "Behold how these people, standing under the banner of Christ, hate one another. We have nothing to fear from them while they spend more strength fighting one another than in warfare with my forces." {CCh 43.2}

What was is our only safety?

It was stated last week's lesson that Paul was alive once without the law what does this mean?  What application does it have to this lesson?  (see Romans 7:9) What was Paul really saying?

[Richard Myers]

Was he speaking of physical life?

[Al]

Tuesday - Adultery

"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." James 1:14-15

This is the very point Christ is making in Matthew 5:29 "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."

Christ is showing that sin first starts with our thoughts. Being tempted is not a sin Jesus was tempted in the wilderness Mark 4:1 and Hebrews 2:18. When does the temptation become sin? When we are drawn away. I like Thayer's Greek definition for the word "drawn".

"metaphorically lure forth: in hunting and fishing as game is lured from its hiding place, so man by lure is allured from the safety of self-restraint to sin. In Jam_1:14, the language of the hunting is transferred to the seduction of a harlot."

I am sure that most of some of us have been fishing. You put the bait on the hook and then lower it into the water and try to attract a fish with the harmless looking bait. When the fish comes out of its safe hiding place to checks out the bait and then has to decide to take it. Once we start looking and desiring will not be too long before we are on the hook.
 
"It is Satan's act to tempt you, but your own act to yield. It is not in the power of all the host of Satan to force the tempted to transgress. There is no excuse for sin.  {4T 623.2}  According to this when do we sin against God?

The religious leaders had forgotten this very important truth during Christ's time. They could think a thousand evil thoughts all day and consider themselves holy because they never carried them out. They thought they were blessed and worthy of the kingdom of God they were alive and worthy to bear God's name.  But they did carry those wicked thoughts they took the Son of God and nailed him to the Cross. When lust is conceived it gives birth to the outward acts of sin.

All sin starts in the mind and by the grace of God, this is where we need to nip it in the bud. This is when we need to claim the promises of God. Satan is trying to use the all kinds of things to lure us out of our safe place to lead us away from God.

 Very good statement Richard shared:

"The surrender of the will is represented as plucking out the eye or cutting off the hand. Often it seems to us that to surrender the will to God is to consent to go through life maimed or crippled. But it is better, says Christ, for self to be maimed, wounded, crippled, if thus you may enter into life. That which you look upon as disaster is the door to highest benefit." Ellen G. White, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 61.

"Are you willing to renounce all things for God and his cause? Present your body a living sacrifice to him, even to the dying on the cross, if so be God wills it? Are you willing to follow Christ at all times, under all circumstances, through evil report as well as good report, come life or death."   {February 17, 1859 UrSe, ARSH 97.16}

[colporteur]

 Al;

 Last week I canvassed a Catholic school teacher. She asked me how I would explain what adultery is to a first grader. I had never really thought about it before but my answer in the context of talking to a 6-7 year old would be  " Adultery would be if father loved and kissed other women in the same way he does mother."  She liked that answer. I said that I do not think a teacher needs to take a first grader who might not even know much about the facts of life and take them into the  bedroom and talk about sex. The priest said that she needs to tell them just like it is. She said that she did not like that idea.

[Al]

colporteur,

Very good answer for a girl of that age.  Most 6-7year old girls or boys do not need too many details at such a tender age.  It is very sad, as it appears that children at a young age are learning these things in the wrong way from their older brothers and sisters. 

Your story reminded me of the time when I was the elder in charge at church and on that Sabbath, a little girl came up and asked me this question.   "Why does God says thou shalt not kill when he murdered so many people in the Bible?

I will leave this question open for anyone who wants to give and answer.

[colporteur]

Your story reminded me of the time when I was the elder in charge at church and on that Sabbath, a little girl came up and asked me this question.   "Why does God says thou shalt not kill when he murdered so many people in the Bible?

I will leave this question open for anyone who wants to give and answer.

Perhaps some questions may have to remain unanswered until the child is older. Many adults do not understand God's ways of doing things regarding the topic you speak of.

 I think the biggest point to get across regarding the answer to the little girl's question whether for her or even for an adult with that question would be the horrendous suffering and the terrible condition of the people that God ordered destroyed. If we can get that point across then the part about God ordering them destroyed takes on more of a scene of mercy rather than of murder. Beyond that if we can emphasize that we do not have to figure out every aspect  of God's ways in order to love and trust Him. God knows when a situation is hopeless. We seldom know  that. God has infinite wisdom. We have relatively little.

In my mind the best analogy I could make is when I run over with the pickup a stray dog that I had befriended. Sammy was in great pain and he was not going to make it however it might have taken up to a few days for him to die. He was crying and yelping and  when I tried to touch him he tried to bite. He was a loving pet but he was in so much pain that this is all he knew. I did not murder him and in one sense I did not even kill him when I went and got the gun. He was careless when he ran in front of the truck. I simply shortened his period of suffering and death. Of course some would say this story gives excuse for mercy killing people in the hospital. No analogy is perfect. I view my reaction to my dog's condition similar to God's reaction to people in a terrible condition and who would only hurt others.

Surely the little girl did not know that in many of these instances people were burning their children alive in the fire. Compared to a child being burnt in a fire, (even if they survived) death by a sword would likely be merciful.

[Richard Myers]

CP, is it possible that a child could correctly understand the character of God if we explained that he killed, not murdered, all of the people on this earth with a flood so that those who loved him could live? Did not God give them all an opportunity to get on the ark? He did not want them to die, they chose to die.

[colporteur]

CP, is it possible that a child could correctly understand the character of God if we explained that he killed, not murdered, all of the people on this earth with a flood so that those who loved him could live? Did not God give them all an opportunity to get on the ark? He did not want them to die, they chose to die.

I like that approach.  My mind was geared more in the direction of when God ordered that groups of pagan people were to be killed by King Saul and his men, for instance. Even the Philistines had opportunities but they were defiant and trying to kill God's people and dishonor God. There are reasonable explanations. Sin  often costs the lives of someone, even the innocent, so why not the guilty ? I should have said that sin ALWAYS costs the life of someone. It cost the life of Christ.  If a child asks the question why God murdered all of those people I would guess they got that from an adult who has a beef with God. While children have questions they usually do not view something like that quite so condemnatory.

I think the "God doesn't kill" people add more confusion to this subject.

[Richard Myers]

Yes, I think so.

[Al]

I wonder if a child really understands the difference between killing someone and murdering someone. I am not sure if adults really understand the difference. It seems that those who kill still can have evil intent just as much so as a murderer.

Mar 12:7  But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.
Mar 12:8  And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.
 
I was  thinking about this topic yesterday and looked up the word "kill" from Exodus 20:13 "Thou shalt  not kill." this was the definition from Strong's "A primitive root; properly to dash in pieces, that is, kill (a human being), especially to murder: - put to death, kill, (man-) slay (-er), murder (-er)."

If God kills someone, does he murder them?

What makes the difference between the two words and what does this have to do with Matthew 5:21-22? The word used in the context is "kill."

 Mat 5:21  Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
Mat 5:22  But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

[Al]

Was he speaking of physical life?

Rom 7:9  For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

I am still wondering is anyone has any thoughts on this? Not only what kind of life is this talking about but what kind of death. 

[Richard Myers]

If God kills someone, does he murder them?

What makes the difference between the two words and what does this have to do with Matthew 5:21-22? The word used in the context is "kill."

All squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares. All murders are killings, but not all killings are murder. God never murders. The Bible offers much information on penalties for killing, thus we have an explanation for murder.

A good example is the command to put to death those who murder. We must then study Scripture to understand that this does not include all killings.