28. Sermon on the Mount Secrets - Do you Kill? Part 1

You have heard that it was said to people long ago, “Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.” But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. (Matthew 5:21,22a)

The words “but I tell you” indicate Jesus’ renewal or fulfillment of the old law. In fact, He made it even stricter. We judge murderers and look down on them as being criminals—the filth of society. Jesus knew of this tendency. Remember that He was not speaking to Pharisees here. He was speaking to the disciples, His chosen ones.

What does he say? “You who look down on thieves and murderers, judging them for their deeds, hear what I have to say: when you get angry with your brother (fellow man or countryman, including other races) without a cause, you will be subject to the same judgment as these thieves and murderers.” Many Bible translations add the words “without a cause.” Anger is a natural, built-in emotion. Ephesians 4:26, 27 tells us to be angry but not to sin while we are angry or stay angry. Anger can be a way to stir oneself to action. Sometimes we need to experience more holy anger toward injustices. Anger has a function, but we must not stay angry just because we are too proud to repent and restore relationships. This could lead to sin and judgment. 

Momentary anger won’t make us subject to judgment unless our pride and selfishness lead to bitterness and unforgiveness. Godly anger can bring feelings to the surface so we can deal with them and improve our relationships. If we are saved and Spirit-filled, we have the fruit of the Spirit, which according to Galatians 5:22, 23 is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Therefore, we do not need violent venting of anger. We have within us the ability to handle anger with the help of the Holy Spirit. However, if we choose to ignore Him and allow anger to control us, our outbursts will damage our relationships, and we will be subject to judgment.  

***

Again, anyone who says to his brother, “Raca,” is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, “You fool!” will be in danger of the fire of hell. (Matthew 5:22b)

“Raca” was a term of reproach used by the Jews in the time of Christ. It means a senseless, empty-headed man. How often have you called someone an idiot or a fool? Don’t we often do it while driving, or when criticizing a colleague, pastor, or politician? What did Jesus say would be the fate of such a “murderer?” Read the above passage again. Was Jesus serious about this?

This is a serious sin, and we all are guilty. It hinders our walk with God, just like any other sin.  “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt. Your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters wicked things,” (Isaiah 59:1-3).

Are we guilty of having blood on our hands? Can we murder without getting blood on our hands? Even in this Old Testament passage, Isaiah mentions murder and sins of the tongue in the same breath. Then we ask ourselves why we don’t prosper, why don’t we see God moving as he has moved in the times of the Bible. Why is there so much evil in the world? God is moving mightily everywhere, and many souls are being saved, but if everyone who called himself a Christian had a closer relationship with God, would the moves of God not have been even more powerful? Would there not have been more miracles, more salvation of souls, less sin? To be continued...

For children and adults who are prepared to learn in a childlike way. For more information see http://t-a-c.co.za.