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Matthew 6:1, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them.  Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Jesus

 

To this point Jesus has discussed the description of the Christian in the Beatitudes and described the relationship of the Christian to God’s law.  Now He turns to teach how the Christian is to live his life in the world in the presence of God; it is to be an active submission to God and in total dependence upon Him.  He divides this part of the Sermon on the Mount into two sections.  Verses 1-18 deal with the individual’s religious life which deals with their direct relationship to God.  When one gets saved, he begins a unique relationship with God.  It is a journey where one no longer does as what the world does because he walks according to what God desires him to do.  The rest of Matthew 6 deals with how the Christian is to live in the world.  It is important to see the link between these two sections because too many make the mistake of thinking they will have no problems after they accept Christ as their Savior.  The reality is this life is full of problems for everyone – including Christians.

 

The theme of Matthew 6 is the first verse.  Jesus is telling Christians not to live their righteousness before men.  But, didn’t He say to “let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” in chapter five.  Does Matthew 6:1 contradict His previous statement?  No, there is no conflict because Christians are to do both at the same time.  Jesus is telling Christians to do good works to glorify God; that does not include living in a way that calls attention to yourself.  He gives three examples – charitable deeds, prayer, and fasting – to illustrate what He meant.  Righteousness is central to each of the examples.

 

The choice to please God or to please ourselves is an ongoing choice.  Pleasing others in a way that we are recognized for doing it creates a better situation for one’s self. It is really a way to bring self-gratification.  What appears to be selfless is really an act of selfishness.  Christians must keep in mind that the most important matter in life is their relationship to God.  Christians are to please God at all times in everything they do.   Jesus did everything He did to please His Father in heaven.  I wonder what would happen if all Christians remembered that God sees, hears, knows all we do, and sees the heart of every person; Christians are always in the presence of God and must discipline themselves in what they say and do.

 

Did you notice the last statement in Matthew 6:1?  It is a general statement about rewards.  Jesus is indicating that there are rewards associated with living righteously.  The rewards God gives are holiness and being in His presence.  The rewards of men do not last; if one seeks rewards from men God does not need to reward you as well.  The question, then, is how does one go about charitable giving, prayer, and fasting in the right way.  The wrong way is to announce to everyone one what you doing or going to do.  It is not done so the preacher tells the congregation what you have done, or to get your name spread across the internet.  That would be your reward.  The right way is to do these things in secret.  Do what the Holy Spirit tells you to do and then forget about it.  Forgetting what you have done brings rewards because God remembers and rewards what you have done. 

 

Matthew 6:4, 18, “… and your heavenly Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.”  Jesus

 

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1 Samuel 8:4-5, Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, “look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”

 

I have been doing a lot of thinking about the political events happening in our nation and around the world.  I have listened to several radio personalities and read some articles that discuss the meaning of this time of year and the landing of the Pilgrims.  I thought I might throw out some thoughts for you to consider.

 

The world was changing.  There were religious and political changes occurring in Europe that caused people to “separate” themselves from these events; they were called Separatists or Puritans.  Through events, 101 Puritans found themselves crammed on a ship named the Mayflower which landed in a place just north of Plymouth in the New World.  It was on the Mayflower that they wrote and signed an economic agreement called the Mayflower Compact.

 

By signing the Mayflower Compact, the people who became known as the Pilgrims agreed to work in joint partnership and were fed out of common stores.  The land and the houses were owned by everyone as joint-property.  Everyone would work and everything produced would be shared equally. (Growing up in the time period of the hippie movement, this was called communal living.)  

 

This lasted for several years until human nature began to cause problems.  Difficulties began when the “fruit of one’s labor” went to support the families of others.  There were those who began to not work as hard as others.  The hard-working ones began to resent the idle and even those who were unable to work as hard.  The “older” people no longer wanted to work for the “younger”.    In 1623, the Pilgrims agreed to set aside their collective agreement under the Mayflower Compact and allow everyone to grow their own food.  This resulted in increased production which led to surplus.  With a surplus, trading amongst themselves began; the free enterprise system had begun.  Each colonist was given an acre of land and each was challenged to better themselves by working the land to the best of their ability.

 

Today, we call this communal living and common stock concept where everyone is equal, Socialism.  This concept has been tried over and over throughout history.  Socialism has failed over and over.  Yet, the cry today from Progressives in the Democratic Party is that socialism is the only way for this country to survive and advance to greater achievement.  They want people to believe that all problems of race, gender, economic inequality, debt will go away if socialism replaces capitalism.  Let me ask a question.  What will happen if the incentive to work hard is taken away from people.  The incentive is the reward that comes from working hard.  If I get the same as you get regardless of how hard each of us works, one or both of us stops working hard.  Right?  Eventually, we have to rely on what the government decides.  It then tells us what to make, how much of it to make, and who to sell it to and at what price.  They are also in charge of your health care, deciding who gets what treatment and when.

 

Okay.  You get the idea.  Israel told the prophet Samuel that they wanted a king so they could be like other nations.  They no longer wanted to be governed by God.  Read a little further in 1 Samuel 8. This is what verse 7 says, “And the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Heed the voice of the people in all they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.’”  Even though the election has been called only by the media outlets, there have been many people who have voted for an ungodly and socialist platform.  It seems that only God intervening would overrule this outcome.  Perhaps what the Lord said to Samuel needs to be remembered today.  I believe God gives what we ask for at times.  In this case too many people have rejected Him.

 

The story of the socialist experiment by the Pilgrims failed.  The words of Edmund Burke are certainly appropriate, “Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.”

  

 

 

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Philippians 4:6, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:18, Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.  This may or may not be a different day to celebrate Thanksgiving than any previous one.  Regardless, it is a good day to reflect on the many blessings you have been given over the year.  We must always remember that no matter the circumstances we face the goodness, mercy and grace of God is always with us.   It might be more difficult to remember this when facing difficulties or perhaps not being with family today or this weekend - that is why giving thanks is so important.  Being thankful helps us focus on the only One who can help us through these situations and turn our problems into something that honors Him and are for our good.  Take some time to reflect on His goodness this day and thank Him for all He has done for your life.  You might just be surprised at how blessed you are.

 

 

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Philippians 4:6, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

 

You have no doubt said or heard someone say they were ready for 2020 to be over.  Plenty of things have happened in 2020 that have caused many to be filled with anxiety.  Covid-19 has affected all of our lives in some way or another; the very least we have been made to stay at home for fear of being infected with a virus that is not understood.  We have been subjected to countless political ads, debates, and so many false words spoken that seemed to drag on forever. Now that the election over, there is uncertainty (depending on who you voted for) about what is going to happen now. 

 

I have used this verse over and over to remind myself that my trust is not in man nor the philosophies of the world.  To do so would cause me to live in too much anxiety each day because of the evil all around us.  I have told others many times that God is on His throne, still in control of every situation we face.  I have to believe this every day.  The Bible says that the name of Jesus is greater than any name.  He is greater than a virus named Covid-19, or a disease named cancer, greater than any governmental philosophy, and greater that anything you face today.

 

The one essential cure for worry is prayer. Through prayer we renew our trust in the Lord’s faithfulness by casting out all our anxieties and problems on Him who cares for us.  1 Peter 5:7 tells us “to cast all your care upon Him because He cares for you.”  Philippians 4:7 gives the reason to give all concerns to the Lord.  It says when we do, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  The peace of God comes to guard our hearts and minds as a result of time spent with Him in prayer.  God will also strengthen us to do all the things He desires us to do when we pray.  In Ephesians 4:16, Paul said when he spent time in prayer God “would grant you, according to the riches in glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.”  In other words, we receive mercy, grace, and help in our time of need when we spend time in prayer.  Paul said in Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  That just seems like a great word for the time we are in right now.

 

Let me just add this to the “peace of God …shall keep your hearts” (Philippians 4:11).  When we call on God from a heart that remains in Christ and His Word, the peace of God is an inner calmness the Holy spirit brings upon us.  It is a firm conviction that Jesus is near and that His love will be active in our lives for good.  It is like this peace stands guard before our heart and mind to prevent the cares and troubles of the world from upsetting our lives and keeps us focused on hour hope – Jesus Christ.

 

Yes, there is one more part of this verse.  I did not forget it.  I will leave it for tomorrow.

 

For today, let not your heart be troubled!  God is on His throne.  He sees all and knows all.  He is in control.  It is far better to be with Him than to be against Him!

 

 

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Matthew 5:43-44, “You have heard that it said. ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, love your enemy, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”   Jesus

 

This is the last of six illustrations Jesus used to explain the difference between God’s Word and what the Pharisees and scribes endorsed.  They taught love your neighbor and hate your enemy.  Their definition of neighbor meant only an Israelite and the enemy was everyone else.  It could also mean that Jews were to love Jews and everyone else were Gentiles.  Therefore, it was easy to see Jewish disgust and hatred for the Gentiles.

 

Jesus said to love your enemies; love the Gentiles.  This attitude is to be the way Christians are to live today.  It is the attitude taught about turning the other cheek.  Consider how difficult it would be to love the one who would attack you physically or made you carry their load for a mile.  Jesus was the perfect example because He lived what He taught.  Read through the Scripture that describe His treatment at the hands of the Romans.  He was whipped, hit, spit on, and publicly shamed.  They placed a crown of thorns on his head.  He was made to carry His cross to Calvary.  He was nailed to a cross.  And He prayed for them to be forgiven.

 

These six principles taught by the Lord can be bound together by love.  It is a matter of treating others the way He would.  He taught the treatment of others should never be based on who they are or what they have done.  The Bible states that God sends the rain on both the just and unjust (Matthew 5:45) which means He blesses both; Christians and non-Christians are blessed when it rains.  He deals with them out of love regardless of who they are or what they have done.  It is the same principle found in John 3:16. “God sent His Son into the world that whosoever would believe in Him should have eternal life.”  God offers His salvation through His Son in spite of what man has done.   Every Christian is to have this same attitude; the only way Christians can do this is to get rid of self in their life.  To those who would say unkind words to you, reply with kind words.  When someone acts in a cruel way towards you, respond with kindness.  And, when one persecutes you, pray for them.

 

Notice that Jesus said “Love your enemies.”  He did not say “like” your enemies. That means we pray for the ones we do not like.  Love is active and not one of sentiment or just a feeling.  You do not have to like what others have done.  There are many in this nation and the world that are doing things that are ungodly and I certainly do not understand what they do.  All I know is that the love of God is not in them.  They have believed the lies that come from the pit of hell and are trying to force their beliefs upon all people.  Our attitude, according to what the Lord is teaching here is to love them as He does.  No, we do not have to like what they have done or are doing.  We pray for their salvation and respond in a way that might reach them for the Lord.  If they do not respond that is between them and the Lord.  Judgment is coming!

 

It is important to read the last verse of Matthew 5, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”  As Christians, you and I must be imitating God the father as well as we can.  We do not have the ability to do this on our own.  It only comes from the Holy spirit living within us, changing us from the inside out.  We are to live the best way we can praying the words of Jesus strengthen us to act the way He desires.  We will fail; Jesus is not preaching a sinless perfection.  He is telling us that we must be different from what the world is saying is the way we should live. 

 

I suspect this to be good for us to know, a good way to live as the world becomes increasingly more ungodly.

 

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Matthew 5:40-42, “If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.  And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.  Give to him who asks you, from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.”  Jesus

 

In the last page of the blog, the idea of being slapped on the cheek was discussed.  There are three more illustrations in this portion of scripture and they also deal with the idea of dying to self.  I have never been struck on the cheek; I wonder if I would turn the other.  But here lies the basis for what Jesus is saying.  What we do is important because it indicates who we are.

 

The teaching in the verses above are about the response one makes to anger and the desire for revenge as a response to what is done to him.  The Lord said there must be a time when the Believer no longer is concerned about what the world says and no longer cares what those around them say about them.  George Mueller said, “there was a day when I died, utterly died, to George Muller and his opinions, preferences, tastes and will; died to the world, its approval and censure, died to approval or blame of even my brethren and friends; and since then I have studied only to show myself approved unto God.”  Did you notice the first thing Muller mentioned?  He said he died to self.  That is pretty difficult but, it is the key to what the Lord is teaching.

 

How can one do this, live like this?  How does one die to self?  According to D. Martin Lloyd-Jones there are several ways this must be approached.  First, each Believer must face the problem in an honest self-examination.  Do you know what upsets you, what grieves you, what causes you to be concerned about your pride and reputation?  If you do, you confess it and begin to pray God takes this from you.  Yes, it is difficult.  But it is a process that must be done regardless of the difficulty. 

 

Secondly, Lloyd-Jones suggests that you consider the people you are in contact with and ask yourself why you deal with them.  Why are you doing what you are doing?  Are you bringing glory to yourself or to the Lord? 

 

Self can be examined from a doctrinal perspective.  The devil was able to convince Eve and Adam to eat from the forbidden tree by appealing to their self-interests.  Self always means putting one’s interests before God’s.  This causes separation from Him.  So, any attempt to promote or glorify yourself separates one from God.  That is sin!

 

Here is the take away from this today.  God sent His Son Jesus to change the separation from Him caused by sin.  Jesus lived a sinless, selfless life while on earth; all He did was done to glorify His Heavenly Father.  He put Himself aside when on the earth by not considering Himself equal to God; He denied Himself.  For any one to believe in Him he must believe He came to die for their sin and that should create a desire to die to self.  Jesus came to not only die for sins but to create a people to walk in humility, to follow His example.  Jesus was very specific when He said, If anyone desires to follow Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24).  As Believers, we are called to a life of humility, a person who has died to self.

 

I have to admit, I am still a work in progress when it comes to this area.  This life that the Lord is talking about is not achieved by willing it to be.  It comes through struggles and self-denial.  It is only achieved by the Holy Spirit living within me.  The Lord seems to bring opportunities to me to help work on each of the areas He mentions in Matthew 5:38-42 – especially in the verses above today. Join me as I continue to study His Word, denying self and by trying to live the life style He desires.  It is quite the adventure!    

 

 

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Matthew 5:38-39, “You have heard it said, ’An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person.  But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.”  Jesus

 

The Old Testament books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy contain the statement “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”.  This is the fifth illustration Jesus used to discuss the law of Moses and the interpretation of it by the Pharisees and scribes.  Moses made the statement to the Israelites to control their anger and desire for revenge.  The normal tendency is to react when something is done to someone.  Moses’ instruction was to control and reduce chaos and to create order.  One who knocks out another’s tooth must not be killed for doing so; instead that person must also lose a tooth.  In other words, the punishment must fit the crime committed; there is to be no excessive punishment.  This would apply to judges as well.  There should be no excessive punishment for a crime committed.

 

The Pharisees and scribes used the words of Moses a personal matter by making it a right and a duty to have “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”.  They insisted on it rather than trying to create order.  They used Moses words to mandate punishment instead of a limit on punishment.  There is no indication that the Pharisees took a literal interpretation of this.  The prevailing thought is that they placed a value on a tooth or an eye and took money instead of the eye or tooth. 

 

The Lord’s teaching on this topic deals with the Christian and what is done to him personally.  It deals with how a Christian reacts to things that happen to him.  The idea of being slapped in the face was thought to be a personal attack upon a person.  In Biblical days it was thought to be one of the most demeaning of insults.  To attack a person’s body was a physical attack but to slap a person’s face was to be treated with contempt.  Jesus’ response was not to react with violence or to desire revenge.  The proper way to respond to the one doing the wrong was to resist evil; this requires the offended person to die to himself.  An insult does not have to come in the form of a slap to the face.  It might come from someone speaking badly about you, or getting a promotion before you by undermining you in some way. 

 

This entire teaching is about how an individual perceives himself.  How is the Christian to react to those who do something to him or asks for some type of help?  The response will either be self-centered causing a selfish response or it will be one where Christ is honored with an unselfish response.  Jesus said that anyone who wanted to be His disciple must, “deny himself, pick up his cross, and follow Him”.  When wronged, we are not to react in a spirit of hatred but in a way that shows we have values that are centered in Christ and His kingdom.  Our actions toward those who are unkind to us should be such that it might lead them to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. 

 

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Today is a significant day.  One year ago today the first page of LEARNING DAILY was sent out.  This is page 242 of the blog and day one of the second year.  Quite honestly, I have surprised myself at the completion of a year.  Thank you for being a part of this with me.  My goal, my prayer for this writing is not only to encourage but to teach a little about what God’s Word is saying and its relevance to the world around us.  I have wanted to challenge whoever reads this to get into God’s Word for yourself and to possibly pass the blog on to others.  So, here goes year two.

 

Matthew 5:33-37, “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’  But I say to you, do not swear at all; neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king.  Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black.  But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ’No’ be ‘No.’  For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”   Jesus

 

Jesus’ teaching on making oaths is the fourth of six examples in which He began, You have heard … but I say to you ….”  In this example He is addressing the matter of speech and the way Christians should speak to each other.  Once again, He is concerned about correcting false teaching.

 

Moses faced a time when men were creating chaos because they could not trust one another to tell the truth.  Is there any more appropriate message to examine in our society today!  We live in a day when we just do not know who is telling the truth – all we have to do is look at the political mess today.  I know; I have turned to take a rabbit trail.  But, honestly, just think about it.  Back to Moses.  He lived when the tendency to take an oath in the name of God in trivial matters was easy to do.  Moses was reminding Israel that everything they did and said was being seen by God.

 

The Pharisees and scribes were concerned with the letter of the law rather than the spirit of the law.  They confined the entire matter to not giving false testimony while under oath.  They believed there was no harm in taking an oath as long as one did not willfully make a false statement while under oath.  This opened the door for men to take an oath at any time for any situation.  They also made a distinction between various oaths.  For example, Lloyd-Jones writes that if an oath taken by the temple it was not binding; one taken by the gold of the temple was binding.  The result was solemn oaths were being used in small conversations and for almost anything; this led to an oath not meaning much.

 

Jesus said “let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ’No’ be ‘No.’” and anything beyond this was evil.  He said making an oath must be limited so there was authority behind it.  In this way an oath would mean something when given in a very important situation.  There are some very significant reasons to what Jesus said.  First, He did not want God’s name to be used in making an oath nor in cursing (God’s last name is not Damn, by the way!).  Secondly, He was saying that oaths should not be used in everyday conversation.  We should be known to always speak truth and not have to make an oath for someone to believe us.  If in everyday conversation, our word must be supported by an oath, does that mean that there are times when our word is not good?  Do you remember when one’s promise was established by a handshake?  Not anymore!

 

The message of this fourth example given by Jesus comes to the point we are not to lie.  Everything we do as Christians is important.  People are watching Christians and a lie or wrong action could be what brings one watching to Christ or pushes them away from Him.  I am sure you have heard someone say that if that is what it is to be a Christian, I don’t want any part of it.  That is a sad comment to be said of any Christian.  Sure, we have all failed.  Yet, we need to strive to be like Christ in all we say and do.  When we fail, we must remember that the grace of God is sufficient and He forgives. 

 

It is important that Christians have such obvious virtue or qualities in their character that we do not need to add anything to our yes and no (such as “I promise”) to assure others that we are speaking truthfully and we will do what we say we will do.  That is the point Jesus was making for us today!

 

 

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Matthew 5:31-31 “Furthermore it has been said, ‘whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’  But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexually immorality causes her to commit adultery and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.”   Jesus

 

When was the last time you heard a sermon on divorce?  Can’t remember? Me neither.  It is not a popular topic, but it is a topic Jesus addresses in one of the six statements during the Sermon on the Mount.

 

In Deuteronomy 24:1-4 the Law of Moses addressed the issue of divorce.  The entire teaching on divorce was to control it.  At this time men had little regard women; the result was a man could get rid of his wife for any unworthy reason.  It is interesting that Jesus addressed this issue right after addressing lust.  Lust was usually at the center of “unworthy reasons”.  The Law of Moses limited divorce to natural, moral or physical defects discovered in the wife (Lloyd-Jones).  The law forced a man to give his wife a bill of divorcement which said she was dismissed for one of the causes already mentioned.  He could not change his mind and remarry her which allowed her to marry someone else.  This was to be followed so people could not walk in and out of marriage as they pleased.

 

The teaching of the Pharisees and scribes was much different.  They said the law of Moses commanded someone to divorce their wife when certain conditions existed.  Finding a woman in an adulterous situation resulted in her being stoned to death.  The issuing of the bill of divorcement continued to be done but no reason for the divorce needed to be given in it. It is easy to see how the entire situation got out of control. 

 

The Lord Jesus spoke here and again in Matthew 19:3-9 to correct this error.  In Matthew 19, He gave more teaching to emphasize the sanctity of marriage.  He went back to the teaching in Genesis to remind the people (and us) that when a man and woman married, they became “one flesh” and it should never be torn apart because God had joined them together.  Very simply, marriage was not to end in divorce.  Jesus explained that the Law of Moses was given because of the hardness of man’s heart.  It is important to understand that Jesus was not advocating divorce, He was regulating it.  Jesus taught that there was no legitimate reason for divorce except sexual immorality – one being unfaithful to the other.  The “one flesh” principle had been broken because one person united with another. (Lloyd-Jones).

 

I must admit that verse 32 is a little confusing.  Jesus said that if anyone divorced his wife for any reason other than sexual immorality it would lead her to commit adultery.  How?  It is because any other reason does not break the bond of “one flesh”.  If she remarries the one sending her away made her break the bond and commit adultery.  Jesus made divorce for adultery legitimate and the one divorcing was free to remarry.

 

These verses are certainly viewed from the point of view that the woman has committed the adulterous act.  Be sure to put the context of what is being said into the context of the time.  Today, this could certainly be viewed from the man’ committing adultery and the woman divorcing him.  It is also important to say that divorce is a terrible sin; it is not the unpardonable sin.  I have had discussion over the years with a few who want to believe and argue that God does not forgive those who divorce.  That is simply not true.  All sin except what is considered the unpardonable sin can be forgiven when true repentance is brought before the Lord.  When it is, He is faithful and just to forgive us, to pardon the one involved. 

 

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LEARNING DAILY

 

Matthew 5:27-28, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’  But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”  Jesus

 

The second illustration the Lord Jesus used to teach about the law was about adultery.  The Pharisees had once again taken the letter of the law and reduced it to a particular matter; they had taken the law prohibiting adultery to the mere physical act.  They believed that as long as they did not commit the actual act of adultery the law had been kept.  Jesus did not agree and told them to look upon a woman in a lustful way was to commit adultery.

 

Sin has great power. Sin is not just about actions; it is a matter of the heart.  Lustful desires are not the same as lustful deeds.  However, Jesus made it know from a spiritual point of view, they were equivalent.   What Jesus condemns is not the sudden thought that Satan may place in a person’s mind or an improper desire that arises suddenly.  No, rather it is a wrong thought or desire that is approved by one’s will.  In other words, it is an immoral desire that would try to be fulfilled if the opportunity came up.  Jesus is talking about the heart.  Sin is the symptom of a disease and it is the disease that kills.

 

Many men and women would never consider committing the physical act of adultery but they enjoy the sinning in their mind and imagination.  This has been made very easy for modern men and women; sexual temptation is everywhere due to movies, television, literature, and the internet.  The Christian must be very careful to abstain from watching this immorality.  Jesus reminded His listeners and people today that sin begins in the heart and every action is its expression.

 

Jesus also taught something else in this illustration.  Satan does all he can to pervert what God has given His creation to enjoy.  What God has given is excellent!  Sin changes or perverts the excellent.  Man has turned good into evil by allowing God-given things to be twisted into what He never meant them to be.  The Believer’s response is to get rid of that which has become a hinderance to him.  The Lord’s instruction is very clear.  Get rid of it!  Throw away what causes you to sin.

 

There is no doubt in my mind that the Lord Jesus knows every trial and temptation each of us faces.  The doctrine of sin is not a popular or an easy subject today.  But it must be dealt with.  The doctrine of sin needs to be understood in order to understand the New Testament way of salvation.  The problem lies with the heart where sin resides.  The Son of God came to earth from heaven to suffer and die for the penalty of sin.  The New Testament is clear that a person must be born again and given a new nature – the nature of Jesus Christ.  Lloyd-Jones states, “…mankind is confronted by the holiness of God, by His demands, and, also by the consequences of sin.  It is only the man who is brought to see his guilt in this way who flies to Jesus Christ for deliverance and redemption.”

 

I am so thankful God forgives and throws our sins into the sea of forgetfulness.  Micah 7:9, “He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities.  You will cast all our sins into the depth of the sea.”  God’s mercy and grace is for each Believer.  No sin is too big for Him to forgive.  I thank Him daily for Jesus Christ who has taken the sin and the guilt of whosoever believes upon Himself at the Cross of Calvary. 

 

Be encouraged today by the work of Jesus Christ!

 

 

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