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| − | '''5:1-12 What are these declarations of blessedness Jesus pronounces here?'''
| + | ==5:1-12 What are these declarations of blessedness Jesus pronounces here?'== |
| − | These are what is commonly known in Christendom as the beatitudes. When citing the beatitudes in His sermon on the Mount, Jesus was laying down the principles of the kingdom of God, and it is incumbent upon Christians to live out those principles in their daily walk (cp Mt 5:1-12). The first principle of the kingdom is the first beatitude: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven". The poor in spirit are those who recognise their spiritual helplessness without Christ and forego their own identities as individuals in order to possess the kingdom. They see the kingdom as the ultimate, to be possessed (cp Mt 11:12). The violent here are those Christians who vigorously seek the kingdom in all its power no matter what it costs them. It is the responsibility of every professing Christian to seek unceasingly, in all its manifestations, the kingdom of God. The second principle of the kingdom of God is the second beatitude: "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted". They that mourn are those who are grieved over their own weaknesses in relation to God's standard of righteousness and kingdom power, and are grieved in their spirit over the sin and immorality manifested in the world. They take upon themselves the burden for the souls of sinners and cry out to God for their salvation. They are comforted by receiving from God righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost (cp Ro 14:17). | + | These are what is commonly known in Christendom as the beatitudes. When citing the beatitudes in His sermon on the Mount, Jesus was laying down the principles of the kingdom of God, and it is incumbent upon Christians to live out those principles in their daily walk (cp Mt 5:1-12). |
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| − | The "meek" in the third kingdom principle are those who find their refuge in God and commit their way entirely to Him. Meek is not weak, but controlled strength in gentleness and forbearance. The meek shall inherit the earth (cp Ga 5:22-23). The fourth principle of the kingdom is to hunger and thirst after righteousness. The spiritual condition of Christians right throughout their lives will depend on how much they hunger and thirst after righteousness. The Christian's hunger for the things of God is destroyed by worldly anxiety, deceitfulness of riches (cp Mt 13:22), desire for things (cp Mk 4:19), worldly pleasures (cp Lk 8:14) and failure to abide in Christ (cpJn 15:4). When the hunger for God and his righteousness is destroyed those affected will forfeit their salvation, whereas those who continually hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled. The fifth principle of the kingdom: "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy" means that Christians are to be not simply possessed of pity but are to be actively compassionate toward those who are suffering from sin or sorrow. They mercifully desire to make such suffering less by bringing those people to the grace and help of God through Jesus Christ (cp Mt 18:21-35; Lk 10:30-37; 1Pe 3:8-9). | + | The first principle of the kingdom is the first beatitude: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven". The poor in spirit are those who recognise their spiritual helplessness without Christ and forego their own identities as individuals in order to possess the kingdom. |
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| − | The sixth principle of the kingdom of God is the sixth beatitude: "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." The pure in heart are those who have been cleansed from the pollution and the guilt of sin by the grace of God, and now strive to please and glorify God. They seek to have the same attitude of heart that God has – a love for righteousness and a hatred of evil. Only the pure in heart shall see God. That means they shall be His children and will dwell in His presence now and in eternity (cp Rev 21:7; 22:4). The seventh principle of God's kingdom is to be a peacemaker. Peacemakers are those who strive by their witness and life to bring lost sinners to be reconciled to God. Peacemakers are not simply ones who make peace between two parties, but ones who spread the good news of the peace of God which they themselves have experienced in His salvation (cp 2Cor 5:17-20). The eighth kingdom principle is to suffer persecution for Jesus' sake. Persecutions have been promised as a portion for Christians (cp Mk 10:29-30; 2Ti 3:12). Christians will suffer unpopularity, rejection and criticism, but they are to rejoice when they do. We must beware of the temptation to compromise God's word in order to avoid these experiences, for the principles of God's kingdom never change. All that live Godly in Christ shall suffer, but those who endure it will have eternal life (cp Mt 5:10-12; 2Cor 4:7-11). The kingdom of God is established in the hearts of men and the beatitudes are the principles upon which the kingdom is based.
| + | They see the kingdom as the ultimate, to be possessed (cp Mt 11:12). |
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| − | '''<div id="5:13-16 What do we learn from what Jesus says here?">5:13-16 What do we learn from what Jesus says here?<div>'''
| + | The violent here are those Christians who vigorously seek the kingdom in all its power no matter what it costs them. It is the responsibility of every professing Christian to seek unceasingly, in all its manifestations, the kingdom of God. The second principle of the kingdom of God is the second beatitude: "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted". |
| − | This is a stern warning to Christians to not only be hearers of God’s word, but doers also. In Mt 5:13 Jesus likens Christians to salt, which seasons and preserves. Christians are to be seasoning agents in society to counteract the corrupt world system. If they no longer contain the characteristics to withstand the corrupt world system, Christians are like salt that has lost its “saltiness” – they no longer fulfill God’s purpose in the earth. Like salt that has lost its flavor no longer has any value, they too are no longer of any value (cp Mk 9:50; Lk 14:34-35).
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| − | In Mt 5:14 we learn that as a city built on top of a hill cannot be hid, but its glory is reflected for all to see, so too God’s glory is reflected for the world to see in the good works performed by Christians (cp V15-16 with Jn 14:12-13; 15:7-8). The purpose of all good works among men is to glorify God (cp Mk 4:21-25). Jesus admonishes His followers here to put into practice what they hear. Knowing that the gospel saves is not something believers can keep to themselves – it has to be shared with those who are not saved (cp Lk 8:16-17). Christians have not been given the light of Divine truth to hide it from others – it must be shared with them. What we do with the truth we receive will determine whether or not we will be given more or lose that which we already have, and forfeit our salvation as well (cp Mt 25:29-30; Mk 4:24-25; Lk 8:18). See also comments on Mt 8:18-22, 10:37-38, Mk 4:21-25, Lk 14:28-35,
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| − | '''<div id="5:17-19 What exactly does Jesus mean by what He says here?">5:17-19 What exactly does Jesus mean by what He says here?<div>''' | + | They that mourn are those who are grieved over their own weaknesses in relation to God's standard of righteousness and kingdom power, and are grieved in their spirit over the sin and immorality manifested in the world. They take upon themselves the burden for the souls of sinners and cry out to God for their salvation. They are comforted by receiving from God righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost (cp Ro 14:17). |
| − | This passage is used by many in the church to prove that the Old Covenant has not been completely abolished. That is not correct however, as scriptures clearly teach. Jesus abrogated the Old Covenant by fulfilling it (cp Ro 3:21-22; 10:4; 2Cor 3:6-13; Ga 4:21-31; Eph 2:15-16; Col 2:13-17; He 7:12, 18-25; 8:6-13; 9:11-15; 10:1-10). These scriptures all teach the same thing: the Old Covenant in its entirety has been abolished and replaced with the New Covenant. In 2Cor 3:13 we learn that as far back in time as when God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mt Sinai, the Old Covenant was being prepared for abolition. Moses put the veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the fading reflection of God’s glory in it, which represented the fading glory of the Old Covenant.
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| − | Many in the church do not believe that the Old Covenant in its entirety has been abolished in Christ. They argue that only the ceremonial law has been done away with, not the moral law as well, but as scriptures clearly teach, the entire Old Covenant has been abolished and replaced with the New Covenant. Nine of the Ten Commandments have been reaffirmed under the New Covenant. The only commandment excluded is the fourth commandment – to keep the Sabbath – because its sole purpose was to commemorate God’s deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt (cp Deut 5:15). The Old Covenant was for Israel only, whereas the New Covenant is for all peoples (cp Ex 31:12-18 and Eze 20:9-13 with Hos 2:23; Ro 2:14, 9:22-26, 30-33). See also comments on Ro 3:19-23, 3:24-26 (B), Ro 10:4, 2Cor 3:6, 3:12-16,Ga 4:21-31, Eph 2:15-16 (A), Col 2:14, He 7:18-19, 8:6, 8:10-11,
| + | The "meek" in the third kingdom principle are those who find their refuge in God and commit their way entirely to Him. Meek is not weak, but controlled strength in gentleness and forbearance. The meek shall inherit the earth (cp Ga 5:22-23). The fourth principle of the kingdom is to hunger and thirst after righteousness. The spiritual condition of Christians right throughout their lives will depend on how much they hunger and thirst after righteousness. |
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| − | '''<div id="5:23-24 Who does “brother” refer to, and what exactly is Jesus telling Christians here?">5:23-24 Who does “brother” refer to, and what exactly is Jesus telling Christians here?<div>''' | + | The Christian's hunger for the things of God is destroyed by worldly anxiety, deceitfulness of riches (cp Mt 13:22), desire for things (cp Mk 4:19), worldly pleasures (cp Lk 8:14) and failure to abide in Christ (cpJn 15:4). |
| − | Brother here refers to one of the same nature; fellow man, whether biologically related or not, or whether in Christ or not. It denotes another member of the human race (cp Mt 7:3; Lk 10:25-37; Ac 17:26). Jesus is telling Christians here that before they can commit any sacrificial gift to God they must first make good anything outstanding against them by anyone else. This is God’s law on restitution. God does not want Christians’ gifts until they have resolved all matters that are outstanding against them. Gift refers to anything offered to God (cp Mt 8:4; 23:18-19; He 5:1; 8:3-4; 9:9; 11:4).
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| − | '''<div id="5:25-26 See comments on Lk 12:58-59.">5:25-26 See comments on Lk 12:58-59.<div>'''
| + | When the hunger for God and his righteousness is destroyed those affected will forfeit their salvation, whereas those who continually hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled. The fifth principle of the kingdom: "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy" means that Christians are to be not simply possessed of pity but are to be actively compassionate toward those who are suffering from sin or sorrow. |
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| − | '''<div id="5:29 What does “if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out and cast if from thee,” mean?">5:29 What does “if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out and cast if from thee,” mean?<div>'''
| + | They mercifully desire to make such suffering less by bringing those people to the grace and help of God through Jesus Christ (cp Mt 18:21-35; Lk 10:30-37; 1Pe 3:8-9). |
| − | Opinions are divided among Christians as to whether Jesus is speaking literally or figuratively here, but nothing is to be gained by changing the literal meaning. It would be more profitable to do this literally and enter into eternal life with one eye if our eyes caused us to sin, than to be cast down to hell as a result of that sin, with two eyes. And to further emphasize the seriousness of sin Jesus went on in V30 to include the right hand, and in chapter 18 and Mark 9, He also included the foot (cp Mt 5:30;18:8-9; Mk 9:43-48). Jesus spoke like this to impress upon us the fact that sin is so serious, and hell so terrible, that sin must be dealt with in a radical way if need be, to save us from hell. Every influence of sin in our lives must be opposed and rejected, whatever the cost (cp Psa 101:3; 119:101; Pr 4:27; Isa 33:14-16; 56:1-2; Lk 11:34).Mt 5:29 is a continuation of Christ’s teaching against lusting with our eyes and committing adultery in our heart in V27-28, which provides a ready example of how a man’s eye can lead him into sin (cp Mt 5:27-28).
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| − | The most notable example of a believer’s eyes causing him to sin is King David in the Old Testament (cp 2Sam 11:2-4). Note here the progress of sin: at first David simply glanced down and saw Bathsheba bathing herself, but he continued to look upon her and saw that she was very beautiful; then he lusted after her – he made enquiries as to who she was and arranged for her to visit him; this gave birth to sin – he then committed adultery with her. And this is exactly how the Bible says it will happen (cp Jas 1:13-16). There is no sin in being tempted – the sin is in yielding to temptation. When inner lusts respond to outward enticement, sin is spawned (cp Mt 15:19). Christians must be particularly careful always to abstain from taking pleasure in scenes of immorality such as those shown in films, television or pornographic literature (cp Col 3:5; 2Ti 2:22; Jas 1:12; 1Pe 2:11). See also comments on Ro 6:12-14; Jas 1:13-15. | + | The sixth principle of the kingdom of God is the sixth beatitude: "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." The pure in heart are those who have been cleansed from the pollution and the guilt of sin by the grace of God, and now strive to please and glorify God. They seek to have the same attitude of heart that God has – a love for righteousness and a hatred of evil. Only the pure in heart shall see God. That means they shall be His children and will dwell in His presence now and in eternity (cp Rev 21:7; 22:4). |
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| − | '''<div id="5:31-32 What does the Bible teach about divorce and remarriage between Christians?">5:31-32 What does the Bible teach about divorce and remarriage between Christians?<div>''' | + | The seventh principle of God's kingdom is to be a peacemaker. Peacemakers are those who strive by their witness and life to bring lost sinners to be reconciled to God. Peacemakers are not simply ones who make peace between two parties, but ones who spread the good news of the peace of God which they themselves have experienced in His salvation (cp 2Cor 5:17-20). The eighth kingdom principle is to suffer persecution for Jesus' sake. Persecutions have been promised as a portion for Christians (cp Mk 10:29-30; 2Ti 3:12). |
| − | Here we see that the only ground for divorce between Christians sanctioned by Jesus, is fornication. Fornication refers to any kind of sexual immorality. It includes adultery, incest, homosexuality, prostitution, etc. The only other ground for divorce sanctioned in scripture is desertion by an unbelieving spouse (cp 1Cor 7:12-15). This did not arise as a ground for divorce during Jesus’ ministry, so He did not have to address it. It was left to Paul to do so because it only became evident as the church expanded. These are the only two grounds for divorce sanctioned in scripture, and it is only on these two grounds that the right to divorce is also a right to remarry.
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| − | Whoever divorces and remarries for any other reason causes everyone involved in the divorce and subsequent remarriage to commit the sin of adultery. Everyone is affected – the one who initiates the divorce, the one divorced, and the ones they remarry (cp Mt 5:31-32; 19:9; Mk 10:10-12; Lk 16:18). Here we see the consequences of divorce and remarriage for reasons other than what is permitted in scripture. Divorce and remarriage for any reason other than fornication or desertion by an unbelieving spouse is sin. That may seem harsh to some, but it is what the Bible teaches. It is not the unpardonable sin though – it can be forgiven, and God will forgive it, if it is confessed and repented of (cp 1Jn 1:9).
| + | Christians will suffer unpopularity, rejection and criticism, but they are to rejoice when they do. We must beware of the temptation to compromise God's word in order to avoid these experiences, for the principles of God's kingdom never change. All that live Godly in Christ shall suffer, but those who endure it will have eternal life (cp Mt 5:10-12; 2Cor 4:7-11). The kingdom of God is established in the hearts of men and the beatitudes are the principles upon which the kingdom is based. |
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| − | That is why God commands Christians who divorce for other reasons to remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to their spouses (cp 1Cor 7:10-11). This is a directive to married Christians, and while Paul addresses it from the wife’s perspective, the principle applies to both husbands and wives. The only other ground permitted in scripture for remarriage by Christians is the death of a marriage partner. The surviving partner is then free to remarry (cp Ro 7:2-3; 1Cor 7:8-9, 39; 1Ti 5:14). In all marriages however – not only when a marriage partner dies – Christians must marry other Christians. They cannot marry an unbeliever (cp 2Cor 6:14-16). The reason there has to be restrictions on marriage, divorce, and remarriage in God’s order, is because in the first instance divorce and remarriage were not options God considered in His eternal purpose for marriage. God intended marriage to be a permanent, monogamous relationship between a husband and a wife.
| + | [[5:13-16 What do we learn from what Jesus says here?]] |
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| − | There was no provision for divorce and remarriage whatever (cp Gen 2:18, 21-25; Mal 2:13-16; Mt 19:3-8; Mk 10:2-9). God did not institute divorce and remarriage – man did. God only tolerated it because Moses permitted it, but Moses only permitted it because of the people’s hardness of heart, and that is why Jesus would only sanction divorce for fornication, and not for any other reason. Divorce and remarriage was never mentioned in scripture until Deut 24 where it is presented as a fait accompli – something already established (cp Deut 24:1-4). None of this is teaching that divorced Christians who have entered into new marriages have to divorce their present spouse and remarry the one they previously divorced, even though the previous divorce may not have conformed to God’s eternal purpose. Marriage is in God’s perfect order and He will bless the present marriage. See also comments on 1Cor 7:3-6, 7:12-15, 6:14-16, 7:39.
| + | ''Back to [[Matthew Study]]'' |
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| − | '''<div id="5:33-37 See comments on Jas 5:12.">5:33-37 See comments on Jas 5:12.<div>'''
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| − | '''<div id="5:38-42 How are we to understand this?">5:38-42 How are we to understand this?<div>'''
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| − | This is the code of conduct Jesus stipulates that Christians follow when anyone infringes on their personal rights (cp Lk 6:27-30). Christians are to surrender their personal rights and offer no retaliations to affronts against their dignity. Rather than retaliate, we are to adopt God’s approach and love even those who are our enemies (cp Mt 5:43-48 with Pr 25:21-22 and Ro 12:19-21).
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| − | See also comments on Ro 12:20.
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| − | '''Back to [[Matthew Study]]'''
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These are what is commonly known in Christendom as the beatitudes. When citing the beatitudes in His sermon on the Mount, Jesus was laying down the principles of the kingdom of God, and it is incumbent upon Christians to live out those principles in their daily walk (cp Mt 5:1-12).
The first principle of the kingdom is the first beatitude: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven". The poor in spirit are those who recognise their spiritual helplessness without Christ and forego their own identities as individuals in order to possess the kingdom.
They see the kingdom as the ultimate, to be possessed (cp Mt 11:12).
The violent here are those Christians who vigorously seek the kingdom in all its power no matter what it costs them. It is the responsibility of every professing Christian to seek unceasingly, in all its manifestations, the kingdom of God. The second principle of the kingdom of God is the second beatitude: "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted".
They that mourn are those who are grieved over their own weaknesses in relation to God's standard of righteousness and kingdom power, and are grieved in their spirit over the sin and immorality manifested in the world. They take upon themselves the burden for the souls of sinners and cry out to God for their salvation. They are comforted by receiving from God righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost (cp Ro 14:17).
The "meek" in the third kingdom principle are those who find their refuge in God and commit their way entirely to Him. Meek is not weak, but controlled strength in gentleness and forbearance. The meek shall inherit the earth (cp Ga 5:22-23). The fourth principle of the kingdom is to hunger and thirst after righteousness. The spiritual condition of Christians right throughout their lives will depend on how much they hunger and thirst after righteousness.
The Christian's hunger for the things of God is destroyed by worldly anxiety, deceitfulness of riches (cp Mt 13:22), desire for things (cp Mk 4:19), worldly pleasures (cp Lk 8:14) and failure to abide in Christ (cpJn 15:4).
When the hunger for God and his righteousness is destroyed those affected will forfeit their salvation, whereas those who continually hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled. The fifth principle of the kingdom: "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy" means that Christians are to be not simply possessed of pity but are to be actively compassionate toward those who are suffering from sin or sorrow.
They mercifully desire to make such suffering less by bringing those people to the grace and help of God through Jesus Christ (cp Mt 18:21-35; Lk 10:30-37; 1Pe 3:8-9).
The sixth principle of the kingdom of God is the sixth beatitude: "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." The pure in heart are those who have been cleansed from the pollution and the guilt of sin by the grace of God, and now strive to please and glorify God. They seek to have the same attitude of heart that God has – a love for righteousness and a hatred of evil. Only the pure in heart shall see God. That means they shall be His children and will dwell in His presence now and in eternity (cp Rev 21:7; 22:4).
The seventh principle of God's kingdom is to be a peacemaker. Peacemakers are those who strive by their witness and life to bring lost sinners to be reconciled to God. Peacemakers are not simply ones who make peace between two parties, but ones who spread the good news of the peace of God which they themselves have experienced in His salvation (cp 2Cor 5:17-20). The eighth kingdom principle is to suffer persecution for Jesus' sake. Persecutions have been promised as a portion for Christians (cp Mk 10:29-30; 2Ti 3:12).
Christians will suffer unpopularity, rejection and criticism, but they are to rejoice when they do. We must beware of the temptation to compromise God's word in order to avoid these experiences, for the principles of God's kingdom never change. All that live Godly in Christ shall suffer, but those who endure it will have eternal life (cp Mt 5:10-12; 2Cor 4:7-11). The kingdom of God is established in the hearts of men and the beatitudes are the principles upon which the kingdom is based.
