Sermon On The Mount Series - Righteousness

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The Deeper Righteousness Of The Kingdom

I. Anger and Reconciliation (Matthew 5:21-26)

• The Traditional Understanding (v. 21): "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’"

  • This was a clear, well-understood commandment (Exodus 20:13).

• Jesus' Deeper Teaching (v. 22): "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell."

  • Beyond the Act: Jesus goes to the root cause – unrighteous anger, contempt, and derogatory words.

  • Degrees of Sin/Consequence: 

    • Anger without cause: Subject to judgment, what examples of anger with cause can you think of?

    • "Raca" (Aramaic for "empty-headed," a term of contempt): Answerable to the Sanhedrin (higher court).

    • "You fool!" (A more severe insult, implying moral depravity): In danger of hellfire.

  • Key Insight: God sees the heart. Unchecked anger, hatred, and contempt for another person are the seed of murder in God's eyes.

• The Call to Reconciliation (v. 23-26): "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift."

  • Priority: Reconciliation with others takes precedence even over religious rituals (worship, offerings). Our relationship with God is intrinsically linked to our relationships with people.

  • Urgency: "Settle matters quickly with your adversary..." (v. 25-26). Don't let bitterness fester or disputes escalate.

• Discussion Questions: 

  • How does Jesus' teaching on anger challenge our common understanding of this emotion?

  • What are some practical steps we can take to address unrighteous anger or contempt in our hearts?

  • Why is reconciliation with others so important to God, even more than our worship?

  • Can you think of a situation where you might need to "leave your gift at the altar" and seek reconciliation?

II. Lust and Purity (Matthew 5:27-30)

• The Traditional Understanding (v. 27): "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’"

  • Another clear commandment (Exodus 20:14).

• Jesus' Deeper Teaching (v. 28): "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

  • Beyond the Act: Jesus targets the thought and the desire (lust). It's the intention of the heart that matters to God.

  • Lust vs. Attraction: Distinguish between natural attraction (which is not sinful) and lust?

• Radical Measures for Radical Sin (v. 29-30): "If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell."

  • Hyperbole: Jesus is using extreme language (hyperbole) to emphasize the absolute necessity of taking drastic measures to deal with sin. He's not advocating self-mutilation.

  • Spiritual Application: What "eyes" or "hands" might we need to "cut off" or "gouge out" in our lives?

  • Severity of Sin: Lust, though "only" in the heart, is serious because it defiles and leads to spiritual death if unchecked.

• Discussion Questions: 

  • How does Jesus' teaching on lust challenge the way our culture often views sexual desire?

  • How can we cultivate purity of heart in a sexually saturated world?

III. Divorce and Faithfulness (Matthew 5:31-32)

• The Traditional Understanding (v. 31): "It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’"

  • This refers to Deuteronomy 24:1-4, which regulated divorce, preventing casual dismissal of a wife without proper documentation. It was a concession to human sinfulness, not God's ideal.

• Jesus' Deeper Teaching (v. 32): "But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery."

  • God's Ideal: Jesus reaffirms God's original design for marriage as a lifelong, unbreakable covenant (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6).

  • The Exception Clause: "except for sexual immorality" (Greek: porneia). This is a significant phrase, often debated. Porneia is a broad term for illicit sexual activity. It implies a breaking of the marital covenant by one party.

  • Consequences of Unjust Divorce: Jesus highlights that an unjustified divorce effectively pushes the innocent party into a situation where remarriage becomes adultery.

  • Key Insight: Jesus is not making divorce easier, but rather restoring the sanctity of marriage and emphasizing faithfulness within the covenant. He's revealing that frivolous divorce is a breach of covenant, not just a legal technicality.

• Discussion Questions: 

  • How does Jesus' teaching on divorce challenge the prevalent attitudes towards marriage and commitment in our society?

  • What does this passage teach us about the sanctity and permanence of marriage in God's eyes?

  • How can this teaching encourage faithfulness within marriage, even in difficult times?

  • Are there other reasons where divorce is allowable? Where the marriage covenant is broken?

IV. Conclusion: A Higher Call to Righteousness

• Summary: Jesus radically redefines righteousness in these verses. It's not just about abstaining from outward sinful acts, but about purity of heart, thought, and motive.

• The Challenge: Living according to these standards is impossible in our own strength. It requires the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

• Application:

  • What is the most challenging teaching from this passage for you personally?

  • How might living out these teachings impact our relationships, our families, and our witness to the world?

See Video from Bible Project on Wisdom Within Laws About Murder, Adultery, and Divorce in the Sermon On The Mount: https://bibleproject.com/videos/wisdom-underneath-laws