From Gary.... The truth may be hard to hear, but it is worth hearing

The crucifixion of The Christ (warning- very intense!!!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CpQie8ks4c

Yesterday, in our adult Bible class, we spoke of the crucifixion of Jesus and what that meant. During the discussion, I remembered "The Passion of The Christ" film I saw at the movies in 2004. It told the tale in very graphic terms (but was criticized for not being graphic enough [hard to believe, but true]). After church, I watched the movie again and remembered the story from the Scriptures. Here is Matthew's rendition...

 Matthew, Chapter 27 (World English Bible)

1 Now when morning had come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: 2 and they bound him, and led him away, and delivered him up to Pontius Pilate, the governor. 3 Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, felt remorse, and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? You see to it.”
5 He threw down the pieces of silver in the sanctuary, and departed. He went away and hanged himself. 6 The chief priests took the pieces of silver, and said, “It’s not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the price of blood.” 7 They took counsel, and bought the potter’s field with them, to bury strangers in. 8 Therefore that field was called “The Field of Blood” to this day. 9 Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah * the prophet was fulfilled, saying,
“They took the thirty pieces of silver,
the price of him upon whom a price had been set,
whom some of the children of Israel priced,
10 and they gave them for the potter’s field,
as the Lord commanded me.”Zechariah 11:12-13; Jeremiah 19:1-13; 32:6-9

11 Now Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, "“So you say.”"
12 When he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. 13 Then Pilate said to him, “Don’t you hear how many things they testify against you?”
14 He gave him no answer, not even one word, so that the governor marveled greatly. 15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner, whom they desired. 16 They had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that because of envy they had delivered him up.
19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.” 20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. 21 But the governor answered them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!”
22 Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do to Jesus, who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let him be crucified!”
23 But the governor said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they cried out exceedingly, saying, “Let him be crucified!”
24 So when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this righteous person. You see to it.”
25 All the people answered, “May his blood be on us, and on our children!”
26 Then he released to them Barabbas, but Jesus he flogged and delivered to be crucified. 27 Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium, and gathered the whole garrison together against him. 28 They stripped him, and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 They braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. 31 When they had mocked him, they took the robe off of him, and put his clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him.
32 As they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, and they compelled him to go with them, that he might carry his cross. 33 They came to a place called “Golgotha”, that is to say, “The place of a skull.” 34 They gave him sour wine * to drink mixed with gall. When he had tasted it, he would not drink. 35 When they had crucified him, they divided his clothing among them, casting lots, * 36 and they sat and watched him there. 37 They set up over his head the accusation against him written, “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
38 Then there were two robbers crucified with him, one on his right hand and one on the left. 39 Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads, 40 and saying, “You who destroy the temple, and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!”
41 Likewise the chief priests also mocking, with the scribes, the Pharisees, * and the elders, said, 42 “He saved others, but he can’t save himself. If he is the King of Israel, let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God deliver him now, if he wants him; for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 The robbers also who were crucified with him cast on him the same reproach.
45 Now from the sixth hour * there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. * 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, "“Eli, Eli, lima" * "sabachthani?” " That is, "“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”"Psalm 22:1
47 Some of them who stood there, when they heard it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.”
48 Immediately one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him a drink. 49 The rest said, “Let him be. Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.”
50 Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit. 51 Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, they entered into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 Now the centurion, and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

If you have seen the video and read the account, I cannot but imagine that it affected you. What will you do now? Begin by reading the following...

Acts, Chapter 2 (World English Bible)

36 “Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.” 40 With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.

I would like to express my sincerest wishes that your heart is moved to listen to the apostle Peter and obey the Gospel of God's Christ!!!  May God bless your positive decision with the correct action!!!

From Gary... Bible Reading November 3

Bible Reading  

November 3

The World English Bible

Nov. 3

Isaiah 29-32

Isa 29:1 Woe to Ariel! Ariel, the city where David encamped! Add year to year; let the feasts come around;

Isa 29:2 then I will distress Ariel, and there will be mourning and lamentation. She shall be to me as an altar hearth.

Isa 29:3 I will encamp against you all around you, and will lay siege against you with posted troops. I will raise siege works against you.

Isa 29:4 You will be brought down, and will speak out of the ground. Your speech will mumble out of the dust. Your voice will be as of one who has a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and your speech will whisper out of the dust.

Isa 29:5 But the multitude of your foes will be like fine dust, and the multitude of the ruthless ones like chaff that blows away. Yes, it will be in an instant, suddenly.

Isa 29:6 She will be visited by Yahweh of Armies with thunder, with earthquake, with great noise, with whirlwind and storm, and with the flame of a devouring fire.

Isa 29:7 The multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all who fight against her and her stronghold, and who distress her, will be like a dream, a vision of the night.

Isa 29:8 It will be like when a hungry man dreams, and behold, he eats; but he awakes, and his hunger isn't satisfied; or like when a thirsty man dreams, and behold, he drinks; but he awakes, and behold, he is faint, and he is still thirsty. The multitude of all the nations that fight against Mount Zion will be like that.

Isa 29:9 Pause and wonder! Blind yourselves and be blind! They are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.

Isa 29:10 For Yahweh has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes, the prophets; and he has covered your heads, the seers.

Isa 29:11 All vision has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one who is educated, saying, "Read this, please;" and he says, "I can't, for it is sealed:"

Isa 29:12 and the book is delivered to one who is not educated, saying, "Read this, please;" and he says, "I can't read."

Isa 29:13 The Lord said, "Because this people draws near with their mouth and with their lips to honor me, but they have removed their heart far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment of men which has been taught;

Isa 29:14 therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men will perish, and the understanding of their prudent men will be hidden."

Isa 29:15 Woe to those who deeply hide their counsel from Yahweh, and whose works are in the dark, and who say, "Who sees us?" and "Who knows us?"

Isa 29:16 You turn things upside down! Should the potter be thought to be like clay; that the thing made should say about him who made it, "He didn't make me;" or the thing formed say of him who formed it, "He has no understanding?"

Isa 29:17 Isn't it yet a very little while, and Lebanon will be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field will be regarded as a forest?

Isa 29:18 In that day, the deaf will hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind will see out of obscurity and out of darkness.

Isa 29:19 The humble also will increase their joy in Yahweh, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Isa 29:20 For the ruthless is brought to nothing, and the scoffer ceases, and all those who are alert to do evil are cut off--

Isa 29:21 who cause a person to be indicted by a word, and lay a snare for the arbiter in the gate, and who deprive the innocent of justice with false testimony.

Isa 29:22 Therefore thus says Yahweh, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: "Jacob shall no longer be ashamed, neither shall his face grow pale.

Isa 29:23 But when he sees his children, the work of my hands, in the midst of him, they will sanctify my name. Yes, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.

Isa 29:24 They also who err in spirit will come to understanding, and those who grumble will receive instruction."

Isa 30:1 "Woe to the rebellious children," says Yahweh, "who take counsel, but not from me; and who make an alliance, but not with my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin,

Isa 30:2 who set out to go down into Egypt, and have not asked my advice; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to take refuge in the shadow of Egypt!

Isa 30:3 Therefore the strength of Pharaoh will be your shame, and the refuge in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

Isa 30:4 For their princes are at Zoan, and their ambassadors have come to Hanes.

Isa 30:5 They shall all be ashamed because of a people that can't profit them, that are not a help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach."

Isa 30:6 The burden of the animals of the South. Through the land of trouble and anguish, of the lioness and the lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they carry their riches on the shoulders of young donkeys, and their treasures on the humps of camels, to an unprofitable people.

Isa 30:7 For Egypt helps in vain, and to no purpose; therefore have I called her Rahab who sits still.

Isa 30:8 Now go, write it before them on a tablet, and inscribe it in a book, that it may be for the time to come forever and ever.

Isa 30:9 For it is a rebellious people, lying children, children who will not hear the law of Yahweh;

Isa 30:10 who tell the seers, "Don't see!" and to the prophets, "Don't prophesy to us right things. Tell us pleasant things. Prophesy deceits.

Isa 30:11 Get out of the way. Turn aside from the path. Cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us."

Isa 30:12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel, "Because you despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and rely on it;

Isa 30:13 therefore this iniquity shall be to you like a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking comes suddenly in an instant.

Isa 30:14 He will break it as a potter's vessel is broken, breaking it in pieces without sparing, so that there won't be found among the broken piece a piece good enough to take fire from the hearth, or to dip up water out of the cistern."

Isa 30:15 For thus said the Lord Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, "You will be saved in returning and rest. Your strength will be in quietness and in confidence." You refused,

Isa 30:16 but you said, "No, for we will flee on horses;" therefore you will flee; and, "We will ride on the swift;" therefore those who pursue you will be swift.

Isa 30:17 One thousand will flee at the threat of one. At the threat of five, you will flee until you are left like a beacon on the top of a mountain, and like a banner on a hill.

Isa 30:18 Therefore Yahweh will wait, that he may be gracious to you; and therefore he will be exalted, that he may have mercy on you, for Yahweh is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait for him.

Isa 30:19 For the people will dwell in Zion at Jerusalem. You will weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the voice of your cry. When he hears you, he will answer you.

Isa 30:20 Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your teachers won't be hidden anymore, but your eyes will see your teachers;

Isa 30:21 and when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way. Walk in it."

Isa 30:22 You shall defile the overlaying of your engraved images of silver, and the plating of your molten images of gold. You shall cast them away as an unclean thing. You shall tell it, "Go away!"

Isa 30:23 He will give the rain for your seed, with which you will sow the ground; and bread of the increase of the ground will be rich and plentiful. In that day, your livestock will feed in large pastures.

Isa 30:24 The oxen likewise and the young donkeys that till the ground will eat savory provender, which has been winnowed with the shovel and with the fork.

Isa 30:25 There shall be brooks and streams of water on every lofty mountain and on every high hill in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.

Isa 30:26 Moreover the light of the moon will be like the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven days, in the day that Yahweh binds up the fracture of his people, and heals the wound they were struck with.

Isa 30:27 Behold, the name of Yahweh comes from far away, burning with his anger, and in thick rising smoke. His lips are full of indignation, and his tongue is as a devouring fire.

Isa 30:28 His breath is as an overflowing stream that reaches even to the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of destruction; and a bridle that leads to ruin will be in the jaws of the peoples.

Isa 30:29 You will have a song, as in the night when a holy feast is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goes with a flute to come to Yahweh's mountain, to Israel's Rock.

Isa 30:30 Yahweh will cause his glorious voice to be heard, and will show the descent of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and the flame of a devouring fire, with a blast, storm, and hailstones.

Isa 30:31 For through the voice of Yahweh the Assyrian will be dismayed. He will strike him with his rod.

Isa 30:32 Every stroke of the rod of punishment, which Yahweh will lay on him, will be with the sound of tambourines and harps. He will fight with them in battles, brandishing weapons.

Isa 30:33 For his burning place has long been ready. Yes, for the king it is made ready. He has made its pyre deep and large with fire and much wood. Yahweh's breath, like a stream of sulfur, kindles it.

Isa 31:1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they don't look to the Holy One of Israel, and they don't seek Yahweh!

Isa 31:2 Yet he also is wise, and will bring disaster, and will not call back his words, but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of those who work iniquity.

Isa 31:3 Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When Yahweh stretches out his hand, both he who helps shall stumble, and he who is helped shall fall, and they all shall be consumed together.

Isa 31:4 For thus says Yahweh to me, "As the lion and the young lion growling over his prey, if a multitude of shepherds is called together against him, will not be dismayed at their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them, so Yahweh of Armies will come down to fight on Mount Zion and on its heights.

Isa 31:5 As birds hovering, so Yahweh of Armies will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and deliver it. He will pass over and preserve it."

Isa 31:6 Return to him from whom you have deeply revolted, children of Israel.

Isa 31:7 For in that day everyone shall cast away his idols of silver and his idols of gold--sin which your own hands have made for you.

Isa 31:8 "The Assyrian will fall by the sword, not of man; and the sword, not of mankind, shall devour him. He will flee from the sword, and his young men will become subject to forced labor.

Isa 31:9 His rock will pass away by reason of terror, and his princes will be afraid of the banner," says Yahweh, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.

Isa 32:1 Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in justice.

Isa 32:2 A man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the storm, as streams of water in a dry place, as the shade of a large rock in a weary land.

Isa 32:3 The eyes of those who see will not be dim, and the ears of those who hear will listen.

Isa 32:4 The heart of the rash will understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers will be ready to speak plainly.

Isa 32:5 The fool will no longer be called noble, nor the scoundrel be highly respected.

Isa 32:6 For the fool will speak folly, and his heart will work iniquity, to practice profanity, and to utter error against Yahweh, To make empty the soul of the hungry, and to cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.

Isa 32:7 The ways of the scoundrel are evil. He devises wicked devices to destroy the humble with lying words, even when the needy speaks right.

Isa 32:8 But the noble devises noble things; and he will continue in noble things.

Isa 32:9 Rise up, you women who are at ease! Hear my voice! You careless daughters, give ear to my speech!

Isa 32:10 For days beyond a year you will be troubled, you careless women; for the vintage shall fail. The harvest won't come.

Isa 32:11 Tremble, you women who are at ease! Be troubled, you careless ones! Strip yourselves, make yourselves naked, and put sackcloth on your waist.

Isa 32:12 Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine.

Isa 32:13 Thorns and briars will come up on my people's land; yes, on all the houses of joy in the joyous city.

Isa 32:14 For the palace will be forsaken. The populous city will be deserted. The hill and the watchtower will be for dens forever, a delight for wild donkeys, a pasture of flocks;

Isa 32:15 Until the Spirit is poured on us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is considered a forest.

Isa 32:16 Then justice will dwell in the wilderness; and righteousness will remain in the fruitful field.

Isa 32:17 The work of righteousness will be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever.

Isa 32:18 My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in safe dwellings, and in quiet resting places.

Isa 32:19 Though hail flattens the forest, and the city is leveled completely.

Isa 32:20 Blessed are you who sow beside all waters, who send out the feet of the ox and the donkey.

 

Nov. 3

1 Timothy 3

1Ti 3:1 This is a faithful saying: if a man seeks the office of an overseer, he desires a good work.

1Ti 3:2 The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching;

1Ti 3:3 not a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;

1Ti 3:4 one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence;

1Ti 3:5 (but if a man doesn't know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the assembly of God?)

1Ti 3:6 not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.

1Ti 3:7 Moreover he must have good testimony from those who are outside, to avoid falling into reproach and the snare of the devil.

1Ti 3:8 Servants, in the same way, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money;

1Ti 3:9 holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

1Ti 3:10 Let them also first be tested; then let them serve if they are blameless.

1Ti 3:11 Their wives in the same way must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.

1Ti 3:12 Let servants be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

1Ti 3:13 For those who have served well gain for themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

1Ti 3:14 These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly;

1Ti 3:15 but if I wait long, that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the assembly of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

1Ti 3:16 Without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up in glory.

From Mark Copeland... Jesus And The Law (Matthew 5:17-19)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                      Jesus And The Law (5:17-19)

INTRODUCTION

1. Up to this point, Jesus has been describing the "citizens" of the
   kingdom...
   a. Their character and blessedness - Mt 5:3-12
   b. Their influence on the world - Mt 5:13-16

2. The next section details the "righteousness" of the kingdom...
   a. The righteousness conduct Jesus would expect of His disciples
   b. In contrast with the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees

3. He begins by correcting any false impression some may have had about
   His relationship with the Law of Moses and the Prophets...
   a. Had He come to destroy the Law and the Prophets?
   b. Are His teachings contradictory to the Law and the Prophets?

[In Mt 5:17-19, we find His answer to such questions. Our first
observation is that...]

I. HE CAME NOT TO DESTROY, BUT TO FULFILL

   A. SOME MAY HAVE THOUGHT JESUS INTENDED TO TOTALLY DISREGARD THE
      LAW...
      1. That His coming and teaching would regard the Old Law in a
         negative light
      2. For the expression "to destroy" means literally to "to destroy
         utterly, to overthrow completely" (VINE)

   B. ON THE CONTRARY, HIS PURPOSE WAS TO "FULFILL" THE LAW AND THE
      PROPHETS...
      1. For they foretold the coming of the Messiah (Christ)
         a. There are approximately 330 prophecies concerning the
            Christ found in the Law and the Prophets
         b. For example, Deut 18:15,18-19; Isa 53:1-12
      2. For they foretold the coming of the kingdom of God
         a. One example is Dan 2:44
         b. Jesus proclaimed the fulfillment of that prophecy was now
            at hand - Mk 1:14-15
      3. For they also foretold the establishment of a new and 
         different covenant for the people of God
         a. See Jer 31:31-34
         b. That Jesus brought in this new covenant is confirmed in 
            He 8:6-13

   C. THEREFORE, UNTIL THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS WERE FULFILLED, JESUS
      TAUGHT THAT...
      1. The Law would be as permanent as the heavens and the earth 
         - Mt 5:18
         a. As He said in Lk 16:17, "It is easier for heaven and earth
            to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail."
         b. There would be no change at all, until it was fulfilled
         c. Not even a "jot" or a "tittle" (Hebrew grammatical 
            markings, similar to the dotting of an "i" or the crossing
            of a "t")
      2. A person's treatment of the Law (while still in force) would
         affect their standing in the kingdom - Mt 5:19  How so...?
         a. Remember that the kingdom has a future aspect - Mt 7:21-23
         b. Those who lived before the coming of the kingdom in its
            present sense (i.e., the church) could still be in the 
            kingdom in its future sense
            1) Note what is said about Abraham, Isaac, Jacob - Mt 8:11
            2) But then notice what was said about the "sons of the
               kingdom," those Jews who by the Law had the right to
               inherit the kingdom but did not appreciate its 
               fulfillment in the coming of Jesus Christ! - Mt 8:12
         -- Thus, one's standing in the kingdom (in its future sense)
            would be affected by their treatment of whatever Law of God
            was in effect when they were alive!

   D. AN IMPORTANT QUESTION: "DID JESUS FULFILL THE LAW?"
      1. If He did not...
         a. He failed His purpose in coming to this earth! - Mt 5:17
         b. We had better observe the Law in its strictest sense! 
            - Mt 5:18-19 (including circumcision, and not eating 
              unclean meats!)
      2. If He did...
         a. He accomplished His purpose! (notice Jn 17:4)
         b. We should not be surprised to find a NEW Law or Covenant
            governing God's people today
      3. Indeed, Jesus must have fulfilled the Old Law...
         a. For there has been changes:
            1) In the priesthood - He 7:11-14
            2) In the Law itself - He 7:18-19,22
         b. As the Law itself foretold, it has been replaced by a New
            Law - He 8:6-13

[Though Jesus ultimately fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, at the
time He was preaching this sermon they had not been fulfilled.  So,
true to His statement in verse nineteen, He taught His disciples to be
faithful to God's Law as it then stood.

But what about the contrasts found in Mt 5:21-48?  Are not these to be
viewed as comparisons between the Old and New Law?  Here are some 
thoughts along these lines...]

II. THE CONTRAST MADE BY JESUS

   A. MANY UNDERSTAND JESUS WAS CONTRASTING THE "OLD" AND "NEW"...
      1. I.e., comparing the "Law of Moses" with the "Law of Christ"
         which would govern His kingdom
      2. This in essence has Jesus teaching:
         a. That the "Old Law" only condemned the outward actions
         b. But that the "New Law" introduced by Jesus condemned the
            inner conditions which lead to the outer actions

   B. HOWEVER, I UNDERSTAND THE CONTRAST TO BE DIFFERENT...
      1. It was a contrast between:
         a. The "traditional interpretation and application" of the Law
         b. The "righteousness of the kingdom" Jesus would require of
            His disciples
      2. In fact, Jesus demonstrated that the righteousness of the 
         kingdom...
         a. Was not only contrary to the manner many had interpreted
            and applied the Law
         b. But was in harmony with the original spirit of the Law as
            given to Moses and the Israelites

   C. REASONS FOR SUCH A VIEW...
      1. The other view would seem strange in light of verse 19
         a. Jesus had just warned against any alteration of the 
            commandments of the Law!
         b. The first view has Jesus doing the very thing He had just
            warned against!
      2. If Jesus was referring to what Moses had commanded in the Law
         itself, it is likely different wording would have been used
         a. At other times, when Jesus was definitely referring to what
            the Law actually said, He prefaced it with things like:
            1) "Moses commanded" - Mt 8:4
            2) "It is written" - Mt 4:4,7,10
         b. Instead, we find Jesus repeatedly using phrases more likely
            to refer to ORAL teachings and interpretations rather than
            the WRITTEN Word of God:
            1) "You have heard that it was said to those of old"
               - Mt 5:21,27
            2) "Furthermore it has been said" - Mt 5:31
            3) "Again you have heard that it was said to those of old"
               - Mt 5:33
            4) "You have heard that it was said" - Mt 5:38,43
      3. In two of the contrasts, Jesus refers to statements not even
         found in the Law of Moses!
         a. "...and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment"
            - Mt 5:21
         b. "...and hate your enemy" - Mt 5:43
         -- Here, Jesus reacted, not to the Law itself, but to the way
            it was often used!
      4. We should also remember that the "Law and the Prophets" were
         just as concerned with the inner thoughts of the heart as the
         Law of Christ is - cf. Deut 6:4-7; Isa 29:13-14

CONCLUSION

1. So Jesus came...
   a. Not to destroy the Law, but to fulfill the Law
   b. Which He did, by fulfilling its many prophecies
   -- That Law has now been replaced by the New Covenant of our Lord

2. In illustrating the righteousness expected of those under the New
   Covenant, Jesus will...
   a. Contrast it with the traditional interpretations and applications
      orally handed down
   b. Demonstrate how our righteousness must indeed exceed that of the
      scribes and Pharisees!

In our next lesson, we shall begin looking at the righteousness Jesus
demands...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Righteousness Of The Scribes And Pharisees (Matthew 5:20)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

           Righteousness Of The Scribes And Pharisees (5:20)

INTRODUCTION

1. As Jesus prepares to contrast the righteousness of the kingdom with
   the traditional interpretation and application of the Law, He does
   so with a strong warning to those who would enter the kingdom of
   heaven

2. Found in Mt 5:20, Jesus warned that...

   "unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes
   and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven"!

[To appreciate and apply what Jesus said, it might help if we first
examined...]

I. THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES

   A. THEY WERE KNOWN TO "SAY AND DO NOT" - Mt 23:1-4
      1. Though they often taught the truth, they did not often
         practice what they preached!
      2. From them many parents got the saying "Do as I say, not as I
         do"

   B. THEY WERE KNOWN TO DO THINGS TO BE SEEN OF MEN - Mt 23:5-7
      1. They enjoyed wearing religious garments that separated them
         from others, and delighted in places and titles of honor
      2. Does this sound like any religious leaders today?

   C. THEY WERE KNOWN TO NEGLECT PARTS OF GOD'S LAW - Mt 23:23-24
      1. In their case, they would emphasize the "lighter" matters of
         the law, while neglecting the "weightier" commands
      2. Or as we would say today, they "majored in minors and minored
         in majors"

   D. THEY WERE KNOWN TO BE LOVERS OF MONEY - Lk 16:13-15
      1. "Mammon" was their god, though they would be quick to deny it
         and try to justify themselves before men
      2. Does this sound like any "prosperity preachers" we see and
         hear today?

[Such was the level of "righteousness" the scribes and Pharisees as a
group.  Not all scribes and Pharisees were guilty of such things (e.g.,
Nicodemus, Jn 3:1; 7:45-52; 19:38-42).

Why must our righteousness exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees? 
The righteousness of the kingdom demands more!]

II. THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE KINGDOM

   A. WE LEARN IN THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT THAT...
      1. We cannot "say and do not" - Mt 7:21
      2. We cannot "do things to be seen of men" - Mt 6:1
      3. We cannot "neglect" ANY commandments of God's law - Mt 5:19
      4. We cannot be "lovers of money" - Mt 6:24

   B. THIS SHOULD SERVE AS A WARNING TO ANY WHO THINK THEY CAN BE
      FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS, BUT DO NOT...
      1. Combine their profession of faith with suitable deeds - cf.
         Jm 2:14-17; 1Jn 2:4-6; 1Jn 3:18
      2. Keep their personal, private lives consistent with their
         public appearance and profession - cf. Mk 4:22
      3. Make diligent effort to observe ALL that Jesus commanded - cf.
         Mt 28:20; Jn 8:31-32; 2Jn 9
      4. Remain free from the enticement of materialism - cf. 1Ti 6:
         9-10; 1Jn 2:15-17

CONCLUSION

1. Without question, our righteousness as citizens of the kingdom must
   exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees

2. But how can our righteousness be consistent with that demanded by 
   our King?  It is possible only by the grace of God...
   a. Whereby His mercy provides forgiveness to those in Christ - 1Jn 1:9
   b. Whereby His strength makes it possible to live according to the
      "righteousness of the kingdom of heaven"! - Php 4:13

In our next study, we will begin to notice the various examples Jesus
gave as to how our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and
Pharisees...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... The Anger That Kills (Matthew 5:21-26)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                     The Anger That Kills (5:21-26)

INTRODUCTION

1. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus challenges us to attain to a high
   level of righteousness...
   a. To exceed "the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees"
      - Mt 5:20
   b. He illustrates what is meant through a series on contrasts
      1) Between what they had heard from those of old
      2) And what He was now declaring to them

2. The first contrast (Mt 5:21-26) pertains to properly understanding
   and applying...
   a. The Sixth Commandment
   b. I.e., "You shall not murder" - cf. Exo 20:13

[How should the sixth command be understood and applied?  Is the actual
act of murder the only thing we need to be concerned about?  Before we
consider what Jesus taught, let's look at...]

I. THE "TRADITIONAL" INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION

   A. NOTE THAT I SAY "TRADITIONAL"...
      1. Jesus is responding to traditional interpretations of the Law,
         not the Law itself
         a. I.e., what had been taught by the "traditions of the
            elders" - cf. Mt 15:2
         b. Note His preparatory remarks:  "You have HEARD that it was
            SAID..."
         c. Referring to oral traditions rather than the written Law
            (cf. earlier lesson on "Jesus And The Law")
      2. Which traditions had likely been accepted by the scribes and
         Pharisees

   B. THE TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION...
      1. Is seen in the phrase "whoever murders will be in danger of
         the judgment"
      2. The term "judgment" likely refers to the local courts of their
         day (see below)
      3. This interpretation may sound fine, but evidently did not go
         far enough in how the Law should have been interpreted and
         applied
         a. Was the Law only concerned about the actual act of murder?
         b. Should the disciples of Jesus also limit their concern to
            actual acts of murder?

[To answer these two questions, let's now take a closer look at...]

II. THE TEACHING OF JESUS

   A. JESUS PRONOUNCED JUDGMENT ON ANGER...
      1. As found in Mt 5:22...
         a. One angry without a cause should be in danger of the 
            "judgment"
            1) I.e., the local courts through Palestine
            2) Which were normally reserved for common criminals
         b. One who calls his brother "Raca!" (stupid, empty-headed)
            should be in danger of the "council"
            1) I.e., the Sanhedrin council
            2) Which was the high court normally reserved for special
               criminals
         c. One who says "You fool!" would be in danger of "hell fire"
            1) I.e., Gehenna
            2) The place of everlasting torment - Mk 9:43-48
         -- The judgment normally accorded to murderers, Jesus deemed
            worthy of those whose anger led to just verbal abuse!
      2. Jesus' teaching was in harmony with the Law regarding anger 
         - cf. Pr 6:16-19
         a. "Hands that shed innocent blood" (murder) are an
            abomination to the Lord
         b. So also a "heart that devises wicked plans" and "one who
            sows discord among brethren" (due to anger)
         -- This being true, the Law should have been interpreted and
            applied accordingly
      3. Thus the traditional interpretation and application of the Law
         fell far short
         a. The "righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees" only 
            condemned murderers when those with hateful emotions were
            just as guilty!
         b. While the righteousness of the kingdom would be in harmony
            with the original intent of the Law
            1) The Law taught to forsake wrath and anger - Ps 37:8
            2) So does the righteousness of the kingdom - cf. Ga 5:19-
               21; Ep 4:31

   B. JESUS ILLUSTRATED THE SERIOUSNESS OF ANGER...
      1. We should not try to worship God when we are "at odds" with a
         brother - Mt 5:23-24
         a. Repair strained relationships with a brother before 
            worshipping God
         b. Just as a husband must treat his wife with understanding if
            he desires to have his prayers heard - 1Pe 3:7
         -- Wrong emotions toward others can "kill" our relationship 
            with God!
      2. We should be quick to "make amends" lest uncontrolled anger
         cause us to wind up in court, possibly prison! - Mt 5:25-26
         a. Many "hot-heads" let anger prompt them to do things that
            send them to prison
         b. But note how those in the kingdom are to act - Ro 12:18-21
         -- Wrong emotions can "murder" our relationships with man as
            well!

CONCLUSION

1. In His first contrast between the "righteousness of the kingdom" and
   the "traditional treatment of the Law", Jesus:
   a. Declared that the ancients did not go far enough in applying the
      Law
   b. Illustrated how it should be applied by those seeking to surpass
      the "righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees"
   -- The "righteousness of the kingdom" is actually in harmony with
      the Law!

2. Jesus also reminds us that there is "The Anger That Kills"...
   a. Improper anger toward our fellow man can "kill" our relationship
      with God
   b. It can "murder" our relationships with our fellow man, and ruin
      our lives in the process
   -- One does not have to be guilty of actual murder to do this!
   
Thus Jesus calls upon us to deal with the anger that often leads to
murder, if we desire to truly be His disciples!  This requires that we
be "born again"... - cf. Jn 3:5; 1Pe 1:22-23

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Nipping Adultery In The Bud (Matthew 5:27-30)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                 Nipping Adultery In The Bud (5:27-30)

INTRODUCTION

1. Though our society takes adultery lightly, it is a serious offense
   in the eyes of God...
   a. He listed it right after murder in the Ten Commandments - Exo 20:
      13-14
   b. He made it a capital offense in the Old Testament, worthy of the
      death penalty - Lev 20:10
   c. God has promised to judge those who are adulterers - He 13:4;
      1Co 6:9-10
   -- It destroys friendships, marriages, and families, contributing to
      the destruction of many children's lives!

2. How can one avoid the sin of adultery?
   a. Is the solution one of just making sure that you don't commit the
      actual act?
   b. Or is there way that one can "nip it in the bud"?

3. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus challenged His disciples...
   a. To exceed "the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees" 
      - Mt 5:20
   b. He illustrated what He meant through a series on contrasts
      1) Between what they had heard from those of old
      2) And what He was now declaring to them

4. In the second contrast (Mt 5:27-30), Jesus addressed the issue of
   adultery...
   a. In which we learn where adultery really begins
   b. And what steps can be taken to ward off committing such a serious
      offense

[On the subject of adultery, let's first note the contrast between...]

I. JESUS AND THE TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION

   A. THE "TRADITIONAL" INTERPRETATION...
      1. The oral traditions of the Scribes and Pharisees certainly
         repeated the written commandment found in the Law - Mt 5:27
      2. But they evidently stressed that as long as one did not commit
         the actual act, one was not guilty
      3. Thereby emphasizing the "letter" of the Law, but not 
         appreciating the "spirit" behind the Law as well

   B. JESUS TAUGHT DIFFERENTLY...
      1. One does not have to commit the "act" to be guilty of adultery
      2. One is just as guilty when one "looks at a woman to lust for
         her" - Mt 5:28
      3. Note:  Not the "looking" per se, but looking "to lust" for her
         is what is wrong
         a. "to lust" means to have a strong desire for, to possess and
            dominate completely
         b. A person may look at another with admiration for beauty and
            not be guilty of "lust"

   C. JESUS' INTERPRETATION WAS IN HARMONY WITH THE LAW...
      1. Notice that the Tenth Commandment condemned coveting a 
         neighbor's wife - Exo 20:17
      2. Even in the time of Job, to "look at a woman to lust for her"
         was considered wrong - Job 31:1

[So the problem begins in the heart (cf. Mk 7:21-23).  If we can
prevent the lusting in the heart (or the "lustful eye"), the problem of
adultery is "nipped in the bud"!  Jesus goes on to say what we should
do with respect to the lustful eye or any other stumbling blocks...]

II. JESUS' PROGNOSIS FOR LUSTFUL EYES AND OTHER STUMBLING BLOCKS

   A. "PLUCK IT OUT AND CAST IT FROM YOU..."
      1. That Jesus is not being literal should be obvious, for one
         could still stumble with the left eye or hand
      2. The key to understanding this passage is found in Mt 18:7-9
         a. The "eye" and "hand" represent "offenses"
         b. Offenses are "stumbling blocks" that lead a person to sin
         c. These would be enticements to do wrong, beguiling 
            allurements

   B. THE MEANING OF JESUS' TEACHING...
      1. "Take drastic action in getting rid of whatever in the natural
         course of events will tempt you to sin" (Hendriksen)
      2. Such should be the case in regards to ALL sin, as well as the
         sin of adultery

[As we contemplate Jesus' words, there are several...]

III. IMPORTANT LESSONS TO BE LEARNED

   A. THE PRESENT IS NOT OUR ONLY LIFE; WE ARE DESTINED FOR ETERNITY!
      1. The future holds the possibility of "hell" (Greek, GEHENNA,
         the place of everlasting torment)
      2. What we do or not do in the present will determine our place
         in the future

   B. NOTHING, NO MATTER HOW PRECIOUS, SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO DOOM OUR
      GLORIOUS DESTINY!
      1. God's goal for us is the "kingdom of heaven" in all its 
         eternal glory!
      2. What on "earth" (such as an adulterous relationship) can be
         worthy of losing that?

   C. SIN, BEING A VERY DESTRUCTIVE FORCE, MUST NOT BE PAMPERED!
      1. Do we need to be convinced that sin (like adultery) is 
         destructive to those around us?
      2. Sin is to the soul what cancer is to the body
         a. Delay can be deadly!
         b. Halfway measures, halfhearted efforts, only give sin time
            to wreak havoc!
      2. "Radical surgery" is what's necessary to treat the "cancer" of
         sin!
         a. Cut off those things that might lead you to look upon 
            others to lust after them
         b. How much better to dwell upon such things as mentioned in
            Php 4:8!
         c. Remove all stumbling blocks that encourage you to sin!
            1) Such as certain books, movies, pictures
            2) Or possible companions, associates - cf. 1Co 15:33
         -- As Paul exhorted the Corinthians , and Joseph illustrated
            by example, "flee sexual immorality"! - 1Co 6:18; Gen 39:
            7-12

CONCLUSION

1. Our families, our friends, our lives, and especially our souls are
   too precious to allow the sin of adultery to destroy them!

2. But if we desire to "nip it in the bud", we cannot be content with
   the righteousness of the  Scribes and Pharisees...
   a. Who may have faithfully quoted the Law to others
   b. But were unwilling to deal with the real problem, which is one of
      the heart!

3. In view of the reality of hell, the eternal abode of impenitent
   adulterers...
   a. Let us be willing to tackle the "cancer" of sin seriously
   b. Performing whatever "radical surgery" might be necessary!

While one may not be able to rebuild the lives destroyed by the sin of
adultery, for the penitent adulterer there is still the hope of 
salvation in Christ Jesus, as there is for all... - cf. 1Co 6:9-11

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011