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Matthew Chapter 5 "Disciples Taught, "The Sermon on the Mount". This Bible Study is
written by Roger Christopherson, and it's transcription/ location is
provided by http://www.theseason.org/plough.htm In Matthew 23 there is an opposite to these blessings, and it is called the "eight woes". To understand one, you must understand the other. Matthew 5:1 "And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain: and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him:" Jesus was now getting away for the multitudes that followed Him in Matthew 4. The ones that He was teaching were His disciples. Matthew 5:2 "And He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying," "Opened His mouth", is an idiom saying that He spoke in the teaching manner. Jesus is now filled with the Holy Spirit of God, and Jesus is now ready to reveal to His Apostles a commentary showing that His teaching is connected with the proclamation of His kingdom. Parts of this address are repeated in His ministry, and as well as the ministry of the Apostles. This address by Jesus became part of the "gospel of the Kingdom", and is given in part in Luke 6, and 7, though many critics claim that there is "discrepancy" between the two, there is not. The later repetitions in Luke were given in "a plain", and after the calling of the twelve Apostles. In Matthew 5, Jesus had called only four Apostles, and the sermon is given on the "Mountain". Modern critics are assuming that the two accounts are identical, and given at the same time, when they are not. Before we give an ear to the critics, remember that they assume the Bible is incorrect from the start. They assume it is by man, and the weight that is given as being from the Holy Spirit, is different then that of a believer. When there is doubt as to the meaning, the error is not in the Word given by God , but in the understanding of that Word by man. Many times we have seen that the translators missed the mark in taking it from one language to another, or even understanding the idioms, and figures of speech of that day. If you're willing to put the time in to Study, with the proper reference, the Spirit of God will lay on your heart the words of His message. Matthew 5:3 ""Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." "Poor in spirit" is in reference to the spirits of this world. There spirit is denying self, and given over to the Holy Spirit of God. Their spirit is part of, and in the kingdom of heaven. Blessed is better translated "happy". From these beatitudes you will become very happy, if your are humble in spirit. Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted," This "mourning" is not for the "poor-me babies" of the world, who cry over every negative thing that comes their way. This mourning is for the deceived of this age, that mourn when they see their own relatives deceived by heathen doctrines that will lead them astray. They are not mourning for themselves, but for the spiritual loss of those who are around them, and in ignorance are blinded by Satan. Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." The "meek" are the "praus" in the Greek; the humble before the Lord. To be humble before the Lord, doesn't mean that you stand by and allow bullies to push you around, but you have reverence before the Lord. You know from where your strength comes. The inheritance for this happiness, is an inheritance and reward which will be given you in the Millennium age. Matthew 5:6 "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." "Hunger and thirst" is an Hebrew idiom, and it means that you have a "strong desire". You have a strong desire to love the Lord and learn from His Word. I know you do, or you would not be reading this book. It is your mind and soul that will be filled with God's Word, and in turn God's Spirit. That comes by studying His Word. Matthew 5:7 "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." The "merciful" are those that have compassion for others. They are not self-centered, but are concerned for the souls of the lost. If you give compassion to others, then you will receive mercy and compassion from our Lord. You set the pace of your own life, as well as the standards, and what is important to you. What you sow in this earth age, you will also reap, and not only in this life, but the next. When you learn to show compassion for others, then you will find pleasure and happiness in this life also. Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Your "Heart" is the intellect our your soul, it is your "mind". When you keep your mind pure, and free from guilt, then you will see God. A pure mind is obtained by flushing out the hateful things of this world, and seeing everything in a clean mind. This gives a new insight of the world and God, and brings you a real happiness. Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall called the children of God." The peacemakers are the ones making peace, even when they are delivered up before the synagogues of Satan. In the final generation these children [sons and daughters] of God are called the elect of God. Matthew 5:10 "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." To be persecuted for righteousness sake, is to be persecuted because of your stand for Jesus Christ, and the Word of God. If you are persecuted because you are a trouble maker, there is no righteousness in that, and no happiness either. When you take that stand for Jesus and the Word, then your rewards will come through your blessings in the next age as well as in this life. Matthew 5:11 "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." These are the ones that are persecuted because they are Christians, and carry the "name sake" of Jesus Christ. Matthew 5:12 "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." In this earth age of the flesh, don't ever weaken, or be discouraged in your teaching or preaching of the truth. In the Companion Bible, that brings forth the Massoretic text writings into the English, there is an Appendix that covers these Beatitudes of Matthew 5, and the eight woes of Matthew 23. The best way to understand each of these; the blessings and the woes, is to see them side by side. The BEATITUDES THE WOES (23:13-33) 1. The kingdom opened to the poor. (v3) 1. The kingdom shut. (v13) (Psalm 40:17) 2. Comfort for mourners (v4). 2. Mourners distressed (v14). (Psalm 119:136) 3. The meek inheriting the earth (5). 3. Fanatics compassing the earth (v15). (Psalm 37:11) 4. Righteous sought by true desire (6). 4. False righteousness sought by (Psalm 42:1,2) lies and moral breakdown (16-22). 5. The Merciful obtaining mercy (7). 5. Mercy "omitted" and "left undone" (Psalm 41:1) (vv23-24). 6. Purity within, and the vision of 6. Purity without, Uncleanness within. God hereafter (v8). (Psalm 24:4) "Blindness" (vv25,26). 7. Peacemakers, the sons of God (9). 7. Hypocrites, and lawlessness (vv27,28) (Psalm 133:1) 8. the persecuted (vv 10-12). 8. The persecutors (vv 29-33). (Psalm 37; 39; and 40) Please note also that these Beatitudes rest on special passages in the Psalms. For every positive there is an negative shown in God's Word. Now we will look at what Jesus says about the law being done away with, by His coming. Matthew 5:13 "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." The "salt of the earth" are His disciples, those who study under Him, and those who came when Jesus said, "follow Me". When you repented and turned from your sinful ways, then you also became the salt of the earth. This is an analogy, and Christ is saying that you are the ones that are to save the kingdom of God, to sprinkle the teachings of His Word among His children, and bring the message alive to men of the earth, bringing the preservation of souls. But if you as the salt, lay bare on the earth, exposed to the elements, you lose your savour, and the salt which was once full of flavour and making a difference, is now bland and of no effect, becoming fit not for preserving, but for the recycle pile. This is similar to the leaven in the bread. If you are a true Christian, then when you put a little leaven [truth of God's Word] in the bread [world], the the world around you [which is the bread] will become leavened, or open to the truth. What Jesus then is telling His disciples is that it is them, and all Christians that He is relying on to make the world salted with His Word. This is not talking about being abrasive, but a man or woman of God that knows how to represent our Lord in this world. We are to make a difference in the world that we live in, and if we can't make that difference, then of what use are we to God? To many people, their salt is given through their systematic financial support of a ministry, or as a prayer warrior. There are many avenues that God can use you, if you study His Word, and make yourself available in the ways that you have. Most of the time, the salt is the least of all the ingredients that goes to make up the food that we eat, however if it is left out, it will change the entire taste and success of the cooking. The amount of salt, or added effort given by the Christian, can make a great difference, as Jesus pointed out with the widow's mite. God will use, and bless what you give from the heart, the first fruits of your labor, in His service. From that gift added to that of other tithes of dedicated Christians the Lord will build His kingdom, and each will share in the rewards equally at the close of the age. That is why your salt is important, what you add to the kingdom; it prepares you for service in the Kingdom to come. You give your tithe after the fact, to the place where you are taught. How much more do you know of the Scripture today then ten, twenty or thirty years ago? If the answer is not much, then you are wasting God's money, and His tithe is not producing spiritual food with any flavor - but unpalatable spiritual food. Matthew 5:14 "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." This is addressed to the "salt" of the earth, the disciples and followers of Christ. The "Light" is the "phos" in the Greek. As long as you have the light of Christ's Word in your heart, people will see it, because it makes you different, when you also are the salt. The salt is what is in you, while the light is what others see coming out of you. When you have that Light of the Word of God, then you are on a solid foundation, and your light becomes the beam that people can and will count on. You are able to help people with counsel and advice in a very simple way. It may be a smile or friendly greeting when needed, but when they know that your words are based on solid truths of God's Word, then those words become an anchor in a raging storm of life. An example of this is when someone around you has just lost a loved one, and they come to you for consolation. By knowing the Scripture on "where the dead are" from I Thessalonians 4, and Ecclesiastes 12:6, 7; you know that to be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord. You can explain this from both Paul and Solomon's writings. This is being a light to the world. Matthew 5:15 "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." The key is to study and to have patience. This verse uses a little common sense. You light a candle to give light, that is the purpose of the candle from the beginning. And when you study God's Word then that knowledge is to be shared with others. Sometimes it is shared in a simple way of everyday life, while to others that sharing can go deeper. We are to plant the seeds of the Word wherever we are, and if the interest is to go deeper, then be ready for it, however if there is strong resistance, leave it alone, it is not the time. However, water that seed that you have planted with prayer. The Holy Spirit will make it grow, if it should. When you allow the warmth of Christ's love into your life, that love has to be felt amongst all those around you. You will give comfort to those that come around you when the Scriptures are more then just words, but promises that you count on and build your whole life around. If we left out the seasoning in God's Word, we would be pretty dull. If someone else tries to put the bushel basket over your light, then do all you can to reverse it, and allow your light to burn and the light to get out. Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Which is in heaven." Why do you let your light so shine before men? That they can see your good works and glorify our heavenly father. That is right, its our good works that must get out, not our faith. Our faith is our actions that are based on our belief, that is sustained by our confidence in God's Holy Word. It is the confidence that we place our hope in, because we trust in God to keep the Word that He has given us through the Prophets. What are your good works? It may be a smile, or the helping of the neighbor when there is a need, or just anything that you can do in the name of the Lord, and with the right attitude. It may even be by the way you help in a ministry, whether singing, ushering, preaching, or just being faithful in your tithe. Whatever your works are, by being faithful in those works, God will reward you well for it. It is to be a light that men can see, for it gives hope in this mixed up world, especially in these end times. In the eternity those works is what your heavenly garment is made up of. Matthew 5:17 "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." Works has nothing to do with the law. The law is the teacher, or school master to show you how to do good works, while your works is a display that reveals your obedience to that law. Your works shows your discipline from God's Word being carried out in your life. While the attitude you have while doing your works shows your love for Christ in your life. Many teach that when Christ came and went to the cross at Calvary, and shed His blood for us that the law was done away with. Jesus Christ Himself declares here that this is just not so. Jesus declared here that; "think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the Prophets", Christ's purpose for coming to earth, was to complete every last prophecy that came out of the Prophets of old. That included the law, for the law was given for guidance for man, and it is as current today as it was three thousand years ago. God knew that man could not keep the law, and that is why He made the provision for man. When man broke the law, and the barrier came between God and man, and certain rites, ordinances, and rituals [sacrifices] were established by God to bring man back to God. These sacrifices were of the blood of sheep, goats and doves, and were a covering, [called atonement] that satisfied the Lord God for one year. The only permanent sacrifice that could atone for mans sin, was a spotless sacrifice, sinless, and the only one that could do that was God's only Son, Jesus Christ. This was known long before the setting forth of the planets. God's plan was even written in the constellations of the heavens. The moment our Lord Jesus Christ died on that cross, the veil in the Temple was parted. Matthew 27:50, 51; "Jesus, when He had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. [50] And, behold, the veil of the Temple was rent in twain form the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;" [51] My friend, this took place when every last rite, ordinance and sacrificial ritual that required a blood sacrifice of animals, (or part of those blood sacrifices) was done away with, for Jesus Christ's death on the cross fulfilled them all. However, those laws that deal with the governing of our everyday lives, were and are still on the books, and they are what God expects the true man and woman of God to follow. Those laws and commandments should be common knowledge to all mankind, for they are what all civilized law and government is based upon. The ten commandments, as Jesus will discuss later in this chapter, are just acting out plain common sense, and when anyone tells you that you don't have to follow the law because it is dead, and then you violate them, then you will deserve what ever punishment is given for it's violation. Behind that veil [called the holy of holies] in the Temple is where the blood sacrifices were laid on the Altar of God. Only the Levitical priesthood could go into the Holy of Holies, behind the veil, and approach our Heavenly Father. Now our love and belief in Jesus Christ, and His saving works on the cross, is what allows us to approach God, with our repentance for our sin, and the changing of our sinful ways. It is beautiful how our Heavenly Father made the way to Him so easy, but the price was very high, for it took the very life's blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. When you refuse that gift, you are throwing it right back in His face, and you will answer for that at the appointed time. Don't spout off in public that you don't need that law, or they will think you are some sort of anarchist. They will think your a total idiot, for it is the law that sets order in all societies, even the most basic, and heathen even set their laws with God's standards. To become educated in the Word of God, puts you many steps ahead of the education of the world. Because your worldly education allows you to understand the methods of the world; and the Biblical education allows you to know what tomorrow will bring, and understand the mind of mankind-- righteous, and wicked alike. Matthew 5:18 "For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." This is Jesus teaching what we have just gone over. Not one word that has been written, or Prophesied in the Scriptures will be done away with, not one. The "jot" is the smallest letter in the Hebrew language, and appears like this " ' ", and it is recorded in the original Massoretic text 66,420 times. It is called "yod", and is pronounced "iota". However the jot, like the tittle have no sound where it is used. The "tittle" is an small ornament that is placed over Hebrew letters, so you can tell the difference between the two letters that are very similar in appearance. It has no sound of its own, but eliminates the confusion of identifing Hebrew letters, such as telling the difference between R = resh [ ], and D = deleth [ ]. Jesus has told us that every marking of the original will stay in place, and apply to God's people, until that prophecy has come to pass, or the law has been fulfilled. Many prophecies are already fulfilled, as well as all the blood sacrifices, and ordinances. Some of the law will not be fulfilled until after judgment day, when we enter the eternal age. Then all sin will be done away with, because the tempter, Satan, and all those that followed his ways will be turned to ashes. The health laws are in place to give us a long healthful life, while living in the flesh. To break those laws, is not so much a sin, but results in poor health, and sickness. When anyone tells you the Old Testament is done away with, mark him well, for they could care less about your soul. The Old Testament tells us more of the end times, our generation, then all the New Testament combined. In fact, the most complete record of the Millennium age is given in Ezekiel, the last nine chapters, and the record of events of our generation are given in detail in the minor prophets. The reason the Christian nations are in the dark as to their far past, is that they reject much of the Old Testament, and they have come to believe the lies of the Kenites. "Those that say they are Jews, and lie, and are of the synagogue of Satan." [Revelation 2:9; 3:9] Matthew 5:19 "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." The blood ordinances are gone, they were finish when Christ went to the cross, but not one of God's laws has been fulfilled. Jesus is telling His disciples and us that that if we break even the smallest law, we break them all. God holds those that go out and on purpose, breaks any of them, the least of importance in His kingdom. Did you get that? "and shall teach men so." I would think twice before teaching that the law was done away with, or if I did, it is time for repentance for you. The breaking of the law does not make the law bad, but it makes man bad. When the law is broken, then we must follow Christ's first words of instruction, in Matthew 4:17; "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Until you repent, you will wear your sins. Being a believer does not wash your sins away. But when you repent in Jesus name, they are gone forever. We sin in so many things, daily, and this is why we must repent daily. We must die daily to our sinful nature, that is in conflict with the new nature that God has placed within us when we accept Jesus Christ. Matthew 5:20 "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." This is Jesus doing the teaching here, and these Scribes and Pharisees are the ones that sit in the seat of Moses, and claim to be the law givers, yet they are the Kenites. We know that five hundred years prior to this sermon, the Kenites, or sons of Satan virtually took over the duties of the scribes, and the Levitical priesthood allowed it to come to pass. This is recorded in I Chronicles 2:55; "And the families of the scribes which dwelt at Jabez [Jerusalem]; the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and Suchathites. These are the Kenites that came of Hemath, the father of the house of Rechab." These scribes were in charge, when the House of Judah came our of captivity in Babylon. Most Pharisees were part of the priesthood, and Ezra and Nehemiah tell us that these Kenites, the "Nethinims" had taken over the Levitical priesthood while in Babylon, and took control over the duties of the priests in the Temple. Those duties were teaching the Law, and the ordinances. By the time of Christ's birth, they had five hundred years to perfect their slant to God's laws, and add many of their own. This is why Jesus addressed them in Matthew 23:2, 3; "Saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: [teaching the law and judging] All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not." In other words, they are hypocrites, and of their father the devil. The law is important to us, and it is for us to know the law, and do our interpretation with the teachings of Christ, for if ye allow them to interpret it for us, it may cause us to miss out on the Kingdom. Our righteousness must exceed the Scribes and Pharisees for the simple reason that their ways are of their father Satan, the devil, and Satan's ways are not God's ways. God gave us the law in His written Word, and examples with that Word, it is for us to know them, and abide by them. Most of God's laws are natural, and just common sense. Matthew 5:21 "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:' " Jesus is getting right down to the basic law with us, Then He states the sixth commandment from Exodus 20:13; "thou shalt not kill." This law is taken out of context, and is becoming a lie as presented in the modern world today. We see the good reverends going out to burn the candles at the executions of murders, and displaying their stupidity of God's Word before the world. If they took a little time to understand the true meaning and intent of God's Word, they would know that as it is translated in the King James, it is incorrect. It is a false statement even, for it is incomplete. Lets go to Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, # 7523; "Ratsach, raw-tsakh'; a prime root; to dash to pieces, kill a human being, especially to murder, to put to death, (man) slayer, murder (er). In the Strong's Greek dictionary it is # 5407, "Phoneuo, fon-yoo'-o; from # 5406, to be a murderer (of), kill, do murder, slay." So lets go to # 5406, "Phoneus, fon-yooce' , A murderer, (always a criminal act [at least initial] homicide, 5407 is the term for a public bandit, 5406 is term for murderer." When we go back and read the sixth commandment again, for what it really says, we see a totally different meaning. Christ has just told us that the law hasn't changed. The law doesn't say, "Ye shall not kill", it states "thou shall do no murder, criminal homicide", and that is the criminal intent beforehand to take a man's life. There is a great difference. "And whosoever shall commit criminal homicide murder shall be in danger of the judgment. God's law spells out the righteous way of dealing with murderers, without a just cause, and this is addressed in Numbers 35:17-21, "The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him." The revenger is the next of kin, and by this righteous act of killing the murderer on the spot, the community will be free of them, "and others will see and these things will cease happening." When blood is shed, it is the innocent blood that we should be concerned with, not the murderer. Jesus is telling us that if you murder, He will judge you. Matthew 5:22 "But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, 'Raca,' shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, 'Thou fool', shall be in danger of hell fire." There is a difference between the English and the Greek, for the word, "brother". The word "brother" is an Israelite by nation and blood; while a "neighbor" was and Israelite by religion and worship, which is called a "Proselyte". Both are of God, and not heathen, for they are attached as God's people through blood by birth, of drawn into the congregation, in their religion and worship. The word "Raca" in the English, is an expression of showing disgust with a person, when it isn't merited. Jesus tells us that it could get you in trouble with those around you. It is a mild form of slander, as used in Jesus day. The "council" is the Sanhedrin, or courts. The word "fool" as used here, is not as we use it today, but in the Greek "moros", and was always considered a wicked reprobate, lacking all spiritual and divine knowledge and values. They are totally void of all spiritual interest, and given totally to the devil. As you can see this is a great deal different then what "fool" means today. The fool is one that is totally sold out to the world. He is one with no hope of salvation, such as Cain in Genesis 4. When we have a dispute between our brother, God tells us to work it out if possible, and if not, go to council [court today, or a mediator that both trust]. God is telling us not to get Him in the middle of our disputes, by calling each other a fool. In doing so, we have taken God's position as the judge over our brother's soul, and then we have judged him to spiritual death. God is then saying, that the judgment that you place on your brother is what He will place on you. {I hope this is clear to you.} Notice also that Jesus added; "Without a cause", you had no reason in the first place to get angry with you brother [sister]. Matthew 5:23 "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;" You "gift" is your sacrifice, which is your tithe, or even a love offering. You want to approach God's throne, and there is a problem between you and your brother [sister], and you are the one at fault. Matthew 5:24 "Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." When you see that you are the cause of the trouble, and you are at the altar with the gift, don't take the gift, but make your apologies to that brother, and then continue with your giving of the gift. You are to make the offer, and whether or not it is accepted, that is his responsibility before the Lord, for you are clear at the throne of God. Just plain common sense will overcome most of Satan's strife against you. First of all, you will know the power that we have in the name of Jesus the Messiah. "Be gone Satan, get out of my life, in the name of Jesus". You can count on God's power being there. Matthew 5:25 "Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison." "The Adversary" is Satan, and he is up there before the throne of God now, accusing each of God's elect, the Christians that have repented for their sins. That adversary is always there day and night. In the Greek, and original text, the word "agree", means to be well minded. To agree is not to submit, but to be smarter then the accuser. When we are in the world, and Satan's territory, we are to be wiser then the serpent [Satan]. Those of the world will continue to draw you into their traps, and we are to be wise enough to avoid falling into them. This even looks forward to the time when we are called in before the synagogues of Satan, in the time of the great tribulation [deception]. When that time comes, we are not to plan ahead of time what we will say, for it will be the Holy Spirit that will speak [Mark 13:11]. Though you think you know what to say, The Holy Spirit knows exactly what should be said, and all you have to do is allow yourself to be the Holy Spirit's mouth-piece. When the Antichrist, Satan does appear on earth, as he will shortly, and many will come to you and say excitingly, "the Messiah is here." Jesus is telling you, don't agree with them that he is the Messiah. Matthew 5:26 "Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing." God's Word, and His plan is perfect. Jesus is telling you not to get ahead of that plan. Most prophets in Jeremiah's day thought they could derail God's plan, for the seventy years of captivity in Babylon, and God saw to it that they would be killed because of it. The whole earth is about to enter into a one world order, with a spiritual religious system with the devil at the head, called the Antichrist. That ruler will be Satan, for Revelation 9:11 identifies Satan by both his Greek and Hebrew names, and being the king that will rule over the earth. It is a fact. "And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon." Abaddon and Apollyon in the English means destroyer, and that is Satan's name. Documentation is in Isaiah 16:4, Jeremiah 4:7, Daniel 8:24, 25, and many other verses. As long as the prince of this world is in power in this world, be well minded, be smarter then he is. Do not allow yourselves to give Satan any of God's glory, just be mute. The paying of the "uttermost farthing" is at the sounding of the seventh trumpet, and the return of Christ. You don't give any glory to any man in this flesh age, for at the return of Christ we will all be changed in the twinkling of an eye to our incorruptible and immortal bodies [I Corinthians 15:50-52]. Matthew 5:27 "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, "Thou shalt not commit adultery:' " This is part of the law again. It is given in Exodus 35:14, and written down by Moses. The law that was given is a physical guide that was given, however, the entire Scripture uses that relationship of husband to wife; bride to bridegroom, to show God's relationship to Israel, and later, our relationship to Christ. This verse then has a more spiritual relationship then most will apply. Because the relationship "brother" and "neighbor" is given, and is used in the Scripture in reference to Israel, only as was pointed out in verse twenty two, we must apply it as Jesus intended. Jesus is talking to those of His bride, and there are many members that go to make up the bride of Christ. So we will see that the rest of this chapter gets deeper into this relationship between Jesus and his bride, His church. It takes the full body to make up that bride, and the groom is Christ, so if the bride commits adultery, then that bride has taken another groom, a false Messiah, and we know that groom to be Satan, the Antichrist. Matthew 5:28 "But I way unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." This word "looketh" is totally different then what is used today in the English. "Looketh" means to gaze with impure desire, it is putting an action of immorality to the looking, and it is called lusting. That is a lot different then looking to appreciate the beauty of someone, or an object. Matthew 5:29 "And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell." What are we talking about? We are a many membered body that makes up the body of Christ's bride. There may be a unit of the body that other parts of the body of Christ are propping up, and giving support to. That is easy to understand, for the home church gives the financial and prayer support to the missionaries that they send into the mission field. It may be a member of the church that is causing the the rest of the church trouble, both by morals, financially, or by what ever means. When one member of that body of Christ "the eye", is causing other members to fall, and turn from Christ's teaching. Jesus is saying that it is better to separate yourself from that one member," the eye" then have the rest of the body of Christ be dragged down with him [her]. Let's take this to another level, say there is a member that is a heavy contributor to the local church, and he has brought in doctrines of demons, such as the rapture doctrine; that teaching can spread like wildfire throughout the entire congregation, and upset the very foundation of God's Word. It can set the entire church up to accept the Antichrist as the true Christ. It is time to do some pruning, Jesus is telling us to separate ourselves from that one, not as enemies, but to admonish him as a brother for false teaching. Jesus would never instruct anyone to mame themselves physically, for this is given in the spiritual context, because the punishment is directed to be cast into hell fire, which is the destruction of the soul [spiritual]. Matthew 5:30 "And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of they members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell." This is not aimed at the individual person here, but a individual group, within the main body of Christ. The application is the same though, that is that the group be cut off from the main body of Christ, so that the main body will not fall because of them. The outcome for not doing so would be for the main body to lose its ministry, and the blessings it receives from God. The clue to understanding the parable given here, is the fact that the "elect" is not the bride to-be, but is already married to Christ, That is what Ephesians 1 is all about. They are the wife of the husband , Jesus Christ. That is why it is called "adultery". Matthew 5:31 "It hath been said, 'Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:" This is part of Moses' law, but not necessarily God's law. The law was given because to the hardness of the hearts of the people. It is documented in Deuteronomy 24:1. Matthew 5:32 "But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery." God doesn't want His elect jumping from one religious thought to another, which are not given in His Word. God is jealous for His bride. Whether it be spiritual fornication, or physical adultery, it is sin; but God said we are to seek forgiveness from our brothers and those we love. Jesus also asked each of us that when we sin, to repent, and that sin will be forgiven. There is only one sin that is unforgivable, and you can not commit that sin, until the Antichrist Satan is on earth, and then you refuse to allow the Holy Spirit of God to speak through you. When Christ said He would forgive All our sins, divorce and adultery is included, so is Sodomy, drunkenness, drugs, and any other things that one could commit. Once we have repented, then we are to turn from that sin. When a person has divorced, and repented for that sin to God, in Jesus name, in God's eyes it is over and blotted out; however many in the Church world like to hold it over their head. That is exactly what Satan does as the accuser before the throne of God. That is the mind of Satan. By bringing up a repented sin, you are becoming the judge over your brother, and though God has forgiven the divorcee [sinner], the one pointing the finger and being the judge, has just accepted the punishment for their false accusation. When its repented it's over, and the Kenite, Satanic mind just can't get it through their mind. When you realize that you have done such a thing to a brother in the Lord, it is time to seek forgiveness yourself. Divorce is what the entire book of Hosea is about. God took two wives, two sisters, and they were called the "the House of Israel", and "the House of Judah". God kept the one, Judah, and divorced the other. Once divorced, God could not remarry, until death reconciled them back to Him. When Jesus went to the Cross, those that repent are reconciled back to Christ. However it won't be until the Millennium age that all of Israel, Christian and Jew alike are joined as one, back to Him. That is what Ezekiel 37 is all about, the joining of the two houses in the end. Matthew 5:33 "Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, "Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths" " Jesus is saying that you have heard in the law, concerning purgery, and bearing of false witness. Jesus is telling us that that should we swear an oath to keep to the oath that we swore by, and when you tell someone that you will do something, keep your word. As we see today in many court cases, two false witnesses can void the law. They can over-ride the law. Though the earthly court is voided, God's divine court will still hold you accountable for your words. Matthew 5:34 "But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne" Jesus is telling you to leave His name out of your swearing all together, for He will hold you accountable to what you use His name for. Matthew 5:35 "Nor by the earth; for it is His footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King." "His footstool" means that God has created all things. Jerusalem is the city that God has married, and it will be the place of His Temple, and eternal city. Matthew 5:36 "Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black." These things are natural, and not of your control. Matthew 5:37 "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay, for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." All that a man of God need to answer is yes or no. That is all. If you have to start off with an explanation, and swear by something to get someone to take your word, that they don't believe you anyway. You might as well keep your mouth shut. The longer your explanation to what your charged with, the more apt one is to giving an untruth [evil]. That is why the lawyers ask the same thing over and over, eventually they hope to catch an error, and destroy you with your own words. That is the mind of the Kenite, and that is also the mind of Satan. Remember, we are to be wiser then the serpent, the Kenite snakes. In teaching the Word of God, it is best to keep it simple, and absolute. Keep to the subject, and the object that is taught, and make your lesson down to earth, and apply to the student's life. Don't use "I think", but only, "it is written in...." and state what the Bible says. If you don't know, then say I don't know. If you don't know it, and can't admit to it, then don't teach. Matthew 5:38 "Ye have heard that it hath been said, "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:" Now Jesus gets into the area of retaliation, and revenge. Jesus is quoting here Exodus 21:24. Matthew 5:39 "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." The wrong teaching of these verses of revenge turns many away from Christianity. The subject here is the law, and how it applies to God's elect. In this section of revenge, Jesus is saying that if someone loses their temper, when you are talking with them, and hits you on the cheek, forgive him for that action. This has nothing to do with someone hitting you for no reason at all. You don't tolerate that, and that is not what Jesus is talking about here. The defending ones self, is called self defense, and is required by law. Use common sense in dealing with God's law, and the teachings and commandments of Jesus Christ. Matthew 5:40 "And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also." If a man sues you for your outer garment, give him your inner garment also. Matthew 5:41 "And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain." This verse comes from an old Roman custom, that if a soldier found his pack to heavy, he could call on a civilian close at hand to carry his pack up to an mile. This was the law. Jesus is addressing this, and saying that when you are called to do so, to go the extra mile. This can apply to many things today, in the requirement that we as citizens are required to do, Jesus is telling us to don't just do the requirement, but be willing to give a little extra when it is needed. Jesus is asking us to set a good example to those around us, to let our light shine before the men we come in contact with, so that they may see our good works, and our Heavenly Father will get all the glory from our actions. Matthew 5:42 "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away." This next law, has to do with the law of "Love". Love is the most powerful thing in the world, as far as controlling your family, and getting along with people. If it is genuine, it is the strongest tool in the world. Matthew 5:43 "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.' " In this verse, don't forget the explanation of the term "neighbor", from verse twenty two. The neighbor is anyone that is like you in religious belief, or worship, and they are called a "Proselyte". They may be of any race, but they love the Lord, as you and I do. The brother is one born of the natural womb of the family. This law of Love, comes from Leviticus 19:18, and it teaches that the love towards your brother should be the same given towards one that has come into our faith, from another race, or the outside. They are to be treated as you would your brother, with the same love and respect. This law was not directed to the heathen, or your enemy. Matthew 5:44 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" But now Christ is addressing our relationship with respect to those out side our religious worship brotherhood. In all of the better manuscripts that are available to man today, of the ancient writing known today, ""Bless them that curse you" does not exist., Even the Vulgate leaves it out, because it has been added by a copier. This is how the Manuscripts read, Christ is saying; "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." And we should, because they don't know any better, and that is your purpose as a child of the Living God. To pray for them, doesn't mean you let them get away with it, but you pray for their souls. This is a common practice of all Christianity. Matthew 5:45 "That ye may be the children of your Father Which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." To be "children of our Heavenly Father", is what Christianity is all about. As a child of God, He will bless us and protect us while while we follow His ways. The beauty and the goodness is on the earth for all of God's children [mankind] to take advantage of. It rains on the just and the unjust alike. Take this in a spiritual sense, and you have the true understanding of Love. God loves all of His children, and the same offer of salvation to you, is offered even to the Kenite, if they will just see the light of God's salvation, Jesus the Christ, and repent. Many of the teachings today that is given out as being from God, is created in the mind of some preacher, or deacon board. God is love, and He offers freedom through repentance. However, many of the rules and systems that are put on Christians, are nothing more than chains, that bind the believer to that system, and set up levels of acceptance. God's love offers freedom and peace of mind through repentance for what ever sin. God says it is finished, over, go and sin no more. He has blotted it out. When it is remembered in the board meeting, or by the members, that is exactly what the accuser Satan does day and night, and you have then become part of Satan's system. It is no wonder that so many people are afraid to approach a church, they don't want a brand placed on them. The Word of God that is supposed to cut the person from the bonds and shackles of sin, in turn places a greater anchor on them. God is love, and He is fair. God understands a person's mind and the condition and state that he is in. God deals with each person individually. God allows the rain to fall on all people alike. We see that one farmer will prepare his seed bed to accept the rain, and use the water to make his seed develop, and his crops grow. While the farmer next down the road, just throws the seed out, and when the rains come, the water washes the seed, and soil down the river. We are to be careful how we handle people with the Word of God, for we can do much damage in our planting of the seed of the truth of God's Word. Just like the farmer that gives much love and care to detail in the planting of his seed, we also should be wise, in the planting of God's seed in the minds of men [women]. That it will be received and grow to maturity. Matthew 5:46 "For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?" Matthew 5:47 "And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?" Matthew 5:48 "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father Which is in heaven is perfect." When we love those that are of our family, and close to us, Jesus is saying that is what the world does, that is what the world expects of every one. However Jesus is telling us that He expects much more that what the world would give. "Perfect" in the Strong's Greek dictionary is # 5048, "Telioo", and means consecrated, matured and fulfilled (in character)"; and that is how Jesus expects His elect to act. He gives us the standard to use for His elect, and that is acting on the principles of "grace", and in conformity with the laws of the kingdom that He is setting down in this sermon. "Grace" by definition is "unmerited favor". The Grace we receive in Christ is that our sins are forgiven, and the heavy price that is required and paid, is paid with God's own Son, Jesus Christ's blood. The grace we are to give is in our love and compassion to those who don't deserve it. When you are hurt or wronged by another person, it is then the love and kindness shown to the one that wronged you. The world doesn't expect it of you, but Jesus is telling us, the if you are part of His kingdom, and claim to be of Christ, He expects it of you. That love and kindness of Christ is what melts away fear and hatred, and draws that soul to Christ.
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