SIN BEGINS IN OUR HEART (Outline)
February 11, 2007 - EPIPHANY 6 - Matthew 5:20-30
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INTRO: In our politically correct, none offending society—sin is a word that is not to be used very often. At times in our enlightened society sin is ignored, dismissed, overlooked, excused or even denied. There are certain things in this world which mankind simply cannot escape. The two most familiar are death and taxes. One cannot escape sin. As long as there is death there is also sin. "For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son--both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die"(EZEKIEL 18:4). Just as none can escape death so no one can escape sin. Jesus explains: SIN BEGINS IN OUR HEART. I. Our heart harbors hatred / murder. II. Our heart harbors lust / adultery.
I. OUR HEART HARBORS HATRED (ANGER ) / MURDER
A. We are still at the opening of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. (Take time to read chapters 5-7.)
1. In verse 20 Jesus reminded the people that their righteousness had to be the greatest.
2. Jesus wanted the believers to understand their righteousness could NOT save them.
B. Verse 21. The religious leaders taught this: Only the act of murdering someone was a sin.
1. Jesus’ teaching: But I tell you…in verse 22a. God’s word was more important than man’s.
2. Murder begins with anger in the heart that can lead to hurtful words. Verse 22b.
3. Raca = stupid, attacked the head. Fool = moron, attacked a person’s character.
C. Verses 23, 24 present a very specific example of a disagreement. This is not a minor matter.
1. The matter is bad enough to be brought to court in verse 25. Compromise is better than prison.
2. Verse 26 speaks of eternal imprisonment. None, in Jesus’ day, could repay the last penny.
D. You have heard it said, actions speak louder than words. True. The reality is that our hearts scream out long before our mouths speak or hands act. Sin begins in our heart. Our Lord looks at our hearts. Our Lord knows our thoughts. We can be thankful that society does not punish for the secret sins buried in our hearts. This does not excuse us. God looks and knows. We have to admit that we are murderers. It is an age-old sin – brother hating brother, sinful murder in one’s heart. Cain kills Abel. Esau is com-forted in plotting to kill his brother Jacob. We are no different. "Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him"(1 JOHN 3:14b, 15). We cannot deny, dismiss, ignore or excuse what is in our hearts. It is sin.
E. Sin begins in our hearts. Sadly sin does not always stay there. Sin rears it’s ugly head in wicked words. How often haven’t we shouted out words that were wrong, evil, and downright spiteful. These words of hatred were / are meant to harm our neighbor. Once the word escapes our hearts and lips, it simply cannot be taken back. Our gracious God gives us divine advice. "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires"(JAMES 1:19,20). Think before you speak.
F. Murder does not take a knife, gun, rope or other deadly instrument. Murder begins with hatred and anger in our hearts. It is hard to escape. For as long as we live and breathe we have a beating heart that pumps more than blood. This heart also pulses with murderous threats. Thank God that we do not need to depend on our own righteousness to save us. "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becom-ing a curse for us, for it is written: ’Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree’"(GALATIANS 3:13).
SIN BEGINS IN OUR HEART. Our heart harbors hatred / anger / murder.
II. OUR HEART HARBORS LUST (COVETING) / ADULTERY.
A. In verse 27 Jesus repeats with the wrong thought process of the crowd: You have heard….
1. Jesus continues in verse 28 with God’s truth: But I tell you….
2. Pharisees taught that the action of adultery was sin. Jesus taught sin begins in the heart.
B. It was lust in the heart that would cause the eye to continue to look and sin. Think of King David.
1. Walking on the roof of the palace David sees Bathsheba bathing. She is brought to his bed.
2. David has her husband killed in battle. One look leads to an act of adultery and to murder.
C. Jesus now uses hyperbole (an overstatement) to stress the soul-destroying nature of sin in the heart.
1. Verses 29, 30. Pluck out the eye and cut off the hand. Does Jesus teach mutilation?
2. The new man in Christ by faith is able to control the eye and the hand. God gives the strength.
3. If, only if all else fails, drastic steps might be taken to save one from being eternally punished.
D. Jesus wants to remember that adultery does not mean that someone has to climb into the bed of some-one else to commit that sin. Sin begins in our heart. Our society today promotes adultery at every possi-ble opportunity. Sex sells. It is an embarrassment to see the very scantily clad models during the com-mercials shown between television shows today. The adultery lying dormant in the heart can very easily be awakened and lead to a quick, immoral downfall of the unsuspecting soul. There is eternal danger and temptation around us constantly. "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body"(1 CORINTHIANS 6:18).
E. Scripture reminds us that there are many ways to overcome the sins in our hearts. God has the power to overcome any and every addiction that may afflict us. Even sexual addiction can be overcome with the power of God on our side. Think of Joseph of the Old Testament. Pharaoh’s wife tempted him time and again to sleep with her. He refused. Joseph answered the temptress by saying, how can I do this great wickedness and sin against God? Finally Joseph even left his cloak behind as he fled from sin. Flee from sin. "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry"(COLOSSIANS 3:5). We can kill the desires that oppose God.
F. Remember that world around is not so concerned with sin. By God’s free, undeserved grace the be-liever has been made a child of God. We are no longer our own because we have been bought at a price. By faith we now know, believe and trust in the promises of God. We are reminded how the righteousness of Christ covers up all our sins. This gives each one of the ultimate and the greatest motivation to turn away from sin and put behind us our former way of life. "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life"(ROMANS 6:4). Christ buried our sins so that we are raised as new creatures.
CONC.: Temptations abound. Sin is alive and well. Though many try to deny, dismiss, ignore, or ex-cuse sin, sin infects and affects all mankind. SIN BEGINS IN OUR HEART. Looking at our hearts we discover that lurking there is hatred and anger / murder. Deep down and hidden away is lust and coveting / adultery and idolatry. Our gracious God gives us the strength and encouragement to flee. God also gives us the privilege and opportunity to look to him in worship and praise. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things"(PHILIPPIANS 4:8). Troubled by sin or afflicted with an addiction? Think on these things listed in Philippians: true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy! God will give you the strength. Amen. Pastor Timm O. Meyer
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EPIPHANY 6 readings: JEREMIAH 17:5-8; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:12, 16-20; LUKE 6:17-26
