I. A False Interpretation (21-22a)
A. Observing the Law Outwardly
1. Jewish leaders had reduced 6th
commandment to only an act
2. Only judgment feared was from courts
of earth
B. Neglecting the Law Inwardly
1. Jesus said 6th commandment deals
w/matters of the heart
2. “To be unjustly angry and to express that
anger wrongly is just as evil as murdering
the individual”
3. (Not as bad in terms of severity, but just
as wrong)
II. A Fuller Explanation (22)
A. Feeling Anger
1. The Bible records many condemnations
of anger
a. Psalm 37:8
b. Proverbs 16:32
c. Ecc. 7:9
d. James 1:19-20
2. It is important to acknowledge the validity
of righteous anger
a. Psalm 4:4
b. Eph. 4:26-27**
B. Expressing Anger
1. ‘Character Assassination’ (Prov. 18:21)
a. ‘Raca’ – empty head
b. ‘Fool’ – dull or stupid
2. The focus is the spirit in which our words
are used
3. Through our attitudes, we can be as guilty
as if we have committed the very act
C. Judging Anger
1. Jesus’ terms remind us that we will be judged
for our actions as well as attitudes
2. That judgment could be severe (hyperbole)
III. A Favorable Reconciliation (23-26)
A. The Priority of Reconciliation
1. Any outward service is an abomination to God
if done while harboring unconfessed sin
a. Isaiah 1:10-15
b. Luke 16:15
2. We are commanded to take the initiative
B. The Urgency of Reconciliation (25-26)
1. No time should be wasted
2. Swift reconciliation saves us from grief
now and at the judgment
