Spirit Of The Law Part 1

The best commentary on the Old Testament is by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. In each case we learn several things, 1) the Spirit of the law, 2) our utter failure to live up to it, and 3) our need for forgiveness and mercy. Let’s begin to understand the intent of the law by its author. Let’s look at murder, adultery and bearing false witness in Matthew 5:21-37.

Murder

What about unrighteous anger and verbal abuse?

You have heard that it was said to those who lived long ago, Don’t commit murder, and all who commit murder will be in danger of judgment. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with their brother or sister will be in danger of judgment. If they say to their brother or sister, ‘You idiot,’ they will be in danger of being condemned by the governing council. And if they say, ‘You fool,’ they will be in danger of fiery hell. (Matthew 5:21-22 CEB)

Unrighteous anger (Proverbs 15:18) may be discerned by what comes out of our mouths, hate words and verbal abuse. It comes all too easily to our minds as we observe other drivers on the road or comment on politicians and church leaders. The opposite of the spirit of murder is valuing human life.

How should we handle disputes?

So if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God. Before you are dragged into court, make friends with the person who has accused you of doing wrong. If you don't, you will be handed over to the judge and then to the officer who will put you in jail. I promise you will not get out until you have paid the last cent you owe. (Matthew 5:23-26 CEV)

Obeying just the letter of the law misses its purpose, love. Jesus encouraged us to reconcile or agree with enemies quickly if possible, lest in an unjust court we lose everything. The opposite of murdering an enemy involves attempts to reconcile, make peace and settle out of court.

The letter of a law leaves loopholes as long as the specific forbidden act is not done. Jesus addressed the principle. Anger is at the root of murder.

Adultery

What about adultery?

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. (Matthew 5:27-29 ESV)

What about inappropriate touching? In the Didache, the ancient church author suggested that a holy kiss was only holy if one did not linger. This is true of a hug as well!

And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to go into hell! (Matthew 5:30 HCSB)

It would be a sin to literally disfigure the body. This kind of teaching is called hyperbolic, exaggeration to emphasize a point. The point is, take drastic action to avoid adulterous thoughts. Don’t look and don’t touch too long. Another point is, we have all broken the Spirit of the law, even if we have never broken the letter.

Is divorce adultery?

It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 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. (Matthew 5:31-32 KJV)

Is all divorce a sin? Jesus’ exception is “porneia,” sexual immorality of any kind, every kind of extramarital, unlawful, or unnatural sexual intercourse. Jesus is stricter than we moderns, but the general principle is: easy divorce is not God’s way.

Lying

What about lies and false promises?

Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ But I say to you, take no oath at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God, nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you take an oath by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. But make sure your statement is, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil origin. (Matthew 5:33-37 NASB)