SEMESTER 5
276 – Attitudes of the Heart and Subsequent Actions
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: SOTERIOLOGY V LESSON # 76
SERMON ON THE MOUNT
(ATTITUDES OF THE HEART AND SUBSEQUENT ACTIONS)
Read: Mat. 5:33-48
INTRODUCTION:
1. The great confusion surrounding Matthew 5, is that men see it as being a system of laws.
2. Some see new conduct enjoined, others codes of reformation. Neither is the case.
3. The issue of the Sermon on the Mount is the heart. Words, deeds and attitudes, merely expose the heart.
III: By thinking your brother a fool, or looking lustfully at a sister.
4. These precepts were not given to correct action, but to expose sin.
III: By the divorce issue, not an improvement or revision of the Law, but an exposure of sin.
5. So it is with the three precepts before us.
I. PERSONAL VERACITY (MAT. 5:33-37
)
1. The word foreswear here means to promise falsely, or purger one’s self in a vow.
2. The word swear means to promise on the basis of “thus and so.” (swearing by something)
3. Their deteriorated practice was to establish an oath by something great or sacred.
III: I swear on my mother’s grave.
4. The practice was to swear upon things over which they had no control.
5. Jesus said a vow should be a vow: Yea, yea; and Nay, nay.
6. Anything more cometh of evil.
i. Of the requirer, accusation of dishonesty.
ii. Of the swearer, vowing beyond control.
II. PERSONAL VENGEANCE (MAT. 5:38-42)
1. First, let it be said God’s Law is not criticized here by God the Son.
2. The Law was holy and just and good, (Rom. 7:12) and to be carried out by proper authority.
3. Here “Resist not” does not mean not to correct or condemn evil, but not to rebelliously withstand. (Rom. 13:2)
4. The precept is this: Vengeance belongs to the Creator, not to the offended. (Deut. 32:34-46)
5. But if we are perfect, as is our Heavenly Father, our attributes will be this:
i. We have no pleasure in the death of sinners.
ii. Our longing will be that they repent and live.
iii. Show patience, turning the other cheek.
iv. Show mercy in not defending self or keeping coat.
v. Show grace in giving coat also.
III. PERSONAL VINDICTIVENESS (MAT. 5:43-47)
1. The word love here is agape. It is love in a social or moral sense.
III: It has to do with conduct not feeling. The good Samaritan example.
2. The normal human tendency is to get even, the right thing is to show love, good for evil.
3. This is, after all, the conduct of our Heavenly Father. The sun shines on the wicked.
4. This refers to God’s love of benevolence, not electing grace, but it shows divine character.
5. Again, I remind you, this is not a Law for conduct which would make them righteous.
6. It is revelation of evil conduct which betrays evil hearts. (Mat. 5:20)
Conclusion: Christ’s exposure of us by showing right precepts, should make us as the PUBLICAN. Justifying righteousness is no less than Matthew 5:48.