SEMESTER 5
270 – Interpersonal Relationships and Worship
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
OURSE: SOTERIOLOGY V LESSON # 70
SERMON ON THE MOUNT
(INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND WORSHIP)
Read: Mat. 5:21-26
INTRODUCTION:
1. One of today’s great religious failures is to divorce religion from daily life.
2. Men have the idea that one may practice any sin (overt or covert) and yet worship God.
III: The Catholic practices around Mardi Gras.
3. This is seen clearly in interpersonal relationships and religion.
4. There are hearts filled with jealousy, anger, envy, malice, etc., trying and pretending to worship.
5. Our Lord’s message here focuses upon this inconsistency in our lives.
I. THE BIBLICAL CHARGE TO SEEK PEACE WITH ALL MEN
1. Paul regularly enjoins Christians to seek peace. (Rom. 14:17-19, II Cor. 13:11, Gal. 5:22, Eph. 4:3, I Thes. 5:13,)
2. Peter is equally clear in this charge. (II Pet. 3:11, II Pe. 3:14.)
3. John makes this attitude synonymous with personal regeneration. (I Joh. 19-21)
II. THIS DOES NOT MEAN WE ACCEPT THEIR SIN
1. People often confuse the spirit of unity and love with union and acceptance.
2. There is often union and overt acceptance without unity or love.
III:By church or club members envying and slandering.
3. Conversely, we can have peace and kindness without the ability to have union.
4. Problems in doctrine and practice may forbid walking together, but not peace.
5. We may be forced to speak against, or to judge an evil, this does not necessitate personal attack.
III: By the necessity of chastising a child.
III. THIS MEANS WE HAVE A HEART OF LOVE AND COMPASSION AND A SPIRIT OF RECONCILIATION
III: The opposite of this by the lady who said: “I will not talk to him.”
1. If a brother will not repent of a sin, we cannot force reconciliation, but we can:
i. Tell him kindly and personally that we are offended..
ii. Listen objectively as he voices an offense.
iii. Humbly repent and apologize where we are wrong.
iv. Pray (not demand) that he sees his wrong.
v. Avoid spreading strife by improper talk.
2. The man who is offending me may make forgiveness impossible, but I can have a spirit that desires it.
IV. THIS IS NOT AN OPTION, BUT A REQUIREMENT FOR WORSHIP
1. Not a suggestion, but a firm instruction. (It is better to obey than to sacrifice.)
2. It is not a license to give out tongue lashings.
III: “I say what I think.”
3. He did not say if someone reminds you, but if you remember, i.e., you know in your heart.
V. PURGE OUT OR EXCLUDE PRETENSE AND HYPOCRISY
1. Some people assassinate all week, and come to church with a beautiful smile.
2. I do not think this exists in our church now, but if so, I charge the speaker and the hearer: REPENT.
3. Jesus is saying, look not on the outward appearance, but see to your heart, if you hope to serve acceptably.