9. Consistent with His stated intention of upholding the Law (17-20), Jesus reveals that the customary understanding of six biblical injunctions is inadequate or false and seeks to correct them[1]

9.1. Murder Includes Unrighteous And Unresolved Displays Of Anger Toward A Covenant Brother Or Sister (21-26)

The capital crime of murder is to be applied to those who are found guilty of displaying unresolved, unrighteous forms of anger (incl. unwarranted/abusive speech) in relation to their covenant brothers/sisters[2].

 9.2.  Adultery Includes Sexual Acts Expressed By Those Married[3] Toward Someone Other Than Their Spouse (27-30)

 9.2.1. Injunction # 2: (27) “You have heard that it was said ” = (As discussed), this  phrase was well known within ancient Rabbinic discussion. It (or ones similar to it) were used to indicate that a customary understanding of a particular doctrine, portion of Scripture or precept was about to be challenged as deficient or false[4]. “’You shall not commit adultery’” = The seventh commandment (Exo 20:14; Deu 5:18). Directly speaking, Jesus took no issue w/it. Adultery was still a serious sin that God’s people needed to steer very far from. This is made clear by His comments in (vv31-32 = better to remain in a difficult marriage than commit the sin of adultery in a non-sanctioned divorce). Where however, Jesus did have a problem was in the current[5] understanding of what actually constituted adultery. Popular in His day (not unlike our own), was the view that as long as I don’t have physical sexual contact w/another person’s spouse -or as married person, did not have physical sexual contact with another person who was not my spouse; I could not be considered guilty of this crime. IOW: adultery was only committed when physical sexual contact w/another person had taken place (e.g. Watching pornography: “3 Reasons To Watch Porn Together”, Women’s Health, 2014 – Porn can be good for marriage – not adulterous; “Is Porn The Same As Adultery?”, Covenant Eyes., 2009 – Not adultery though may have the same emotional effects; “Is Looking At Porn The Same Thing As Cheating?”, XXX Church, 2016 – Yes, but not adultery) .

9.2.2. Jesus’ response: (28) “…But I say to you (that)” = (As discussed), this phrase (or one similar to it) was also popular among ancient Jewish teachers. It served as the follow-up to the prior phrase (“You have it heard it was said…”) as the recognized formula for refutation of particular view of the Law[6]. As such, when the Jewish people heard one of their Rabbis (or Jewish teachers) use this phrase (after the previously discussed phrase and its subsequent subject), they expected that some form of correction/change was coming. What however they did not expect, was that the Law (or a particular law) would now be in question. That kind of thinking was the furthest from their mind. As mentioned in prior studies, only a false teacher would propose that kind of change (Deu 12:34-13:3)[7].

 

9.2.3 His corrective instruction: (28) “(that) everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” = The capital crime of adultery is to be attributed not only to those who have had sexual contact with — but also those who have looked upon the nakedness of someone other than their spouse for sexual gratification or have sexually gratified themselves (masturbated) in relation to that individual. That this is indeed the corrective measure being applied by Jesus becomes apparent once we consider:

9.2.3.1. The word translated “lustful intent” (ESV) refers to more than wishful desire (evpiqume,w = desire expressed in actions toward the thing/person d...

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You can’t play the game (be a Christian) unless you are selected by a team.

* The church, as God’s team, holds the franchise keys. Unless the team picks you, you are at best a fan, or a delusional freak. (Mt 16:18-19; 1 Pet 3:21; Col 2:11-14)

* Anyone who attempts to get on the field, who is not on the team, is thrown out as an imposter. (1 Jo 2:19)

* The team (church) has designated coaches (pastors) and players (members) in positions. They must all do their job to be successful. (Eph 4:8-15)

* You should be fired up, and extremely thankful, if God has called you to be a member of the “Super Bowl” worthy team of Denver Reformed Church!

*

You play to win or your time on the team, and playing the game, will be short lived.

* The game is your life. (Phi 1:21; Rom 11:36; 2 Ti 2:1-2; Deu 4:29)

* You train your body for the game. (1 Co 9:23-27; 1 Ti 4:7-8)

* You play all four quarters. (2 Tim 4:7-8; Mt 10:22)

* You learn the playbook and strive to be perfect in your execution. (2 Ti 2:15; Phi 3:12-15)

* You listen to the coaches. (Heb 13:17; 2 Ti 1:13)

* You are committed to the team. (Acts 2:42)

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It’s a game of precision, inches, agony, aptitude and end zones. (1 Pe 5:9; 1 Ti 4:16; Mt 25; Luk 13:22; 2 Co 10; Col 3:1-2; Phi 3:8-13)

9. Consistent with His stated intention of upholding the Law (17-20), Jesus reveals that the customary understanding of six biblical injunctions[1] is inadequate or false and seeks to correct them[2]

9.1. Unrighteous Anger Toward A Covenant Brother or Sister (21-26)

9.1.1. Injunction # 1: (21) “You have heard that it was said to those of old” = Well known within ancient Rabbinic discussion, this phrase (or ones similar to it) were used to indicate that a long-standing or customary understanding of a particular doctrine, portion of Scripture or precept was about to be challenged as false[3]. “’You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’” = At face value, what is stated (here) is true. The sixth commandment prohibits the action of unlawful killing (i.e. murder) as a crime punishable by death – even eternal death (OC: physical death – Exo 20:13, 21:12-14; NC: spiritual death – 1Co 5:1-13; eternal death/Hell – Rev 21:8) [4]. Based however on Jesus’ response, it is clear that the Jews fell woefully short of who was actually guilty of such a crime.

9.1.2. Jesus’ response: (22) “…But I say unto you” = Some have attempted to see this phrase (and those like it in the remaining verses of ch.5 – v28, 32, 34, 39, 44) s Jesus’ point of departure from God’s Law in an attempt to establish His own law for God’s people – in contrast to the OT Law/Scriptures and in superior fashion to that of the former lawgiver, Moses[5]. This thinking is grossly ignorant of:

9.1.2.1. The prior context and its teaching (17-20 – “I did not come to destroy the Law…not one jot or tittle shall be removed…whoever relaxes the least of these…will never enter the kingdom of heaven”). This phrase is therefore to be received as Jesus’ first act of seeing the Law upheld (or fulfilled). If God’s people are going to be faithful to God’s Law (or OT Scriptures), it will require as the first order of business, correcting those particular areas of the Law where the current teaching was wrong.

9.1.2.2. Like its predecessor, this phrase (or one similar to it) was also popular among ancient Jewish teachers. It served as the follow-up to the prior phrase (“You have it heard it was said…”) as the recognized formula for refutation of particular view of the Law[6]. As such, when the Jewish people heard one of their Rabbis (or Jewish teachers) use this phrase (after the previously discussed phrase and its subsequent subject), they expected that some form of correction/change was coming. What however they did not expect, was that the Law (or a particular law) would now be in question. That kind of thinking was the furthest from their mind. As mentioned in prior studies, only a false teacher would propose that kind of change (Deu 12:34-13:3)[7].

9.1.2.3. Jesus is true Giver of the Law (OT Scriptures). Moses was simply His servant and mouthpiece, not the other way around (Jud 1:5; 1Co 10:1-4; Joh 5:45-46). It is no doubt, this very reason that caused the crowds to hear Jesus’ corrective instruction as One speaking w/authority. He was the Law’s original Author and therefore Rightful Interpreter (Mat 7:28-29; Heb 12:2).

9.1.3. His corrective instruction: (22) “…(that) everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment” = Notice, the consequence associated with this action (“angry w/ his brother”[8]) is the same as the aforementioned view (“liable to judgment”).

Notice also, though Jesus is clearly making an association between the anger under question (in v22), and the crime of murder mentioned (in v21), nothing is communicated which would give the impression that Jesus is somehow holding those brought...

* Why a Christian should never vote for a woman to be President.

* Slander / Gossip

8.10. Paul’s problem is not with obligating Christians to the Law under its NC application and empowerment but rather obligating Christians to the Law under its OC application and empowerment

(In re: to application: 1. Justification = Rom 3:20-28 w/Jer 31:33; Rom 10:4 w/13:8-10; Gal 2:11-16, 5:1-4 w/13-14; Act 15:5-10; 1Co 7:19 w/Lev 10:10-11– Bipartite distinction, 2. Capital Penalty = 1Co 5:1-13 // In re: In re: to empowerment: Rom 7:8-18 – “not the ability to carry it out” = BAD TRANSLATION. BETTER TRANSLATION: “no empowerment…” Under the OC there was ability to fulfill, but no empowerment – see Deu 30:11. This changed under the NC in fulfillment of OT prophecy – see Rom 8:1-4 w/Eze 36:25-27)

8.11. God does not extend forgiveness/mercy/grace in relation to people who do not practice the Law.

(Deu 27:26 w/29:18-20; Hos 6:6 w/8:12-13; Amo 2:4 w/5:21-24 w/Isa 1:11-19 w/1Sa 15:22 w/Pro 21:3; 2Co 6:1, 14; Heb 10:26-30, 12:14-15).

8.12. The NT makes it clear that faith alone is enough to justify but not enough to save.

(Rom 2:6-26; Jam 2:14-26; 2Pe 1:5-11).