Matthew 5:21
Jesus teaches that the spirit of the law is more important than the letter of the law, and that our relationship with God is the key to obedience.
Chuck Smith explores the true meaning of the law as presented in Matthew 5:21, emphasizing that Jesus came not to establish a new set of rules but to reveal the spirit behind the law. He contrasts the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees with Christ's deeper interpretation, highlighting that God cares about the intentions of the heart rather than mere actions. Smith encourages believers to focus on the principles of love and righteousness, rather than just adhering to the letter of the law, and to examine their relationship with God daily. The sermon calls for a transformation of the heart that leads to genuine spiritual growth and character development.
Text
Description of Christian (Beatitudes).
Function and purpose.
Relationships to the Law.
He proceeds to give true meaning of law as opposed to tradition.
"Ye have heard how it was said:' "But I say."
How the people were taught the law by scribes and Pharisees. How Catholics taught scripture
(Latin).
"But I say unto you."
I am the one who gave it to Moses.
Christ did not come to give a new law or code of ethics.
We need to note principles. People become too engrossed in examples and forget principle.
We like to have a set of rules and regulations. Principle same in all six examples.
1. It is the spirit of the law not the letter that is important.
Not that "I should not kill" but my attitude should be one of love. If we rely on
letter, we will misunderstand - Quakers and oath.
2. Conformity to law must not be considered in terms of actions only. God is
lust as concerned as to what leads to the action as He is the action itself.
Pharisees interested in act of adultery, act of murder. The desire of the heart.
3. Law must not be thought of in pure negative manner.
Not intended just to keep us from doing certain wrongs. To lead us to positive actions
of righteousness. Some thinks as long as I don't smoke and drink and go to shows, I
am O.K. It doesn't seem to matter if you are jealous, envious or spiteful.
4. Purpose of law not to keep us in state of obedience to oppressive rules.
Promote freedom of development of spiritual character.
5. Laws and rules never end in themselves.
Test:
What is my relationship to God? Am I pleasing Him?
Has God been supreme in my life today? Have I lived to the glory and honor of God? Do I know
Him better? Has there been anything in me today unlike Christ? Thoughts, imaginations, desires,
impulses?
Examine yourself in light of living person.
Sermon Outline
- I. Introduction to the Law
- A. The Law as given by Moses
- B. The Law as taught by the Scribes and Pharisees
- II. The Spirit of the Law
- A. Importance of attitude over actions
- B. The role of desire in the heart
- III. Conformity to the Law
- A. Not just about actions, but what leads to actions
- B. The Pharisees' focus on external behavior
- IV. The Purpose of the Law
- A. To promote freedom and spiritual growth
- B. To lead us to positive actions of righteousness
- V. The Test of Obedience
- A. Relationship with God
- B. Pleasing God in daily life
Key Quotes
“It is the spirit of the law not the letter that is important.” — Chuck Smith
“We need to note principles. People become too engrossed in examples and forget principle.” — Chuck Smith
“Law must not be thought of in pure negative manner.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must examine ourselves in light of living a life pleasing to God, and ask if we have lived to His glory and honor.
- Our attitude and desires are more important than our external actions in following the law.
- The purpose of the law is to promote freedom and spiritual growth, leading us to positive actions of righteousness.