Anger Leads to Murder

N. T. #47 "Anger Leads to Murder" 

April 12, 2023

Matthew 5-Part 17

LET IT GLOW

After addressing God's commands in general, Jesus spoke about some specific commands. Six times in this chapter He said, You have heard that it was said...but I tell you....  It was so Jesus might offer a corrective to some misunderstandings. (Tony Evans)

He used contrasts between the outward demand of the Law and the inner attitude of the heart desired by God. Christ, the Master Teacher, gave the practical application of genuine Christian character to true spiritual living. (Falwell)

1. Thou shalt not kill. (verse 21; Exodus 20:13)

*When a person kills another with a sword, stone, strangles, burns in a fire, that killer will be put to death; a judgment of the Sanhedrin court.

* Killing is forbidden of ourselves, any other, directly or indirectly, or being any way an accessory to murder. 

*The Jewish law prohibited only the sinful act, not the sinful thought. 

*If we are angry with a brother without a cause, then we are in danger of judgment. 

*Anger may lead to murder, such as was the case of Cain killing his brother Able. God knew Cain's heart. (Matt. 15:19)

*Anger that shows authority, brutish passion, resentments, leads to revenge, then it is vain to do hurt. When one is angry enough to kill another, they may take it further to plot that death; they may not do the dirty work themselves, but in the heart it is murder. Killing is a terribe sin, but anger is a great sin too because it also violates God's command to love. 

So we need to be careful if our heart becomes angry with another.

LET IT GROW

If we are angry with a brother or sister, or use vicious words toward them, we are guilty of breaking the law. That takes God's standards to a whole new level. God not only considers our actions but also our thoughts and words. So God is concerned with the motives of the heart. (Tony Evans)

Anger can continue into bitterness against someone. That is a dangerous emotion that always threatened to leap out of control, leading to violence, emotional hurt, increased mental stress, and spiritual damage. Anger prevents us from developing a spirit pleasing to God.

Jesus goes a step deeper. If we call another Reca, we are calling them empty-headed, worthless. It is an expression of contempt, coming from pride. (Prov. 21:24) This is tongue-murder. If they call another fool or stupid, it is showing spite, hatred. This one is without grace.

The Jewish punishment for those sins included beheaded, stoned, or burnt. (in procession)

We are to preserve Christian love and peace with others and our brethren.

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer; and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. (1 John 3:14-15)

Wow! I have gotten into a bad habit of calling other stupid. I realize this is sin and it must stop. I need to pray for that person who angered me.

LET IT GO

May we watch our thoughts and words and action, Jesus.

Help us be filled us with love and not anger.