The American Wisdom Series 
 http://www.americanwisdomseries.com

Presents 

Chapter 5

Caution to students of God's Word - Please remember two things when using our studies: #1. Our commentary is not God's Word. It is only our interpretation or understanding of "His Word" and even though we try our best to be accurate we may or may not be correct. #2. The King James translation, or any other translation, of the original Hebrew text has some words which were given different translations at different places probably because of the interpreters preconceived ideas of what they think God meant to say. For example: According to the notes in the "Drake's Annotated Reference Bible" the Hebrew word hayah in the KJV is Trans. (became) 67 times, (becamest or came to pass) 505 times, (become) 66 times, and (come to pass) 131 times, but for some reason in Genesis 1:2 it is translated (was)! That sure changes the way a person perceives the original creation of the earth, doesn't it?  Gen. 1:2 And the earth was (became) without form, ... Having said that, let us continue with our "Key Knowledge" lessons. These are pamphlets containing knowledge, we believe, you must have to fully and accurately unlock and understand the Word of God.

John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:13-14
[13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. [14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

This Bible Study was originally written by Roger Christopherson,
 published at http://www.theseason.org/ 

Without the leading by the Holy Spirit, there is no understanding of the truths, for all the truth of the Scriptures are revealed to us by God's Spirit.

 Now here is our revised study of:

The

GOSPEL ACCORDING TO

MATTHEW 

Chapter 5

Matthew Chapter 5

"Disciples Taught, "The Sermon on the Mount".

Additional Suggested Study: Companion Bible Appendix 126, Beatitudes

In Matthew 23 there is an opposite to these blessings, and it is called the "eight woes". To understand one, you must understand the other.

Matthew 5:1 "And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain: and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him:"

Jesus was now getting away from the multitudes that followed Him in Matthew 4. The ones that He was teaching were His disciples.

Matthew 5:2 "And He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying,"

"Opened His mouth", is an idiom saying that He spoke in the teaching manner. Jesus is now filled with the Holy Spirit of God, and Jesus is now ready to reveal to His Apostles a commentary showing that His teaching is connected with the proclamation of His kingdom. Parts of this address are repeated in His ministry, as well as the ministry of the Apostles. This address by Jesus became part of the "gospel of the Kingdom", and is given in part in Luke 6, and 7, though many critics claim that there is "discrepancy" between the two, there is not. The later repetitions in Luke were given in "a plain", and after the calling of the twelve Apostles. In Matthew 5, Jesus had called only four Apostles, and the sermon is given on the "Mountain". Modern critics are assuming that the two accounts are identical, and given at the same time, when they are not.

Before we give an ear to the critics, remember that they assume the Bible is incorrect from the start. They assume it is by man, and the weight that is given as being from the Holy Spirit, is different then that of a believer. When there is doubt as to the meaning, the error is not in the Word given by God, but in the understanding of that Word by man. Many times we have seen that the translators missed the mark in taking it from one language to another, or even understanding the idioms, and figures of speech of that day. If you're willing to put the time in to Study, with the proper reference msterial help, the Spirit of God will lay on your heart the words of His message.

Matthew 5:3 ""Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

"Poor in spirit" is in reference to the spirits of this world. There spirit is denying self, and given over to the Holy Spirit of God. Their spirit is part of, and in the kingdom of heaven. Blessed is better translated "happy". From these beatitudes you will become very happy, if you are humble in spirit.

Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted,"

This "mourning" is not for the "poor-me babies" of the world, who cry over every negative thing that comes their way. This mourning is for the deceived of this age, that mourn when they see their own relatives deceived by heathen doctrines that will lead them astray. They are not mourning for themselves, but for the spiritual loss of those who are around them, and in ignorance are blinded by Satan.

Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."

The "meek" are the "praus" in the Greek; the humble before the Lord. To be humble before the Lord, doesn't mean that you stand by and allow bullies to push you around, but you have reverence before the Lord. You know from where your strength comes. The inheritance for this happiness, is an inheritance and reward which will be given you in the Millennium age.

Matthew 5:6 "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."

"Hunger and thirst" is an Hebrew idiom, and it means that you have a "strong desire". You have a strong desire to love the Lord and learn from His Word. I know you do, or you would not be reading this book. It is your mind and soul that will be filled with God's Word, and in turn God's Spirit. That comes by studying His Word.

Matthew 5:7 "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."

The "merciful" are those that have compassion for others. They are not self-centered, but are concerned for the souls of the lost. If you give compassion to others, then you will receive mercy and compassion from our Lord. You set the pace of your own life, as well as the standards, and what is important to you. What you sow in this earth age, you will also reap, and not only in this life, but the next. When you learn to show compassion for others, then you will find pleasure and happiness in this life also.

Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."

Your "Heart" is the intellect or your soul, it is your "mind". When you keep your mind pure, and free from guilt, then you will see God. A pure mind is obtained by flushing out the hateful things of this world, and seeing everything in a clean mind. This gives a new insight of the world and God, and brings you a real happiness.

Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall called the children of God."

The peacemakers are the ones making peace, even when they are delivered up before the synagogues of Satan. In the final generation these children [sons and daughters] of God are called the elect of God.

Matthew 5:10 "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

To be persecuted for righteousness sake, is to be persecuted because of your stand for Jesus Christ, and the Word of God. If you are persecuted because you are a trouble maker, there is no righteousness in that, and no happiness either. When you take that stand for Jesus and the Word, then your rewards will come through your blessings in the next age as well as in this life.

Matthew 5:11 "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."

These are the ones that are persecuted because they are Christians, and carry the "name sake" of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 5:12 "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

In this earth age of the flesh, don't ever weaken, or be discouraged in your teaching or preaching of the truth.

In the Companion Bible, that brings forth the Massoretic text writings into the English, there is an Appendix that covers these Beatitudes of Matthew 5, and the eight woes of Matthew 23. The best way to understand each of these; the blessings and the woes, is to see them side by side.

The BEATITUDES THE WOES (23:13-33)

1. The kingdom opened to the poor. (v3) 1. The kingdom shut. (v13)

(Psalm 40:17)

2. Comfort for mourners (v4). 2. Mourners distressed (v14).

(Psalm 119:136)

3. The meek inheriting the earth (5). 3. Fanatics compassing the earth (v15).

(Psalm 37:11)

4. Righteous sought by true desire (6). 4. False righteousness sought by

(Psalm 42:1,2) lies and moral breakdown (16-22).

5. The Merciful obtaining mercy (7). 5. Mercy "omitted" and "left undone" (Psalm 41:1) (vv23-24).

6. Purity within, and the vision of 6. Purity without, Uncleanness within.

God hereafter (v8). (Psalm 24:4) "Blindness" (vv25,26).

7. Peacemakers, the sons of God (9). 7. Hypocrites, and lawlessness (vv27,28)

(Psalm 133:1)

8. the persecuted (vv 10-12). 8. The persecutors (vv 29-33).

(Psalm 37; 39; and 40)

Please note also that these Beatitudes rest on special passages in the Psalms. For every positive there is an negative shown in God's Word.

Now we will look at what Jesus says about the law being done away with, by His coming.

Matthew 5:13 "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."

The "salt of the earth" are His disciples, those who study under Him, and those who came when Jesus said, "follow Me". When you repented and turned from your sinful ways, then you also became the salt of the earth. This is an analogy, and Christ is saying that you are the ones that are to save the kingdom of God, to sprinkle the teachings of His Word among His children, and bring the message alive to men of the earth, bringing the preservation of souls.

But if you as the salt, lay bare on the earth, exposed to the elements, you lose your savour, and the salt which was once full of flavour and making a difference, is now bland and of no effect, becoming fit not for preserving, but for the recycle pile.

This is similar to the leaven in the bread. If you are a true Christian, then when you put a little leaven [truth of God's Word] in the bread [world], the the world around you [which is the bread] will become leavened, or open to the truth.

What Jesus then is telling His disciples is that it is them, and all Christians that He is relying on to make the world salted with His Word. This is not talking about being abrasive, but a man or woman of God that knows how to represent our Lord in this world. We are to make a difference in the world that we live in, and if we can't make that difference, then of what use are we to God? To many people, their salt is given through their systematic financial support of a ministry, or as a prayer warrior. There are many avenues that God can use you, if you study His Word, and make yourself available in the ways that you have.

Most of the time, the salt is the least of all the ingredients that goes to make up the food that we eat, however if it is left out, it will change the entire taste and success of the cooking. The amount of salt, or added effort given by the Christian, can make a great difference, as Jesus pointed out with the widow's mite. God will use, and bless what you give from the heart, the first fruits of your labor, in His service. From that gift added to that of other tithes of dedicated Christians the Lord will build His kingdom, and each will share in the rewards equally at the close of the age. That is why your salt is important, what you add to the kingdom; it prepares you for service in the Kingdom to come. You give your tithe after the fact, to the place where you are taught.

How much more do you know of the Scripture today then ten, twenty or thirty years ago? If the answer is not much, then you are wasting God's money, and His tithe is not producing spiritual food with any flavor - but unpalatable spiritual food.

Matthew 5:14 "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."

This is addressed to the "salt" of the earth, the disciples and followers of Christ. The "Light" is the "phos" in the Greek. As long as you have the light of Christ's Word in your heart, people will see it, because it makes you different, when you also are the salt. The salt is what is in you, while the light is what others see coming out of you.

When you have that Light of the Word of God, then you are on a solid foundation, and your light becomes the beam that people can and will count on. You are able to help people with counsel and advice in a very simple way. It may be a smile or friendly greeting when needed, but when they know that your words are based on solid truths of God's Word, then those words become an anchor in a raging storm of life.

An example of this is when someone around you has just lost a loved one, and they come to you for consolation. By knowing the Scripture on "where the dead are" from I Thessalonians 4, and Ecclesiastes 12:6, 7; you know that to be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord. You can explain this from both Paul and Solomon's writings. This is being a light to the world.

Matthew 5:15 "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house."

The key is to study and to have patience. This verse uses a little common sense. You light a candle to give light, that is the purpose of the candle from the beginning. And when you study God's Word then that knowledge is to be shared with others. Sometimes it is shared in a simple way of everyday life, while to others that sharing can go deeper. We are to plant the seeds of the Word wherever we are, and if the interest is to go deeper, then be ready for it, however if there is strong resistance, leave it alone, it is not the time. However, water that seed that you have planted with prayer. The Holy Spirit will make it grow, if it should.

When you allow the warmth of Christ's love into your life, that love has to be felt amongst all those around you. You will give comfort to those that come around you when the Scriptures are more then just words, but promises that you count on and build your whole life around. If we left out the seasoning in God's Word, we would be pretty dull. If someone else tries to put the bushel basket over your light, then do all you can to reverse it, and allow your light to burn and the light to get out.

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Which is in heaven."

Why do you let your light so shine before men? That they can see your good works and glorify our heavenly father. That is right, its our good works that must get out, not our faith. Our faith is our actions that are based on our belief, that is sustained by our confidence in God's Holy Word. It is the confidence that we place our hope in, because we trust in God to keep the Word that He has given us through the Prophets.

What are your good works? It may be a smile, or the helping of the neighbor when there is a need, or just anything that you can do in the name of the Lord, and with the right attitude. It may even be by the way you help in a ministry, whether singing, ushering, preaching, or just being faithful in your tithe. Whatever your works are, by being faithful in those works, God will reward you well for it. It is to be a light that men can see, for it gives hope in this mixed up world, especially in these end times. In the eternity those works is what your heavenly garment is made up of.

Matthew 5:17 "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."

Works has nothing to do with the law. The law is the teacher, or school master to show you how to do good works, while your works is a display that reveals your obedience to that law. Your works shows your discipline from God's Word being carried out in your life. While the attitude you have while doing your works shows your love for Christ in your life.

Many teach that when Christ came and went to the cross at Calvary, and shed His blood for us that the law was done away with. Jesus Christ Himself declares here that this is just not so. Jesus declared here that; "think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the Prophets", Christ's purpose for coming to earth, was to complete every last prophecy that came out of the Prophets of old. That included the law, for the law was given for guidance for man, and it is as current today as it was three thousand years ago.

God knew that man could not keep the law, and that is why He made the provision for man. When man broke the law, and the barrier came between God and man, and certain rites, ordinances, and rituals [sacrifices] were established by God to bring man back to God. These sacrifices were of the blood of sheep, goats and doves, and were a covering, [called atonement] that satisfied the Lord God for one year.

The only permanent sacrifice that could atone for mans sin, was a spotless sacrifice, sinless, and the only one that could do that was God's only Son, Jesus Christ. This was known long before the setting forth of the planets. God's plan was even written in the constellations of the heavens. The moment our Lord Jesus Christ died on that cross, the veil in the Temple was parted.

Matthew 27:50, 51; "Jesus, when He had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.[50] And, behold, the veil of the Temple was rent in twain form the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;" [51]

My friend, this took place when every last rite, ordinance and sacrificial ritual that required a blood sacrifice of animals, (or part of those blood sacrifices) was done away with, for Jesus Christ's death on the cross fulfilled them all. However, those laws that deal with the governing of our everyday lives, were and are still on the books, and they are what God expects the true man and woman of God to follow. Those laws and commandments should be common knowledge to all mankind, for they are what all civilized law and government is based upon. The ten commandments, as Jesus will discuss later in this chapter, are just acting out plain common sense, and when anyone tells you that you don't have to follow the law because it is dead, and then you violate them, then you will deserve what ever punishment is given for it's violation.

Behind that veil [called the holy of holies] in the Temple is where the blood sacrifices were laid on the Altar of God. Only the Levitical priesthood could go into the Holy of Holies, behind the veil, and approach our Heavenly Father.

Now our love and belief in Jesus Christ, and His saving works on the cross, is what allows us to approach God, with our repentance for our sin, and the changing of our sinful ways. It is beautiful how our Heavenly Father made the way to Him so easy, but the price was very high, for it took the very life's blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. When you refuse that gift, you are throwing it right back in His face, and you will answer for that at the appointed time.

Don't spout off in public that you don't need that law, or they will think you are some sort of anarchist. They will think your a total idiot, for it is the law that sets order in all societies, even the most basic, and heathen even set their laws with God's standards. To become educated in the Word of God, puts you many steps ahead of the education of the world. Because your worldly education allows you to understand the methods of the world; and the Biblical education allows you to know what tomorrow will bring, and understand the mind of mankind-- righteous, and wicked alike.

Matthew 5:18 "For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

This is Jesus teaching what we have just gone over. Not one word that has been written, or Prophesied in the Scriptures will be done away with, not one. The "jot" is the smallest letter in the Hebrew language, and appears like this " ' ", and it is recorded in the original Massoretic text 66,420 times. It is called "yod", and is pronounced "iota". However the jot, like the tittle have no sound where it is used.

The "tittle" is an small ornament that is placed over Hebrew letters, so you can tell the difference between the two letters that are very similar in appearance. It has no sound of its own, but eliminates the confusion of identifing Hebrew letters, such as telling the difference between R = resh [ ], and D = deleth [ ]. Jesus has told us that every marking of the original will stay in place, and apply to God's people, until that prophecy has come to pass, or the law has been fulfilled.

Many prophecies are already fulfilled, as well as all the blood sacrifices, and ordinances. Some of the law will not be fulfilled until after judgment day, when we enter the eternal age. Then all sin will be done away with, because the tempter, Satan, and all those that followed his ways will be turned to ashes. The health laws are in place to give us a long healthful life, while living in the flesh. To break those laws, is not so much a sin, but results in poor health, and sickness.

When anyone tells you the Old Testament is done away with, mark him well, for they could care less about your soul. The Old Testament tells us more about the end times, our generation, then all the New Testament combined. In fact, the most complete record of the Millennium age is given in Ezekiel, the last nine chapters, and the record of events of our generation are given in detail in the minor prophets. The reason the Christian nations are in the dark as to their far past, is that they reject much of the Old Testament, and they have come to believe the lies of the Kenites. "Those that say they are Jews, and lie, and are of the synagogue of Satan." [Revelation 2:9; 3:9]

Matthew 5:19 "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

The blood ordinances are gone, they were finish when Christ went to the cross, but not one of God's laws has been fulfilled. Jesus is telling His disciples and us that that if we break even the smallest law, we break them all. God holds those that go out and on purpose, breaks any of them, the least of importance in His kingdom. Did you get that? "and shall teach men so." I would think twice before teaching that the law was done away with, or if I did, it is time for repentance for you.

The breaking of the law does not make the law bad, but it makes man bad. When the law is broken, then we must follow Christ's first words of instruction, in Matthew 4:17; "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Until you repent, you will wear your sins. Being a believer does not wash your sins away. But when you repent in Jesus name, they are gone forever. We sin in so many things, daily, and this is why we must repent daily. We must die daily to our sinful nature, that is in conflict with the new nature that God has placed within us when we accept Jesus Christ.

Matthew 5:20 "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."

This is Jesus doing the teaching here, and these Scribes and Pharisees are the ones that sit in the seat of Moses, and claim to be the law givers, yet they are the Kenites. We know that five hundred years prior to this sermon, the Kenites, or sons of Satan virtually took over the duties of the scribes, and the Levitical priesthood allowed it to come to pass. This is recorded in I Chronicles 2:55; "And the families of the scribes which dwelt at Jabez [Jerusalem]; the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and Suchathites. These are the Kenites that came of Hemath, the father of the house of Rechab." These scribes were in charge, when the House of Judah came our of captivity in Babylon.

Most Pharisees were part of the priesthood, and Ezra and Nehemiah tell us that these Kenites, the "Nethinims" had taken over the Levitical priesthood while in Babylon, and took control over the duties of the priests in the Temple. Those duties were teaching the Law, and the ordinances.

By the time of Christ's birth, they had five hundred years to perfect their slant to God's laws, and add many of their own. This is why Jesus addressed them in Matthew 23:2, 3; "Saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: [teaching the law and judging] All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not." In other words, they are hypocrites, and of their father the devil.

The law is important to us, and it is for us to know the law, and do our interpretation with the teachings of Christ, for if ye allow them to interpret it for us, it may cause us to miss out on the Kingdom. Our righteousness must exceed the Scribes and Pharisees for the simple reason that their ways are of their father Satan, the devil, and Satan's ways are not God's ways. God gave us the law in His written Word, and examples with that Word, it is for us to know them, and abide by them. Most of God's laws are natural, and just common sense.

Matthew 5:21 "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:' "

Jesus is getting right down to the basic law with us, Then He states the sixth commandment from Exodus 20:13; "thou shalt not kill." This law is taken out of context, and is becoming a lie as presented in the modern world today. We see the good reverends going out to burn the candles at the executions of murders, and displaying their stupidity of God's Word before the world. If they took a little time to understand the true meaning and intent of God's Word, they would know that as it is translated in the King James, it is incorrect. It is a false statement even, for it is incomplete.

Lets go to Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, # 7523; "Ratsach, raw-tsakh'; a prime root; to dash to pieces, kill a human being, especially to murder, to put to death, (man) slayer, murder (er).

In the Strong's Greek dictionary it is # 5407, "Phoneuo, fon-yoo'-o; from # 5406, to be a murderer (of), kill, do murder, slay." So lets go to # 5406, "Phoneus, fon-yooce' , A murderer, (always a criminal act [at least initial] homicide, 5407 is the term for a public bandit, 5406 is term for murderer."

When we go back and read the sixth commandment again, for what it really says, we see a totally different meaning. Christ has just told us that the law hasn't changed. The law doesn't say, "Ye shall not kill", it states "thou shall do no murder, criminal homicide", and that is the criminal intent beforehand to take a man's life. There is a great difference. "And whosoever shall commit criminal homicide murder shall be in danger of the judgment.

God's law spells out the righteous way of dealing with murderers, without a just cause, and this is addressed in Numbers 35:17-21, "The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him." The revenger is the next of kin, and by this righteous act of killing the murderer on the spot, the community will be free of them, "and others will see and these things will cease happening." When blood is shed, it is the innocent blood that we should be concerned with, not the murderer.

Jesus is telling us that if you murder, He will judge you.

Matthew 5:22 "But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, 'Raca,' shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, 'Thou fool', shall be in danger of hell fire."

There is a difference between the English and the Greek, for the word, "brother". The word "brother" is an Israelite by nation and blood; while a "neighbor" was and Israelite by religion and worship, which is called a "Proselyte". Both are of God, and not heathen, for they are attached as God's people through blood by birth, of drawn into the congregation, in their religion and worship.

The word "Raca" in the English, is an expression of showing disgust with a person, when it isn't merited. Jesus tells us that it could get you in trouble with those around you. It is a mild form of slander, as used in Jesus day. The "council" is the Sanhedrin, or courts.

The word "fool" as used here, is not as we use it today, but in the Greek "moros", and was always considered a wicked reprobate, lacking all spiritual and divine knowledge and values. They are totally void of all spiritual interest, and given totally to the devil. As you can see this is a great deal different then what "fool" means today. The fool is one that is totally sold out to the world. He is one with no hope of salvation, such as Cain in Genesis 4.

When we have a dispute between our brother, God tells us to work it out if possible, and if not, go to council [court today, or a mediator that both trust]. God is telling us not to get Him in the middle of our disputes, by calling each other a fool. In doing so, we have taken God's position as the judge over our brother's soul, and then we have judged him to spiritual death. God is then saying, that the judgment that you place on your brother is what He will place on you. {I hope this is clear to you.} Notice also that Jesus added; "Without a cause", you had no reason in the first place to get angry with you brother [sister].

Matthew 5:23 "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;"

You "gift" is your sacrifice, which is your tithe, or even a love offering. You want to approach God's throne, and there is a problem between you and your brother [sister], and you are the one at fault.

Matthew 5:24 "Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."

When you see that you are the cause of the trouble, and you are at the altar with the gift, don't take the gift, but make your apologies to that brother, and then continue with your giving of the gift. You are to make the offer, and whether or not it is accepted, that is his responsibility before the Lord, for you are clear at the throne of God. Just plain common sense will overcome most of Satan's strife against you. First of all, you will know the power that we have in the name of Jesus the Messiah. "Be gone Satan, get out of my life, in the name of Jesus". You can count on God's power being there.

Matthew 5:25 "Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison."

"The Adversary" is Satan, and he is up there before the throne of God now, accusing each of God's elect, the Christians that have repented for their sins. That adversary is always there day and night. In the Greek, and original text, the word "agree", means to be well minded. To agree is not to submit, but to be smarter then the accuser. When we are in the world, and Satan's territory, we are to be wiser then the serpent [Satan].

Those of the world will continue to draw you into their traps, and we are to be wise enough to avoid falling into them. This even looks forward to the time when we are called in before the synagogues of Satan, in the time of the great tribulation [deception]. When that time comes, we are not to plan ahead of time what we will say, for it will be the Holy Spirit that will speak [Mark 13:11]. Though you think you know what to say, The Holy Spirit knows exactly what should be said, and all you have to do is allow yourself to be the Holy Spirit's mouth-piece.

When the Antichrist, Satan does appear on earth, as he will shortly, and many will come to you and say excitingly, "the Messiah is here." Jesus is telling you, don't agree with them that he is the Messiah.

Matthew 5:26 "Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing."

God's Word, and His plan is perfect. Jesus is telling you not to get ahead of that plan. Most prophets in Jeremiah's day thought they could derail God's plan, for the seventy years of captivity in Babylon, and God saw to it that they would be killed because of it.

The whole earth is about to enter into a one world order, with a spiritual religious system with the devil at the head, called the Antichrist. That ruler will be Satan, for Revelation 9:11identifies Satan by both his Greek and Hebrew names, and being the king that will rule over the earth. It is a fact. "And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon." Abaddon and Apollyon in the English means destroyer, and that is Satan's name. Documentation is in Isaiah 16:4, Jeremiah 4:7, Daniel 8:24, 25, and many other verses.

As long as the prince of this world is in power in this world, be well minded, be smarter then he is. Do not allow yourselves to give Satan any of God's glory, just be mute. The paying of the "uttermost farthing" is at the sounding of the seventh trumpet, and the return of Christ. You don't give any glory to any man in this flesh age, for at the return of Christ we will all be changed in the twinkling of an eye to our incorruptible and immortal bodies [I Corinthians15:50-52].

Matthew 5:27 "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, "Thou shalt not commit adultery:' "

This is part of the law again. It is given in Exodus 35:14, and written down by Moses. The law that was given is a physical guide that was given, however, the entire Scripture uses that relationship of husband to wife; bride to bridegroom, to show God's relationship to Israel, and later, our relationship to Christ. This verse then has a more spiritual relationship then most will apply.

Because the relationship "brother" and "neighbor" is given, and is used in the Scripture in reference to Israel, only as was pointed out in verse twenty two, we must apply it as Jesus intended. Jesus is talking to those of His bride, and there are many members that go to make up the bride of Christ. So we will see that the rest of this chapter gets deeper into this relationship between Jesus and his bride, His church. It takes the full body to make up that bride, and the groom is Christ, so if the bride commits adultery, then that bride has taken another groom, a false Messiah, and we know that groom to be Satan, the Antichrist.

Matthew 5:28 "But I way unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."

This word "looketh" is totally different then what is used today in the English. "Looketh" means to gaze with impure desire, it is putting an action of immorality to the looking, and it is called lusting. That is a lot different then looking to appreciate the beauty of someone, or an object.

Matthew 5:29 "And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell."

What are we talking about? We are a many membered body that makes up the body of Christ's bride. There may be a unit of the body that other parts of the body of Christ are propping up, and giving support to. That is easy to understand, for the home church gives the financial and prayer support to the missionaries that they send into the mission field. It may be a member of the church that is causing the the rest of the church trouble, both by morals, financially, or by what ever means. When one member of that body of Christ "the eye", is causing other members to fall, and turn from Christ's teaching. Jesus is saying that it is better to separate yourself from that one member," the eye" then have the rest of the body of Christ be dragged down with him [her].

Let's take this to another level, say there is a member that is a heavy contributor to the local church, and he has brought in doctrines of demons, such as the rapture doctrine; that teaching can spread like wildfire throughout the entire congregation, and upset the very foundation of God's Word. It can set the entire church up to accept the Antichrist as the true Christ. It is time to do some pruning, Jesus is telling us to separate ourselves from that one, not as enemies, but to admonish him as a brother for false teaching.

Jesus would never instruct anyone to mame themselves physically, for this is given in the spiritual context, because the punishment is directed to be cast into hell fire, which is the destruction of the soul [spiritual].

Matthew 5:30 "And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of they members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell."

This is not aimed at the individual person here, but a individual group, within the main body of Christ. The application is the same though, that is that the group be cut off from the main body of Christ, so that the main body will not fall because of them. The outcome for not doing so would be for the main body to lose its ministry, and the blessings it receives from God.

The clue to understanding the parable given here, is the fact that the "elect" is not the bride to-be, but is already married to Christ, That is what Ephesians 1 is all about. They are the wife of the husband , Jesus Christ. That is why it is called "adultery".

Matthew 5:31 "It hath been said, 'Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:"

This is part of Moses' law, but not necessarily God's law. The law was given because to the hardness of the hearts of the people. It is documented in Deuteronomy 24:1.

Matthew 5:32 "But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery."

God doesn't want His elect jumping from one religious thought to another, which are not given in His Word. God is jealous for His bride. Whether it be spiritual fornication, or physical adultery, it is sin; but God said we are to seek forgiveness from our brothers and those we love. Jesus also asked each of us that when we sin, to repent, and that sin will be forgiven. There is only one sin that is unforgivable, and you can not commit that sin, until the Antichrist Satan is on earth, and then you refuse to allow the Holy Spirit of God to speak through you.

When Christ said He would forgive All our sins, divorce and adultery is included, so is Sodomy, drunkenness, drugs, and any other things that one could commit. Once we have repented, then we are to turn from that sin. When a person has divorced, and repented for that sin to God, in Jesus name, in God's eyes it is over and blotted out; however many in the Church world like to hold it over their head. That is exactly what Satan does as the accuser before the throne of God. That is the mind of Satan.

By bringing up a repented sin, you are becoming the judge over your brother, and though God has forgiven the divorcee [sinner], the one pointing the finger and being the judge, has just accepted the punishment for their false accusation. When its repented it's over, and the Kenite, Satanic mind just can't get it through their mind. When you realize that you have done such a thing to a brother in the Lord, it is time to seek forgiveness yourself.

Divorce is what the entire book of Hosea is about. God took two wives, two sisters, and they were called the "the House of Israel", and "the House of Judah". God kept the one, Judah, and divorced the other. Once divorced, God could not remarry, until death reconciled them back to Him. When Jesus went to the Cross, those that repent are reconciled back to Christ. However it won't be until the Millennium age that all of Israel, Christian and Jew alike are joined as one, back to Him. That is what Ezekiel 37 is all about, the joining of the two houses in the end.

Live Link to- Hosea introduction and Hosea the book

Matthew 5:33 "Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, "Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths" "

Jesus is saying that you have heard in the law, concerning purgery, and bearing of false witness. Jesus is telling us that that should we swear an oath to keep to the oath that we swore by, and when you tell someone that you will do something, keep your word. As we see today in many court cases, two false witnesses can void the law. They can over-ride the law. Though the earthly court is voided, God's divine court will still hold you accountable for your words.

Matthew 5:34 "But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne"

Jesus is telling you to leave His name out of your swearing all together, for He will hold you accountable to what you use His name for.

Matthew 5:35 "Nor by the earth; for it is His footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King."

"His footstool" means that God has created all things. Jerusalem is the city that God has married, and it will be the place of His Temple, and eternal city.

Matthew 5:36 "Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black."

These things are natural, and not of your control.

Matthew 5:37 "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay, for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."

All that a man of God needs to answer is yes or no. That is all. If you have to start off with an explanation, and swear by something to get someone to take your word, that they don't believe you anyway. You might as well keep your mouth shut. The longer your explanation to what your charged with, the more apt one is to giving an untruth [evil]. That is why the lawyers ask the same thing over and over, eventually they hope to catch an error, and destroy you with your own words. That is the mind of the Kenite, and that is also the mind of Satan. Remember, we are to be wiser then the serpent, the Kenite snakes.

In teaching the Word of God, it is best to keep it simple, and absolute. Keep to the subject, and the object that is taught, and make your lesson down to earth, and apply to the student's life. Don't use "I think", but only, "it is written in...." and state what the Bible says. If you don't know, then say I don't know. If you don't know it, and can't admit to it, then don't teach.

Matthew 5:38 "Ye have heard that it hath been said, "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:"

Now Jesus gets into the area of retaliation, and revenge. Jesus is quoting here Exodus 21:24.

Matthew 5:39 "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."

The wrong teaching of these verses of revenge turns many away from Christianity. The subject here is the law, and how it applies to God's elect. In this section of revenge, Jesus is saying that if someone loses their temper, when you are talking with them, and hits you on the cheek, forgive him for that action. This has nothing to do with someone hitting you for no reason at all. You don't tolerate that, and that is not what Jesus is talking about here. The defending ones self, is called self defense, and is required by law. Use common sense in dealing with God's law, and the teachings and commandments of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 5:40 "And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also."

If a man sues you for your outer garment, give him your inner garment also.

Matthew 5:41 "And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain."

This verse comes from an old Roman custom, that if a soldier found his pack too heavy, he could call on a civilian close at hand to carry his pack up to a mile. This was the law. Jesus is addressing this, and saying that when you are called to do so, to go the extra mile. This can apply to many things today, in the requirement that we as citizens are required to do, Jesus is telling us don't just do the requirement, but be willing to give a little extra when it is needed.

Jesus is asking us to set a good example to those around us, to let our light shine before the men we come in contact with, so that they may see our good works, and our Heavenly Father will get all the glory from our actions.

Matthew 5:42 "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away."

This next law, has to do with the law of "Love". Love is the most powerful thing in the world, as far as controlling your family, and getting along with people. If it is genuine, it is the strongest tool in the world.

Matthew 5:43 "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.' "

In this verse, don't forget the explanation of the term "neighbor", from verse twenty two. The neighbor is anyone that is like you in religious belief, or worship, and they are called a "Proselyte". They may be of any race, but they love the Lord, as you and I do.

The brother is one born of the natural womb of the family. This law of Love, comes from Leviticus 19:18, and it teaches that the love towards your brother should be the same given towards one that has come into our faith, from another race, or the outside. They are to be treated as you would your brother, with the same love and respect. This law was not to apply to the heathen, or your enemy.

Matthew 5:44 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"

But now Christ is addressing our relationship with respect to those out side our religious worship brotherhood. In all of the better manuscripts that are available to man today, of the ancient writings known today, ""Bless them that curse you" does not exist., Even the Vulgate leaves it out, because it has been added by a copier.

This is how the Manuscripts actually reads, Christ is saying; "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." And we should, because they don't know any better, and that is your purpose as a child of the Living God. To pray for them, doesn't mean you let them get away with it, but you pray for their souls. This is a common practice of all Christianity.

Matthew 5:45 "That ye may be the children of your Father Which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."

To be "children of our Heavenly Father", is what Christianity is all about. As a child of God, He will bless us and protect us while we follow His ways. The beauty and the goodness is on the earth for all of God's children [mankind] to take advantage of. It rains on the just and the unjust alike.

Take this in a spiritual sense, and you have the true understanding of Love. God loves all of His children, and the same offer of salvation to you, is offered even to the Kenite, if they will just see the light of God's salvation, Jesus the Christ, and repent.

Many of the teachings today that are given out as being from God, were created in the mind of some preacher, or deacon board. God is love, and He offers freedom through repentance. However, many of the rules and systems that are put on Christians, are nothing more than chains, that bind the believer to that system, and set up levels of acceptance. God's love offers freedom and peace of mind through repentance for what ever sin. God says it is finished, over, go and sin no more. He has blotted it out.

When it is remembered in the board meeting, or by the members, that is exactly what the accuser Satan does day and night, and you have then become part of Satan's system. It is no wonder that so many people are afraid to approach a church, they don't want a brand placed on them. The Word of God that is supposed to cut the person from the bonds and shackles of sin, in turn places a greater anchor on them.

God is love, and He is fair. God understands a person's mind and the condition and state that he is in. God deals with each person individually. God allows the rain to fall on all people alike. We see that one farmer will prepare his seed bed to accept the rain, and use the water to make his seed develop, and his crops grow. While the farmer next down the road, just throws the seed out, and when the rains come, the water washes the seed, and soil down the river.

We are to be careful how we handle people with the Word of God, for we can do much damage in our planting of the seed of the truth of God's Word. Just like the farmer that gives much love and care to detail in the planting of his seed, we also should be wise, in the planting of God's seed in the minds of men [women]. That it will be received and grow to maturity.

Matthew 5:46 "For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?"

Matthew 5:47 "And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?"

Matthew 5:48 "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father Which is in heaven is perfect."

When we love those that are of our family, and close to us, Jesus is saying that is what the world does, that is what the world expects of every one. However Jesus is telling us that He expects much more that what the world would give. "Perfect" in the Strong's Greek dictionary is # 5048, "Telioo", and means consecrated, matured and fulfilled (in character)"; and that is how Jesus expects His elect to act.

He gives us the standard to use for His elect, and that is acting on the principles of "grace", and in conformity with the laws of the kingdom that He is setting down in this sermon. "Grace" by definition is "unmerited favor". The Grace we receive in Christ is that our sins are forgiven, and the heavy price that is required and paid, is paid with God's own Son, Jesus Christ's blood.

The grace we are to give is in our love and compassion to those who don't deserve it. When you are hurt or wronged by another person, it is then the love and kindness shown to the one that wronged you. The world doesn't expect it of you, but Jesus is telling us, the if you are part of His kingdom, and claim to be of Christ, He expects it of you. That love and kindness of Christ is what melts away fear and hatred, and draws that soul to Christ.

Editor's Note:: We are going to stop here in our "Book of Matthew Study" to review some commentary from chapter5 in an earlier study we published of Matthew.  I don't believe you will find much difference in the general opinion of these two authors, but to read another person's perspective of events that took place may prove helpful in your understanding of the gospel of Matthew.

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Matthew 5:13

The Book of Matthew presents Jesus Christ as Yahveh's King and to that end we saw in our last study where Christ began to teach and proclaim the GOOD NEWS of the kingdom, which is the King and His Dominion, all around Galilee and heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. It is written that as a result, His fame went throughout all Syria and they brought unto Him all sick people... and He healed them (Mat. 4:24). Therefore, great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from the ten-city area, and from Jerusalem, etc., followed Him (Mat. 4:25).

Why do you suppose the multitudes followed Christ? Was it because they hungered and thirsted after the wisdom and knowledge which comes from "hearing" the Word of God or was it because of the miracles and healings He performed? Think about it, for since there is nothing new under the sun, one has only to liken the "multitudes" who followed Christ back then to the "mainstream" or the majority of the followers of Christianity today and observe how seriously Biblically challenged (illiterate) our people are to know the answer.

In today's study Christ is going to teach us the characteristic makeup of the true servants of God who are the children of Light and who joyfully and happily follow after that Light which is Jesus Christ. These eight characteristics are called the Beatitudes which are in direct contrast to the eight Woes of the hypocritical children of darkness found in the 23rd chapter of Matthew. In fact, there is an appendix (126) in the back of the "Companion Bible", Kregel Publishers, which compares the Beatitudes to the Woes. Below is the table found in that appendix.

Let us now open our eyes and ears and observe what happens when Christ goes on high (up into a mountain) and sets Himself ready to teach.

Matthew 5:1
And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain: and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him:

Matthew 13:34-35
All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

Furthermore, the very word "disciple" means "a learner" which is a pupil or student, i.e. one who is schooled or "disciplined" in the Word of God. Ask yourself: Are you a student of His Word or do you follow the multitudes, the majority, who are followers of men's traditions? Are you one who goes regularly to church every Sunday but don't take the time to read the Bible during the week. 

In other words, do you study His Word, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15), or do you just go to church and get involved in goodly works instead of the "wonderful works of God" He has ordained for this final generation in the pouring out of His Spirit upon all flesh?

Let us continue now where Christ has now gone up into the mountain to teach His disciples, who have also gone up unto the mountain (Mat. 5:1) to hear His voice!

Matthew 5:2
And He opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Deut. 32:1
Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.

Matthew 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

It is also the "poor in spirit" who shall allow His Spirit to speak through them at the time of the delivering up to be a witness unto the nations in proclaiming the good news of the gospel of the kingdom to the nations of the world. Matthew 10:19-20 "But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. [20] For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." They are truly blessed and spiritually rich indeed (see Rev. 2:9).

And so it is that these Beatitudes are the richness and spiritual strengths, qualities, and characteristics of the inheritors of the kingdom of God. They shall be blessed and happy indeed for "theirs is the kingdom" and they shall be part of the first resurrection, the raising to the status of eternal life at the return of Yeshua Messiah.

[4] Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

We can read of that "comfort to all that mourn" in Isaiah 61 which prophecies of both the first and second advents of our Lord.

Isaiah 61:2-3
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

[3] To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Rev. 11:3
And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Psalm 25:9
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way.

Psalm 37:11
But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

[6] Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

John 6:35

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

[7] Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Acts 7:59-60
And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

[60] And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

[8] Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

[9] Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

You "see", true and lasting peace can only be achieved by following God's ways, the ways of the Prince of Peace, which produce freedom and peace and happiness. To that end, God's servants are not only willing to put on the whole gospel armor of God (Eph. 6) and take a stand against the fiery darts of the enemy, but they boldly teach His truth as it is written without fear of the enemy or what man might do or say. And haven't you read how the Prince of Peace, the King of kings and His saints, usher in the kingdom of God whereby peace shall abound upon the earth?

Rev. 19:14
And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

[15] And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

[16] And He hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

[10] Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

1 Peter 3:14
But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

Matthew 5:11
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

1 Peter 4:14
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified.

Matthew 5:12
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Why is it that the servants of God are so persecuted and reviled? It because they are "salty" when they teach and they do not withhold the truth of God's Word. Just like Jesus Christ, they tell it like it is concerning those who persecuted the prophets and they do so boldly and without fear of what men might do to them. You "see", they would rather please their heavenly Father by keeping His commands and doing His will, rather than please men just to avoid rejection or reviling or persecution.

[13] Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

[14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

[15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

If you are, then Jesus Christ gives you the following instruction:

[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Jesus Christ declared the good works that the sons and daughters (seed) would do in this final generation, even while He was yet hanging on the cross still teaching the entirety 22nd Psalm:

Psalm 22:30-31
A seed shall serve Him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.

[31] They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.

Here are the overcomers singing the Song of Moses at the victory celebration over the beast:

Rev. 15:3
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

Deut. 32:3-4
Because I will publish [proclaim] the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.

[4] He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He.

Answer: None! So thank you Father!

Christ's current disciples are the sons and daughters in this final generation of the fig tree of whom it was prophesied would see (as in understand) the visions of the prophets (Act. 2) and teach God's Word to their brothers and sisters of the true House of Israel!

In our last study we saw that Jesus Christ had left the multitudes and gone up into a mountain to teach His disciples who likewise "went up into the mount"with open ears to hear the Word of God from on high! The first thing Christ showed His disciples was the "humble before God" and "compassionate to others" qualities of the children of light, the salt of the earth (see Mat. 22:37-39).

To wit, His disciples are now the sons and daughters in this final generation of the fig tree of whom it was prophesied would see (as in understand) the visions of the prophets (Act. 2) and teach God's Word to their brothers and sisters of the true House of Israel! We noted that the "Beatitudes" ("Beautiful Attitudes" I like to call them) of those children of light are in direct contrast to the "Woes" of the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees that we shall cover in detail in the 23rd chapter of Matthew. However, to fully understand the depth of the teaching Christ is now giving on the mount, one should be familiar with the MO (Methods of Operation) of the scribes and Pharisees. A word to the wise is sufficient.

As we begin today's study, keep in mind that Christ is STILL teaching His disciples! In other words, He is not addressing the multitudes which He left when He went up into the mountain. Again, it was only His disciples who went up into the mountain where He was "set" to teach those who would hear His voice with open ears and take heed to His words of instruction! So having covered the characteristic qualities of His elect, Christ is now going to address their works, i.e. what they DO and what they TEACH. And like the Beatitudes, this will be in direct contrast to what the scribes and Pharisees DO and TEACH!

Christ begins:  Matthew 5:17  Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

This verse speaks directly to those who teach that the Old Testament is passé and not applicable anymore! Many so-called Christian preachers and pastors even teach that the laws of God themselves are no longer in effect. That is primarily due to the fact that they do not know the difference between a law, a statute, and an ordinance. You see, the natural laws of God which govern the physical universe, e.g. gravity and inertia, and the natural laws which govern human behavior, e.g. thou shalt do no murder, are still in effect. The statutes and ordinances governing sacrifices and rituals, etc., are of an entirely different nature. The main point is, it is still NOT OK to jump off a high cliff (because you will pay the price according to God's law of gravity) and it is still NOT OK to murder someone (because you will pay the price according to the law of murder, whether man righteously executes the commanded judgment or not) and it is still just as abominable to eat pork or any other thing God told us not to eat in Leviticus chapter 11 & Deuteronomy 14:3-21.

#1.It must be properly butchered! (verse 4) (But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.)
and
#2.Same rule as applies to the green herb; it must not be harmful to you. even  as the green herb have I given you all things)  (verse 3)

"Even as the green herb" means their are meats we should not eat, just as we would not eat poison ivy. I believe He explained that to us in Leviticus chapter 11 and Deuteronomy 14:3-21 and it is still true today. See pamphlet #4027

[18] For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

[19] Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

[20] For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Those who have understanding know that it is written in Mat. 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 concerning this final generation of the fig tree, that MANY would come in the name of Christ, claiming to represent Him as Christian ministers and preachers, etc., and would deceive MANY. (Matthew 24:4-5 "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. [5] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.") If Christ's words be true, and they are, and we are in that final generation,and we are, then the fact is that there NOW ARE MANY false ministers and preachers of Christ in these last days (even the majority) claiming to be "ministers of righteousness"... but you know what?Their righteousness does not exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees because their teachings are so leavened with the doctrine of the scribes and the Pharisees that the "Jesus" they teach is not the real Jesus Christ at all, but another "Jesus", the Instead-of-Jesus, Satan!

2 Cor. 11:4
For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

2 Cor. 11:13-15
 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

[14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

[15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

1. The Law of Murder
2. The Law of Adultery
3. The Law of Perjury (False Oath)

However, the greater sin involves the souls of our brothers and sisters and their eternal salvation which you do AFFECT as a trustee and teacher of God's Word, i.e. as a Christian. You see, it is one thing to murder someone, which is to commit premeditated homicide, for then one must stand trial and upon conviction be sentenced to death according to the law! It is yet another thing to spiritually murder your brother for then one must also face judgment, at the Supreme Court level, and upon conviction also be sentenced to death, which is the eternal death of the soul in the lake of fire.

Christ explains this to us:

[21] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

kill = phoneuo, fon-yoo'-o, Greek 5407; from Greek 5406 (phoneus); to be a murderer (of) :- kill, do murder, slay.

phoneus, fon-yooce', Greek 5406; from Greek 5408 (phonos); a murderer (always of criminal [or at least intentional] homicide; which Greek 443 (anthropoktonos) does not necessarily imply; while Greek 4607 (sikarios) is a special term for a public bandit) :- murderer.

Deut. 19:11-13
But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities:

[12] Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.

[13] Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.

Now let's see what Christ has to say about the spiritual application of the Law of Murder, i.e. spiritual murder!

Matthew 5:22
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

1 John 2:9-11
He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

[10] He that loveth [agapao] his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

Finally, Christ says if you "shall say, thou Fool", which is to purposely condemn your brother as a religious "moros", i.e. to "write him off" thereby turning off the light of truth to that brother, then you are nothing more than a spiritual murderer and you are in grave danger of being judged yourself to the lake of fire! How dare you play God and set yourself up as the Judge!

fool = moros, mo-ros', Greek 3474; probably from the base of Greek 3466 (musterion); dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e. heedless, (moral) blockhead, (apparently) absurd :- fool (-ish, × -ishness).

musterion, moos-tay'-ree-on, Greek 3466; from a derivative of muo (to shut the mouth); a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites) :- mystery.

Matthew 5:23
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

[24] Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

[25] Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

Take note that the "adversary" is one of the many names of the old serpent, that old dragon the Devil! Remember we learned in our 5th study concerning Eve's experience that we should not argue with Satan. That means we should not argue with his "tail" either, i.e. those who follow after him and do his work!

[26] Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

In our next study we shall examine the next two commandments Christ gave great emphasis to concerning the DOING and TEACHING of His elect. They are the Law of Adultery, which most see only as pertaining to the flesh act and/or thinking of "doing it" in one's mind, and the Law of Perjury or swearing falsely under oath. Well, we shall "see" and learn from the Lord Jesus Christ that there is much more than just "meets the (flesh) eye" when it comes to the "adultery" He speaks of!

.Did you know that Christ was divorced?

If you are going to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and teach the Word of God, then you better have your heart set in the right place and possess those Beatitudes Christ outlined in the first part of the 5th chapter of Matthew. Do you remember what Christ told His disciples, which means He told you if you are a student of His Word (remember "disciple" means "learner" or one who is disciplined in the Word), in Matthew 5:20? "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."

Understand that there is one thing our Father greatly detests and that is someone who leads His children astray from His Word, which is what Satan did to a third of God's children (Rev. 12:4) in "the world that then was" (2 Pet. 3:6) and for which he received the death sentence to perish by fire (Ezek. 28:18), in the lake of fire. Make no mistake about it, teaching God's Word, or should we say pretending to be a teacher of God's Word, is a very serious matter, even a life and death matter concerning the very souls of our brothers and sisters, i.e. their eternal salvation.

You "see", Christianity is not a religion nor a church system of ritual worship and ceremonies where you are supposed to do this good work and perform that good deed to be in good standing and then told that those things are pleasing to God and accounted as righteousness. Have you not read what Christ said concerning those who call themselves Christians and who say "Lord, Lord" and have done "good works", how that they shall not all enter into the kingdom of heaven? Matthew 7:21 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

We will cover this in more detail a few chapters hence in Mat. 7:21-29, because just like the scribes and Pharisees, many preachers and ministers have their people follow after a whole bunch of do's and don'ts, traditions of men, which they impose on the people as religious duty. Meanwhile, though most teach that one should not murder, nor commit adultery, nor tell lies, etc., they themselves are a bunch of spiritual murderers, spiritual whoremongers, adulterers, and false witnesses to the truth of God's Word. True, some are themselves sorely deceived by the traditions of men. Nevertheless, the problem is they have so spiritually "seduced the woman"(church) that she thinks she is espoused to the Lord Jesus Christ, but the reality is that there is another Jesus to whom she is awaiting to wed. That one is the false messiah who comes first (2 Thes. 2) at the sound of the 6th trump and takes the first woman in the field, who is symbolic of the apostate churches!

Let us now resume our study in chapter 5 of Matthew where Christ continues with His instruction to His disciples-soon-to-be-teachers who have gone up on the mount to hear His voice.

Matthew 5:27
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

[28] But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

You "see", to fully understand the depth of the spiritual adultery in one's heart that Christ is talking about in this verse one must first understand the true meaning of the original Greek words translated into English as "looketh" and "lust". Then one must understand that Christ did not take the commandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery", which applies to both men and women alike, and make it gender specific to a male looking upon a female. The words Christ used were "whosoever" (ho #3558, including the feminine he, hay; and the neuter to, to; in all their inflections) and "woman" (gune, specially a wife). In other words, the "woman" is His woman, one who belongs to Christ, i.e. a Christian man or woman.

Spiritually speaking throughout the entire Bible, "adultery" is constantly used to symbolize idolatry/apostasy and the "woman" is constantly used to represent true Israel and the church. So, just as Christ was talking about the spiritual death of our "brothers" of the House of Israel in raising the spiritual level of our understanding concerning the Law of Murder which we covered in our last study, He now does the same with the Law of Adultery concerning "apostatizing the church"! Again, there is no gender intended in this anymore than there is in the circumcision today, which is now not of the flesh but of the hearts of both men and women alike (Col. 2:11).

Let us now look at the Greek words for "looketh" and "lust".

looketh = G991 blepoô  blep'-o
A primary verb; to look at (literally or figuratively):—behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed. Compare G3700.

lust = G1937 epithumeoô ep-ee-thoo-meh'-o
From G1909 and G2372; to set the heart upon, that is, long for (rightfully or otherwise):—covet, desire, would fain, lust (after).

And so quite frankly, though many might disagree, what Christ is talking about is not that of a man having a momentary "sexy" thought pop through his head when a drop dead gorgeous blond passes by. It is to purposely, looking upon looking (blepo), "set your heart upon" seducing a "woman", which is analogous to what we call "putting the make on her"! Therefore, just as it is NOT OK to put the make on everything that passes by, it is also NOT OK to put the make on Christians for covetous reasons, to make them your own, to bring them into your own little church instead of espousing them to Christ.

The apostle's Paul and Peter both understood this well and because it is so important that we understand the significance of spiritual adultery/apostasy, let us "see" what they have to say.

Here's what Paul says to the "woman":

2 Cor. 11:2-4
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

[3] But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

They are here now, so watch out Christian!

[4] For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

The many seducers who come in Christ's name "desire occasion" to "glory" as servants of God, i.e. set themselves up to be something they are not! Paul taught the truth of God's Word boldly and straight on, with NO AGENDA (such as money or glory) other than espousing the woman to Christ. Paul "cut off" those false apostles which desire occasion!

2 Cor. 11:12-15
But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

[13] For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

false apostles = G5570 pseudapostolos  psyoo-dap-os'-tol-os
From G5571 and G652; a spurious apostle, that is, pretended preacher:— false teacher.

transforming = G3345 metascheômatizoô met-askh-ay-mat-id'-zo
From G3326 and a derivative of G4976; to transfigure or disguise; figuratively to apply (by accommodation):—transfer, transform (self).

[14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

[15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Now here is Peter who not only speaks of those who have adultery in their eyes and hearts concerning the woman, but he exposes what their number one "lust" is! If you have eyes to see, you will NOT be surprised at all!

2 Peter 2:11-15
Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

[12] But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

[13] And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot [lust] in the daytime. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

[14] Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

[15] Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

Well, that ought to about do it and at the same time make me popular with preachers!

Matthew 5:29
And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

offend = #4624 skandalizoô skan-dal-id'-zo
To "scandalize"; from G4625; to entrap, that is, trip up (figuratively stumble [transitively] or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure):—(make to) offend.

[30] And if thy right hand offend thee, cut if off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Matthew 5:31
It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

Jeremiah 3:8
And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.

Now to the spiritual teaching of Yeshua:

Matthew 5:32
But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

fornication = #G4202 porneia por-ni'-ah
From G4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively idolatry:— fornication.

pornos = G4205 pornos por'-nos
From pernemi (to sell; akin to the base of G4097); a (male) prostitute (as venal), that is, (by analogy) a debauchee (libertine):—fornicator,  whoremonger.

Matthew 5:33
Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

Leviticus 19:12
And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

Here is the Third Commandment against doing just that!

Exodus 20:7
Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

---

(Editors Note: And you thought taking The Lord's name in vain meant don't swear as in using a curse word! I'll bet there was a day when you even got your mouth washed out with soap for cursing! And now you find out it means to tell a lie and say, "The Lord said this or that")

---

Matthew 24:4
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

[5] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Matthew 15:6
... Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

[9] Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,

[8] This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

[9] But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Ezekiel 13:1-2
And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

[2] Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;

Ezekiel 13:7
Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?

Ezekiel 13:19
And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your lies?

[20] Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against your pillows, wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to make them fly.

So be careful how you take the Lord's name and don't make oaths (swear) confirming the Word of God to our people by anything. I am is the LORD.

Christ explains:

Matthew 5:34
But I say unto you, Swear not at all;

[34... cont] neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

[35] Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool:

[35... cont] neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

[36] Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

The sum of the matter is: "You cannot cause anything to come to pass by swearing by anything in heaven or earth." All things shall come to pass exactly as it is written, exactly as our Father says they will! So...

[37] But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

communication = logos, log'-os, Greek 3056; from Greek 3004 (lego); something said (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty or motive; by extension a computation; specially (with the art. in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ) :- account, cause, communication, × concerning, doctrine, fame, × have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say (-ing), shew, × speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.

We conclude today's with the following words of Christ concerning religious hypocrisy:

Matthew 15:17
Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?

[18] But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

[19] For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

[20] These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

Speaking of gun control, Christ did not tell Peter not to carry his sword, but rather to put it back in its sheath.

How much wisdom and understanding do you have from our Father's Word concerning the "wonderful works of God" and His plan of salvation in this final generation? His works are made known throughout the scriptures but are clearly and concisely summarized in the Song of Moses (Deut. 32) and even in the Book of Joel which Peter quoted part of in Acts chapter 2 on that first Pentecost Day following the resurrection. Then too, just knowing the works of the two churches of Philadelphia and Smyrna (Rev. 3 & 2) will give you a pretty good heads up.

You "see", the sons and daughters of God (Acts 2) who are the brothers and sisters of the church of Philadelphia (Rev. 3), have been given the key of David which unlocks the "visions of the prophets" and after "seeing" (understanding) those visions they go forth and prophesy (teach) those visions, i.e. the Word of God, to their brothers and sisters of the house of Israel. This they do speaking boldly and direct after the manner of "it is written" and "thus saith the Lord"... regardless of what traditions of men are taught in their churches. However, there comes a time when some of God's elect shall be delivered up and shall give witness and testimony before synagogues and councils and before kings and rulers (Mat. 24, Mark 13, Luke 21).

And so up to this point in our study of Matthew chapter 5, Christ has shown His disciples, even those who would go forth to teach His Word in this final generation, how to deal with their brothers and sisters of the House of Israel and those "neighbors" who embrace Christianity. Now He is going to tell them (us) how to handle our enemies and those who persecute us for HIS NAME'S SAKE. Again, it is important that we understand that He is not instructing the multitudes, but rather God's elect!

Matthew 5:38
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

Exodus 21:23
And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,

[24] Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

[25] Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

Have you read how the disciple Peter was prepared to defend himself... and Christ as well.

John 18:10
Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

[11] Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

Again, we have learned thus far in our study of this 5th chapter of Matthew how we are to be compassionate, non-judgmental, without lustful eyes (covetous), etc., while holding fast to the true Word of God in teaching our brothers and sisters and neighbors. Now Christ tells us what to do when it comes to the evils (poneros) of persecution and spite that are brought about by both the teaching of and the witnessing of the truth of God's Word!

Matthew 5:39
But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

You "see", when someone comes against you and smites you because you teach and hold fast to the truth, they literally smite Jesus Christ Himself and He will see to it that they are repaid, i.e. "receive their just recompense"! As it is written, Vengeance belongs to the Lord. In fact, the very day Christ returns is called the "Day of Vengeance" (Isa. 61:2). He will take care of those who trouble you, to whom you give witness as a child of God for their own good, if you understand the Plan of God to be carried out in this final generation. 2 Thes. 1:6-8 "Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; [7] And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, [8] In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Paul also speaks of the "repayment" belonging to God.

Romans 12:17
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

[18]If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

[19] Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Matthew 5:40
And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.

[41] And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

[42] Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Also, there is an old adage that goes:

Remember, we are here to serve Christ and plant seeds and bring forth fruit for the kingdom of God. Our service also includes the non-believer and the ungodly alike, and so what do you do if you find it is your enemy who hungers or thirsts?

Romans 12:20
   Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

[21] Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Nothing could be further from the truth!

Matthew 5:43
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

Leviticus 19:18
Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

Matthew 5:44
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

That having been said, to love (agapao) your enemies does not mean that you let them walk all over you.Sometimes "tough love" is required which involves rebuke or even chastisement which in no way is to be confused with vengeance! Our Father sometimes rebukes and chastens us... why?

Because He loves us and wants what is best for us:

Rev. 3:19
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Matthew 5:45
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

[46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

[47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

Rev. 2:8-10
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

[9] I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

[10] Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Matthew 5:48
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Thank you Father, which art in heaven. Hallowed by thy name!

... to be continued.

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