Dear Explorer,
Read Matthew 5:23-24
We are still discussing Jesus' Sermon on the Mount where He is describing how different His Kingdom will be from the world's kingdoms.
Jesus says if you are getting ready to spend time alone with God, and you remember “something”, go get it settled before you pray. What is the “something”?
So, if someone has something against you – who messed up?
You!
If you are coming before God to spend time in prayer and worship and you remember something that you did that hurt someone else or might have hurt someone else – what should you do?
Don't attempt to worship God when you are guilty of hurting one of His creatures. Get it straightened out first, and then worship.
Read Matthew 5:25-26
Jesus tells us to settle matters “out-of-court”. Take responsibility for what you did wrong and take care of the damage. If you break something that belongs to someone else – you shouldn't wait until they take you to court (or to parents) to offer to pay for or repair the damages. Don't cheat people out of what is rightfully and legally theirs.
Jesus says that His NEW WAY will be different from God's old Laws (those found in the Pentateuch or the first 5 books of our Old Testament). Here's another example.
Read Matthew 5:27-30
What was God's Law?
How did Jesus say His way would be different?
This applies to both men and women. He's talking about what I call “mental” adultery. While this Scripture uses men as the example because they are the usual culprits, today it is seen almost equally in men's and women's behavior. It's okay to appreciate the manliness or feminine qualities that you see in others – but it's not okay to imagine sexual acts with them. That's “mental adultery” or lust.
Why does Jesus speak so sternly about it and say that it will lead to Hell?
Read 2 Corinthians 10:5
Paul says we must keep our thought-life under control. What does he say we should do with thoughts that are against God?
Jesus speaks sternly about it because sexual sins are addictive and grow. It is not to be taken lightly. I believe that some people are so “hooked” on adultery in all its forms, that when they hear of Jesus' Good News – they don't want it because they would have to give up their pleasures. In other words – it quickly becomes an idol that they worship. It becomes their god.
Satan will tempt you to daydream about sexual things in order to trap you. Send him packing by changing your environment, quoting Scripture, singing praise songs, getting some exercise, whatever it takes to stop your mind from dwelling on the wrong things.
Don't misread this to mean that God disapproves of the sexual relationship between a married couple. He created sex! And He KNOWS how to make it incredibly good! These verses are talking about any sexual activity outside of marriage.
Take every thought captive.
Jesus wants what is best for you. I promise He KNOWS what is best. He is your Creator!
In His service, dale
Next study