Matthew 5:29-30 Laws part 4

Matthew 5:29-30

(Matthew 18:8-9)

“Laws Written on Flesh Instead of Stone”The Laws

part 4

Soul Losing Offenses

The connection between the principles of the kingdom and the law

The Lord tells us how our righteousness is revealed to others

"If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

Matthew 5:27-28

(Parallel Verses)

“If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.”

Matthew 18:8-9

1. The implication of such drastic measures are meant to open our minds to the severity of a problem.

1. The image should be very clear

2. Jesus warns us that eternal damnation is the only place sin will lead us to

3. If, we cannot rid ourselves of that which causes us to sin, then we will perish

2. Understand that the heart of the problem is the heart

1. Until one changes their heart, they will continue to sin

2. In our hearts we desire many things, and often times those things are wrong

3. Jesus tells us;

“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

Mark 7:21

4. James tells us;

 Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

James 1:14-15

5. When we recognise how sins begins, then we can then understand how to wage war against them

6. It must be understood, that sin is an offense to GOD, and unforgiven sins will lead one’s soul to hell 

3. Sin is against God, and whatever sin we allow in our hearts must be cast out

1. All sin and temptation must be resisted, and avoided.

2. Many temptations are disguised like a clown in make-up. 

1. We see a smile, but it is painted on

2. We see enjoyment, but it is only fleeting

3. We see wealth, but it only leads to more temptation

4. How many times sins thought to be good, yet they are not

1. Explication.

1. We must engage in warfare against lusts. It is not enough to cry to God, and be idle.

2. As a Christian we must be willing in this as in other duties.

3. Jesus did not say, “If your eye offends you, then look more closely, but rather, “Pluck it out”

4. Whatever offends the heart of a man of GOD, must be “cast away from you”

2. Observations.

1. That the eye and hand are useful parts of the body of man.

2. Offenses are from ourselves.

3. That sin is to all intents and purposes our own.

3. Why sin is expressed in scripture by pants and members of our body.

1. The whole mass of corruption in Scripture is called “the old man,” and “the body of sin” (Rom 6:6).

2. As the natural body makes use of its several parts in work, so corruption makes use of several lusts.

3. Sin is, according to some, conveyed into the soul by means of the body.

4. Corruption shows itself by the sinful actions of the body, and therefore will have control over it.

4. Every person has their weakness

1. Sex

2. Alcohol

3. Drugs

4. Work

5. Money

6. Sports

5. Every person’s sin starts in different ways.

1. Men have particular temperaments, and therefore sins suitable to their constitutions.

2. There are distinct and peculiar periods of times and ages that incline to peculiar sins.

3. Men have distinct and particular callings that incline to particular sins.

4. Men have distinct and particular ways of breeding and education, and upon that account have particular sins.

6. The use and application.

1. Examination: How sin can be seen in others

1. By the love the sinner has for it;

2. The sin which distracts us from worship is our beloved sin

3. It may be known by its commanding power over other sins

4. It may be known by being impatient

5. It makes a man notoriously partial in his own case

6. It may be known by the kind words a man uses for his particular sin

2. Most sinners do not even believe they are sinning. 

1. It is just a way of life

1. The first thing they think of in the morning

2. The last thing they think of before bed

2. Sin controls one’s life, because they live for their sin in all they do

3. Many will endure great hardship to hold onto their sin

1. Poverty

2. Illness

3. Loneliness

4. Prison

5. To defeat the sin controlling you, you must realize how ugly it truly is

1. Seek Jesus to help gain control over it

2. Let your repentance be against it

3. Beware of those things that cause you to sin

4. Pray to God that you will not be lured into situations that caused you to sin before

5. Learn to enjoy things that are delightful

6. Work to change the way you used to act when you practiced your favorite 

7. Keep watch over your heart, do not let it lead you

8. Begin respecting and knowing all God’s laws

9. Lay hold on God’s strength, by giving yourself to Jesu