Matthew 5:27-30 - Behavior of a Kingdom Citizen (Part 6)

Introduction:

The message today may not be suitable for younger children, parents may wish to take their

younger children to Sunday School.

The Huffington post writes that according to data collected from The Normal Bar, 33% of

men and 19% of women admitted to being unfaithful...

Why do people risk so much to gain so little?

(1) People underestimate price they will pay.

(2) Sexual sin compels people to voluntarily do things which in normal circumstances they

would not do.

(3) Easy to allow because it may start with something very small and may seem innocent.

Through this series, we are studying the behavior of a Kingdom citizen.

(A) Matthew 5:27-28: Outward VS Inward behavior:

• The OT law was clear: adultery was wrong.

Jesus tells His disciples that adultery is not the only thing to avoid, but Jesus goes for the inward

feelings and drives.

English translation is using “Lust” from the Greek word epithumeó: which can translate desire

or, lust after.

This verse does not imply that simply to have a desire is wrong however to entertain or nurture

that desire is wrong and inappropriate.

God is the designer of sex and to fulfill those desires God has established marriage covenant.

(B) Matthew 5: 29-30 Importance of Purity:

Why inward and outward purity is important? Jesus reminds his disciples that, “for it is better

that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell”.

Both outward and inward purity is so important that it is sacrificing other good and important

things if that is leading into sin.

Application: If you have problems with inappropriate desire learn to deal with it. For an

example, avoid those circumstances. Understand that you have been already made clean by

Jesus Christ. II Corinthian 5:21. Apart from Holy Spirit you cannot fight this. The Holy Spirit is the

agent of transformation not you.

Audio: