AS IT WAS; AS IT IS (2)

Highlighting Jesus' Review of the Laws of Moses

In the introductory edition of this teaching, we established that Jesus came to fulfill the Law and not destroy it. Also, we established that the coming of Jesus introduced remarkable changes into the law.

The case we discussed in the previous article was about murder as seen in Matthew 5:21-26. (Read previous episode.)

Today, we shall consider another change Jesus introduced to an existing commandment.

[You Have Been Told]

"...thou shall not commit adultery..." (Matthew 5:27)

[But I say Unto You]

"...whosoever looks at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her in his heart." (5:28)

[In Addition]

"If thy right hand offend thee, pluck it out and cast it out from thee. For it is profitable for thee that one of the members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell." (5:29)

From Acts to Thoughts

Like we saw last week in the first issue Jesus raised concerning murder, similar application is done here. Before now, someone was guilty of adultery or other sexual immoralities when one has actually been involved in such acts.

But now Jesus has changed it. The judgement is now based on the thought of such. The Apostle Paul understood this review. It reflected in his letter to the Philippian churches, thus, 'Whatsoever things are true, just, pure, honest, praise worthy, virtuous, lovely, think on these things'. (Philippians 4:8)

Discipline Your Thought

If the guilt of sexual immoralities has moved from the actual act to the initial mental lust, it is a call for us to discipline our thoughts. No doubt, there is so great temptation in this regards today.

We may discipline ourselves enough not to be involved in the acts, but thoughts of such 'may' regularly or occasionally flip through, or sneak into our minds. This has the potential of bringing us before judgement (as seen in the words of Jesus). However, do not be scared, keep your eyes on Jesus. Access yourself by His word.

Cast off Lust and Negative Thoughts

Whenever you find yourself in a situation as abovementioned, cast off the thought. You had overcome in Christ. You are an overcomer in Christ. Truth is –these thought will infiltrate your mind and pollute your soul. The longer you stay on them, the stronger their grip on you.

If allowed, they may eventually creep into your schedule and then they'd product the acts.

The additional part (verse 29) means that whatever promotes these temptations, (friends, places, topics of discussion, lustful sights, etc.) we should disengage from such. Stay free from guilt.

I pray the Lord help us all, in Jesus name. Amen.

Remain blessed. Listen to Goodlife Podcast

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