Following Christ

• Matthew 5:14-16• If you are holy, you cannot be hidden• The very design of God in giving us this light

was that it might shine• When others see our good works, they may be

moved to love and serve God in the same way• Heb 11:13-16• This is not our eternal home

Following Christ

• Matt 5:20• The Pharisees were looked to as attaining the

highest form of religion• This was impossible to Jesus’ listeners• Matt 5:21-22• Raca = worthless; empty one• Fool = dull or stupid, heedless, absurd• The point is to not let anger consume us

Following Christ

• Pro 19:19; 21:24• Pro 27:3• Heavier = more burdensome, without end• Cain – Gen 4:5• Joseph’s brothers – Gen 37:4• King Saul – I Sam 18:8• Haman – Esther 3:5

Following Christ

• When we are hurt and become angry, we become angry because our idol has been attacked

• The idol that has been attacked is the idol of self

• Then our actions betray what we are truly worshipping

• Matt 15:8

Following Christ

• Eph 4:26• Be ye angry and sin not = If you are angry, take

heed not to sin• Let not the sun go down upon your wrath = be

reconciled immediately• Eph 4:27; 4:31• Bitterness = poison• Wrath = passion – as if breathing hard

Following Christ

• Anger = violent desire• Clamour = outcry• Evil speaking = especially against God• Malice = evil• Eph 4:32• Kind = a useful employee• Forgive = to grant as a favor – give freely

Following Christ

• James 1:18-20• I Cor 13:4-7• Matt 5:23-24• God wants us to have a clean heart when we

worship Him• I Sam 15:22

Following Christ

• God wants our hearts• He is not interested in us going through the

motions of religion because religion is worthless if our hearts are not given totally to God

• Matt 18:22-35