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Sermon on the Mount
187
The darkest chapters of history are filled with the record of crimes
committed by bigoted advocates of their religion. The Pharisees
thought themselves to be the most religious people in the world,
but their so-called orthodoxy led them to crucify the Lord of glory.
Many claim a faith in the truth; but if it does not make them sincere,
kind, patient, selfrestrained, and heavenly minded, it is a curse to
them, and through their influence it is a curse to the world.
The Depth and Breadth of God’s Law
Jesus talked about the commandments separately and showed
how farreaching their principles are. He said that we can violate the
law of God by the evil thought or lustful look. The smallest injustice
breaks the law. Those who give hatred a place in their hearts are
setting their feet in the path of the murderer.
The Jews nurtured a spirit of retaliation. In their hatred of the
Romans, they denounced them harshly, training themselves to do
terrible deeds. Some kinds of indignation are justifiable, even in the
followers of Christ. When they see God dishonored and the innocent
oppressed, a righteous indignation stirs the soul. Such anger is not
sin. But we must banish bitterness and animosity from the heart if
we want to be in harmony with heaven.
God’s ideal for His children is higher than the highest human
thought can reach. “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is
perfect.” NRSV. This command is a promise. The plan of redemption
aims at our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ
always separates the sorrowing one from sin. He has made provision
to give the Holy Spirit to every repentant person, to keep him from
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sinning.
Temptations Are Not Excuses
We should not think that Satan’s temptations are an excuse for
one wrong act. There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a
Christlike life, is within reach of every repenting, believing child of
God.
As the Son of man was perfect in His life, so His followers
are to be perfect in their lives. In all things Jesus was made like