THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 5:27-30
“Already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28)
Sin is not just bad actions, it is an attitude or inclination of the heart/mind.
We have a sin-twisted, self-centered nature that poisons how we operate in the world.
It starts in the heart, and moves from there to our words and actions.
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
I can attest to this personally; as good as I try to be, its disturbing how the selfish gene shows up.
Jesus is warning us that sin is not a surface issue, it is a deep-rooted cancer.
“Cut it off, gouge it out, throw it away…” this is what you do with a cancer!
The “hell” (misery) that results from sin is also clear, many people are living it right now.
A moment of weakness, a foolish decision, a reckless action… and life becomes a living hell.
Jesus is giving us an urgent warning… TAKE SIN SERIOUSLY, BEFORE IT SERIOUSLY TAKES YOU!
Sexual sin is mentioned because of how often sin is sexual (we live in a sex-twisted world).
But all sinful desires – greed, lust, pride, anger – they will all destroy you!
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)
This is NOT the message people are hearing today.
‘Be who you are, don’t let anyone stop you, everyone decide for themselves what is right or wrong.’
Is it any wonder our world is witnessing tragedies of hellish proportions?
“It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” (v.30)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, sin sucks! Really, it is ruining so many peoples lives. And its sinister subtlety is affecting me too. Thank, You, thank You, thank You for do what it takes to ultimately save me from its grip!