“The Motive for Murder”

Matthew 5: 21-28

Introduction: The Sermon on the Mount is full of Kingdom principles, how to live in the Kingdom of Heaven. The first is: how to handle anger.

I. Anger and Murder (Matthew 5: 21-22)

• Jesus equated anger with murder. (Matt. 5: 21-22, 1 John 3:15)
• Anger is the motive for murder. (Genesis 4: 5,8)
• Murder is wrong. (Exodus 20:13)
• Anger causes us to sin. (James 1:20, Colossians 3: 8,14)
• God’s will is for us to honor and love. (Psalms 8:5, Matthew 5:22)

II. We are responsible for our anger. (Matthew 5:22)

• None of our defenses will hold up in court.

III. Anger has consequences.

• Anger kills relationships. (Matthew 5:22)
• Anger hinders our prayers. (1 Timothy 2:8, Matthew 5:24)
• “The fire of hell” (Matthew 5:22

IV. There is a remedy.

• The feeling isn’t wrong!
• “Forgive me. Help me.”
• “Be Reconciled.” (Matthew 5: 23-24, 18:15)
• “Do not take legal action. (Matthew 5: 25-26)