REFLECTION: Matthew 5:21-37 "The New Law of Christ"
Writing laws is not as easy as you might think it would be. You might write a
law with the aim of protecting innocent people and end up creating a loophole
that allows criminals to get off. You might create a law that contradicts another
law or makes it impossible for another law to be obeyed.
Laws are written to guide us but sometimes they can actually get in the way of
what they were designed to do. The Pharisees and Teachers of the Law in Jesus’
day became experts at manipulating the law to make legal, through loopholes,
the opposite of what the law intended.
Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the Mount sets us straight on what God’s
law really means concerning murder, adultery and swearing of oaths. Here is an
outline.
Introduction: When obeying the law is not obeying The Law.
1. Jesus lays down the Law.
a. Not a New Law but the true fulfilment of the Old Law. (5:17)
b. He teaches us to obey the Spirit of the Law rather than the Letter of the law.
2. His law is Love, not legalism.
a. Murder: You shall not murder – Don’t even use insults or get angry (21-26)
b. Adultery: You shall not commit adultery – Don’t even think about it (27-30)
c. Divorce: Divorce, except on the ground of unchastity, leads to adultery (31-
32)
d. Oaths: You shall not swear falsely – don’t swear at all, but let your “yes” be
“yes” & your “no” be “no”. (33-37)
To Think About:
Are there areas in my life where I think I am getting off on a technicality, while
really I am disobeying God’s law?
HYMNS FOR THIS SUNDAY
TIS 153 God is love, let heaven adore him
Yet not I
TIS 534 Love is his word
MP 651 The kingdom of God is justice and joy
NEWCOMERS LUNCH
A special lunch for newcomers to be held in the Parish Centre on today after
morning tea at 12 noon.
ASH WEDNESDAY
Feb 22nd. There will be special Ash Wednesday services at 10am and at 7pm in
the church on Ash Wednesday.
SHROVE TUESDAY
On Shrove Tuesday, Feb 21st, there will be the usual pancake dinner in the Parish Centre at 6pm. The evening is free of charge. Pancakes will be supplied. People planning to attend are urged to sign the attendance sheet in the
foyer and to indicate what pancake toppings they will bring, sweet, or savoury.
FROM THE VICAR
As you know I have been fighting an aggressive and chronic prostate cancer for
the last 2 years. Surgery and previous radiation treatment hadn’t stopped it. My
oncologist decided to throw everything at it but I was told not to get my hopes up
as the chance of stopping it was only about 5-10%. I have now finished the six
months of treatment and this week I went to see my oncologist to get the
results. I got a big smile, a hand shake, and a result of “undetectable” PSA,
which means no cancer could be detected. Thank you so much for all your
prayers and concern. Praise God for this miraculous and wonderful news.
YOUTH GROUP
Youth group will be resuming on Sunday Feb 26th. Martin, Daniel and Tats will
be leading the youth ministry this year and they have some great activities
planned for high school aged youth. Stay tuned.
FELLOWSHIP LUNCH
Everyone welcome to join us at the next Fellowship Lunch on Wednesday
February 15th at 12noon Dandenong Club for good food and conversation.
Please add your name to list in porch or phone Doreen 0439795386 or Margo
0419888426
MISSION MOMENTS
Sunday 19th February is Mission Sunday, when we will be delighted to hear
from a couple of “surprise” speakers. Please bring along your Mission box this
Sunday or next, if you contribute to these very worthy causes. Thank you for
your participation.
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
19th Feb – Last Sunday after Epiphany
Exodus 24.12-18; Psalm 2; 2 Peter 1.16-21; Matthew 5.38-48
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
We pray for those who are sick or troubled in body or mind, or who
have special needs: (Please email contact@stjamesdandenong.com or
contact clergy for prayers for anyone who is in need of them).
THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR
Mike; Mark; Clovis; Rose; Rhonda; Eva; Cecil; Graeme; Stanley; Nigel; Russell; Josie, Kevin; Joanne, Eve, Margaret, Lynette, Danny, Esme, Henry, Michael, Milton, Sylvia, Charles, Edward, Tyrone, Babu & Jean.
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