Bible Thoughts

November 18, 2001

Paul, in his various letters to the churches, wrote lists of deeds and behaviors that the Christian is not to do. These passages are often quoted in sermons, classes and different study guides. Because of this, students of the Bible are familiar with them. Christians know all the “big” sins, such as: lying, murder, sexual immorality, theft, as well as others. But what about the “little” sins? What about the sins mentioned in this passage—specifically anger, wrath, and malice?

The sins that are traditionally considered to be major are concerned with behavior, sins that are considered to be minor are concerned with thoughts. However, the concept of “big” and “little” sins is not a doctrine taught by Christ. In many ways the “small” sins of angry thoughts and unchecked rage (wrath) are worse than murder because they lead to murder. In Matthew 5:22-23, Christ equated bearing anger against a brother with the sin of murder as expressed in the Law of Moses. Evil thoughts lead to evil actions. In Matthew 5:27-28 he said, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”

Thoughts come from the heart, wrong thoughts lead to wrong actions, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies”(Matthew 5:19).

One of the most difficult lessons for a Christian to learn, especially new Christians, is that merely changing your actions is not enough. Because actions flow from the heart

and mind the heart and mind must be changed. It is not acceptable to express “road rage” in the car “because no one is around." It is not acceptable to be angry and wrathful with a husband or wife or a brother or sister because “that is what family’s do, it’s all right because they know I still love them." True, living in a family can be a strain on a person’s patience but a Christian’s first allegiance is to Christ. There is nothing in heaven or on the earth that excuses us from acting as a Christian at all times to all people. That includes the people that know us best. Isn’t it ironic that many Christians adopt the view (in practice if not in word) that we have to treat strangers well but that it is fine to treat our closest friends and family like dirt? No, we are to treat all people equally—just as Christ did, with the same love that Christ gave to us.

Christianity is not about following a rule book, it’s not something you can do in your spare time or when it’s convenient. Following Christ requires a total commitment. In Romans 12:2, Paul says that we must be “…transformed by the renewing of your mind…”. You have to be willing to let the words of God shape your heart and mind. No more unrighteous anger, no more wrath, no more desiring to hurt others; if you’re going to follow Christ you must let him change your mind so you will not fall into these things. Let your faith transform your mind and make you into something new, a Christian.-Scott Huston

Satan has always made it his aim to hinder those who would please Jehovah. This is not the only time that Paul would be hindered by the Devil's ways, but it happened on other occasions. The hindrance of Satan did not stop Paul. He continued to fight the good fight and live the life of a disciple. Whatever Satan placed in his way was overcome by the determination of the apostle to do as God desired regardless of the efforts of the adversary.

Satan still tries to hinder those who would serve the Lord. He places many temptations in the way; he uses discouragement; he tells lies(he is the father of such); he does all within his power to take away the faith and hope of those who are Christians.

Paul withstood the opposition of the Devil and continued to serve the Lord. The apostle knew that the Lord would care for him--and--that so long as he was serving God, he could face the temptations and overcome the efforts of Satan. When Paul was hindered, he persevered. When Paul was accused, he told the truth. When Paul was persecuted, he endured. Whatever the adversary placed in his path, the loyalty to Jehovah motivated him to be faithful.

Satan is still alive and active. He uses the same type of temptations to entrap those who are Christians at present that he has used since the Garden of Eden. He is not sleeping; he is using all of his powers to lure those who would serve God into sin. The allurements of the world are attractive to the flesh and Satan knows how to use them to capture disciples of Christ. Only by a dedicated faith, as one sets his "affection on things above, not on things on the earth"(Colossians 3:2), can the efforts of Satan be overcome.

Jesus, speaking what is known as the sermon on the mount, uses a series of passages to identify what makes men truly happy. In fact, the word blessed means "happy." In this scripture, he is pointing out that true happiness can be found by seeking after "righteousness." The word righteousness means the "character or quality of being right or just"(Vine). At one time, the word was "rightwiseness." There is a lot of wisdom in one acting and behaving in a right manner. It eases pain; it avoids deliberately hurting

others; it promotes kindness; and most of all--it causes one to seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness first. When men sin, they are not being wise. Noah was a righteous man when the entire world was given to lasciviousness and other iniquities. His "rightwiseness" allowed him to rescue his family from the great flood. Your righteousness can lead to saving your family.