Forsake lust (Matt. 5)

In Matthew 5:27-30 Jesus calls his disciples to forsake lust for purity as the way of the kingdom of heaven.

““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.”

As the One greater than Moses heralding a heavenly kingdom that surpasses the types and shadows of Israel in earthly Canaan, Jesus commands obedience from those who are no longer spiritually impotent under the curse of law.  Rather, Jesus calls forth the new life of chastity from those who are already in a state of blessing and purity by God’s grace alone (Matthew 5:2-12).  Christians pursue righteousness in the power of the Spirit.  Through the Holy Spirit we live out our new identity in Christ as those who have “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24).   Like our justification, our sanctification, our mortification of the flesh is also by faith in Christ alone:

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your* life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.  Put to death therefore what is earthly in you:* sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
(Colossians 3:1-5 ESV)

For the sermon, click here.