September 28th, 2025 - The Heart of the Law

Scripture Passage: Matthew 5:17-48

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The Talk on the Hillside
(Dallas Willard)
1. Those unlikely people are blessed
2. The Heart of the Law

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Will we be able to hear this?
Our love of rules overshadows the rule of love.

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Own that the mountain of truth leaves us feeling "poor in spirit"

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What is Jesus doing with the law?
 I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
...whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great
...unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees

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Intensify law to make us collapse in the arms of grace.
or
Give us the key to actually move forward in our obedience.

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The end goal
48 Be perfect holy, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect holy.
"nobody is perfect"

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How do we practice Jesus' ways?
one who murders..   judgment.’ ...
 who is angry...subject to judgment who says ... ‘Raca,’ .. the court.
who says, ‘You fool!’ ... the fire of hell.

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Not rules, but ways of being
 First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court.

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Your heart or your hand?
anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out

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Legal or loving
31 ... ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I tell you ... makes her the victim of adultery,

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Hide behind rules or speak your heart?
  37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

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Neither retribution nor roll-over
 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.

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Love God by hanging around him enough that you act like him.
44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven.

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Hunger and thirst for righteousness and be salty, by standing out as god-like.
Do this by paying attention to your heart, admit your anger and selfishness, and ask Jesus to make you loving and selfless like him.