Collide - Breaking Torah by Keeping It

Collide - Breaking Torah by Keeping It

This teaching from Founded In Truth Fellowship, delivered by Matthew Vander Els, delves into Yeshua's interpretation of the Torah, particularly focusing on the Sermon on the Mount. It challenges the conventional understanding of keeping God's law, suggesting that outward acts of righteousness, without the proper heart and intention, can actually miss the point and even be detrimental.

The core message revolves around Yeshua's assertion that he came not to abolish the Torah but to fulfill it. He achieves this by revealing the deeper meaning and intent behind the commandments, moving beyond mere external compliance. For instance, the commandment "Do not murder" is shown to extend to harboring anger in one's heart, as this internal state can be likened to killing a brother in one's thoughts. Similarly, the prohibition against adultery is not solely about physical infidelity but also includes looking at someone with lustful intent, as this objectifies and devalues the person.

Furthermore, Yeshua broadens the understanding of "loving your neighbor" from just fellow Israelites to include immigrants and even enemies. The love God demonstrates extends to both the righteous and the wicked, symbolized by the rain and sunshine he provides to all. Therefore, followers of Yeshua are called to emulate this boundless love.

The teaching then shifts to practical examples of religious practices: giving to the needy, prayer, and fasting. Yeshua cautions against performing these acts for the sake of being seen and praised by others, comparing such behavior to that of "hypocrites" or "actors." These individuals, like a conceited character in the movie "Moana" who boasts about his good deeds, receive their reward in the form of human applause and recognition, but they forfeit the true reward from God.

The speaker emphasizes that the intention and motivation behind these acts are paramount. Doing good deeds with a selfish desire for recognition builds one's own kingdom rather than contributing to God's kingdom. True righteousness stems from a heart that is loyal to God and His mission of bringing heaven to earth.

Legalism, the speaker explains, often arises from a feeling of distance from Yeshua, where individuals try to justify their salvation through outward works, creating a checklist of religious activities to feel closer to God. However, the reality is that true intimacy with Yeshua and the feeling of God's love should be the primary motivation.

The concept of giving in secret is explored through the Greek word "crypto," suggesting an inward intention rather than necessarily a completely hidden act. The focus should be on a singleness of heart, where the motivation is to contribute freely without seeking honor or reputation.

The speaker contrasts the outward righteousness of the Pharisees, which can be more dangerous than the sin of tax collectors and prostitutes because it masks self-glorification. True followers of Yeshua are called to engage in loving relationships with one another, stemming from a heart devoted to God.

Ultimately, the teaching encourages listeners to audit their hearts and ensure their loyalty lies with God and His kingdom. The reward for true righteousness is the joy and peace found within that kingdom, a reward far greater than the fleeting applause of the world. Settling for external validation is likened to a child content with mud pies while a grander reward awaits. Eternal life, it is stated, begins the moment one pledges allegiance to God's kingdom and starts living according to its principles.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Examine your motivations: Before engaging in acts of service, giving, prayer, or fasting, honestly assess why you are doing it. Is it for God's glory or personal recognition?
• Cultivate a heart of love: Extend love beyond your immediate circle to those who are different or even your enemies, mirroring God's universal love.
• Seek genuine connection with God: Prioritize intimacy with Yeshua over merely checking off religious duties.
• Practice generosity with a pure heart: Give freely and intentionally, without expecting praise or a specific return. Let your giving be rooted in a desire to meet needs and reflect God's generosity.
• Pray sincerely: Approach God with a genuine heart, focusing on His kingdom and the needs of others, rather than trying to impress those around you.
• Fast with humility: If you choose to fast, do so as an act of devotion to God, not as a public display of piety.
• Focus on inward transformation: Recognize that true fulfillment of the Torah begins with a change of heart, impacting your thoughts, attitudes, and relationships.
• Be aware of "playing religion": Guard against performing religious acts superficially for outward appearance, like an actor on a stage seeking applause.
• Value God's reward over human praise: Understand that the lasting reward of living in God's kingdom – joy, peace, and contentment – is far more significant than temporary human approval.
• Engage in authentic community: Build loving and transparent relationships with fellow believers, supporting and encouraging one another in living out the principles of God's kingdom.

References

Bible Verses

• Matthew 5 - biblehub.com/matthew/5.htm
• Matthew 6 - biblehub.com/matthew/6.htm
• Matthew 6:1 - biblehub.com/matthew/6-1.htm
• Matthew 6:1-4 - biblehub.com/matthew/6-1-4.htm
• Matthew 6:3 - biblehub.com/matthew/6-3.htm
• Matthew 6:5 - biblehub.com/matthew/6-5.htm
• Matthew 6:16 - biblehub.com/matthew/6-16.htm
• Leviticus 19 - biblehub.com/leviticus/19.htm
• Romans 2:28-29 - biblehub.com/romans/2-28.htm

Books and Resources Mentioned

• Martin Luther's commentary on the Sermon on the Mount
• Moana (Disney movie)

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