Sermon Introduction:
Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, challenges traditional interpretations of the Law and reorients them toward the heart and spirit behind our actions. The Jews had inherited 613 laws — and the Pharisees added over 1,500 more. Jesus wasn’t discarding the law but fulfilling it by taking it deeper — into the heart, the mouth, and the relationships of His people.
Just like in a grocery store where the “Self Checkout is Open”, Jesus calls each of us to personally examine ourselves.
1. Check Your Heart
Matthew 5:21-22 NKJV
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment…”
Jesus reveals that murder begins in the heart — through unjustified anger.
🔎 Supporting Scriptures:
- Exodus 21:12–14 NKJV: Premeditation and lying in wait = murder
- Ephesians 4:26–27 NKJV: “Be angry, and do not sin… nor give place to the devil.”
📝 Reflection:
- Have I justified my anger even when it wasn’t righteous?
- Do I carry hidden bitterness or rage toward others?
- Am I giving space for Satan to use my emotions to harm others?
🙏 Personal Check:
- Before I discipline my child, check my heart.
- Before I react to criticism, check my heart.
- Before I speak out in disagreement at church, check my heart.
💭 Self-Study Questions:
- What are some emotional “triggers” I need to surrender to God?
- How do I distinguish righteous anger from selfish anger?
- Have I ever caused spiritual or emotional harm without realizing it?
2. Check Your Words
Matthew 5:22 NKJV
“…And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.”
Jesus warns that words carry spiritual weight. Terms like “Raca” — meaning worthless — were socially and spiritually damaging.
🔎 Supporting Scriptures:
- Proverbs 6:16–19 NKJV: God hates a lying tongue and false witness.
- Matthew 23:17 NKJV: Jesus used “fool” with righteous purpose — not out of hate.
- Matthew 12:33–37 NKJV: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks…”
📝 Reflection:
- Do my words reveal pride, hate, or envy?
- Am I using my tongue to tear down or to build up?
- Do I speak one way at church and another at home or work?
💭 Self-Study Questions:
- Have I ever called someone a name that wounded their spirit?
- Have I used humor or sarcasm to cover up malice?
- What changes do I need to make in how I talk — even about myself?
🙌 Application:
- Guard your speech during conflict.
- Choose silence over slander.
- Speak words that bring life and healing.
3. Check Your Relationships
Matthew 5:23-26 NKJV
“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you… be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
God values reconciliation before worship. A disconnected relationship can interfere with our connection to God.
🔎 Supporting Scriptures:
- 1 John 4:20-21 NKJV: You can’t love God and hate your brother.
- Revelation 20:11–15 NKJV: God will judge our works.
- Revelation 22:12–13 NKJV: Jesus is returning with rewards — or consequences.
📝 Reflection:
- Are there unresolved issues in my family, marriage, or church relationships?
- Am I harboring grudges, speaking badly about others, or ignoring someone God has called me to love?
- Have I mistaken maturity for avoidance?
💭 Self-Study Questions:
- Who do I need to apologize to or seek forgiveness from?
- How have I justified disconnection rather than practicing reconciliation?
- What blessings might I be blocking through unresolved conflict?
🙌 Application:
- Reconcile before you worship.
- Don’t wait for others to come to you — take the first step.
- Spiritual maturity includes emotional humility.
Final Charge: “Check Yourself”
Jesus says, “Self checkout is open.”
You don’t need to wait for others to evaluate you. Start with yourself.
“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves…”
— 2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV
🔥 Closing Exhortation:
- Check your heart — for hidden sin or unrighteous emotions.
- Check your words — for truth, love, and life-giving language.
- Check your relationships — for peace, unity, and reconciliation.
Because if you don’t check yourself, God will check you.
📘 Memory Verses for the Week:
- Matthew 5:21-22 – Watch your anger.
- Matthew 12:34 – “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
- 1 John 4:20 – You can’t love God and hate your brother.
- Ephesians 4:26 – Be angry, and do not sin.
- Revelation 22:12 – Jesus is coming with His reward.
✝️ Prayer Focus:
“Lord, examine my heart. Cleanse my speech. Restore my relationships. I want to honor You not just in what I do — but in how I feel, how I speak, and how I love others. Amen.”