Just Like My Father

Matthew 5:38-48

Matthew 5:38-39
You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, do not resist evil; but whosoever shall strike you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Matthew 5:40-42
And if any man wishes to sue you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. And whosoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who asks of you, and from him who wishes to borrow from you, do not turn away.

Matthew 5:43-44
You have heard that it has been said, You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy. But I say to you: Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you, and persecute you,

Matthew 5:45-46
So that you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

Matthew 5:47-48
And if you greet your brethren only, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore be perfect, just as your Father who is in heaven is perfect.

Jesus is measuring me
against the yardstick of His character - concerning anger - concerning lust - concerning fidelity in marriage - concerning my truthfulness

Jesus is measuring me
- concerning my reaction to offenses - measuring my love !

An Eye For An Eye

1. Dont take the law into your own hands: no private justice

An Eye For An Eye

1. Dont take the law into your own hands: no private justice 2. Make the punishment fit the crime: no excessive punishments

He takes me beyond revenge

1. Beyond retaliation: getting even

He takes me beyond revenge

1. Beyond retaliation: getting even 2. Beyond retribution: getting whats rightfully mine

He takes me beyond revenge

1. Beyond retaliation: getting even 2. Beyond retribution: getting whats rightfully mine 3. Beyond rights: getting whats fair

Pacifism?
1. 2. 3. 4. Jesus is speaking to the saints The Bible doesnt teach it The examples of Jesus and Paul Government is Gods minister to execute wrath on criminals

Vengeance belongs to
Dearly beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but leave room for wrath, for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21)

Love your neighbor

You shall not bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. (Lev. 19:18)

Be perfect!
Therefore be perfect, just as your Father who is in heaven is perfect. (Matt. 5:48)

A teleios man
Teleios = to be mature or complete Teleios means Ive arrived at a state of maturity and completeness in my life. It means one principle now guides my words and my actions: the law of love!

Gods Perfect Love

1. Loves people who dont deserve it

Gods Perfect Love

1. Loves people who dont deserve it 2. Loves people outside my circle

Gods Perfect Love

1. Loves people who dont deserve it 2. Loves people outside my circle 3. Loves people outside my family

Growing in our love

1. Love your enemies

Growing in our love

1. Love your enemies 2. Bless those who curse you
1. 2. Speak kindly to them Speak kindly about them

Growing in our love

1. Love your enemies 2. Bless those who curse you
1. 2. Speak kindly to them Speak kindly about them

3. Do good to those who hate you

Growing in our love

1. Love your enemies 2. Bless those who curse you
1. 2. Speak kindly to them Speak kindly about them

3. Do good to those who hate you 4. Pray for those who mistreat you