Power in the Pulpit | Matthew 5:38–48

Introduction

Matthew 5:38-42.

Verse 38

True meaning of OT verse.

Legal Code not vigilante justice

Meant to protect overpunishment.

Verse 39

This kind of slap was a backhand to cheek. This was considered an insult in Jewish Society.

We need to know when to let things be.

Verse 40

Someone could sue for an inner garment, but not outer garment. Jesus is saying to give people more than they ask for.

Verse 41

Explain Roman law

Go beyond what is required.

Verse 42

God’s people should be seen as generous people willing to help those in need.

It does not mean we give people whatever they ask, but instead we give something to those who ask.

Explain story of Taylor Field and Graffiti.

Transition

Matthew 5:43-48.

Verse 43

Love your neighbor comes from Lev. 19:18. The Jews would have seen this as being other jews.

Scripture never said to hate your enemies, but that is something that could have been taught in previous generations.

Verse 44

Jesus turns the command on its head. Not only should we want good for those that hurt us, we should pray for them

Verse 45

The example we have of this is God, who does this for us.

Romans 5:8.

This is how we know how good God really is.

Verse 46-47

Tax collectors were people that had betrayed their people by robbing on behalf of Roman government

Gentiles=Pagans

Worshiped false religion that included in it sinfulness.

God’s people should stand out from others for how we love not just those like us, but those are different.

Verse 48

Not asking for legalism, but for Godliness.

Not asking for legalism, but for Godliness. that the point of all these conclusions is to be Godly, not able to legally justify ourselves.

Conclusion