The Golden Rule

Introduction

Our country is reeling over deep division, polarization—both politically and socially.

In Israel, during the time of Jesus’ ministry, political correctness was a way of life.

Pharisees and scribes were always on the lookout for “law-breakers.”

The people lived under condemnation.

Spirituality become distorted (a form of godliness but denying the power thereof).

Jesus turned a “spotlight” on to the hypocrisy and the false/unhealthy spirituality.

What did the people forget?

Deuteronomy 6:4–5 ESV

4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Leviticus 19:18 ESV

18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

Matthew 22:37–40 ESV

37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

The people forgot the basic principles of living life within the Kingdom of God.

It can happen to us as well. So Jesus gives a message (The Sermon on the Mount) that reminds His followers about what it means to live as believers.

The pinnacle of this message is found in Matthew 7:12.

Matthew 7:12 ESV

12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Jesus’ followers were familiar with the negative form of this imperative.

Do not do to others what you yourself dislike.

This negative form is found in many religions—and was taught by the Rabbis before Jesus’ birth.

However, Jesus’ teaching is a significant change to the rule.

A biblical scholar explains: In its negative form, the Golden Rule could be satisfied by doing nothing.

But, the Golden Rule—the positive form moves us to action on behalf of others.

The Golden Rule is a critical call to action—but it can be greatly misunderstood or misused.

The Golden Rule is a standard for those who are already followers of Christ.

This is an ethical rule for the Christian—not for the unbeliever.

Some have concluded that if I follower this rule, then I am ok.

However, Salvation is through God’s grace. We cannot do anything to earn this gift.

This ethical rule are for those who have already placed their trust in Jesus Christ.

The Golden Rule is not a conduct we can accomplish on our own.

Even as a believer in Christ, we this rule is difficult and even impossible to follow.

We need God’s help

Matthew 7:7 ESV

7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

This is a prayer that God wants to answer in your life.

The Golden Rule is conduct the overflows from our relationship with Jesus.

The quality of your relationship with God through Christ will determine the quality of following Matthew 7:12.

You cannot give what you do not have.

Love for God will lead and empower you for love for others.

In view of God’s generosity to us, treating others in the manner we would like ourselves to be treated is the least we can do.

Illustration: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37).

Romans 12:10–13 ESV

10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.