Giving and Receiving

Scriptural Text:

Jesus’ Unique Golden Rule

Hillel, the Hebrew rabbi, said, “Do not do to thy neighbor what is hateful to thyself.” Socrates, the Greek philosopher, said, “What stirs your anger when done to you by others, that do not do to others.” Confucius, the Chinese sage, said, “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.”

These statements are worlds away from what Jesus said. Their rules are negative and passive. Jesus’ rule is positive and active. In essence these wise men said, “Avoid doing to others what you do not want done to you.” Jesus said, “Think of something good you wish someone would do for you, then do it for someone else.”

 Herschel H. Hobbs, My Favorite Illustrations (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1990), 43.

And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men. ()

God so loved, He Gave! ( )

(NKJV) 16For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

(NKJV) 16For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

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From this foundation Jesus teaches “the new principles of life that must be heeded, Jesus explains how to live God’s way. God gives and forgives. He blesses friends and enemies alike, without resentment or reserve. Jesus urges his followers to extend the boundaries of their love to include their enemies, and turn loans to gifts—just as God does.

16For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

1. The principles of Life (v.27-31)

a. Governing relationships

Love all men, even enemies( ; Matt. 5:44)

Do good to those who hate you(; ;

Bless then that curse you(; ;

Pray for others and offer the other cheek(don’t retaliate) [; : i.e. Jesus and Stephen]

b. Governing property

Deprive not and Give(if one takes your cloak, give your coat; help those that is in need, but use discretion[]) ; ; ; Tim. 6:17-18

Give

Do not demand material goods(if one fail to payback, let keep it) Matt. 5:42

c. Governing Behavior(The Golden rule, v.31); cp ;

(NKJV) 31And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

31And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

‘Treat others as you would like to be treated.’

2. The argument: a disciple's behavior must surpass a sinner's (v.32-34)

2. The argument: a disciple's behavior must surpass a sinner's (v.32-34)

Note: loving, doing good, and lending are not enough. It does not not get you in heaven(must have Christ: ,,

3. The reward for living right (v.35-36)

All that the believer suffers and loses on earth will be restored(; ; ; Matt. 19:23-24)

4. The promise: reciprocal behavior-you will receive what you give (v.37-38)

Don’t judge your friends : Judging and criticizing will come back on you.

(Lesson 1) Personal relationships: if we judge and condemn and are unforgiving of others, then both men and God will treat us the same.

(Lesson 2) Property matters: The believer is to give and to possess a spirit of giving and not to be selfish and hoarding. If he gives, he shall receive back much more.

(Lesson 3) What a man puts into life is what he gets out of Life

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How can you receive, when you don’t give?