Magnanimity

Sermon objective

The sermon on the mount is exploring Jesus’ new teaching as opposed to the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus here is communicating the truths about the way the kingdom of heaven is ruled, and further the moral ethic that Jesus has that he wants us to have.

Jesus is reviewing the OT law and presenting the expanded versions that are based on love, a contrast to the beliefs at the time. This is called his antithesis.

Jesus is appealing to a religion and observation of the law that finds its root in the disciples heart not just their head. He is revealing the character of God in this, and calling people to have the same high moral standards, to be ‘perfect’, to be like the one whom they were made in the image of.

Interestingly, Jesus utilises the idea of loving our enemies, those who persecute us. Having already shared Mt 5:11-12, Jesus is bringing his listeners on a journey of transformation. The beautiful irony in all of this, and the truth which holds this teaching together is Jesus death on a cross, where he suffered at the hands of humanity, his enemies, in order that love may be victorious over the ultimate enemy, death and sin. Christ took his own advice and in doing that accomplished infinitely more than we can comprehend. Christ’s endurance and love for his enemies resulted in them being invited to become co-heirs with him, and further to begin their transformation journey at stage of belief.

Without the truth of the gospel, Jesus’ teaching may turn legalistic and result in a faith by works. But when connected to the truth of the gospel, Jesus disciples are given the ability to see where they were, enemies of Jesus, but now because of his great love are made sons and daughters of God, friends, righteous, holy. In the same way they are to share their gospel with others, their enemies that they may becoem friends and saved.

Outline

Have you ever met someone who has a lot of head knowledge? they can often rattle off

BODY:

You know how it goes. Mt 5:43-48

a. Righteousness greater than religious leaders? (Mt 5:20)

b. Did Jesus get it twisted? Israelite background: OT covenant, and perverted religion. Lev 19:34, Lev 19:12.

c. Head knowledge without heart knowledge.

LINK: Personal story, the battle between legalism and moralism.

2. But how can I be perfect?

a. Telios; complete, full. To be recreated into the image of LOVE.

b. God’s example: Mat 5:45.

c. Magnanimity. Do we have it within us?

LINK: Martin Luther. When I look at myself, I can’t see how I could be saved.

3. What does this say about Jesus’ character?

a. Jesus practice what he preached.

b. Enemies of God, Romans 5:10.

c. LOVE! Jesus was showing that holiness cannot be separated from love!

Conclusion:

Be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect, it is a high calling to holiness indeed! But this is in fact the very purpose we were created, we are created in his image, an image of agape love, and it is in this state that we as humans can find satisfaction. And you must know that this is not a checklist to be saved, we know that Jesus already paid the penalty for our sins, the sins of his enemies, and rose to a new life that we may too! This change of heart, change of mindset is a result of accepting this salvation! Jesus is giving us an opportunity today to begin being restored from the brokenness of sin and into the fullness he created you to have. Further he is giving you an opportunity to be apart of that process for the people around you, for your ‘persecution’, your ‘suffering’ to uncover deeper joy and purpose for spreading the gospel to the world around you.

Take this moment to be still with Jesus, for his spirit to empty you and fill you with him. And if your heart is convicted i invite you to raise your hand, make that public declaration of allowing Christ to begin a work in your heart.

Lets pray together.