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July 14, 2024

Get Even

Sermon Series:

It Had To Be Said

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Matthew 5:38-48

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun 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? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Main Idea

Followers of Jesus express their Savior's heart towards others. They do not retaliate against those who wrong us or are unkind to us.

Outline

1. We express our Savior's heart by turning the other cheek and being willing to go the extra mile.
2. We express our Savior's heart by loving our enemies by loving our enemies.

Pre-Questions

What initial thoughts or feelings did you have when you heard this sermon on Matthew 5:38-48?

Discussion Questions

In Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus speaks against the principle of "an eye for an eye." How does Jesus' teaching differ from the cultural understanding of justice and retaliation during His time?
How do you interpret the instruction to "turn the other cheek" and "go the extra mile"?
Jesus calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:43-48). What practical steps can you take to implement this in your daily life?
How can loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us reflect the heart of our Savior?
Reflect on a time when you felt the urge to retaliate. How did you respond? How might Jesus’ teaching influence your response if you encountered a similar situation today?

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