Matthew 5:38-48 The Second Mile

Compare First Mile to Second Mile A Mile of Compulsion (v41) Compel – “to impress into service” Simon of Cyrene compelled to carry Jesus’ cross (Matthew 27:32)

Compare First Mile to Second Mile Attitude of First Mile Christians: “Why should I do more?” “How much work do I have to do?” “Do I have to attend gospel meetings?” False concept of service to God Trying to see how little they can get by with and still be faithful It is a matter of dedication and commitment

Compare First Mile to Second Mile More difficult for it is a mile of grace It is a display of goodness and kindness It is accomplished by love for the Lord John 14:23 “if anyone loves Me, he will keep my word;” 1 John 4:18 “perfect love casts out fear”

Compare First Mile to Second Mile Those who travel the second mile have an attitude of “What MORE can I do?” Illustrated by 1 Corinthians 15:58 “always abounding in the word of the Lord” Abound – “overflow, excel, or exceed” Is Luke 6:38 in reverse “Give and will be to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over…”

Other Applications of this Attitude When smitten, turn the other cheek (vv. 38, 39) Personal challenge to a duel, injury and an insult – 1 Peter 2:20-23 Turn the other cheek – do not have an “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” mentality Do not sink to their level Rise above a personal affront

Other Applications of this Attitude When sued for your tunic, let them have your cloak (v. 40) The Cloak could not be taken from a man by law – Exodus 22:26,27 The Christians never stands upon his rights because he considers others before self Philippians 2:3 “esteem other better that himself”

Other Applications of this Attitude Give to the one who asks – do not turn away from one who wants to borrow (v.42) This is the attitude one should have toward the need of others Jesus is evidently speaking of those who are truly needy – 1 Timothy 5:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:10 Not to encourage sin of slothfulness The Christian not to be selfish- liberal and generous

Other Applications of this Attitude Loving your enemy (vv. 42-48) This refers to those who hate you Agapeo “to love, be full of goodwill and exhibit the same, interest in others welfare.” Anyone can love the loveable but it takes a “second mile” attitude to love the unlovable Luke 17:10 NKJV 10 "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'"

We Must Go The Second Mile It is Difficult It is one Abundant with Reward