The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 September 5, 2018 Matthew Chapters 5-7 Luke 6:20-49 The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 The Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5:21-48 Jesus’ standard of righteousness

Righteousness surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees Matthew 5:43-47 What are we do to for our enemies – those who persecute us? Love them. (agapao; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7) “Unconquerable benevolence, invincible goodwill” (Sharp). Actions not feelings. Not “effortlessly experienced” (Caldwell). As God loved us. 1 John 4:7-21 Agapao refers to a genuine desire (growing out of thoughtful good will) which motivates purposeful active service on behalf of its object(s). It is an attitude which seeks to meet the others’ needs and provide for their welfare. This spirit, the opposite of vengeance, is required even though the enemies (tous echthrous) have openly hateful and offensive feelings of evil intent and may even demonstrate them in harmful and aggressively hostile or violent actions. (Prov. 24:17; see Job 31:29-34).

Righteousness surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees Matthew 5:43-47 What are we do to for our enemies – those who persecute us? Pray for them. Pray for what? Knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4 Their salvation. Romans 10:1 As Jesus Christ. Luke 23:34 Paul, 2 Timothy 4:16

Righteousness surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees Matthew 5:43-47 What are we do to for our enemies – those who persecute us? Verse 47 Greet them (“to enfold in the arms … salute”; Strong) Do we even acknowledge and recognize our enemies?

Righteousness surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees Luke 6:31-35 What are we do to for our enemies – those who persecute us? Do good/lend (be a “well-doer”; Strong). Luke 6:31-35. Do something that benefits others … do what’s right for others. “Do well” Expecting nothing in return Proverbs 25:21-22; 1 Peter 2:15-20

Righteousness surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees Do good/lend (be a “well-doer”; Strong). Luke 6:31-35. Keys to “doing good” from the letter to Titus Love – 1:8 Zeal – 2:14 (1 Peter 3:13) Readiness – 3:1 Careful – 3:8 Taught (learn) – 3:14 (2:3)

Righteousness surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees Do good/lend (be a “well-doer”; Strong). Luke 6:31-35. Keys from Galatians 6 (context: walking by the Spirit versus the flesh) Starts and ends with God’s word – verse 6 It’s work to sow (to the Spirit)– verses 7-8 Don’t lose heart – verse 9 (Psalms 37:1-3) Be opportunistic – verse 10

Righteousness surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees Do good/lend (be a “well-doer”; Strong). Luke 6:31-35. First spiritual (Galatians 6:9-10), then fleshly – using God’s blessings to His honor (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

Righteousness surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees Luke 6:28 What are we do to for our enemies – those who persecute us? Bless them who curse you. “Bestow blessings on” Acts 3:26 1 Corinthians 4:10-13; Romans 12:14; 1 Peter 3:8-11

Righteousness surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees Matthew 5:43-47 Why? That we may be children of God. Verse 45; verse 9 (Philippians 2:15) To be different from the world. Verses 46-47; Romans 12:1-2 To be perfect and complete like our Father. Verse 48; James 1:2-4; Matthew 19:21; Ephesians 4:13; Colossians 1:28

Righteousness surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees To love as God loved us. 1 John 4:7-12 Mark 12:29-31, “Jesus answered, ‘The foremost is, “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; 30 and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” 31 ‘The second is this, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’”