1. The Christian disciple – trustworthy & loving – Mt.5:35-48 The Christian disciple:- 1. Treats people with dignity – 5:21-26 2. Is faithful in marriage – 5:27-32 3. Keeps their word – 5:33-37 4. Loves others – 5:38-48 As we live like this we reflect God’s character – there is no higher calling.

2. 1. Keeping your word – 5:33-37 a. Moses stressed that oaths / promises should be kept – Num.30:2; Dt.23:21 b. “Clever” ways were made to avoid this c. Jesus gives the true / full meaning d. We see:- 1. Human tendency to dishonesty 1. Human tendency to dishonesty 2. The need for disciples to be known as trustworthy 2. The need for disciples to be known as trustworthy

3. 2. Totally loving people – 5:38-48 a. Passive non-retaliation –v.38-42 1. The principle – “Don’t retaliate” 1. The principle – “Don’t retaliate” v.38 – instructions to Judges – Dt.19:15-21 v.38 – instructions to Judges – Dt.19:15-21 2. Examples given 2. Examples given a. Severe insult-v.39; Mk.14:65; 15:16-20 a. Severe insult-v.39; Mk.14:65; 15:16-20 b. Someone taking advantage of us-v.40f b. Someone taking advantage of us-v.40f - don’t insist on your rights –Ex.22:26; 1Cor.6:6,7 - don’t insist on your rights –Ex.22:26; 1Cor.6:6,7 - be prepared to sacrifice - be prepared to sacrifice “Live” the Cross as well as preaching it

4. b. Active love – 5:43-48 1. Correcting misinterpretation –v.43 2. Making clear the command – v.44f a. Don’t retaliate a. Don’t retaliate b. Be willing to sacrifice b. Be willing to sacrifice c. Pray for – v.44; Lk.23:34 c. Pray for – v.44; Lk.23:34 d. Do them good – Lk.6:27,35 d. Do them good – Lk.6:27,35 When we fail to love our enemies we:- a. Fail to reflect God –v.45; Rom.5:8 a. Fail to reflect God –v.45; Rom.5:8 b. Are the same as those around us –v.46,47 b. Are the same as those around us –v.46,47

5. A great difference The way of the world 1. Retaliate 2. Love those who love you The kingdom of God 1. Passive non- retaliation 2. Love your enemy

6. 3. Summary – 5:48 a. This is a high calling – to reflect God’s character b. Only God can make this possible 1. A new birth – new life / heart – Eph.4:24 1. A new birth – new life / heart – Eph.4:24 2. The transforming Spirit – Eph.5:1,2 2. The transforming Spirit – Eph.5:1,2 3. The goal reached – 1 John 3:1-3 3. The goal reached – 1 John 3:1-3