Living in God's Kingdom: Love Over Retaliation

 

Summary

In today's exploration of Jesus' teachings from the Sermon on the Mount, we delve into some of the most challenging statements that often leave people questioning their practicality. Jesus' instructions to turn the other cheek, give more than what is asked, and go the extra mile are not meant to be taken as rigid laws but as creative alternatives for living in the Kingdom of God. These teachings are not about passivity or allowing evil to triumph but about responding to life's challenges with a heart transformed by God's love and presence.

The ancient law of "an eye for an eye" was a step towards justice, ensuring proportionality in recompense. However, Jesus calls us to transcend this mindset of retaliation. Instead of responding to evil with evil, we are invited to live in the reality of God's Kingdom, where we are empowered to choose love over vengeance. This is not about ignoring injustice but about not letting the evil outside us create evil within us.

Jesus provides four vivid illustrations to demonstrate how living in the Kingdom opens up a "waterfall of creative alternatives." These examples are not new laws but imaginative ways to break free from the cycle of retaliation and greed. When struck on the cheek, we can choose to stand firm without seeking revenge. When sued, we can offer more than what is demanded, not out of fear but from a place of freedom and generosity. When forced to go one mile, we can choose to go two, transforming an obligation into an opportunity for kindness. And when asked to give, we can do so freely, knowing that we are living in a Kingdom where God's provision is abundant.

These teachings challenge us to see others through the lens of the Golden Rule, treating everyone with the same love and respect we desire. By living this way, we reflect the heart of God and embody the transformative power of His Kingdom in our daily interactions.

Key Takeaways:

1. Jesus' teachings on turning the other cheek and going the extra mile are not rigid laws but creative alternatives for living in God's Kingdom. They invite us to respond to life's challenges with love and creativity, breaking free from the cycle of retaliation. [04:38]

2. The ancient law of "an eye for an eye" was about justice, but Jesus calls us to transcend this mindset. We are invited to live in a reality where God's love empowers us to choose love over vengeance, ensuring that evil outside does not create evil within. [03:35]

3. Jesus' examples of generosity and going beyond what is asked are not about passivity but about living from a place of freedom and abundance. In the Kingdom, we are free to give generously, knowing that God's provision is limitless. [08:04]

4. The call to go the extra mile transforms obligations into opportunities for kindness. By choosing to serve beyond what is required, we reflect the heart of God and demonstrate the transformative power of His Kingdom. [09:28]

5. Living by the Golden Rule means treating everyone with the same love and respect we desire. This perspective challenges us to see others as God sees them, responding with compassion and generosity, and embodying the Kingdom's values in our daily lives. [12:51]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Challenging Teachings of Jesus
- [00:48] - The Golden Rule in Action
- [01:36] - Understanding "Eye for an Eye"
- [02:20] - Transcending Retaliation
- [03:09] - Resisting Evil with Love
- [03:53] - Creative Alternatives in the Kingdom
- [05:12] - Turning the Other Cheek
- [06:39] - Giving More Than Asked
- [08:33] - Going the Extra Mile
- [09:58] - Generosity and the Kingdom
- [11:26] - Living in the Kingdom of Abundance
- [12:36] - The Golden Rule Applied
- [13:26] - Series and Subscription Information
- [14:02] - Prayer Requests and Closing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 5:38-42

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the specific actions Jesus mentions in Matthew 5:38-42 that challenge the traditional "eye for an eye" mindset? How do these actions differ from the ancient law? [01:03]

2. In the sermon, what does the pastor suggest is the true meaning behind Jesus' instruction to "turn the other cheek"? [05:12]

3. How does the pastor describe the concept of "creative alternatives" in the Kingdom of God? Can you identify the four examples Jesus gives? [03:53]

4. What is the significance of the Roman law mentioned in the sermon, and how does Jesus' teaching about going the extra mile relate to it? [08:49]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:38-42 challenge the conventional understanding of justice and retaliation? What might this suggest about the nature of God's Kingdom? [02:20]

2. The pastor mentions that Jesus' teachings are not new laws but creative examples. How does this perspective change the way we might apply these teachings in our lives? [04:38]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that living in the Kingdom of God provides freedom and abundance, especially in the context of generosity and giving? [08:04]

4. How does the concept of the Golden Rule, as discussed in the sermon, influence our interactions with others, particularly those who may wrong us? [12:36]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt wronged. How might applying Jesus' teaching to "turn the other cheek" have changed your response? What creative alternative could you have chosen? [05:12]

2. Consider a time when you were asked to do more than you felt was fair. How can you transform such obligations into opportunities for kindness, as Jesus suggests? [09:28]

3. The sermon emphasizes living from a place of freedom and abundance. How can you practice generosity in your daily life, trusting in God's provision? [08:04]

4. Think about someone in your life who challenges your ability to live by the Golden Rule. What specific steps can you take to treat them with the love and respect you desire for yourself? [12:51]

5. Identify a situation where you are tempted to retaliate or seek revenge. How can you choose love over vengeance, ensuring that external evil does not create internal evil? [03:35]

6. The pastor talks about seeing others through the lens of the Golden Rule. How can you make a conscious effort to see people as God sees them, especially those who are difficult to love? [12:36]

7. Reflect on the idea of "going the extra mile." Is there a specific area in your life where you can apply this principle to serve others more fully? [09:28]

Devotional

Day 1: Creative Alternatives in the Kingdom
Jesus' teachings on turning the other cheek and going the extra mile are not rigid laws but creative alternatives for living in God's Kingdom. These instructions invite believers to respond to life's challenges with love and creativity, breaking free from the cycle of retaliation. Instead of adhering to a mindset of retaliation, Jesus encourages a transformative approach that reflects the heart of God. By choosing love over vengeance, individuals can embody the values of the Kingdom, demonstrating a life transformed by God's love and presence. This approach is not about passivity but about actively choosing a path that reflects God's abundant love. [04:38]

Matthew 5:39-41 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you feel wronged or slighted. How can you creatively respond with love and generosity instead of retaliation today?


Day 2: Transcending Retaliation
The ancient law of "an eye for an eye" was about justice, but Jesus calls us to transcend this mindset. He invites believers to live in a reality where God's love empowers them to choose love over vengeance, ensuring that evil outside does not create evil within. This teaching challenges individuals to rise above the natural inclination for revenge and instead embrace a life that reflects the transformative power of God's Kingdom. By choosing love, believers can prevent the cycle of evil from perpetuating within themselves and their communities. [03:35]

Romans 12:17-19 (ESV): "Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'"

Reflection: Identify a person or situation where you are tempted to seek revenge. How can you choose to respond with love and break the cycle of retaliation today?


Day 3: Living from Freedom and Abundance
Jesus' examples of generosity and going beyond what is asked are not about passivity but about living from a place of freedom and abundance. In the Kingdom, believers are free to give generously, knowing that God's provision is limitless. This perspective encourages individuals to live with open hands and hearts, trusting in God's abundant resources. By embracing this mindset, believers can experience the joy and freedom that comes from living in alignment with God's Kingdom values. [08:04]

2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you feel scarcity or lack. How can you practice generosity and trust in God's abundant provision today?


Day 4: Opportunities for Kindness
The call to go the extra mile transforms obligations into opportunities for kindness. By choosing to serve beyond what is required, believers reflect the heart of God and demonstrate the transformative power of His Kingdom. This teaching encourages individuals to view their interactions and responsibilities as opportunities to extend kindness and love, rather than mere obligations. By doing so, they can embody the values of the Kingdom and make a positive impact on those around them. [09:28]

Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."

Reflection: Think of a task or responsibility you have today. How can you go beyond what is required and turn it into an opportunity for kindness?


Day 5: The Golden Rule Applied
Living by the Golden Rule means treating everyone with the same love and respect we desire. This perspective challenges believers to see others as God sees them, responding with compassion and generosity, and embodying the Kingdom's values in their daily lives. By applying the Golden Rule, individuals can create a ripple effect of love and kindness, reflecting the heart of God in their interactions with others. This approach encourages believers to be intentional in their relationships, seeking to embody the transformative power of God's Kingdom. [12:51]

Luke 6:31-32 (ESV): "And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them."

Reflection: Reflect on your interactions with others today. How can you intentionally apply the Golden Rule and treat others with the love and respect you desire?

Quotes


today we're looking for the statements Jesus makes right in a row that maybe, more than any others, cause people to look at the CM of the mount and say this is not realistic I don't know what to do with this he says somebody hit you let them hit you again somebody wants to sue you give them even more than they asked for somebody wants you to force you to do something you don't want to do do it and then do more than that anybody wants you to give to them go ahead and give [00:00:08]

you have heard that it was said I for an eye and tooth for tooth but I tell you do not resist an evil person if anyone slaps you on the right cheek turn to them the other cheek Also if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt hand over your coat as well if anyone forces you to go one mile go all them two miles give to the one who asks you and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you [00:01:36]

now Jesus is not addressing this at all in terms of uh how do Nations need to apply Justice what he's addressing is then people would look at that law in the Old Testament and say ah okay now eye for an eye tooth for a tooth you hurt me I'm going to hurt you and that became a general prevailing assumption and of course we're all guilty of living that way that's just that's human flesh and Jesus is saying no [00:02:20]

now all of this is dependent on the reality of the Kingdom now because you live in the care and the presence of God you no longer have to live your life uh in that same way and uh so so he goes on to say but I tell you do not resist an evil person now you may be able to think of several evil people immediately in your mind and think well they must be resisted [00:03:09]

don't retaliate against somebody um that doesn't mean that you should never stop an evil person from doing something evil of course uh very often that needs to happen killer should not be allowed to kill abusers should not be allowed to abuse what he's saying is don't allow ill will in another person to overcome will for the good love in you do not let evil outside you um produce evil inside you [00:03:53]

Jesus brilliantly just rips off um four illustrations if somebody's living in the Kingdom what creative alternative might be available to them I have a friend and there's a quote from a movie I would never ever recommend but the character in the movie says my mind is a raging torrent of um thought cascading over into a waterfall of creative Alternatives and now if you want a waterfall of creative Alternatives about what do it like to live in the Kingdom then you come to Jesus [00:04:38]

these now are not laws about what you have to do in any given situation and when people mistake them for that they don't understand the nature of Jesus's teaching and his absolute Brilliance and they think now he's just given a new series of laws to replace an old series of laws and we're stuck with them no no no these are not laws these are creative examples in some ways probably quite unlikely but of what a person living in the Kingdom might might do [00:05:12]

so somebody strikes you that's probably a form of an insult they strike your right cheek it's a blow certainly for your honor what do you do and the natural human response is ey for eye Truth For Truth you hit me I'm going hit you back but now in the Kingdom it's not necessarily so you don't have to do that you have creative possibilities it does not mean it's real important um there's a big difference between what Jesus talks here turning the other cheek [00:06:39]

if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt hand over your coat as well um court systems are kind of made up to produce adversarial spirits and we all know what that's kind of like this is not a real likely solution ancient world you know they didn't have pants like we do you basically had these two garments so if you literally did this you'd end being naked which would um probably not be a really good idea but it's just way of saying you know what um if there's another person you think they're trying to take advantage of you [00:07:56]

if anyone forces you to go one mile go with them two miles Jesus is speaking in Israel when they're occupied by Rome one of the least popular laws of Rome was a Roman soldier could force you to walk with them for one mile and carry their burden and of course people hated that the zealots in particular hated that that's why they wanted to violently overthrow those soldiers Jesus says oh you know if that happens to you when you get to the end of the mile just just look that Soldier right there and say you know it's a long day and you have difficult task [00:08:33]

give to the one who asks and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you now if the zealots wouldn't have like that third law go with them a little farther uh the Romans and the Sadducees who kind of colluded with them in order to get everything they could they would not like this idea and often people will think well this one's not very realistic because um what about codependency what if I start giving to somebody in then they just enter into a life of passivity and it damages they C do you think Jesus had not thought this out [00:09:58]

freely you have received freely you have given freely give a good friend of mine was saying today uh the other day to me that statement from Paul where Paul says For the Love of Money is the root of all evil it just gets us and gets us and gets us but then a greater love comes to us now says now you're living there is a kingdom that is greater than the kingdom of money and you can live in it if you want to and now the the the great offer of that uh kingdom is freely received from God this moment right now and then freely give [00:11:26]

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Transcript
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