Opening Prayer Pg1
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study the teachings of Jesus, show us where we fail, and be our guide in this study. Impart to us those things you would have us learn from your word tonight. Help us to realize that we too are vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them.
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
Mat 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Verses 43 and 44 were not the actual writings of the Law of God, but rather were the teachings that the people were hearing concerning love. It is impossible to love the conduct of a person who curses and reviles us, who violates all the laws of God; but, though we may hate his conduct, and suffer keenly when we are affected by it, yet we may still wish well to the person; we may pity his lifestyle, we may speak kindly of him and to him; we may return good for evil; we may aid him in the time of trial; we may seek to do him good here and to promote his eternal welfare hereafter, Rom_12:17-20. This seems to be what is meant by loving our enemies; and this is a special law of Christianity, and the highest possible test of piety, and probably the most difficult of all duties to be performed.
Jesus is here speaking about the common practice of the scribes and Pharisees who hated the Romans
First, He expressly refutes the error of the scribes and Pharisees, who restricted the term "neighbor" to mean friends and acquaintances, and shows that it is not of God to hate others.
Second, He bluntly repudiates their evil teaching that an enemy is to be hated, affirming the very opposite to be the truth, insisting that God commands us to love even those who hate and injure us.
Third, He makes crystal clear what is signified by "love," namely a holy, inward, and spiritual affection, which expresses itself in godly and kindly acts.
Q.1 Jesus was teaching against hatred in this verse, Can we compare the time he lived in and
our present time?
Q.2 How do we act against non-believers, blatant sinners, government leaders, other
religions, and other races in our world today ?
Q.3 Why might it seem that Jesus is preaching directly to us in this verse?
Q.4 What is the ultimate goal regarding our enemies?
Love / Hate Pg.2
45, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
When we practice those virtues that Jesus is teaching, then others may notice our conduct and acts and know that we are followers of the way. The way of love and compassion, just as if we were a child of God. If we love our enemies, we are Christ-like. God sent His Son to die for all mankind, including His enemies. Yet followers of Christ are wholly assured of this one profound truth: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
All on earth have the same opportunity of salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus makes it clear that God “causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” In other words, God reveals His undiscriminating love to everyone. Though this passage refers to physical blessings on earth, not spiritual, those blessings are given without respect to merit. If they were merit-based, no one would receive them. This is God, indiscriminate in His benevolence. His divine love and providence in some ways benefit everyone, even those who rebel against Him or deny His existence.
Jesus taught the true way is narrow and that few find it (Matthew 7:13-14). Most travel the broad, easy way. Just as Jesus foretold, we live in an age when even among those who profess to be Christians, Jesus' teachings are partially practiced or even disobeyed.
The expression "Followers of the Way" was perhaps the first title given to those who followed Jesus after His resurrection (Acts 9:2, 22:4, 24:14). Because Jesus taught that He was "the way, the truth, and the life," and that no one comes to God except through Him (John 14:6), this title aptly captures the exclusive truth claims of Jesus and the totalizing commitment of following Him.
Q.1 What thoughts come to mind as Jesus says that we are to be like children of our Father?
Q.2 What are your feelings about Jesus having to die for your enemies as well as for you?
Q.3 What thoughts do you have about the providence of God?
Q.4 Interpret the second part of that verse. How do we understand this concept today?
Q.5 Can you describe an instance where you feel that unrighteousness has prospered?
Q.6 What were the early believers called prior to the word Christian, and why?
Love / Hate Pg.3
46 if you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
Jesus next points out the absurdity of a command that would urge love for just those who are not enemies: Tax collectors were despised as among the most immoral in Israel at that time, because they were allowed by the Roman government to extort as much money as they could from the people, and usually did. And so, if tax collectors are able to love those who love them, surely we don't need a command that enjoins love for friends. Although, in our present day, we have fallen so far away from knowing what true love is, even our love for friends is greatly flawed. We love, as long as it is not inconvenient; we love, as long as we can still do what we want; we love, as long as we do not have to make any sacrifices. This is not love. We fall far short of loving even as well as "tax collectors" do. A good example of a pure love of your brother is the story of The Good Samaritan. This story exemplifies the meaning of “love your neighbor as yourself” As opposed to the story of The rich man and Lazarus. The practice of selfishness expressed in the uncaring disdain for his fellow man that we probably witness every day in some form or another.
God has done more for us, and therefore justly expects more from us than from others; the glory of God is more concerned in us than in others; but what do we do more than others? While every one will render good for good, we must render good for evil; and this will speak to our higher calling, and is consonant to a higher rule, than most men are driven by. Others salute their brethren, they embrace those of their own party, and way, and opinion; but we must not so confine our respect, but love our enemies, otherwise what reward have we? We cannot expect the reward of Christians, if we rise no higher than the virtue of publicans.”
Q.1 How is it that having a loving heart for my friends is such an easy thing to do?
Q.2 What can you think of that compares with tax collectors in our day and time?
Q.3 What is it about life today that says to us “Not My Problem”?
Q.4 The Good Samaritan. Luke 10:30-37. The rich man and Lazarus. Luke 16:19-31
Compare these two parables of Jesus’?
Q.5 Where do we find examples of these two parables in our world today?
Q.6 Why do Christians feel they deserve better from God than non Christians?
Q. 7 Consider the rich mans fate as compared with Lazarus’ fate.
Love / Hate Pg.4
48 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not
even the pagans do that? 49 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
We must be set apart from others in our behavior, otherwise, why take on the name "Christian"? Our love for others( yes even our enemies) should be evident, and exemplary, and our "Unfailing courtesy, kindness, tenderness, and consideration for others, ( yes even our enemies) are some of the greatest ornaments to the character of a child of God. The world can understand these things even if it cannot understand doctrine.
The basic call to a person in this world is to be a reflection of the character of God. That’s what it means to be created in the image of God. As Disciples we are to be examples of His love, and share it with others as we have seen it in Jesus. It is God's perfection to forgive injuries and to entertain strangers, and to do good to the evil and unthankful, and it will be ours to be like him.
This truth that God demands absolute perfection is one of the most important truths in the
Bible. Jesus freely gave up his life for us that he might become our righteousness and that alone makes us wholly righteous and perfect in the sight of God. It is the only way that anybody can meet this absolute standard – the only way that anybody can spend all eternity with him.
What a wonderful difference it makes when you rest all your hopes for acceptance on what Jesus has already done for you! No longer is there the fear of being rejected. No longer is there the question of your having done enough. Instead there is the joy of being wholeheartedly accepted by our Heavenly Father and the confidence of living forever in his presence.
Q.1 Greeting others, an act of courtesy we easily extend to our friends, but not strangers Why are we hesitant at doing this?
Q.2 How do we determine who is our friend? Or our enemy?
Q.3 What are some of the distinct characteristics of friends? Are they obvious?
Q.4 What are some of the distinct characteristics of ememies? Are they obvious?
Q.5 What is meant by keeping your friends close, and your enemies closer?
Q.6 Mat 22:36 "which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
Mat 22:37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
Mat 22:38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
Mat 22:39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
Meditation Pg.4
`Nobody's perfect'?" Yes, indeed. But just because we, in our sin nature, cannot attain perfection, does not mean that God should compromise His Law and allow imperfection. What kind of law would that be? Could a holy God give commandments such as these: "Try to love your enemies. Try not to steal. Try not to murder. Tell the truth, except when you’re in a really bad fix." No. A holy God, a righteous God commands:"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." This is the standard for the Kingdom of God. This is the Law for the Kingdom of God. And when we enter His Kingdom, we will experience the gloriousness of a Kingdom that operates under this rule of Law. Until then, we are stuck in these fallen bodies, we are stuck with our sin nature, such that, though we may strive for God's perfection, we fail. But thanks be to God, that though we fail, we can still be clothed with righteousness through Christ's sacrifice. We try, we falter, we fail, we even try to hide our sin, but God has found us out. And Jesus has paid the price for our failure, so we can escape judgment because God, in His love for us (His enemies) gave His Son to pay the price for our sin. Praise be to God! Praise Him for His love! Praise Him for His perfect plan!
This truth that God demands absolute perfection now is one of the most important truths you need to know. Nothing less than your eternal destiny depends on it. It's only after you truly grasp how absolute this command is will you want to latch on for dear life to the perfection Jesus freely gives us. It is the only way that anybody can meet this absolute standard – the only way that anybody can spend all eternity with him.
What a wonderful difference it makes when you rest all your hopes for acceptance on what Jesus has already done for you! No longer is there the fear of being rejected. No longer is there the question of your having done enough. Instead there is the joy of being wholeheartedly accepted by Heavenly Father and the confidence of living forever in his presence.
To Him be the glory forever and ever!
Closing Prayer ………and prayer requests
God our Father, We are so thankful that you Sent Your Son Jesus to be our guide and teacher. We praise you for your Son Jesus who is the redeemer of all who confess, and repent, and take him as their salvation. Be with those of our group__________( speak the names of those needing prayer)___________who need your healing touch and bring strength and comfort to them. Help us in the living out of our days that we might be willing and able disciples learning and doing according to your word. Bring us to the realization of those matters that cause sadness and grief, and make us to be a positive influence for truth and peace in our daily walk with thee. Be with us now as we leave this place, continue in fellowship with us and guide and protect us as we go on our way.
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
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