by Hector Ramirez
Matthew 5:33-48
When you step outside your door heading to work, school, market or church do heaven, earth and hell take special notice? When your feet hit the floor each morning, does the devil moan and begin to plot against you? When you’re having your morning coffee does heaven anticipate your actions for God’s glory? When you arrive at work or school do others visibly see you demonstrate the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every area of your life? Do your neighbors recognize Christ in you the hope of glory and seek you out? Jesus tells us how to live in a way that honors God and draws people to his salvation. This Sunday we will look at a few Jesus’ lessons for his followers today that impact heaven, earth and even hell.
Matthew 5:33-37
- Oaths in our daily interactions with people
- He is talking about who we are to be personally
- We are to be people of truth and integrity
- James 5:12 “But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by any other oath, let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.”
Matthew 5:38-42
- Jesus is talking about physical and monetary abuse
- Using examples of people making unreasonable requests.
- Our natural response is to respond in kind
- If we struggle with this teaching, consider Jesus in his hours on earth
Matthew 5:42-48
- Love your neighbor
- Love your enemy.
- Contrary to human nature
Three Truths
- Everybody is looking for love
- True love is hard to find
- This world is a wreck
Christ’s expectations for the church are this: “Let us Agapao, unconditionally love, one another” and, “Anyone who does not Agapao, love unconditionally, does not know God”.
Paul instructs the church on love as well. Galatians 5:6 “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through unconditional love. And 1 Corinthians 13:1-2 “If I have spiritual gifting, prophetic powers and all faith that can move mountains but have not unconditional love, I am nothing”. The church’s message becomes this: God loves you unconditionally. And I do too!
The Great Commission can only be accomplished if it is done in conjunction with the Great Commandment. “You shall unconditionally love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall unconditionally love your neighbor as yourself.” You Are God’s Unconditional Love Personified! SO what does God expect of His people? To draw the world to his Forgiveness and Eternal Life found in Jesus Christ by demonstrating his Unconditional love.
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