Upside Down Kingdom: Mission & Message | Week 8 | Engaging Enemies | Matthew 5:38-6:4

Week 8 | Engaging Enemies

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." - Matthew 5:43-45

Matthew 5:38-6:4
 
There are different and higher expectations for citizens of the kingdom when compared to citizens of the world. This may be the most challenging teaching from the Sermon on the Mount because it changes how we respond to evil done to us and those who do that evil. Christ willingly died for His enemies so they could be brought into His Kingdom. As His disciples we have received great mercy from God and are to extend mercy to other even those whom have or desire our harm.
 
Retribution vs Revenge (5:38-40) - When we get slapped, insulted or even slandered by another person our first instinct is to hit back harder. We want to be the judges. We want to take the law into our own hands. Our spirit of self-defense can easily lead to actions of offense. We cannot let others sin lead us to sin. We need to rid ourselves of a spirit of revenge. Vengeances is not yours, or mine, it is God’s! Leave it to Him.

Extra Mile Charity (5:41-42) - Jesus tells us more than not fighting our own battles we are to go beyond what is required even when it is inconvenient. We are to be less concerned with our rights and more concerned with discerning what Jesus would have us do. Jesus wants us to move from vengeance to charity where we care less about ourselves and our possessions and more about helping meet the needs of others.

Love Your Enemies (5:43-47) – It is easy to hate our enemies, but it is not required. Jesus disciples are not to be defined by what they are against, they are to be known by what they are for. It is not enough for us to simply not hate, even our enemies, we are a called to love, specifically our enemies. More than not striking back, more the being charitably to the needy, we are to actively love those who actively oppose us.  Why would we act this way? Because it is how God our Father acts to those who hate Him. God gives common grace to the unworthy. His sun shines on all giving comfort, and the rain rains on all giving provision.

Covert Generosity (6:1-4) – We are to be generous, particularly when we see a need that can be addressed. Just as we are to avoid the natural temptation to retaliate when wronged, we are to seeking glory when we act with compassion and generosity as our reward is in heaven.

QUESTIONS: 

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about Jesus, conflict, or generosity?
2. Why is Jesus’ teaching on retaliation and loving our enemies so challenging? When have you endured injustice? Who might you need to forgive? Who is God calling you to no longer hate but to love?
3. Why is an understanding of God’s “common grace” important in navigating a world where it can seem even the wicked prosper?
4. In an age of conspicuous virtue signaling how is Jesus’ teaching on generosity and righteousness counter cultural?

PRAY – Praise God the Father for His common grace to all in the world. Thank Jesus for loving His enemies (us) all the way to sacrificing for us on the Cross. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you love and forgive your enemies.