In contrast, those living comfortable lives were the wealthy and powerful. Actually, they were hated and criticized “because of the Son of Man” (22). In the first part of the sermon, Jesus directed his teaching to his disciples. So how can we live supernaturally? Let’s listen to Jesus and think about why and how we must do so. Naturally, we hate enemies and we judge others. For one thing, they are exact opposites of what we do naturally. Today, in part 2 of the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus teaches us saying, “Love your enemies,” and, “Do not judge.” These 2 teachings are related. That’s a brief review of last week’s first part of the Sermon on the Plain. Fortunate for them, they came back to life, and had a chance to live again with a meaningful purpose to love and serve others, rather than amassing their own worldly wealth and ending up in eternity separated from God. Others expressed vast emptiness, loneliness and regret for how they had lived their lives. Many of them included visions of fire, darkness, and demons. So how are we investing in God’s kingdom and the souls of people? I read an article this week about Near Death Experiences of people who had scary experiences while they were clinically dead. It has been said that only 2 things are of eternal worth: God’s kingdom and the souls of people. Everything in this world eventually perishes, spoils and fades away some day, including our human achievements. Where is that Chevy pickup now? In some junkyard. In my life, I have wasted too many hours in doing things like playing video games, watching TV, and fixing up my Chevy pickup. For me, that was fun and fulfilling to fix something! Even so, I know in my spirit that fixing things for more convenience and comfort is not my true purpose of life.
So what are you living for? This week I was glad to fix my car trunk at a cost of only $30 for an online part and about 1 hour of my time. In contrast, woes are destined for those whose lifestyle is to live comfortably for the here and now, with maximum riches and pleasures, and minimum suffering and sacrifice. They make sacrifices and suffer in this world in order to seek God, his kingdom and his righteousness. Blessings are for those who love and follow Jesus as of first priority. Last week, in the first part of the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus taught about people for whom blessings and woes are destined. Today we continue part 2 of a 3-part study of Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain.
#Verses on loving your enemies how to
How are these verses similar to judging others? What do the words “plank” and “speck” refer to? How can we avoid hypocrisy (42b)? What have you learned about how to be a good disciple of Jesus? What is the spiritual meaning of being blind and why should the blind not lead (39)? Who are the student and the teacher in this parable (40)? How can one be a good student of Jesus? In verses 37-38a, what does Jesus tell his listeners to do and not do? What are the consequences? Why is it important to forgive others and to give generously? What blessings does Jesus promise to those who give (38)?
What do the words “if you…even sinners” imply (32-34)? In contrast, what does Jesus command of his disciples (35)? What is their reward? What can we learn here about the nature of love Jesus wants us to have (36 Ro 5:8)? Who was Jesus’ audience, and what commands did he give them (6:20 7:1)? How are the acts of enemies described? How did Jesus tell his disciples to respond? How is the “golden rule” that Jesus taught (in verse 31) the perfect ideal? Key Verse: 6:27, “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you…”
0 kommentar(er)
