Be Unoffendable
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Intro
Intro
Joke -
title - be unoffendable
We have been in the sermon on the mount
Jesus has been about the kingdom of God
What is so intriguing about this is that he is continually raising the standards of the law of moses
in todays passage is going to be no different
talking retaliation
KINGDOM MINDED RESPONSE
Keep the word in context
Keep the word in context
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’
You have heard it said. TEACH
But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
Teach: Israel started as theocracy - government led by God with priests and judges set apart to rule by Gods divine law
civil law, moral law, ceremonial law
enforce a just punishment
limit the punishment from being too harsh.
Q. dont you wish our judicial system operated in this way today.
Jesus is not changing the Law
He is exposing the error of many who took this law out of the context
1. Importance of keeping things in context
butchering the word of God
EXample - I can do all things through Christ does not mean you will hit a home run in your high school baseball game.
taking the word of God out of context leads to error.
this is what the people of Israel were doing.
But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
natural man can twist- (francis chan- can make it say whatever they want )
taking law out of the court room / personal relationships
Let the Lord fight for you
Let the Lord fight for you
But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
Quick disclaimer- Jesus is not telling you to not defend yourself.
Jesus is not saying to not resist evil things or speak out against evil.
but do not oppose your insulter.
In ancient jewish culture- a backhanded slap accross the cheek was done as a severe insult.
Jesus adressing your personal reaction to those who insult you.
Q. Do you need to justify yourself when insulted
We are taught from a young age to always get even.
It attacks your manhood if you do not get even.
Its a trap!- retaliation leads you into sin - insulting them back
we know that mans anger does not produce the righteousness of God
see what God says in Romans
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
Christians do not seek to get even.
We do not jepordize our character.
Q. How do we find peace when we are mistreaded and insulted.
We can find peace in knowing that God sees you.
and He cares for you.
He will take vengance on your behalf but you do not take it into your own hands
Q. Have you ever heard the saying to be the bigger person.
There is truth in that
Jesus endured insults as our example
He was told that he had a demon, He was told that he does miricales by belzebub, He was told that he was a blasphemer,
When under trial by the sanhedrin they made false aqusations yet he was silent.
he was even mocked while hanging on the cross as they yelled save yourself! Come down from the cross if you are the son of God.
but Jesus waited on His father
In the same way you must wait on God when facing the insults of man
We see how God fought for his son by raising him from the dead.
since God will raise you as well from the dead, dont you think you can trust him to fight your battles here on earth.
Live selflessly
Live selflessly
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. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
TEACH- Mosaic law prevented an accuser suing you from taking your tunic and cloak (main garment vs sweater)
Jesus calls for you to gladly part with your cloak
It is better to avoid disputes in law and part with our posessions than to be in a bitter dispute
I learned this the hard way.
S- BEN sold land
I wasted tons of money on a lawyer
Many said God is a God of Justice - go after the money
But I see an aspect of God that is telling me to avoid personal strife and retaliation.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Riff- about selflessness
I felt as if the spirit was prompting me to part ways with the extra cash for the sake of peace.
I did not wasted about $7k on lawyers and was not able to keep paying to fight it.
This is when I gave it to the Lord - he fought for me - and 6 months later I got a check from Ben
I had an opportunity worth much more than $35k
opportunity to witness about the love of God.
this is what living differently looks like.
And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
TEACH- Roman military law command jew to carry his pack for one mile only
example simon the cyrene
Jesus- go two
Q. Have you ever treated somebody kind who was being a mean to you.
it almost debilitates them. LIGHT IN THE EYES
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
This is a love statement.
This is the christian principle to suffer wrong from others and return it with love.
Closing
Closing
We can live differently and be unoffendable
When we keep the word in context,
Let God fight out battles
and live selflessly
lets pray
with your eyes closed and your head bowed I want to give you an opportunity to respond to the message.
Q. are you easily offended
Q. are you always looking to get even?
Q. Maybe you are refusing to let Jesus fight your battles?
You must know we serve the Lord of Angel Armies
He can fight for you much better than you can fight for yourself.
Lord we need you. etc.
before we close the prayer , please keep your eyes closed
Q. is there anyone here that needs to get right with Jesus for the first time.
Q. is there anyone who wants to surrender their life to him and let Him win the battle over sin and death.
Q. if you have not believed in Jesus as your personal savior today can be that day.
Just raise your hand and were going to pray right now.
Lord please forgive me of my sin.
I am declaring that Jesus you are God in the flesh.
You came down from heaven and lived a perfect life on my behalf.
and you died a sinners death in my place on the cross.
I believe that you were burried and ressurected on the third day.
And by faith alone in you I will be forgiven.
Pleas ehelp me repent and trust in you.