Matthew 5:33-48
Big Idea: The Character Of Christ Must Be Displayed Through The Conduct Of My Life
2 Aspects Of Kingdom Conduct:
1) Speak Truthfully (v. 33-37; John 14:6)
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”
-Proverbs 6:16-19
“These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the Lord.”
-Zachariah 8:16-17
Why We Lie (A National Geographic Study):
1) 22% of lies are to avoid being exposed for personal transgressions
2) 16% of lies are for economic advantage
3) 15% of lies are for personal advantages that do not involve money
4) 14% of lies are for avoidance to escape people who want to spend time with us
5) 8% of lies are to give a positive self-impression
2) Love Radically (v. 38-48; 1 John 4:8)
5 Ways To Love Radically:
1) Turn the other cheek (v. 38-39)
2) Give above & beyond the requirement (v. 40)
3) Go the extra mile (v. 41)
4) Be marked by compassion & generosity (v. 42)
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich.”
-2 Corinthians 8:9
5) Eliminate conditions & discrimination (v. 43-48)