The Golden Rule

2001068

Subject: sermon on the mount

Introduction:

A. What does 7:12 have to do w/the rest of this sermon?

1. keep in mind – general subject here is still on judging. He is pointing back to 7:1-2 – judge others as you would be judged.

2. Jesus teaching us about our relations with others. Especially the sin of condemning rather than loving others.

B. Remember 7:9-11 – God’s mercy/generosity toward us has not been what we deserved – but what we needed.

1. 7:12 – surely – Christians are called upon to deal with others – not on the basis of what they deserve – but what they need.

2. 7:12 – is an appeal to true righteousness.

a) kind of righteousness that reveals itself in selfless love.

b) A love….which rests solidly on God’s gracious love for us.

I. 7:12 is called the golden rule.

A. Stevens points out that there have been other “rules” in regards to human relationships.

1. Example: the “iron rule.” Basically….this is the idea that “might makes right.”

a) based on brutality & power.

b) Began w/Cain. Practiced by Pharaohs; Caesars; Hitler

c) Practiced in bus/home/even in church!

2. The “brass rule.”

a) idea: “do unto others as they do unto you.”

b) Treat them as they treat you. Good for good; evil for evil.

c) One of retaliation; reciprocation.

d) Condemned in Rom. 12:17-21; Mt. 5:43-48

3. The “silver rule.”

a) do nothing to others that you would not want others to do to you.

b) By Confucius. But….it’s all negative.

4. Jesus: The “Golden Rule.” 7:12

a) James called it the Royal law in Js. 2:8

b) Jesus describes it as the very heart of the law & prophets.

1) it is a restatement of Lev. 19:18.

II. What does it really mean?

A. It involves starting w/self rather than others.

1. most people are selfish/self centered.

2. The old/self serving way must be broken.

3. Must remember – as we deal w/people – they are just like we are – w/weaknesses & strengths.

B. It is putting ourselves constantly in the position of others.

1. I don’t say unkind things….I don’t like others saying unkind things about me.

2. I don’t want people making my life difficult; so I don’t make the lives of others difficult.

3. I don’t want to be hurt. So I don’t hurt others.

4. In my relation w/my employer – “suppose I was the employer….”

5. In my marriage/family: “suppose I was the wife/child/husband.

C. Think of what a different world we would have – if we practiced the golden rule.

1. Nations/businesses

2. homes/churches

III. Why is this so important?

A. 7:12 – this is the law & prophets.

1. This is a summary of the law & the prophets.

2. this is their object. This is their purpose.

B. Why does the law tell us not to steal; kill; commit adultery?

1. Not only b/c it = violation of the law – but…

2. b/c we love neighbor as self – we love one another – we don’t want to hurt anyone else!

3. Deut. 22:1-2 – ox runs away. Retrieve it. Why?

a) would proper motivation be b/c it is the law?

b) Or….because if it were you – you’d appreciate someone returning your ox.

4. If we love others – and act upon it – the world will be a much better place!

IV. This passage must not be abused.

A. You can’t be saved by keeping this passage alone.

1. has to do w/relations w/each other – not God.

2. one must obey gospel to be saved!

B. This doesn’t mean we must grant all requests made of us…by others….

1. child doesn’t like punishment – so parents refrain.??

2. felon doesn’t want to go to jail – so judge says OK???

3. Rule must NEVER be applied when it would involve wrongdoing or neglect of duty!

V. How Can We Implement the Golden Rule?

A. We must start w/God.

1. Mt. 22:37 – what is first? Note the order. God first. Neighbor second.

2. We must see His holiness; worthiness; creatorship. We must see Him as Almighty God!

3. One never sees himself right or his neighbor right until he sees both as God sees them.

4. Only God can deliver us from ourselves – and enable us to love others selfishly. 1 Jhn. 4:19

B. We must remember we are sinners!

1. No one has mastered sin but One. This should humble us!

2. Lk. 18:13; Rom. 7:24

3. Must quit thinking about my rights/my dignity/ my pride!

4. Hard….can be accomplished!

C. Humility will enable us to see others as we should see them.

1. They – victims of sin – just as we are.

2. They = same predicament.

Conclusion:

A. Have you implemented this teaching into your life?

1. I have work to do – don’t you?

B. Not a Christian? Here’s your opportunity to give yourself to Christ.

1. You must obey the gospel to go home to heaven.

2. Do it tonight!

C. I N V I T A T I O N



The Golden Rule 2001068 Subject: sermon on the mount Introduction: A. What does 7:12 have to do w/the rest of this sermon? 1. keep in mind – general subject here is still on judging. He is pointing back to 7:1-2 – judge others as you would be judged. 2. Jesus teaching us about our relations with others. Especially the sin of condemning rather than loving others. B. Remember 7:9-11 – God’s mercy/generosity toward us has not been what we deserved – but what we needed. 1. 7:12 – surely – Christians are called upon to deal with others – not on the basis of what they deserve – but what they need. 2. 7:12 – is an appeal to true righteousness. a) kind of righteousness that reveals itself in selfless love. b) A love….which rests solidly on God’s gracious love for us. I. 7:12 is called the golden rule. A. Stevens points out that there have been other “rules” in regards to human relationships. 1. Example: the “iron rule.” Basically….this is the idea that “might makes right.” a) based on brutality & power. b) Began w/Cain. Practiced by Pharaohs; Caesars; Hitler c) Practiced in bus/home/even in church! 2. The “brass rule.” a) idea: “do unto others as they do unto you.” b) Treat them as they treat you. Good for good; evil for evil. c) One of retaliation; reciprocation. d) Condemned in Rom. 12:17-21; Mt. 5:43-48 3. The “silver rule.” a) do nothing to others that you would not want others to do to you. b) By Confucius. But….it’s all negative. 4. Jesus: The “Golden Rule.” 7:12 a) James called it the Royal law in Js. 2:8 b) Jesus describes it as the very heart of the law & prophets. 1) it is a restatement of Lev. 19:18. II. What does it really mean? A. It involves starting w/self rather than others. 1. most people are selfish/self centered. 2. The old/self serving way must be broken. 3. Must remember – as we deal w/people – they are just like we are – w/weaknesses & strengths. B. It is putting ourselves constantly in the position of others. 1. I don’t say unkind things….I don’t like others saying unkind things about me. 2. I don’t want people making my life difficult; so I don’t make the lives of others difficult. 3. I don’t want to be hurt. So I don’t hurt others. 4. In my relation w/my employer – “suppose I was the employer….” 5. In my marriage/family: “suppose I was the wife/child/husband. C. Think of what a different world we would have – if we practiced the golden rule. 1. Nations/businesses 2. homes/churches III. Why is this so important? A. 7:12 – this is the law & prophets. 1. This is a summary of the law & the prophets. 2. this is their object. This is their purpose. B. Why does the law tell us not to steal; kill; commit adultery? 1. Not only b/c it = violation of the law – but… 2. b/c we love neighbor as self – we love one another – we don’t want to hurt anyone else! 3. Deut. 22:1-2 – ox runs away. Retrieve it. Why? a) would proper motivation be b/c it is the law? b) Or….because if it were you – you’d appreciate someone returning your ox. 4. If we love others – and act upon it – the world will be a much better place! IV. This passage must not be abused. A. You can’t be saved by keeping this passage alone. 1. has to do w/relations w/each other – not God. 2. one must obey gospel to be saved! B. This doesn’t mean we must grant all requests made of us…by others…. 1. child doesn’t like punishment – so parents refrain.?? 2. felon doesn’t want to go to jail – so judge says OK??? 3. Rule must NEVER be applied when it would involve wrongdoing or neglect of duty! V. How Can We Implement the Golden Rule? A. We must start w/God. 1. Mt. 22:37 – what is first? Note the order. God first. Neighbor second. 2. We must see His holiness; worthiness; creatorship. We must see Him as Almighty God! 3. One never sees himself right or his neighbor right until he sees both as God sees them. 4. Only God can deliver us from ourselves – and enable us to love others selfishly. 1 Jhn. 4:19 B. We must remember we are sinners! 1. No one has mastered sin but One. This should humble us! 2. Lk. 18:13; Rom. 7:24 3. Must quit thinking about my rights/my dignity/ my pride! 4. Hard….can be accomplished! C. Humility will enable us to see others as we should see them. 1. They – victims of sin – just as we are. 2. They = same predicament. Conclusion: A. Have you implemented this teaching into your life? 1. I have work to do – don’t you? B. Not a Christian? Here’s your opportunity to give yourself to Christ. 1. You must obey the gospel to go home to heaven. 2. Do it tonight! C. I N V I T A T I O N