The Golden Rule

Introduction:
What does 7:12 have to do with the rest of this sermon? The overall context is still dealing with judging (7:1-2). Jesus is teaching us about our relations with others. Especially the sin of condemning rather than loving others. Note 7:9-11. God’s mercy and generosity toward us has not been what we deserved—but what we needed. (Earnhart) Christians are called upon to deal with others—not on the basis of what they deserve—but what they need. This verse is an appeal to true righteousness. It involves selfless love. A love which rests solidly upon God’s gracious love for us.

I. 7:12 is called the ___________ _______.
    A. Other “rules” with regard to human relationships:
        1. The “______” rule: based on brutality & power.
            a) Might makes Right.
        2. The “________” rule. Treat others as they treat you.
            a) one of _______________; reciprocation.
            b) condemned in Rom. 12:17-21; Mt. 5:43-48
        3. The “__________” rule. Do nothing to others that you would not want them to do to you.
    B. 7:12 –the “golden” rule. It is the very _______ of the law/prophets.
        1. A restatement of Lev. 19:18

II. What does it really mean?
    A. It involves starting with _______ rather than others.
        1. The old self serving way must be broken.
        2. As we deal with others—they are just like we are—with ______________ and strengths.
    B. It is putting ourselves constantly in the ________ of others.
    C. What a different world we would have if all practiced this!

III. Why is this so important?
    A. 7:12—this is the _______ and the _____________.
        1. This is their object; purpose.
    B. Why does the law tell us not to steal; lie; kill; commit adultery?
        1. Because these are a violation of the law? Or…
        2. Because we love our ________ as self? (we don’t want to hurt anyone else?)
        3. See Deut. 22:1-2. Neighbor’s ____ runs away? Retrieve it! Why?
        4. You’d appreciate someone returning your ox….wouldn’t you?

IV. This passage must not be abused.
A. You can’t be _________ by keeping this passage alone!
B. It must never be applied when it would involve __________ or neglect of _______!

V. How can we implement the “golden rule?”
    A. We must start with _______. See Mt. 22:37. God first; neighbor second.
    B. We must remember we are ______________! See Lk. 18:13; Rom. 7:24
        1. Must quit thinking about my _____; my _______; my __________!
    C. ____________ will enable us to see others as we should see them.

Conclusion:
A. Have you implemented this teaching into your life?



The Golden Rule Introduction: What does 7:12 have to do with the rest of this sermon? The overall context is still dealing with judging (7:1-2). Jesus is teaching us about our relations with others. Especially the sin of condemning rather than loving others. Note 7:9-11. God’s mercy and generosity toward us has not been what we deserved—but what we needed. (Earnhart) Christians are called upon to deal with others—not on the basis of what they deserve—but what they need. This verse is an appeal to true righteousness. It involves selfless love. A love which rests solidly upon God’s gracious love for us. I. 7:12 is called the ___________ _______. A. Other “rules” with regard to human relationships: 1. The “______” rule: based on brutality & power. a) Might makes Right. 2. The “________” rule. Treat others as they treat you. a) one of _______________; reciprocation. b) condemned in Rom. 12:17-21; Mt. 5:43-48 3. The “__________” rule. Do nothing to others that you would not want them to do to you. B. 7:12 –the “golden” rule. It is the very _______ of the law/prophets. 1. A restatement of Lev. 19:18 II. What does it really mean? A. It involves starting with _______ rather than others. 1. The old self serving way must be broken. 2. As we deal with others—they are just like we are—with ______________ and strengths. B. It is putting ourselves constantly in the ________ of others. C. What a different world we would have if all practiced this! III. Why is this so important? A. 7:12—this is the _______ and the _____________. 1. This is their object; purpose. B. Why does the law tell us not to steal; lie; kill; commit adultery? 1. Because these are a violation of the law? Or… 2. Because we love our ________ as self? (we don’t want to hurt anyone else?) 3. See Deut. 22:1-2. Neighbor’s ____ runs away? Retrieve it! Why? 4. You’d appreciate someone returning your ox….wouldn’t you? IV. This passage must not be abused. A. You can’t be _________ by keeping this passage alone! B. It must never be applied when it would involve __________ or neglect of _______! V. How can we implement the “golden rule?” A. We must start with _______. See Mt. 22:37. God first; neighbor second. B. We must remember we are ______________! See Lk. 18:13; Rom. 7:24 1. Must quit thinking about my _____; my _______; my __________! C. ____________ will enable us to see others as we should see them. Conclusion: A. Have you implemented this teaching into your life?