Matthew 5:43-48 A Most Difficult Love Affair

 

Introduction:   This text closes the series of lessons on the Law of Moses.  It begins with that familiar expression, “Ye have heard that it hath been said… “

 

I.  The portion of the Law which Jesus discussed. Verse 43

            A.  The Law had instructed that one is to love his neighbor as he does himself, Leviticus 19:18. 

                        (As much as he loves himself).

            B.  However the Law never instructed one to hate his enemies.  (Nowhere in the Old Testament).

                        1.  This instruction was in the writing of the Pharisees.

                        2.  Actually they said “…to love everyone whom God has elected and to hate everyone whom

                                    God has rejected.”  (Qumran)

                        3.  By this they meant love all Jews and hate all Gentiles.

            C.  Perhaps the Pharisees had misunderstood God’s command to kill all of the Canaanites and all of the

                        Ammonites.  (They did not understand that God hates the sinful deeds of people, but God loves

                        the people).

 

II.  What Jesus had to say on the subject.

            A.  What Jesus said was in contrast to what the Jews had heard.  Verse 44  But I say unto you …”

                        1.  It was not in contrast to what Moses had said.

                        2.  Rather it was in contrast to what the Pharisees had said.

            B.  Jesus said, “Love your enemies.” Verse 44 and this was the intent of the Law all the while.

                        1.  The term “neighbor” in Leviticus 19:18 included both the friendly neighbor and the hostile

                                    neighbor.

                        2.  God had intended the Jews to be a blessing to all the families of the earth.

                        3.  God had sent Jonah to preach to the enemies.

            C.  Jesus certainly intended for Christians to love all.

                        1.  It is easy for us to love our family, our church members and our special friends.

                        2.  Jesus instructs us to love all, even our enemies.  (Verse 44 “bless…do good, pray” etc.).

            D.  He lists two reasons why, verse 45.

                        1.  Because by doing so it is made evident that we are children of God.  (Men hear our profession

                                    of faith by what we say, but they are best convinced when they see us love…especially

                                    when we love our enemies.

                        2.  Because God has set an example for us in sending sunshine and rain to the just and unjust.

            E.  He raises some soul searching questions, verses 46-47.

                        1.  The unsaved will befriend their family, friends, fellow club members, fellow worker.

                        2.  If we love only our own, we are no better than them… at least in that respect.

            F.  He then issues a challenge.  Verse 48.

                        1.  The child of God is to try to be here on earth like the Father is in heaven.

                        2.  God loves all; therefore there is not any race, color or creed which we do not love.

                        3.  The word “perfect” means “complete, mature, fully grown.”  (If there is someone whom we

                                    cannot love it is because we are not mature and we need to grow up as a Christian).

                        4.  God love us and sent His son to die for us while we were yet His enemies.

 

Conclusion:       1.  If you are unsaved there is no way that you are going to start loving all without the new birth. 

                                    You need to be saved.

                        2.  If you are saved and you still have a problem loving certain people, you need a general

                                    growth and development in all Christians.  (Study, pray, do, and you will grow.---and

                                    remember that you are not instructed to love their deeds).

                        3.  Church membership and church activity is a good place and a good way to grow up.

                        4.  But it all starts with a willingness to do God’s will.

                        5.  Learn to love Christ more and loving others will take care of itself.

Preached at Pleasant Hill 7-11-82 A.M.