Love – Fulfilling the Law and the Prophets

FULL SERVICE: See SERMON ONLY below

SERMON ONLY:

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Questions: Love – Fulfilling the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:43-48)

1. In the densest introduction to any sermon I have ever heard, I tried to sum up what we have interacted with over 19 sermons! I fear many eyes glazed over as I passed through idea after idea in the passage of Matthew 4: 23 – 5:42! But my intentions, wonderful in my own mind, may have missed the wonder I was hoping to elevate. So, even if I missed the mark, it would be good to revisit that passage. Have a blank sheet and pick out all the phrases that have or had an impact on you. Reflect on the idea of the kingdom of God and formulate a single paragraph what it is. If you are in a group, have them also do the same. Looking just for first impressions, spend no more than 5 minutes. 
2. I begin talking about love understood in a humanistic religion (Matthew 5:43). Love your neighbour, hate your enemy. Sounds realistic, does it not? Is it not our first response? The Pharisees deliberately took out “as yourself from the original verse (Lev. 19:18).” Why did they do that, do you think? I said the implications really do change the verse. Can you see it? If you don’t, remember that is exactly what Jesus had been saying all along! It was subtle and deceiving! It was no wonder many missed it! Gollum would say that are very trixy indeed!  The focus was shifted from “in what way to love” to “what objects you are to love.” You getting a headache yet? They are in the act of majoring on the minor thing and ignoring the intention of the kind of love and the quality of love Jesus is saying is kingdom love. How does this affect the way we live?
3. Of course, “love your enemy” is not even in the Old Testament at all! Do you wonder how they got away with teaching this to the masses? What do you think?
4. So, what is a kingdom-kind of love in v44? Discuss loving enemies. What would that include? Who would that include? Would it include actual individuals who want to harm us intentionally, or does it include everyone who just won’ love us in the way we think they should?
5. Pray. Yes pray. Pray for opposers! What would have to happen to the heart for us to do this? Would we have to feel loving? Is that excluded?
6. To love and to pray for those who have harmed us seems really the opposite of what would we naturally want, so, why would Jesus expect it?
7. What is Jesus’ reason to love and pray? (v45a) Is He saying that we are not sons/daughters of the Father if we don’t? 
8. In v45b-47, list the reasons why the sons/daughters of God are different from the world in this regard? Why would His children be like this?
9. Lastly, I we need to really think this one through, if Matthew 4:23-5:42 is like the introduction to Matthew 5:43-47, well, v48 is the only natural expectation of the heavenly Father! It is a perfection of the heart that believes the gospel of the kingdom. What does that mean? Is that easier or harder than actual perfection of our deeds? So, since we don’t know anyone whose deeds are perfect except Jesus, how is Christian love, Kingdom love so profoundly different, as well as so naturally expected? So, although we are to strive for a perfection in every part of life, what would perfection of the heart really mean for our lives as men/women, husbands/wives, dads/moms? As witnesses and as members of the body of Christ? Take your time.