LHIM Everything

Jesus’ teaching to love our enemies is as controversial and ignored today as it was in the first century when he originally gave it. Even so, enemy love is a key distinction that sets Christianity apart from the other world religions and non-religions. Seeing this teaching foreshadowed in the Old Testament and then repeated by Paul and Peter, we can be confident that it is, in fact, how God wants us to live.

Matthew 5:43 Jesus recalled what people commonly said about loving their neighbors but hating their enemies (likely pulling on Leviticus 19:16-18).

Exodus 23:4-5; 1 Samuel 24; 26; Proverbs 24:17-18; 25:21-22; 2 Kings 6:8-23 The Old Testament has a law, a couple of proverbs, and several powerful examples showing love to one’s enemies.

Matthew 5:44 Jesus’ command is as radical today as it was in his day. He told his disciples to love their enemies and pray for their persecutors.

Matthew 5:45 This behavior is rooted in God’s example of giving rain to the righteous and unrighteous.

Ezekiel 18:23, 32; 2 Peter 3:9 God’s heart is for the wicked to turn from their evil. He would rather someone repent than face judgement.

If that’s God’s heart, shouldn’t it be ours as well?

Matthew 5:46-48 According to Jesus, his followers get no credit for expressing love to those who love them. That is an imperfect, partial, common love. He calls us to a perfect, complete, and uncommon love —loving those who aren’t nice to us.

Romans 12:14-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Corinthians 4:12-13; 1 Peter 2:21-24 Both the apostles Paul and Peter repeated this teaching of Jesus in their own words. As Christ-followers, we are left with no doubt about this teaching. It is the way.

Sessions 14 & 15 Notes Download

Matthew 7:1-5   As disciples with pure hearts who are merciful, we see the needs and faults in others and desire to help them.

Galatians 6:1   Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.

We are warned against adopting an arrogant, superior, and condescending attitude that makes us believe we have the right to straighten others out.

6   We must discern or judge the genuineness of others so as not to give God’s Word to those who are unworthy (Matthew 13:13-16). Likewise, we must be aware of false prophets and teachers (Matthew 7:15-20).

7-12   Understanding that God provides for our every need places us in the position to treat and love others without ulterior, self-centered motives. We are free to love others without seeking anything in return.

13-14   The way is narrow because it requires commitment, discipline, faithfulness and often goes against worldly desires and pressures. This path leads to eternal life and fulfillment, but not many choose it because of the sacrifices it demands. The wide gate and broad road represent living for the flesh, worldly desires, and self-indulgence.

21-29   The most important matter for us is obedience to our God.

Sessions 14 & 15 Notes Download

Matthew 6:1-18   Three examples are provided – righteous deeds, prayer and fasting. Jesus indicated that all three were practiced for he used the word “when” and not “if”.

Matthew 6:1-4   As we live according to the beatitudes, we are different than the religious and the non-religious, but we are not separate from the world. We are the salt of the earth and the lights of the world (which certainly implies that our lifestyle and merciful acts are viewed by others). The point relates to our intentions and motives. We do what we do out of a pure heart with the purpose of glorifying God and reconciling people to Him.

Genuine, God-centered Christianity is not about appreciation or validation from people. We are at peace with God and believe He has called us, loves us, and includes us in His eternal family. We understand our identity is now in Christ and not self-accomplishment.

Galatians 2:20   I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Those who struggle to embrace their new identity in Christ may still seek validation from others, relying on their good works to feel valued. Those who do identity with “Christ in you” as their new identity no longer need or yearn for the acceptance and approval from people. Knowing that God is at work within us to will and do His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13) voids out co-dependance with others. We are truly free to serve in love.

Galatians 5:13-14   For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”.

Feigning to serve with godly intentions, while actually being driven by selfish motives, is pure hypocrisy. We need to check our motives. God rewards us for serving, but the reward alone is not our primary motivation. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heave” (Matthew 5:16).

It does feel good to bless God and help others. As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. Scripture to consider regarding rewards are Matthew 25:31-40; 1 Corinthians 3:8-15; 4:5; 9:17.

Matthew 6:4   The word “giving” is translated from the Greek word eleemosune meaning deeds of mercy.

The insatiable craving for human praise was the Pharisees’ great downfall. Their lust for power, control, and acclaim proved devastating for them and those around them. They used people to feel good about themselves.

John 5:44   How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another, and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?

Matthew 6:5-7   Again we are warned not to be like the religious people nor the pagans. The religious hypocrites feigned piety and devotion to God, but in reality, they sought to impress others and draw attention to themselves. The right way to pray is the opposite with devotion completely on God with no regard for self or others. Be real with God, never just going through the motions. He looks at the heart, so make sure it is from your heart.

Do not be like the Gentiles with vain, meaningless repetition. Repetition is not wrong. Jesus prayed three times the same prayer in the garden. He teaches us to be repetitious in Luke 11 and 18. The issue of concern is to have your heart and mind engaged. Be real with God, not robotic.

Matthew 6:9-13   This prayer is an outline and guideline for daily prayer.

OUR – The pronoun “us” in verses 11,12, and 13 demonstrates that the prayer is not only self-focused but also intercessory, encompassing the needs of others.

FATHER – First and foremost, we acknowledge that God is our Father. In the sermon, Jesus refers to God as “Father” 17 times. In the entire OT, God is referred to as “Father” around 15 times. The one to whom we pray is not some remote, untouchable deity but rather a loving, caring, compassionate parent.

6:8, 26, 32; 7:7-11   Foremost and central in Jesus’ instruction regarding prayer is our awareness of the parent/child connection we have with God.

YOU ARE IN HEAVEN – Our God, Yahweh, is the all-powerful, all-knowing, ever present Almighty God, ruler of heaven and earth. We pray to the one who can really help by answering our petitions.

HOLLOWED BE YOUR NAME – We must always hold a reverent attitude to God for He is holy, holy, holy (Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8). Indeed, He is our Father, but He is also Almighty God, the Creator of heaven and earth. “Hallow” means to honor as holy or to revere. God’s name to be revered and kept sacred.

YOUR KINGDOM COME YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN – Jesus preached about the Kingdom both before the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 4:17) and continued teaching about it afterward (Matthew 9:35). During the sermon, he mentioned the Kingdom nine times. We are instructed to include the coming Kingdom in our daily prayer because it is the anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19) in this evil world. The patriarchs and matriarchs of our faith all kept the hope in the forefront of their minds (Hebrews 11).

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD – This highlights both our physical and spiritual needs, emphasizing our daily reliance on God as we seek His guidance in all our actions.

FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OTHERS – 1 John 1:6-10 – If we want forgiveness, then we MUST forgive others.

Matthew 6:14-15   Forgiveness is not optional.

Some dismiss this because they believe forgiveness is entirely dependent on the blood of Jesus and not their works; however, Mark 11:25; Ephesians 4:32; and Colossians 3:13 (among other verses) support the above truth. It is not wise to discount Jesus’ teachings as 1 Timothy 6:3-4 warns – If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing….

LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL – We have Jesus’ example of how to deal with temptation in Matthew 4 and the promise in      1 Corinthians 10:13 that He will help us escape, so we pray.

Matthew 6:17-19   Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food, drink, or certain activities for a spiritual purpose. It is used to seek closeness to God, repentance from sin, or to seek guidance (Acts 13:1-2).

Matthew 6:20-24   We are to shift our focus from earthly, temporary gains to eternal, spiritual treasures.

Where our treasure is, there our heart will be, and what is in your heart is in your life. Guard your heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23).

A healthy eye has a clear, focused, and pure perspective on the good and righteous things thereby influencing our thoughts, actions, and overall life. The opposite is also true.

Matthew 6:22-33   Do not be swallowed up in all the things the nonbelievers focus on; rather, keep your eye on the Kingdom.

Matthew 6:34   Live one day at a time.

We are called to love our neighbors, whether they are enemies or family. Our love, like Jesus’, is motivated by God’s love for us, not by how others treat us. Those who seem least deserving of love need it the most. Being right is not always loving; being loving is always right.

Luke 10:25-37 The most important question ever asked is followed by a foolish question.

Galatians 5:13-16, 22 To walk by the flesh is self-centered, without concern for God or others. As we walk by the spirit, we love others.

1 Corinthians 12:27-31 God wants us to earnestly desire the spiritual enablements in order to serve others, but love is the more excellent way.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 These three verses emphatically communicate the importance of doing all with love for God and others.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love is patient – Exodus 34:6; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:9-10; Ephesians 4:1- 3; 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15; James 5:7-9

Love is kind – Nehemiah 9:17; Romans 2:4; Titus 3:3-5; Ephesians 2:7;

Luke 6:35-36; Ephesians 4:31-32

Not jealous, not bragging, not arrogant, not acting unbecomingly (rude or improperly), not seeking its own, not provoked, not considering a wrong (does not keep a record of wrongs or hold onto past mistakes or grievances) Proverbs 24:17; Acts 13:42-48 Does not rejoice in unrighteousness; rejoices with the truth.

1 Peter 4:8; Proverbs 10:12; 17:9 Bears all things – means to cover closely to keep water out. Love covers with silence.

Believes all things; hopes all things; endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:8-13 Love never fails (Psalm 136).

John 13:34-35; 15:12; 1 John 3:23; Ephesians 5:2 The higher standard of love is “as he loved us”.

Matthew 5:44-48

Sessions 12 & 13 Notes Download

Matthew 19:3-9. We should interpret the shorter in the light of the longer. Remember a lot of Jesus’ teaching was to confront the wrong doctrine propounded by the religious leaders. According to the Jewish historian Josephus, there was controversy about divorce between two rival rabbinic schools (that of Rabbi Shammai with a rigorous line and of Rabbi Hillel with a lax view). They questioned Jesus to see whose side he was on.

Genesis 1:27-28; 2:24   Jesus responded with God’s original plan. Marriage is both exclusive (man and his wife) and permanent.

The Pharisees called Moses’ provision for divorce a command; Jesus referred to it as a concession.

Their quote of Deuteronomy 24:1-4 was inappropriate in regard to their conclusions and questions. They took divorce lightly; Jesus took it so seriously that it allowed only one provision, adultery. He emphatically endorsed the permanence of marriage. With people who are not spouses, we have been instructed to reconcile and have peace. How much more so with a spouse? What follows about loving our enemies should also be considered. We should not hold a rigid legalist view of what Jesus states here. 1 Corinthians offers more information

Matthew 5:33-37   Integrity in speech

Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 19:12; Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21

Matthew 23:16-22; James 5:12   When people swear to God, on the Bible or their mothers’ grave, they are really making a pathetic confession of their own dishonesty. Oaths arise because people are so often liars. Always strive to have your words salted. We are the salt of the earth!

Mattew 5:38-39   You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH’. But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

This OT quote refers to the law of retaliation also called commensurate retribution, that the judges were to implement and not personal retaliation or revenge. The Pharisees turned it into unjust personal retaliation. Exodus 21:23-25; Leviticus 24:17-23 – life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand, foot, burn, bruise, fracture

Deuteronomy 13:11; 17:13; 19:20; 21:21   “thus you shall purge the evil from among you.” This limits over retaliation, personal revenge, and evil from spreading.

“Slap you on your right cheek” is more of an insult than a physical attack. Some extremists misinterrupt this as advocating pacifism, believing we should never defend ourselves, even in self-defense. The way God created us with the autonomic nervous system which produces involuntary responses is contrary to this interruption.

Resist not evil because resisting causes you to act the same way. Let it go!

Mattew 5:40-42 If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.

Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

If at all possible, avoid getting pulled into the evil of this world. These insignificant matters are not worth our time and energy for in the end, justice will prevail.

Romans 12:17-21 Love we can warm our enemies and good can overcome their evil or at least it’s impact on us.

1 Peter 2:13-23 Jesus is our example.

Matthew 5:43-48   “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

The religious leaders said “hate your enemies” which is not written in Scripture. To love like this requires all the beatitudes in action.

We are different as salt and light who love like this we standout and attract glory to God and desire for Him.

Can we love our enemies based on their behavior toward us? Do we bless them who curse us because of their words? Is the good we give to those who hate us going to be drawn out of us by them? Our motivation is not given by our enemies but rather by our Father, His love for us, and our love for Him.

Sessions 12 & 13 Notes Download

Matthew 5:21-22   You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.

DO NOT COMMIT MURDER, the 6th commandment, is not a prohibition against taking all human life in any and every circumstance, but in particular against murder which is the unlawful premeditated killing of another human. Some contend that neither war nor capital punishment should be exempt from this prohibition because every human life holds inherent value. However, with this view retaliatory justice is ignored.

Genesis 9:6   Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God He made man.

Exodus 21:12   He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death.

In the law, instruction is given about the death penalty for a number of injustices and always from a legal point of view and not for personal revenge. Jesus deals with the greater issue−how to avoid murder.

In Greek, two words are used for “anger” to communicate two aspects of anger. Orge is anger as a state of mind, and thumos is used to express an outburst of anger which attacks others. The word here (in verse 22) is anger as a state of mind.

Ephesians 4:26, 27, 31; Colossians 3:8

Psalm 37:8   Anger in the Hebrew literally means nose or nostrils meaning flaring of nostrils. The judgment for anger is the same as murder according to Jesus.

“You good-for-nothing” was translated in KJ as “Raca” which is an Aramaic word meaning empty or worthless (to demean someone’s character or worth). We might say “bonehead”, “numskull”, “nitwit”, “blockhead”. The word had both religious and moral overtones.

Angry thoughts and insulting words may never lead to the ultimate act of murder. Yet, they are tantamount to murder in God’s sight.

1 John 3:15   Everyone who hates [miseo] his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

Two Greek words are used to communicate two aspects of “hate”. Ekthra is hate as inner disposition of the mind, and miseo is hate as an active ill will towards others.

Sin is not only in actions but also in our thoughts and words. Jesus elevates the standard from mere outward actions to issues of the heart. Anger and hate are serious issues that can lead to destructive outcomes. If we control the lesser, the greater will never happen. Jesus’ commands are deeper and more demanding in the sixth commandment.

Matthew 5:23-26  “Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. “Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. “Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last cent.

If anger and insult are so serious and dangerous, we should treat them with utmost caution and address them without delay. The two illustrations are given − one is with the church and the other with a law court. One is with a brother and the other with an enemy. Immediacy of action is the point. Immediately, as soon as we are conscious of a broken relationship, we must take the initiative to mend the grievance or to pay the debt. Procrastination often opens the door for deeper problems. We are to be humble, righteous seekers, who are merciful and peacemakers.

Matthew 5:27-30   You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’ [the 7th and 10th commandments]; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell.

The prohibition of murder included angry and the insulting word, adultery includes the lustful look and imagination. We can commit murder with our words; we can commit adultery in our hearts and minds. He is not forbidding looking at a woman but looking lustfully. We know the difference between looking and lusting. This is not just referring to married men and adultery for it includes women, single people, and all forms of immorality.

If heart-adultery is the result of eye-adultery, then the only way to deal with the problem is at its beginning, which is our eyes.

Job 31:1, 7, 9   “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?

7 “If my step has turned from the way, or my heart followed my eyes, Or if any spot has stuck to my hands,

9 “If my heart has been enticed by a woman, Or I have lurked at my neighbor’s doorway,

Women, looking attractive is different than making yourself seductive.

Matthew 18: 8-9

Colossians 2:20-23   This is not to be taken literally like the third-century scholar, Origen of Alexandria. He went to extremes of asceticism, renouncing possessions, food, and even sleep. In an over-literal interpretation of this passage, he actually made himself a eunuch.

Pornography is a major problem today. Some of us are tempted with certain movies and others are not. Do not judge others.

Matthew 5: 31-32   “It was said, ‘WHOEVER SENDS HIS WIFE AWAY, LET HIM GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE’; [Deut. 24:1-4] but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Matthew 19:3-9. We should interpret the shorter in the light of the longer. Remember a lot of Jesus’ teaching was to confront the wrong doctrine propounded by the religious leaders. According to the Jewish historian Josephus, there was controversy about divorce between two rival rabbinic schools (that of Rabbi Shammai with a rigorous line and of Rabbi Hillel with a lax view). They questioned Jesus to see whose side he was on.

To love your neighbor as yourself, you must first love yourself. Although sometimes it may be hard, you should love yourself because you’re made in God’s image, you are an awesome human, and you are loved by God. Instead of falling into arrogance or self-loathing, focus on others without neglecting self-care, and you’ll strike the right balance.

Mark 12:29-31 Rabbi Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God and then to love your neighbors as yourself. Next week we’ll look at loving your neighbor, but today let’s consider loving yourself.

Why should you love yourself?

1. Created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27)

There are two ditches on either side of the narrow path of self-love.

1. Arrogance: thinking you’re better than others

The great secret to self-love is focusing on others. In other words, loving others is a major way to love yourself. Perhaps that’s why Jesus said to love your neighbor as you love yourself.

Ephesians 5:29 Although self-care may have been obvious to ancient people, it’s easy to work ourselves into the ground in modern times.

Sessions 10 & 11 Notes Download

To fully grasp Jesus’ teachings about the Mosaic law and much of his Sermon on the Mount, it’s crucial to recognize that he was addressing and correcting the prevalent religious teachings of his time, particularly those promoted by the Pharisees and scribes. If Jesus were present today as he was back then, the confrontation would arise with the numerous Christian pastors and teachers who preach a gospel starkly at odds with his.

The way Jesus phrases this negative statement suggests that some may have wrongly accused him:

Matthew 5:17   Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.

The law encompassed three primary dimensions: moral principles, sacrificial elements, and governmental functions. Jesus did not abolish the moral principles of the law; instead, he offered deeper insights and enhancements, some of which demanded greater commitment. The sacrificial parts of the law all pointed toward him as the complete and final sacrifice for humanity’s sins, transgressions, and iniquities. When Jesus died on the cross, he fulfilled what was necessary for people to receive forgiveness and reconciliation thereby completing what the law only foreshadowed. When Jesus returns as King of kings, he will implement all the righteous requirements for a theocratic government that were marginally outlined in the Mosaic law. He will rule by the spirit of God.

Matthew 5:18   For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

KJV   For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

A “jot” represents the minutest Hebrew letter, while a “tittle” signifies a small horn-like mark above a letter. Jesus employed these vivid terms to emphasize the meticulous fulfillment of every aspect of the Mosaic law. However, he didn’t specify when this fulfillment would occur, for some matters are related to when he returns.

Jesus fulfilled the ethical precepts by obeying them, for he was “born under the Law” and was determined to satisfy all righteousness. He did more than obey them himself; he explained what obedience would involve for his disciples. He rejected the superficial interpretation of the law given by the scribes; rather, he supplied the true interpretation. His purpose was not to change the law, still less to annul it, but to reveal the full depth of meaning that it was intended to hold. So, then he fulfilled it by declaring the radical demands of the righteous God. This is what he stressed in the rest of Matthew 5 by giving examples. Pharisees were content with an external and formal obedience, a rigid conformity to the letter of the law; Jesus taught us that God’s demands are far more radical than this. The righteousness which is pleasing to Yahweh is an inward righteousness of mind and motive, for Yahweh looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7; Luke 16:15).

Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:27   The two promises were fulfilled when He sent the holy spirit. God put His law within us and His spirit within us to coincide. The spirit, law, righteousness, and heart all belong together. The Pharisees thought an external conformity to the law would be righteous enough.

Romans 8:1-4   Those who walk by the spirit fulfill the law.

Romans 13:8-10   Love is the fulfilling of the law.

Hebrews 7:22; 8:6-13

Matthew 5:19   Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

The commandments in the law are to be obeyed within the context of Jesus’ teachings. The moral principles, not sacrificial or governmental laws, are to be obeyed. Greatness in the Kingdom belongs to those who are faithful in doing and teaching the whole moral law.

Matthew 5:20   For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 23:1-35   We are much different than the religious and also the irreligious.

The rest of Matthew 5 contains examples of this greater or deeper righteousness. Jesus’ comments are not to refute the law, rather the wrong interpretation of it that the religious leaders taught. They made the law’s demands less demanding and the law’s permissions more permissive. What Jesus did was to reverse both tendencies. He insisted instead that the full implications of God’s commandment must be accepted without imposing any artificial limits; however, the limits which God had set to His permissions must also be accepted and not arbitrarily increased.

EACH OF THE ABOVE IS FOLLOWED WITH – “BUT I SAY TO YOU….”

Sessions 10 & 11 Notes Download

SALT and LIGHT – Mathew 5:13-16

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

The beatitudes applied enable us to be the salt of the earth and light of the world. Top of Form

To understand these metaphors, we must first consider their literal properties and purposes. The need for light is obvious. Salt was used as a preservative and a disinfectant.

Before the advent of refrigeration, salt was the primary preservative for keeping meat and fish fresh and for preventing decay. Today, foods like beef jerky, pickles, and salmon are still preserved using salt.

PRESERVATIVE – Numerous records in the Scriptures reveal the powerful impact that prayers had on individuals, communities, and whole nations. Our prayers can have a positive saving and protecting impact (e.g. Moses with Israel).

God’s blessings are with His faithful children. Where we go, God goes with us, and His blessings are present which affect our community, schools, work places. An example is when Abraham talked with Yahweh about saving Sodom which revealed the significant influence of prayer and the protection and preservation of the righteous.

As the salt of the earth, we model godliness inspiring others to glorify God and to adopt a similar lifestyle to ours. We are different but not separate from the world. For others to witness the supernatural change that we have experienced is impossible if we are isolated at home. We must get out and about just like Jesus was in his earthy ministry. As ambassadors for Christ, we represent the way, truth, and life necessary for a person to be saved which is the most preserving impact of all – eternal life

DISINFECTANT – Before modern medicine, salt was widely used as a disinfectant for wounds, cuts, and burns. Throughout history, especially during times of war or mass migration when medical resources were scarce, salt played a crucial role in maintaining hygiene in unsanitary environments and in promoting healing. The expression “salt on an open wound” developed from this aspect of salt.

The world is constantly attacked by the evil one and his cohorts, thereby shaping society into a sinful cesspool of wickedness. We hold the spiritual antidote to this moral decay and the disinfectant for incessant depravity. Our responsibility is not to sit around complaining about the sad state of our times but to model purity and speak truth that confronts the lies. We are not to just peacefully coexist and acquiesce to the world’s insanity. As disciples of Christ, we are to follow Jesus’ example set forth in the Gospels. He was continually out in the community modeling holiness and confronting evil.

Salt was used as a means for healing, and as the salt of the earth, we hold the means to the spiritual healing that Jesus provides.

SALT ALSO REPRESENTED MORAL INTEGRITY

Leviticus 2:13   “You shall season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings.”

Salt in their offering represented purity and the enduring and incorruptible nature of the covenant between God and His people.

2 Chronicles 13:5   Do you not know that the LORD God of Israel gave the rule over Israel forever to David and his sons by a covenant of salt?

Ezekiel 16:4   Newborns were washed in salt to promote health and God’s blessings plus to indicate the child would have integrity.

The qualities symbolized by salt − integrity, purity, fidelity, honesty, loyalty, commitment, and love.

Matthew 5:13; Mark 9:50; Luke 14:33-35   For effectiveness, a disciple must retain his Christlikeness, as salt must retain its saltiness. If we become assimilated to non-Christians and contaminated by the impurities of the world, we lose our influence. The effect of Christians in and on society depends on our being distinct, not identical. If we are indistinguishable from non-Christians, we are useless just like salt that has lost its saltiness.

Matthew 5:14-16   A city nestled in a valley is hard to see as is a light hidden under a basket. We have been made to be lights, so others can see, for then God will be glorified. You and the world will be blessed. We are expected to be out and about like Jesus was. This means we are meeting people and witnessing this glorious gospel with our lifestyle and words.

John 8:12; 9:5   Jesus called himself the light of the world and light of life. Now that he ascended and sent the holy spirit, we are the lights of the world because he lives in us.

Ephesians 5:8-9; Philippians 2:15-16

The two essential aspects for us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world are: 1) living the beatitudes and 2) getting out into the world so we can connect with others. As we act accordingly, God will be glorified, you will be blessed, and there will be a godly influence in the world.

The more accurately we know God, the more fully we can love Him.  Ignorance, wrong knowledge, and mischaracterization undermine our love relationship with Yahweh. Keeping Jesus’ commandments is paramount to loving God which  includes love each other.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5   Wholehearted devotion, obedience, mindfulness, passion and concern for how others perceive God are involved in loving God.  

Matthew 22:37-38   Total devotion is our foremost duty 

Heart – Innermost being from whence the issues of life stem 

Soul – Life, self, person, desire, passion, emotions 

Might or strength – All the energy, effort, and capabilities we possess, using our actions, resources, and physical being to love Yahweh 

Foremost is used to emphasize that something holds the top spot in terms of significance or priority.  

Ignorance, wrong knowledge, and mischaracterization of Yahweh are crippling to our love relationship with God.  

Numbers 14:10-20   Moses understood Yahweh’s characteristics and wanted others to think well of Him.  

Does our love for God motivate us to stand up for His glorious name? 

1 Samuel 17:43-47   David wanted Yahweh exalted above all. 

John 14:21-24   Keeping Jesus’ commandments is paramount to loving  

1 John 5:1-3;  

2 John 1:1-9 

1 John 4:20-21   One who loves God loves others.