Matthew 5:38-42New International Version (NIV)
Eye for Eye38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[a] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Today, we will continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount.
It was said that Jesus went up to the mountain with His disciples.
But a large crowd followed them and He taught them there in the mountain.
This is His most famous sermon concerning the Kingdom of God.
He unveils to them the Character of the Christian when he enters and dwells in God's Kingdom.
He instructs us about the blessings for meekness, for gentleness and being poor in spirit.
He informs us about our identity as Salt and Lights of this world.
We talked about that several weeks ago.
He advices us about the importance of life, of purity in marriage and making promises.
He talks about love for our enemies, giving to the needy, prayer and fasting.
He cautions us regarding where our real treasures should be.
He educates us on how to handle the worries and anxieties of life.
He warns us about the problem of judging others and entering the wide gate.
And then, he enlightens us on how to build our lives upon the solid rock that can withstand all storms of life.
All these things are new to His hearers.
These are all new to us also.
We have never heard something like these before.
These are practical, realistic, useful to day by day life.
These are down to earth, rational and very sensible to His hearers.
We must therefore study its truths and apply its contents.
We must put these to heart and devote ourselves in fulfilling its principles.
These truths from the Sermon on the Mount can transform our lives.
The focus of our study for today is with regards to relating with difficult people.
What do we do when people hurt us?
When they steal something from us?
What do we do when they slap us on the right cheek?
What do you do when they sue you, and take your shirt?
What do you do when you are already exhausted and they force you to go one more mile?
What about when people borrow from you?
Why do they do such things?
Why are those things happening to us?
How should we react to a person who takes advantage of our goodness?
Should we fight back?
Should we withhold?
Should we take revenge?
May God help us on what to do.
But many times, we don't understand them and we don't know what to do.
Many times, we take revenge and encounter conflicts along the way.
Many times, we are severely affected emotionally by their wicked schemes.
When we don't know what to do, we make mistakes with our decisions.
But it is always good to go back to God's Word.
In here, we will find new insights, new truths, new guidelines, new principles that we have not been used to doing.
That is why Jesus taught us the Sermon on the Mount.
That is why we study the Sermon on the Mount.
That we can learn new truths for Christian living.
And so let us learn together.
We will learn three things from these verses:
How do we overcome evil?
1. WE DO NOT ALLOW EVIL TO CONTROL US.
2. WE ENDURE GREAT DIFFICULTIES.
3. WE IMPLEMENT THE POWER OF LOVE.
HOW DO WE OVERCOME EVIL?
1. WE DO NOT ALLOW EVIL TO CONTROL US. WE ALLOW CHRIST TO CONTROL US.
Matthew 5:38 "“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth."
This phrase "An eye for an eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand and foot for foot" is the law of retaliation or retribution.
It was actually part of the Moral Law promulgated in the Old Testament.
The purpose of such laws was to curb the spread of sin or evil.
During that time as well as today, sin and evil was rampant.
People committed sin and evil was everywhere.
Sin and evil was prevalent, it was excessive and it was uncontrolled.
Sin was spreading, unchecked and unrestrained.
Sin was was growing and was out of hand.
There was killing, there was injustice, there was sexual immorality, there was homosexuality all around.
There was idolatry, witchcraft, drugs and lawlessness in the rural and urban areas.
People were under sin's authority.
People were under sin's dominion.
People of all ages and all walks of life commit sin.
People who are rich or poor commit sin.
Let me tell you a story.
Do you remember how the "I Love you virus" spread so fast?
It was on May 11 May 2000, a lady found a new e-mail message on her computer, which simply said, "I love you".
The words looked good.
I Love you.
It looked innocent enough, perhaps even romantic.
Like most of us would, she clicked to open the message, and the so-called "Love Bug" was born.
With lightning speed it raced around the world, bringing politics and businessess to a halt.
It was a deadly computer virus that caused millions of computer software programs to crash.
It was only a little one, but it caused so much destruction and contamination.
That is the same thing with sin.
It looked innocent when Adam and Eve took the fruit but it brought devastation and destruction to the whole human race.
Despite God’s warning not to click on to Satan’s message, they did so with appalling consequences for them and through them to all mankind.
That virus is called "Sin".
From then on, sin controls our thoughts.
It controls our words.
It controls our actions.
It controls our destiny.
This is the evil nature that prompts us to commit sin and acts of violence.
This is the evil nature that corrupts our tongue and destroys our relationships with one another and with God.
This is the evil nature that will make us take advantage or abuse people's generosity and love.
This is the evil nature that makes us selfish and self-centered in all our decisions.
Sad to say, it is present in every one of us.
It is present in our homes.
It is present in our school, in our church, in our work.
If we do not deal with this, there will be chaos and destruction everywhere.
Romans 3:23 "We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
And so, in the Old Testament, the law of retribution was initiated.Exodus 21:23-25 (NIV) "23 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise."
Leviticus 24:19-20 (NIV) 19 Anyone who injures their neighbor is to be injured in the same manner 20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. The one who has inflicted the injury must suffer the same injury."
These verses from the Old Testament talk about what to do with the "serious injury" inflicted upon others.
In the KJV, it is translated "mischief", "harm", "evil" or "hurt".
It meant a person that has inflicted evil or committed harm upon another person should received the same penalty.
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
Punishment for the sinner should be severe.
It should be uncompromising, harsh and relentless.
It should be serious and strict.
Sin must be dealt with, with an iron hand.
This is what vengeance is all about.
This is the law of retaliation.
This is the law of retribution.
You hit me and I'll hit you back twice as much.
The goal is that the sinner will understand the severity of what he has done.
That he will think twice before doing more harm to others.
That he will consider his actions before he inflicts more injuries to others.
But we all know that it was NOT the the best way to control the spread of evil.
As time passed by, this law was abused and misused.
Sin was not prevented by creating more evil.
Instead of containing evil acts, it promoted more evil.
Instead of teaching a lesson on moral purity, it developed more sinful thoughts and actions.
You cannot be able to contain evil with evil.
It will only spread more hatred and evil around.
On our own strength, we have no ability to control our sinful evil nature.
On our own, we cannot resist the destructive effects of the evil nature.
On our own, we cannot withstand, oppose and repel the attacks of the evil nature.
On our own, we have no ability to fight, defy and neutralize the poisoning effect of the evil nature.
That is why Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit to help us in our weaknesses.
The Holy Spirit is there to guide us into all the truths.
The Holy Spirit is there to be our Mentor, our Counselor, our Teacher.
He will make us strong and give us the ability to resist all forms of evil.
He will transform our attitudes so that we can react the proper way.
He is there to be our Pilot, our Adviser, our Captain to navigate against the evil nature.
We need the Holy Spirit in our lives so that we will know what to do with our own evil nature.
We need the Holy Spirit in our lives so that we will recognize and perceive what to do with an evil person.
In order for us to receive the Holy Spirit, we must go to God.
We must repent from our sins and acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Acts 2:38 (NIV) "Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
The word repent here means to turn around or to change one's mind.
It means to feel sorry or felt contrite for past conduct.
It means to regret or become conscience stricken about the past action.
It means to have sorrow for sin and make a decision to change one's life for the better.
That is what repentance is all about.
This is what God desires for all of us.
We repent from our sins and we receive Jesus Christ in our hearts.
Once we do that, our sins are forgiven and we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
That is how we overcome evil.
We do not allow sin to control us, we allow the Holy Spirit to enter in our lives and He takes control.
John 14:26 (NIV) "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
We do not allow evil to control us.
We allow Christ to control us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Have you received Christ?
Have you received the Holy Spirit.
Are you being controlled by sin or by the Holy Spirit?
2. WE ENDURE GREAT DIFFICULTIES. WE ADJUST OUR BEHAVIOR.
Matthew 5:39-40 (NIV) "39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well."
Look at the underline swords: "Do not resist an evil person."
In the KJV, its says: "But I say unto you, that you resist not evil."
Notice that the word "person" is not included in the KJV translation.
And so, it was not just the person He is talking about, but the evil act behind that.
Let us have some words study to understand these things.
The word "resist" is from the Gr "Anthistemi" which means to set one self against, to withstand or oppose.
It also means you repel, you hold off, you combat, you suffer, you tolerate, you endure, you bear.
The word "evil" on the other hand is from the Gr "Poneros" which means full of labors, annoyances, hardships, perils, causing pain and troubles.
And so, if you put these two together, the Scripture is saying, when troubles and difficulties come your way, don't oppose them. Don't run away from them.
You endure them, You bear them, You prepare yourself to suffer from them.
Because these are part of your spiritual growth.
These are part of God's plan.
These are part of character development.
These are part of character molding.
God has good purposes for all these things.
Jesus told us in John 16:33 (NIV) "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Jesus is saying that troubles, afflictions, tribulations and distress are all normal part of life on earth.
Do not think that you are the only one going through difficulties.
Do not assume that you are the only one experiencing those problems in life.
Do not consider that God is against you when you have those trials.
Don't think of negative thoughts behind those trials.
In fact, God understands us when we go through such difficulties.
He empathizes with us, identifies with us, sympathizes with us and suffers with us.
He experienced the same things we experience.
And in the midst of these, He has overcome these things Himself.
And so, we must take heart!
We must be strong!
We must endure, withstand, ride out, face them and bear them with courage.
We can weather all storms of life.
We can be patient in any hardships.
We can become an overcomer because of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
God will give us peace in spite of these troubles in life.
And then, the verse says that: "If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."
This word "slaps" is translated "smite" in the KJV which is to strike you with the palm of his hand.
And so, if somebody clobbers you with the palm of his hand, turn to him your other cheek also.
This word "turn" is from the Gr "Strepho" which means to turn one's self from one's course of conduct.
It means to change one's mind.
And so, the idea here is that someone hurts you, insults you, slaps you, clobbers you or harms you physically.
It can happen instantly and unexpectedly.
Usually, our natural reaction is to get angry to that person who insults you.
Our natural reaction is to fight back, to avenge yourself, to get mad, to lose your temper.
We want to get even.
We want to take revenge.
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
The law of retaliation.
When you have a grudge against someone, it is as if you entertain those revengeful feelings and you are committing sin.
It says that don't even avenge yourself when you suffer injustice.
Don't vindicate yourself.
Don't retaliate.
When you do that, you are allowing sin to control you.
The Scripture warns us not to be controlled by sin.
And so, the Scripture reminds us that we must not react that way.
We must hold our peace and change our attitude.
We must turn around and get away from trouble.
We must not allow anger or hatred to dominate our thoughts and feelings.
We alter our attitude. We understand the person.
We adjust our behavior.
We modify our thinking.
We transform our outlook in life.
We are not the same person anymore.
The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives made the big difference.
That is why in 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (NIV) Paul says:"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else."
Because we have been transformed, we need not pay back wrong for wrong.
Because we have been changed, we need not discharge evil for the evil we received.
Because we have the Holy Spirit, we do not retaliate.
Because we have Christ in our hearts, we do not compensate or pay back evil for evil.
Because we have a new life, we dot not allow evil to be your driving force in our relationships with people.
You cannot quench fire with more fire.
You will not be able to overcome evil with more evil.
Because when we pay back evil for evil, we are just on the same level with them.
We are doing the same thing that we hate.
We have not grown.
We have not improved.
We have not progressed.
There is no transformation.
You are just copying their actions.
You are as worst as they are.
That is why, we must not allow evil to control us.
And we endure great difficulties.
That is the truth that we need to always remember.
If we have received the love from God, everything will be different.
Our motivating factor will no longer be evil, but with love.
You see, the world needs love.
The world does not have love.
The world does not know love.
Perfect love comes from God.
Only God gives us the ability to love God and to love others.
When we love people, we do not repay evil for evil but we do what is right in the eyes of God and others.
And then, Paul tells us further: Romans 12:18 (NIV) "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[a] says the Lord."
He said that there are things you can control and there are things you cannot control.
You cannot control the attitude of another person, but you an control yours.
He is saying that you have the power to control your reaction to evil.
You have the power to make the difference.
You have the power to reverse the influx of evil.
When the Holy Spirit is upon you, you can have that power.
You need not wait for the other person to change.
You can prove to that person that you have been changed by God's power.
And so, if you have gained the right spiritual knowledge and totally submitted yourself to God's control, you can do it.
You can overcome evil with good.
You can live at peace with everyone.
And then, in verse 19, Paul tells us to reject all forms of revenge or retaliation.
There is no need for reprisal or retribution.
"Vengeance is mine says that Lord."
He is the one who is going to fight for us.
He is the one to give us justice for every injustice done to us.
He is the one who will repay for us.
Leave room, for God's wrath.
God knows better.
The Day of judgment is coming.
All secrets will be uncovered.
All evil deeds will be punished.
That is what it means to transform evil with the power of love.
3. WE IMPLEMENT THE POWER OF LOVE. WE CARRY THE GOOD NEW TO OTHERS.
Matthew 5:41-42 (NIV) "41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
The word "forces" is translated "compel" in the KJV from the Gr "Aggareou" which means to employ a courier, to dispatch a mounted messenger.
And so, the idea here is that a person is being requested to deliver an urgent message to a far location.
That message to be delivered was extremely necessary.
It was compelling, it was crucial and critical that the message be delivered.
Hence, the immediate attention of the courier is required.
The utmost cooperation of the messenger is essential.
That message will determine life and death of the recipients.
That message will hold victory or defeat for the beneficiary.
That is the same thing with us.
You have a message in your hearts.
You have been commissioned by Christ to be His ambassador.
2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV) "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God."
The word ambassador means you represent God.
You are carrying the Good News in your life.
You are holding in your heart a message that is urgent, crucial and compelling.
You are holding the key that will determine the life and death of your recipient.
It needs utmost attention.
You must carry that message and deliver this with the best intention.
The text says, if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.
That means, when you are powered by love, you can do anything and go anywhere.
When you know the urgency of the matter, you have the stamina to go on further.
When you know that you have the Good News to bring to people, you go on more than required.
When we implement the power of love, it makes a great difference to others.
And so, let us go back to our verse. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
The word "give" is from the Gr "Didomi" which means to bestow somebody as a gift.
It means to deliver, to supply, to furnish necessary things for that person.
It means to reach out, to extend, to give to someone as his own.
It means to care for his interest and to commission.
Hence, it is saying that we must not only deliver he message of salvation to somebody who needs it.
We must go and beyond that.
We take responsibility to his spiritual growth.
We help him cultivate the Christian character in him.
We mentor his progress in the faith.
We give more spiritual support to his understanding.
We must give more than the message of salvation.
That is what the power of love can do.
And so, going back to the questions asked in the beginning of our message:
What do we do when don't have love?
When people hurt us?
When they steal something from us?
What do we do when they slap us on the right cheek?
What do you do when they sue you, and take your shirt?
What do you do when you are already exhausted and they force you to go one more mile?
What about when people borrow from you?
Why do they do such things?
Why are those things happening to us?
How should we react to a person who takes advantage of our goodness?
If we have the love from God, we can be able to answer these questions.
Love makes a difference.
Love takes time to be rooted in our hearts.
We all fall short of this love.
We all need the Lord Jesus Christ to give us more love.
We are all being transformed by His love.
That is why this month, February is the month of love.
People don't understand such love.
There is no other love greater than Christ's love.
John 15:13 (NIV) "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."
His love for us is great.
It is huge, enormous, tremendous, extreme, high, immense, vast and strong.
In spite of the fact that we were sinners, He died for us.
May you understand the extent of His love for you.
Luke 10:27 (NIV) "27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”
CLOSING STORY:
There is a story of a small tribe in South Africa.
We can learn something from their lifestyle.
They have a different way of dealing with sin and evil in the community.
This is what they called the circle of love ceremony.
If a member of the tribe acts irresponsibly, he or she is placed at the center of the village.
Everyone is called and work stops to deal with the problem.
Every man, woman and child in the village gathers around the accused in a large circle.
Then, one at a time, each individual, including the children, call out all the GOOD things the person in the center of the ring has done previously.
All the positive attributes, all the kind acts, all the gestures of love, all the beautiful words spoken are cited carefully and at length.
These are publicly declared.
These are affirmed for greater appreciation.
These are received and properly acknowledged.
No one is permitted to exaggerate.
It’s serious business!
Evil must be controlled by love.
The ceremony often lasts not just for several hours, but days.
But it doesn't stop until everyone is drained of every positive comment he or she can muster about the transgressor.
Not one word of criticism concerning the accused’s irresponsible, antisocial deed is permitted.
Not one word of hatred.
Not one word of revenge.
At the end, the tribe circle breaks up.
Afterwards, a joyous celebration begins.
The transgressor is welcomed back into the community.
Apparently this overwhelming, positive bombardment strengthens the self-esteem of the accused.
It causes that person to resolve to live up to the expectations of the tribe.
It causes the person to live in the power of love.
Ultimately, there is success.
Characters are transformed.
Lives are changed for the better.
The community is strengthened.
That is the only way to control evil, by the power of love.
“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35).
