The Golden Rule Series

Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 7:12 The Golden Rule

Jesus preached many beautiful lessons in the Sermon on the Mount. The lessons were practical and applied to everyday life. One important thing that Jesus said in his Sermon was to "do to others what you would have them do to you." This is so valuable that it is often called the "Golden Rule."

INTRODUCTION

The Sermon on the Mount is filled with meaningful teaching, but it would be too much to cover in one lesson. An excellent way to present the lesson today is first to list the five main points of the Sermon as outlined below. Following this, return to the fourth point and cover the Golden Rule in more detail. As Jesus instructed, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12 NIV)

A negative form of the golden rule is found in Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. It was even found in Greek and Roman ethical teachings. However, it is not enough to say, "do not do to people the things that you do not like done to you." We could follow that advice by simply doing nothing. We could avoid people altogether. Instead, Jesus stated the same thing but positively: "Do to others." This requires us to interact with people. We must take positive action with those around us.

One way to divide the Sermon between Matthew is as follows:

1. (Matthew 5:1-16)

Be Lights in a Dark World.

The first part of the Sermon is called the "beatitudes," which means being most blessed. Being blessed is more than just being happy. A spiritual mindset and sense of fulfillment come from choosing God's way in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. Jesus lists several difficult circumstances and the blessing that can come despite them. This way of life does not just make our own lives better. Living according to God's instructions makes a real difference to our world. The section ends with Jesus saying, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16 NIV) This is more detailed in the lesson Jesus Teaches About Salt and Light.

2. (Matthew 5:17-48)

It is Not Just About Rules-Be Good Because God is Good

Jewish leaders of the day made following God more about outward rules and regulations and not about obeying God from the heart. In this Sermon, Jesus contrasts these two approaches and makes it clear that living in God's kingdom is not just about what people do or seem to do on the outside that matters. God wants our actions AND our hearts. Because Jesus compares this new way of living to the Old Testament Laws, some people compare this part of the Sermon to God giving the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. This Sermon is on a mountain.

The section ends with "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:48 NIV). Of course, we are not perfect, but our eyes should be on God's perfection, and this should be our example and aim.

3. (Matthew 6:1-18)

Be Genuine-Obeying God is Not About Getting Attention

Jesus talks about giving to those in need, praying, and fasting. He speaks of hypocrites who make these acts of worship very public actions. Jesus points out that God is unseen and knows what happens in secret. He says, "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your father in heaven." (Matthew 6:1 NIV)

4. (Matthew 6:19-7:12)

Real Treasure is Being with God. Live a Rich and Generous Life.

This portion of the Sermon begins with "Where your treasure is, there your heart will also be." (Matthew 6:21 NIV) How we view money, and earthly possessions reveal what we value most. God's generous grace towards us inspires a generous grace in how we judge others. Jesus encourages his audience to draw upon God's generous nature and to be generous in how we treat others. At this point in the Sermon, Jesus instructs them with what is known as the "Golden Rule" (THIS LESSON'S MAIN POINT)

5. (Matthew 7:13-28)

Make the Wise Choice to Hear and Obey

Hearing Jesus' words is not enough. The teaching must be put into practice. The Sermon on the Mount ends with a choice between two gates. The wide gate seems more straightforward, and many people choose it. Choosing the wide gate leads to destruction. Fewer people choose the narrow gate. The narrow gate is more complicated, but it leads to life.

Jesus warns us not to listen to "false prophets" who say things that might tempt us to make the wrong choice. They can be recognized as false by the way they say one thing and do another.