The Superhumans

THE SUPERHUMANS

Mt. 5:46-47

INTRODUCTION

A. HUMOR: CHEERFUL GIVER

1. Hoping to develop his son’s character, a father gave his son a $20 bill and a $1 bill as he was dropping him off for children’s church.

2. After church, the father asked him which he had put in the offering. The boy said, “Just before they passed the bucket, Mrs. Jones said that ‘God loves a cheerful giver.’ I knew I could give the $1 bill a lot more cheerfully than the $20, so I gave it!”

B. TEXT

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matt. 5:43-48, NIV.

C. THESIS

1. This is one of the most explosive teachings of Jesus in the Bible. Jesus tells us that not only are we capable of living more powerful lives than other humans, but that He expects us too!

2. The title of this message is “The Superhumans.”

I. THE STARTLING TEACHING OF JESUS

A. OUR LIVES ARE TO HAVE SUPERHUMAN EFFECTS

1. We are to be the salt of the earth, the light of the world, a city set on a hill, seen by all. Like salt, you’re to alter the flavor of your city, your family, school, or job. Your life should be so different from everyone else’s, that it stands out like a lighthouse shining on a dark sea.

2. If you’re a parent, your children should be influenced; if you’re are an employer, your employees should be impacted. If you’re a student, your peers should be different because of being around you.

3. Christ tells His followers to turn the other cheek, give more than they’re asked for, love their enemies. If they ask you to go a mile, go two miles; and if they want your coat, give them your overcoat, too.” How many know this is not normal?

4. When reproached, we give a gentle answer; we return kindness for meanness; keep silent when accused; don’t consider getting even with revenge; don’t fight for our rights, but accept an injustice, rather than offend.

5. This requires a power beyond ourselves! It’s impossible for US to do this, but when you get in tune with the Holy Spirit, and get the perspective of eternity – you begin to see the value of a soul!

6. Selfishness is as foreign to Christianity as an alien from another planet. The true Christian LIVES to do good to others & serve them. They look upon immoral & misguided people, not with judgmental eyes, but with redemptive eyes -- desiring to reclaim them.

7. Instead of hating our personal enemies, we do them a kindness, because when we were enemies of God, Christ DIED for us! What a Savior!

8. SUMMARY: JESUS’ TEACHING IS, THAT OUR RELIGION IS WORTH LITTLE IF WE DON’T DEMONSTRATE THE HIGHER LIFE OF GOD AND LOVE MORE THAN THE A NORMAL HUMAN!

B. VARIOUS VERSIONS OF WHAT JESUS SAID

1. CSB, “What are you doing out of the ordinary?”

CEV, “What’s so great about…?” (what you’re doing)

Philips, “Are you doing anything exceptional?”

MSG, [What you’re doing-] “Anybody can do that!”

NLT, “How are you any different?”

Worldwide English, “…you are not doing anything better than other people. Even people who do not believe in God do that.”

2. The question is, “ARE WE ANY DIFFERENT than those around us? Are we standing out by our exemplary words and behavior? Can people sense something different around us than around others?

C. “I CAN'T POSSIBLY BE AN OVERCOMER”

1. The Bible tells us that we’re more than conquerors, but sometimes we don't feel like it. We wake up Monday morning, look into the mirror, and instead of saying, "Good Morning Lord!", we say, "Good Lord, It's Morning!"

2. The person in the mirror in no way resembles some sort of champion. We've got challenges on every side. We’ve got more to do than we can ever get done

3. Like one guy said, "I've heard that you won't die unto you finish the work that the Lord has for you. If that is the case, I'm so far behind that I don't think I'm ever going to die!"