Love in a Time of Vengeance
Matthew 5:38-48
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund
Part of Upside Down Living—July 11 - December 6, 2020
October 1, 2020

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Message Notes

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Series: Upside Down Living
Message: #13 - Love in a Time of Vengeance

October 3-4, 2020
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund

Scripture | Matthew 5:38-48

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 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.

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. —Matthew 5:38-48 (NIV)

Notes

Jesus calls his followers to release their rights.

  1. To
    Reveal Answer
    (v. 38-39)
    Jesus said no to: Inappropriate Behavior

  2. To
    Reveal Answer
    (v. 40-42)
    Jesus said no to: Needs People Could Meet

  3. To
    Reveal Answer
    (v. 43-47)

Study Guide

Open
Read Matthew 5:38-48 and pray for your time together.

Discuss

  1. What challenged you, confused you, or stood out to you in this weekend’s message?

  2. How do you see vengeance in our culture? Do you think it is positively or negatively perceived?

  3. How is Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:38-48 supposed to be understood? Is it absolute? When is this teaching tempered in the bible?

  4. How is the “slap” Jesus is referring to in this passage to be best understood? Have you ever found yourself in the kind of situation Jesus describes here? What do you think are some of the reasons behind why people respond the way we do in these kinds of situations?

  5. Does Jesus instruct unqualified abandoning of personal property or rights? Explain why or why not.

  6. How does social media drive deeper wedges in our culture? How does Jesus’ teaching to love and pray for our enemies speak to that?

  7. What will you do differently because of the truths in this passage? How do we avoid using qualifiers to negate the impact of this passage?

Close in Prayer