Kingdom: The Gospel of Matthew

Who’s On Your List?
May 15, 2022
Chris Seidman, Lead Minister, The Branch Church

Matthew 5:38-42 (NIV)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 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. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”

Matthew 5:43 (NIV)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

Matthew 5:44 (NIV)
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you … .”

Matthew 5:45 (NIV)
“… that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:45b (NIV)
“He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous.”

Matthew 5:46-47 (NIV)
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”

Matthew 5:48 (NIV)
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Acts 7:60 (NIV)
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

When It Comes To Dealing With Our Enemies …

• The question is this: What is our Father like?

• It’s important for us to remember that it’s possible for us to respond like our Father.

1 John 4:7 (NIV)
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

Romans 5:5 (NIV)
… God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

• It’s helpful to remember that the Lord has prepared a table for us in the presence of our enemies.

Psalm 23:5 (NIV)
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life … .

- There may not be a time when our witness will shine brighter!

Matthew 5:14,16 (NIV)
“You are the light of the world … . Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Communion

Who’s on your list?