Sermon on the Mount: Loving Enemies
Sermon Notes
Sermon on the Mount
Chapter 4: The Power of Transforming Love, Matthew 5:38–48
1. Transforming Love Seeks Justice, v. 38
a. Jesus is not denying the need for justice
b. Jesus’ point is about personal vengeance, not societal justice
2. Transforming Love Takes the Offensive, Overcoming Evil with Good, vv. 39-42
3. Transforming Love Seeks the Best for Others, vv. 43–47
4. Transforming Love Reveals God’s Love for the World, vv. 45, 48
Study/Discussion Questions:
1. What is our natural tendency when others hurt or attack us? What are some examples of this from society or from media (movies, etc.)?
2. What does Jesus say you should do when someone slaps you on one cheek? When they seek to take away your possessions? Does this seem unreasonable?
3. In what way does the command, “an eye for an eye,” actually demand justice instead of vengeance? In what way is the government God’s agent for justice?
4. What does it mean that transforming love takes the offensive? What are some ways we might overcome evil with good?
5. Is biblical love a feeling or an action? Why is this important with reference to the command to love your enemies?
6. In what way did God demonstrate his love for his enemies?
Jesus talks about two ways or roads one may take in life. Dr. Mark Strauss takes us through the two paths and how we can choose the right one.
Should Christians ever judge others? Dr. Mark Strauss breaks down what Jesus says about judgement and generosity in the Sermon on the Mount.
Is it okay to worry about some things in life? Why or why not? Can we completely eliminate worry and anxiety from our life? Watch as Pastor Ken unpacks what the Sermon on the Mount says about worry and anxiety.
Have you ever fasted for spiritual purposes? What was the experience like for you? Join Pastor Ken Ingold as he unpacks fasting and what it means to store up treasures in heaven.
Why is it important not to practice our righteousness so that others can observe it? What does Jesus mean that, if we do this, we have already received our reward?
Is biblical love a feeling or an action? Learn what it means to say that transforming love takes the offensive, and how God demonstrates his love for his enemies.
The Sermon on the Mount: Antithesis. What does Jesus teach about murder, adultery, divorce, and oaths?
The Sermon on the Mount: Fulfilling the Law. Did Jesus come to fulfill or replace the Old Testament Law?
Salvation comes by Jesus Christ through his death on the cross. Are cult members or Mormons or JWs saved? Any religious tradition that says you are saved through works is contrary to what the Bible says: you are saved by faith alone. We can do nothing to save ourselves. God alone is judge. Our responsibility is to love people and pray for them.
Mark Strauss is University Professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary San Diego, where he has served since 1993. Mark has a heart for ministry and preaches and teaches regularly at churches, conferences and college campuses.