Jan.12th 2013-Life in the Kingdom-Resisting Evil

When you hear “turn the other cheek”, does that sound like a call to be weak, passive and to just let yourself be treated badly because it’s the “Christian” thing to do?  Then join us for a look at the true Christlike response to evil and learn from Jesus another transforming practice that breaks the vicious cycle of vengeance.

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Life in the Kingdom: Resisting evil

January 12^th, 2014  by Kasey Crawford

Today’s Passages: Matthew 5:38-42 

Review

The broad structure of Jesus’ teaching carries the message that:

1) Soaking in our ______________ found in the beatitudes (Matt 5:1-11),

2) transforms us towards a ______________of being salt and light with a radical righteousness (Matthew 5:12-20)

3) that is walked out in our __________ ___________ (Matt 5:21-7:29)

Two things to look for in these teachings on daily living:

1. The ___________ _____________of brokenness, which are the recurring results of what happens when God’s will is not done.
2. A _______________ ________________ is a specific way that Jesus calls us to act that comes into agreement with God’s will for the situation.

New

You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist the evil person. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if any one wants to sue you and take your coat, give your tunic as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.  Give to the one who begs from you and do not refuse one who would borrow from you.”  Matthew 5:38-42

Jesus seeks to break the vicious cycle of _______________.

Jesus asserts a transforming practice: _________ _______ without _______________ evil.

It is not a call to be ______________ but a call to creatively, ___________ resist evil without resorting to evil.

 

“But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also…” 5:39

To turn and “give the other cheek” to hit is a way of culturally taking direct ___________ that says, “I am not your inferior.”

 

“if any one wants to sue you and take your coat, give your tunic as well.”   5:40

Jesus is calling for a ______________ type of action that when done in the courtroom would hopefully stun them into seeing how shameful their action is.

 

“and if any one forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.” 5:41

Jesus is saying to respond with an action of goodness that they don’t ____________ so they just might realize the indignity of their actions.

 

As Martin Luther King said… ““Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence…in a descending spiral of destruction.”

 

Who is going to stop the ___________ of escalating vengeance?

 

 

Living as a Disciple in the Kingdom…

What is God saying to you?

What are you going to do about it?

*Answers: identity, destiny, daily lives, vicious cycle, transforming practice, vengeance, resist, evil, becoming, passive, actively, action, shocking, deserve, cycle

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