What Do Ye More Than Others?
Matthew 5:38-48 (text. v. 47)
This arresting question was asked by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. The Sermon on the Mount is primarily kingdom principles, but much still applies to us today. Jesus contrasts the principles of His King- dom to the philosophy of the world.
For example: The philosophy of the world is, if someone treats you wrong, you treat them wrong—One dirty deed deserves another. However, Jesus set a better example for us to follow. Read 1 Peter 2:19-23.
Jesus holds us to a HIGHER STANDARD. Christ expects us to be different and better than the world. Jesus raises the “bar” of what He expects of His followers (cf. vs. 20-22, 27-28).
1. To turn the other cheek (v.39).
2. To give more than is asked (vs.40).
3. To do more than is required (v.41).
4. To love your enemies (vs. 43-44).
It is easy to love those who love you. But Jesus expects you to love those who are unlovely… those who are hard to get along with… those who despise you and want to cut your head off!
Paul reaffirms what Jesus said— “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not… Recompense to no man evil for evil… Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:14, 17, 21).
•To put Jesus’ question in colloquial English:
v. 46— “If you only love people who are members of your church, or members of your political party, don’t even the heathen do that?”
v. 47— “If you are only friendly towards your family and the people you like, don’t even the unsaved do the same?”
If you only help those who help you… If you just do things for people who do things for you… If you only love those who love you, you are no better than they are.
I. The EXPECTATION in the question. Jesus expects us to do more.
Jesus asks this question to provoke us to consider and evaluate our relationships and what we do for God.
A. The CONVICTION of the question — “What do ye more than others?” A heart searching question—What are you and I doing more than others? How are you and I different from the world if we do everything by the same standard as they do?
B. The CONSIDERATION of the question. 1 Samuel 12:24—”Fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with ALL your heart [with gusto]: for CONSIDER HOW GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE FOR YOU.”
When you CONSIDER [let it sink in] how great things the Lord has done for you, shouldn’t it motivate you to do more than others.
Why do more than others??? Because we HAVE more than others. We KNOW more… We’ve RECEIVED more…
1.We have the true Word of God.
2.We have eternal life and the blessed hope.
3.We have the Holy Spirit living inside us.
Why do more than others??? Because He has done more for us. Therefore more is expected of us. Jesus said, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:48). “What do ye more than others?”
II. The EXAMPLES that answer the question.
Examples of false zeal—Deceived people who do extraordinary things be- cause of misplaced devotion. Their dedication to a false cause often puts C•hristians, who know the truth, to shame:
In India, there are men who cover their bodies with white ashes, and plaster their heads with cow manure (because the cow is sacred in that country) trying to gain the favor of their false god.
The Sun Gazer of India sits gazing at the bright sun, until the retinas of his eyes are burned and he is blinded. He does this to serve his god in the sun.
Partial Sermon: CLICK HERE for full PDF
One Reply to “What Do Ye More Than Others?”
Great sermon!