AHF2 Lecture 5 Notes: Inside Out

Lesson 5: Inside Out

Matthew 5:33-48 was our text for the lesson this week. In verses 43-44, Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.”

Laurie emphasized the importance of “you have heard” and “but I tell you” in the verses above. The Pharisees had taught the people a lot of ideas that simply weren’t true. Nowhere in God’s law had he told the Israelites to hate their enemies. Likewise, we might have listened to parents, teachers, and even preachers who have given us wrong ideas or information. We need to grow in our relationship with our Lord so we can hear His voice speaking to us through His word.

I. “Be perfect”

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:48 to “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” We know that no one is perfect except Jesus (Romans 3:10-10-12). However, Job and Noah are good biblical examples of what Jesus is referring to here. Job 1:1 describes Job as a man who was blameless, upright, fearing God and shunning evil. Genesis 6:9 describes Noah as a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, a man who walked with God.

Is it your heart’s desire to hit the bull’s eye on the target of pleasing God? Are you living by God’s standard in His word? Do you fear the Lord? Are you avoiding doing evil? If yes, that is being righteous, or blameless, or perfect. Pray through Psalm 119:1-16 and ask yourself if this describes you. If not, pray that you will become such a person who seeks after God and His Word.

II. “Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’”

In Matthew 5:37, Jesus tells us to simply let our “yes” be “yes” and our “no” be “no”. We need to be accurate in what we say and avoid exaggerations. Our actions need to match our words. Do you say you are a Christian? Your actions need to coincide with that claim. We need to be like our Father. He is who is says He is. See James 5:12 and Proverbs 6:16-17.

III. “If someone strikes you on the right cheek”

In Matthew 5:39, Jesus tells us, “if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Laurie gave the example of Moses when the Israelites were complaining against him after they left Egypt. Moses did not retaliate against them; he took it to God. We can be an amazing witness for Christ when we don’t retaliate and demand our rights.

IV. “Love your enemies”

In Matthew 5: 44, Jesus tells us “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” We are to remember that love is a verb. Luke 6:27-36 explains more about loving your neighbor as yourself.

V. The Four “P’s” of Walking in His Ways

1. Purpose: Our purpose is to be Christ wherever we are. We must be purposeful and deliberate. If we don’t aim our bow, we aren’t going to hit the target.
2. Plan: We have to have a plan; we must be deliberate.
3. Practice: Live it out day by day, decision by decision
4. Please: Our goal must be to please Christ alone!

Closing Comment from Laurie:

I really did run out of time this week in all of the lectures so I didn't give you the full picture but I hope you understood. Block out your time with your Lord, your husband, and your children. DON'T feel like you have to do everything!:)

We will revisit 'Planning to be Purposeful, Persistent and Pleasing:)' in lecture 6!