Page 116 - TH130 Kingdom of God A4 Final

The Kingdom of God

More Than a Contract (5:31–32)
Under the Law, Moses allowed divorce. “It has been said, ‘Anyone who
divorces his wife, must give her a certificate of divorce’” (v. 31; compare
Deuteronomy 32:1–3). However, in the kingdom of God, Jesus forbids
any divorce except for marital infidelity (v. 32).

More Than Oaths (5:33–37)

The Law of Moses allowed people to swear oaths under certain
conditions. However, under His new kingdom law, Jesus forbids His
followers to swear oaths at all (v. 34). He charges, “Simply let your ‘Yes’
be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil
one” (v. 37). We are to be people of such integrity that we only speak the
truth. Our word is to be our bond.

Superior Conduct (Matthew 5:38–6:34)
Living as citizens of God’s kingdom demands that we conduct ourselves
in ways that are superior to the world’s ways. We should not take our cue
from society, or even our religions traditions. We should conduct our lives
the way that Jesus conducted His. This includes the way we respond to
injustice, the way we treat our enemies, and the way we give, pray, and
invest our time and money.

Responding to Injustice (5:38–41)
As citizens of Christ’s kingdom, we should expect persecution.
Sometimes evil people may even strike us, steal from us, or compel
us to work without pay. Jesus teaches that we must respond to these
injustices as our King responded. He
did not retaliate, and neither must
we—even though the Old Testament
As citizens of Christ’s Law allowed it (v. 38). Rather, “If

kingdom, we should someone strikes you on the right
cheek, turn to him the other also.
expect persecution. And if someone wants to sue you
and take your tunic, let him have
your cloak as well. If someone forces
you to go one mile, go with him two miles” (vv. 39–41). Jesus sums up His
words by saying, “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away
from the one who wants to borrow from you” (v. 42).

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