HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class
Carrying His Values (Matthew 5:17-22, 43-45)

1) First Thoughts
a. The modern Hippocratic Oath reminds physicians that they treat people, not diseases. Valuing human life grows out of the truth that God created humans in His image. Jesus calls for a new kind of behavior that values life in the same way God does. Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, … ~ Galatians 1:4
2) Understand the Context
a. Jewish religious leaders of the first century stressed legalistic obedience to the letter of the law; Jesus pointed to the intent behind the law. He provided six illustrations, e.g., murder, adultery. Like people today, a basic attitude of selfishness and an unholy sense of pride had seized them.
b. Jesus lays out the spirit with which we are to approach a lost and sinful world. That spirit will demonstrate a redemptive love that will draw people to Jesus Christ.
3) Explore the Text
a. Look to the Scriptures (5:17-20)
i. “to fulfil” – to bring out the full meaning of the Scripture; He is the fulfillment; and, to bring the O.T. promises to their completion.
ii. “Till” – (1) God’s Word is eternally true; and (2) it will stand until the total plan of God is accomplished. Therefore, James 1:22-25 (doers of the word).
b. Value Human Life (5:21-22)
i. Murder – capital punishment. Root cause, anger, violates God’s command to love. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. ~ Psalm 37:8
c. Love Beyond Expectations (5:43-45) Enemies - Romans 5:10 and Philippians 3:18.
i. Jesus reveals that the true intent of God’s law is to challenge His people to love our enemies as well as our neighbors. The only way to love an enemy is to love the way Jesus loved (I Corinthians 13). These words are “shocking”.
4) In My Context:
a. We demonstrate God’s higher standard by refusing to devalue human life. Let us love all people, even those who oppose Him and His followers.
5) Memory Verse: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; ~ Matthew 5:44