Denying Self :: The Way

October 18, 2020

Matthew 5:38 You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for a tooth.’

What do you think — are we more wired for retaliation or for denying self?

Here are a few of Jesus’ hand-picked scenarios to help determine our leaning:

• being slapped on the cheek  (humiliated and shamed)

• being sued  (injury to our commerce and wealth)

• being forced to go one mile  (controlling our activity)

• being asked to give  (taken advantage of)

Matthew 5:43 You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

What do you think — are we more wired for retaliation or for denying self?

Jesus suggests:

• praying for those who persecute us

• greeting those we dislike

• not denying those who have a need

• turning the other cheek

• going the second mile

• caring for those whom we disagree with and maybe even dislike

All this is hard to do! Denying self is hard to do!

We follow the One who is best at it though!

Matthew 5:48 Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Pastor Brad Mann,
brad@claycentercovenant.com

Denying Self
THE WAY: exploring the sermon on the mount
Matthew 5:38-48