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The Golden Rule
The golden rule is in fact unique to Christianity, given the theological and moral framework of the Bible which defines its parameters.
Scripture: Matthew 7:12-14; Psalm 1; Hebrews 10:19-25
Sermon Notes:
- In giving the golden rule, Jesus is calling us to imagine ourselves in another person's shoes.
- The golden rule is in fact unique to Christianity, given the theological and moral framework of the Bible which defines its parameters.
- In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus cites another summary of the law, which is to love God and to love our neighbour as ourselves.
- Parallel teaching in Romans 13:8-10 and 1 John chapters 3 and 4 further define the biblical meaning of the golden rule.
- The law and the prophets define love, telling us what it actually means.
- Jesus' own exposition of the law and prophets in the Sermon on the Mount defines the golden rule.
- In the context of the Sermon on the Mount the golden rule is the narrow gate, the difficult path of loving one's enemy, etc.
- Jesus is calling us to daily discipleship by entering the narrow gate.
- There is no middle way; you're either in the wide gate or the narrow gate. Consider how the church in Laocidea was rebuked for being luke-warm (Revelation 3:15-16).
- Moses called the people to choose life and blessing by obedience to God's commands (Deuteronomy 30:15-16).
- In the golden rule, Jesus is exhorting His people to obedience to His commandments and allegiance to His rule.
- 'Cheap grace' is the wide gate and the easy way of worldly living.
- 'Costly grace' will take your life but it is true grace because it will give you life through Christ.
- Jesus has been re-orienting our priorities; He's been setting our desires on heavenly treasure; now He calls us to seek life.
- We hope, fixing our eyes on eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).
- Jesus is our pioneer and we're to follow Him (Heb. 12:1-3).
- At the cross we let go of our sin and ourselves, clinging to Christ, who takes our unrighteousness and clothes us with His righteousness.
- The Christian life is a long obedience in the same direction, a patient perseverance.
- The man in Psalm 1 is rooted in the Word of God, living in its streams of water.
- Our delight must be in God's Word. If we meditate on God's Word day and night, we will come to delight in it.
- Our leaves won't wither if we're feeding on Christ (John 6:48-58).
Application Questions
- How is the Golden Rule unique to Christianity?
- What are some specific biblical texts which define the golden rule?
- In your own words, how would you explain the uniqueness of the Jesus' golden rule to a pluralist?
- If the other person also wants you to commit some sin, are you then following the golden rule?
- What is the narrow gate?
- What is the costly grace and what is its result in us?
- How can we cultivate a passion and delight in God's Word?
- Have I been living by a concept of cheap grace?
- How is God challenging me to embrace blessing and life?