Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Mid-Week Bible Study (March 24 2010)

The Living Rock Church of Iloilo City
MID-WEEK BIBLE STUDY
March 24, 2010

Text: Matthew 5:38-42

Series Title
THE COMMANDMENTS OF CHRIST

Bible Study Lesson
COMMANDMENT #9 – GO THE SECOND MILE

by Pastor Norman S. Lao


Introduction
Commandment #1 – REPENT
Commandment #2 – FOLLOW ME
Commandment #3 – REJOICE
Commandment #4 – LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
Commandment #5 – HONOR GOD’S LAW
Commandment #6 – BE RECONCILED
Commandment #7 – DO NOT LUST
Commandment #8 – KEEP YOUR WORD – BE HONEST

We have already studied eight of Jesus’ commands. When we obey these commands they produce Christ-likeness in us because they are intended to reproduce the Character of Christ (fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22,23). The more we obey these commands the more we become like Christ.

Tonight we are going to study the 9th Command of Christ: GO THE SECOND MILE.

I. Understanding the Command

Besides making us more Christlike, these commands, when obeyed, also make us UNIQUE and ATTRACTIVE to the people of the world. It is when we disobey these commands that we become ordinary, common and unattractive.

One command that will truly make us attractive as followers of Christ is the command to GO THE SECOND MILE.

To understand this one must go back to the time of Christ. During those times the Jews were under the Romans. The Romans made a law requiring all Jews to carry any Roman Soldier’s burden for a maximum of one mile. They had no choice, they were obligated by law to obey. If they disobeyed they can end up in jail.

Just imagine losing time earning a living to help a Roman (pagan, therefore hated) soldier with his baggage. We can only imagine the reaction of the Jews who heard Jesus say, “walk not one, but two miles.” This is where the expression “second mile” came from.

The expression “go the second mile” means
1. To do MORE than what is required.
2. To go BEYOND the minimum.
3. To do your BEST in all things.
4. To do MORE than what is expected.
5. To make SACRIFICES for a higher cause.

The opposite of this is “doing the bare minimum.”

Most people will only do what is required or expected of them. Christians on the other hand are commanded to be DIFFERENT.
We should not only be different because we do not drink or smoke or swear or gossip or lie. As good as these things are our difference from the world should not be limited to these things. Our uniqueness should be deeper than this – we must go the second mile.

Christianity is not simply a NOT DOING – it is also a DOING. Many Christians are not smoking and drinking, but they are not loving or caring. There should be a balance here.

II. Applying the Command

You must understand that this is not simply a PRINCIPLE that you apply for success. This is a COMMAND of Christ that we must obey.

A. To do good to those who do good to you is simply “going the first mile.” To do good to those who hate you and abuse you is “going the second mile.”

B. To love those who love you is the first mile. To love your enemy is the second mile. (Matthew 5:44-48)

Jesus did not simply teach this but exemplified it on the cross. On the cross Christ died for His enemies.

C. To give to those who gave to you is the first mile (that’s why there’s really no virtue in exchange gifts). To give to those who never gave to you and those who cannot give back to you is the second mile. (Luke 14:12-14)

D. A clear Biblical Example of going the second mile: The “Good” Samaritan (Luke 10)

• He helped a stranger.
• He put aside his own schedule.
• He endangered himself.
• He put him on his donkey while he walked.
• He spent more than enough.
• He did not leave him until the man was safe.
• He followed up the man.

The priest and the Levite did not even do the first mile.

You don’t need to be a Christian to do the first mile. Only a true Christian can do the second mile.

Going the second mile should be motivated by our love for our Lord. Only those who are truly in love with God can do the second mile.

Conclusion
Are you going the second mile?

GO THE SECOND MILE! Be different! Be unique! Be a true follow of Jesus Christ!

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