EXPOSITIONS OF THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
XVIII – LOVE YOUR ENEMIES
Matthew 5: 43-48                                                     October 7, 2007

INTRODUCTION
This is the final illustration of how the Scribes and Pharisees had perverted God’s Law.  And again, the Lord Jesus contrasts their false righteousness with the righteousness of God.  Today we are confronted with the Love of God.

I.  OLD TESTAMENT TEACHING VS. THAT OF THE PHARISEES
Throughout the OT we find the Love of God and Love for man demonstrated.  Ruth.  Love for others has always been God’s standard for human relations.  We learn from Scripture that God’s standard of righteousness included merciful, kind and loving care for others.  Job 1:1.  David.  Romans 12.  The Pharisees were self-consumed, loved themselves and hated everyone else.

II. THE TEACHING OF THE LORD JESUS.
We are taught to
                a)             love our enemies. 
                b)            pray for those who persecute us.
                c)             demonstrate our sonship as God’s adopted child.
                d)            love the unlovable.
                e)             be perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect.

SOME OF THE SOURCES USED IN THIS STUDY:
Terry L. Johnson.  SERMONS ON THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
James M. Boice. THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
Martyn Lloyd-Jones. STUDIES IN THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
Daniel M. Doriani. THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
John R.W. Stott. CHRISTIAN COUNTER-CULTURE
Sinclair B. Ferguson, KINGDOM LIFE IN A FALLEN WORLD
John Calvin’s Commentary on Matthew’s Gospel
William Hendirckson’s Commentary on Matthew’s Gospel
Bishop J.C. Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on the Four Gospels
John MacArthur’s Commentary on Matthew’s Gospel