The Sermon on the Mount
Daily Bible Studies for July 28 - August 2, 2008
Learn what we believe and how we are to behave!
This Week’s Scripture: Matthew 5:38-42 MOT & NLT
[Jesus said] “38You (all) have heard that it was said, ‘An eye instead of an eye and a tooth instead of a tooth.’ 39But I myself, tell you do not oppose the one doing evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him also the other; 40And to the one wishing to judge you and to take your tunic, allow him also [to have] your outer garment; 41and whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with him two. 42To the one asking you give, and to the one wishing to borrow from you do not turn away.” MOT
[Jesus said] “38You have heard that the law of Moses says, ‘If an eye is injured, injure the eye of the person who did it. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the person who did it.’ 39But I say, don’t resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too. 40If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. 41If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. 42Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.” NLT
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for a new Monday to know, love and serve You! Many folks dread Mondays because they mean the beginning of another week of drudgery, another week of the same old, same old. I thank You that because of Jesus’ presence in my life NOTHING is the same old, same old! Fill me anew with Your Holy Spirit that I may understand and live Your word among those for whom this is just another day, that they may also experience the newness of life that comes from You. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
[Jesus said] “38You (all) have heard that it was said, ‘An eye instead of an eye and a tooth instead of a tooth.’ MOT
[Jesus said] “38You have heard that the law of Moses says, ‘If an eye is injured, injure the eye of the person who did it. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the person who did it.’ NLT
What would the world be like if the law of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth was always carried out literally?
Why do you think this law was “good” when it was given by God to Moses?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in the Spirit today, so that I WON’T retaliate with an “eye for an eye” when I'm offended or injured.
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, nothing is harder in life than “turning the other cheek.” It’s so easy to want to get even with others when they hurt me. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can and will turn the other cheek when I'm offended. This I pray in the powerful name of the one who turned not only His cheek, but also His life over to us, that we may have salvation—even JESUS! Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
39But I myself, tell you do not oppose the one doing evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him also the other; MOT
39But I say, don’t resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too. NLT
What does it mean to “turn the other cheek” as Jesus presents it?
How is it possible for us to really “turn the other cheek”?
Today’s Challenge: Relying on the Holy Spirit I will turn the other cheek at every offense I experience today!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we live in a litigious society—it seems that nearly everyone wants to sue everyone for something. I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I won’t demand my rights, but rather will give them up that others may come to know Jesus. I ask this prayer in His name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
40And to the one wishing to judge you and to take your tunic, allow him also [to have] your outer garment; MOT
40If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. NLT
What does it take for a person to be willing to give MORE than the judge requires in a lawsuit?
What would it look like in practical terms to live this way?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in the power of the Holy Spirit so that I will always give justice and do what is right, but not expect to receive justice and what is right in return.
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, most of the time I find it difficult to go the “first mile” in my walk with You. I let my life fill up with things that are not of any eternal significance and then I'm worn out and empty. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I WILL live in the second mile, constantly going beyond merely what is expected of me as Your follower, as a family member, as a worker—in everything! As I live this way, let it be a light for others to see YOU at work in me that they may come to know You as well. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
41and whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with him two. MOT
41If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. NLT
How do you think you would have responded if you lived in Jesus’ day and a Roman soldier had forced you to carry his gear for a mile?
What makes it possible for us to cheerfully go the “second mile” in all areas of life?
Are you going the “first mile” in every area right now, so that you can move on to the “second mile”?
Today’s Challenge: I will rely fully on the Holy Spirit so I can LIVE in the “second mile” and thus be a light for others to see Jesus!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for blessing me with so much in every area of my life. I'm reminded that compared to people around the world I am truly rich. Let me be a faithful steward of all your blessings: physical, mental and spiritual. Let me give away as much as I can, so that as many as possible will come to know the joy of Your provision and salvation. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word
42To the one asking you give, and to the one wishing to borrow from you do not turn away.” MOT
42Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.” NLT
If Jesus was serious about this statement, how do you think He expected us to live it out in daily life?
Who do you know right now, who has been asking you for things that you have not given anything in response? According to this Scripture, what are you called to do?
Today’s Challenge: I will give thanks for all the blessings Jesus has given me, remembering that they belong to Him, so I may also be generous to others!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me this week that when others harm me, or take from me or beg of me that my response is not to “get even” or to turn away, but to recognize all Your blessings to me and to share them with others. Fill me with the Holy Spirit anew that I may live in Your grace and power and be a blessing to everyone in my circle of influence today. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
Don’t get mad—FORGIVE! What does it mean to you in real terms not to get mad—but to FORGIVE?
What will it look like in your family, at work, and at play if you live this way?
Today’s Challenge: I will live as one who has been forgiven by Jesus, so that my response to others will be forgiveness first!