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Vengeance is Mine
Sermonette by Bill OnisickChrist counsels us to love our enemies in order that we may be children of God, demonstrating not only His mercy but also our sonship by being peacemakers.
Taking an Insult
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingIn addressing how we handle offenses and insults, we must consider the principle of "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" as presented in Matthew 5:38. Jesus Christ, who established this law as seen in Leviticus, Exodus 21, and Deuteronomy 19, clarifies its intent. It was not meant to encourage literal retaliation, such as knocking out someone's tooth in return for yours being knocked out, which could escalate into endless cycles of revenge. Instead, the purpose of this law was to ensure fairness, to halt vengeance, and to prevent further violence by assigning a monetary value for the loss suffered, akin to settlements in modern courts. Christ further instructs us not to resist an evil person, meaning we should refuse to fight back or retaliate. This teaching emphasizes non-retaliation and challenges our natural impulse to defend ourselves. By refusing to engage in vengeance, we align with a foot washing attitude of humility and forgiveness, trusting in God's justice rather than seeking personal vindication. Jesus Christ's guidance is clear: we must embody a spirit of peace, choosing to endure insults and wrongs without striking back, reflecting His humble service in our responses to personal attacks.
The Sixth Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe sixth commandment, forbidding murder, is rare among the Ten Commandments in that a clear line can be drawn between its commission and its consequences.
The Sixth Commandment
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus magnifies the Law in Matthew 5, moving beyond the behavior into the motivating thought behind the deed, warning that we do not retaliate in kind.
The Sixth Commandment (Part One) (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur society is becoming increasingly violent. The sixth of the Ten Commandments covers crime, capital punishment, murder, hatred, revenge and war.
Are Some Sins Worse Than Others?
'Ready Answer' by Martin G. CollinsIt seems that some sins should be worse than others in God's eyes. Though all sin merits the death penalty, some sins carry greater consequences and penalties.
'But I Say to You' (Part Six): Retaliation
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus, using hyperbole to shock His disciples into a change of behavior or attitude, emphasizing that they should resist the impulse to retaliate.
Go the Extra Mile
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidThe Sermon on the Mount contains a explanation of what it takes to be a Christian. Matthew 5:38-42 provides the principles behind the 'above and beyond' attitude.
Matthew (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus, showing the spirit of the law, warns against rash divorces, taking oaths, invoking God's name frivolously, realizing that a covenant is binding.
Biblical Principles of Justice (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAre we ready, at this stage in our spiritual growth, to apply chapter and verse all the biblical principles that apply to a case?
Biblical Principles of Justice (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the Old and New Testament are complementary to one another, the emphasis of justice in the New Testament switches from national to personal in scope.
Amos (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGod requires a higher standard of righteous behavior from those who have consciously made a covenant with Him and are acquainted with His Law.
Amos (Part Nine)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAncient Israel regarded Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba as a sacred shrines, but were not becoming spiritually transformed as a result of pilgrimages.
Prepare to Meet Your God! (Part Three)
Article by John W. Ritenbaugh and Richard T. RitenbaughGod's impartial judgment is a significant factor in the book of Amos. He will execute proper judgment, true justice, on all according to their works.