Going the Extra Mile part 1 Matthew 5:41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. I love the moto of Avis rent a car. WE TRY HARD-ER Roman law – about a decade before Jesus was born. - The Roman Senate - In any Concord province and Solider can have any able-bodied man to bare their burden 1 mile. – It would be common to see a Roman have a Jewish man carry his load – 1 mile, but no more. · 1000 paces – 1520 yards · 50,000 road throughout empire – stone marker – Guide stones – directions pointed and distances – warnings – Miles from that location to Rome · Causes great Resentment towards the Roman. Jesus was not speaking to rich, spoiled people, He was speaking to people who were constantly embarrassed and put down and salves to the Roman Empire. · No matter what they were doing, they had to stop. · “I’m walking with my kids” – STOP. “I’m Plowing my field” – STOP · Jesus said if you are compelled to go 1 mile – go 2! Would you? Would you have the best attitude? Can you imagine the thought? This was a lesson in humility. Humbleness – to bring below 1. Everything we do, we must do with HUMILITY (as a servant) Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 1 Peter 5:5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 2. Everything we do, we must do with the right spirit (attitude) James 3: 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. IT’S NOT WHAT YOU SAY, IT’S HOW YOU SAY IT! 3. Everything we do, we must do for the right reason (motives) Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 2 Corinthians 10: 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, · You can’t be trying to build your own little kingdom. 4. Everything we do, we must do with forgiveness in mind. Matthew 18: 21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ 10,000 talents – 1 Talent = 20 years of a day servants wage. · He owed that times 10,000 · Master ordered – He, His wife and his children and all that he had – had to be sold to pay the debt. · He begged – The Master took pity – Canceled the debt – Servant went out that owed him 100 silver coins – 1 days wage · Grabbed him – Choked him – begged – HE REFUSED – Had him thrown in prison. Matthew 18:32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” The minimum – wage – speed – car – lifestyle GO 2! Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. GO 2! Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. GO 2! 1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. GO 2! Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, GO 2! Matthew 5: 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. GO 2! Luke 6: 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. 32 “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. A Christian should be the hardest working person on the job. · Get there early, leave late, lead by example. · Not cheat or steal time.
