October, 1940
T H E K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S
376
tablished first of all, before the Golden Rule may be inaugurated to any real extent. Nothing is right until right eousness rules. Points and Problems 1. Much of the material in Luke 6, from which the lesson is selected, is rec ognized easily as quite similar to that in the so-called “Sermcn on the Mount” recorded in Matthew’s Gospel, chapters 5 to 7. Generally speaking, the critical commentators regard the two accounts as variant reports of the same discourse or collection of fragments of the Lord’s teaching. And these very apparent dif ferences between the two accounts, they argue, prove that the writings of the Bible are not inspired as to their words. But this is an incredibly naive view for intelligent men to take. Do they sup pose that our Lord, having once deliv ered the teaching found in His “Sermon on the Mount,” thereafter never once repeated it or referred to its precepts? Such material must have been repeated over and over again during the years of His ministry, for He preached con stantly throughout the land of Israel. While we cannot be dogmatic as to Just what happened back there, it is surely possible that Matthew’s account gives us the material as it was uttered by the Lord on one occasion, while Luke gives us an account of the same general material but as it was delivered upon another and wholly different occasion. And both accounts, we believe, are ver bally inspired. 2. A second characteristic of this les son material is that it was originally delivered as teaching for saved men, not for unbelievers. See verse 20 of Luke 6: “And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said." The same idea is found in verse 27 where the command, "Love your enemies,” is addressed, not to all men, but rather to "you which hear.” The same thing is found in the Matthew record where we read that "his disciples came unto him. And he opened his mouth, and taught them” (5:1, 2). Any attempt to Impose these high standards of conduct on the world o f unsaved men would not only be im possible but might actually work moral confusion. Take the Golden Rule, for example: “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Lk. 6:31). Such a rule could be beneficent only among redeemed men whose desires for themselves are right and holy. But it would be positively dangerous if adopted by men with un holy desires. In that case, men who desired strong drink would proceed to give such drink to other men. 3. Another question that is often raised about the material of this les son may be stated thus: Are all these rules and precepts intended to be bind ing on the saved of the present age ? On this point, we find two extreme par ties which hold exaftly opposite opin-
and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. 31 And as ye would that men should do to yon, do ye also to them likewise. 32 For if ye love them which love yon, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. 83 And if ye do good to them which do good to yon, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 34* And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 30 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 88 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken to gether, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. LESSOR TEXT: Lk. 6:27-38. GOLDEN* TEXT: “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Lk. 6:31), DEVOTIONAL BEADING: Matt. 5:43-48. Outline and Exposition I. T he B a s is o f t h e G o l d e n R u l e (27-31) O NE word, "love,” is the basis of However, this manner of living will be in effect in a coming day, and must be evidenced in principle by Christians now. In the kingdom to come, it will be manifested by all. Outwardly, it will be shown in love to enemies, in the doing of good to those who hate, in blessing those who curse, and in praying for those who mis use. But there is danger lest we con fuse mere sentimentality with love. Sen timentality would override all righteous ness, and it is righteousness upon which the throne of God is founded. God loves the world, but before He could manifest that love to man, it was needful that He should establish righteousness, holi ness, and truth—all of which was done by the sacrifice of His Son. Hence, the love here spoken of is not sentiment, but \ true love which flows from Him whose name and nature are love. Inwardly, this manner of living will not seek redress for personal assault, nor will it move any one to engage in legal oppression, nor allow one to indulge in unjust borrowing. Its governing principle is the doing to others of that which one would have others do, and its exercise will nullify all selfish alms. But here again we must guard against the idea that the Lord teaches any abuse of justice. He recog nized opposition to truth and holiness, and He did not hesitate to rebuke and condemn its exercise wherever found. n. T he C h a r a c t e r o f t h e G o l d e n R ule (32-36) There are three ways of treating per sonal Injury. One is shown in vindictive-
BLACKBOARD LESSON fas y€ would m m men should do _ TO you, DO L)E ALSO TO THEm LIKEWISE m ì t B & ener"a C— 'MiAAS AWT— JUO ó £ f*07 QfVS " t v . 6 S 3 S—J 3
ness, which asserts: “I will work more injury to my enemy than he has to me.” Another is evidenced in retaliation: "I will return like injury to my enemy.” And the third is seen in Christlikeness, which says: “I will return good for the evil.” The last of the three is the mani festation of the Golden Rule. Christians are exhorted to follow the example _of the Lord Jesus of whom .it is sa’id, "When he was reviled, the] reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself [ ‘his cause,’ R.V. margin] to him that judgeth right eously” (1 Pet. 2:23). Christians who are governed by the Golden Rule will patiently endure unjust treatment. The character of the Golden Rule is contrary to human nature, which seeks retaliation for its injuries; it is above all nature, showing kindness to the un thankful and the evil, even as God Him self does. Thu3 the practice of the Gold en Rule is supernatural and impossible for one who is not bom again. "The love of God is shed abroad” in the heart of the one who is regenerated (Rom. 6:5), making possible the fulfillment of this word of Jesus’ exhortation. “The Most High” (cf. v. 35, R.V.) is the name God has chosen for Himself during millennial days; hence this pas sage has the future time in view. m . T h e P r in c ip l e of t h e G olden R u l e (37, 38) The principle of the Golden Rule is twofold: nonjudging and unselfishness. The Golden Rule does not apply out ward pressure for its observance, but the Christian has an Inward principle that impels him to adopt this maimer of life. He does not judge, but leaves that to his Master in heaven. Because of the inability of any human being to know and appreciate all the circumstances in any given case, his judging would be untrue. Moreover, by judging, the Chris tian would usurp the position and pre rogatives of the Master Himself. The principle does not operate be cause of any urge of conscience which says, “I ought” ; it does not follow rea son, saying, "It will pay to so live” ; but it is the expression of the love of God within the heart, saying, "I want to” do good for evil, “I want to” be gracious to Ijoth the evil and the good. We must be .careful, when teaching such a lesson as this, that we make clear that righteousness must be es
the ¡Golden Rule. In this passage our Lord describes a manner of life which He alone could display.
r
«
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker