A Different Way to Fight Matthew 5:38–42

A Different Way to Fight

Matthew 5:38–42

Sermon on the Mount (Part 9 of 16)

I. The Old Testament Law Matthew 5:38

“An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.”

Exodus 21:23–25; Leviticus 24:19–20; Deuteronomy 19:21

Leviticus 19:18; Proverbs 25:21

II. The Teaching Of Jesus Matthew 5:39–42

“But I say to you…”

A. Turn The Other Cheek Matthew 5:39, John 18:22–23.

B. Respond With Active Love Romans 12:17–21

Four possible responses:

1. Vengeance — hurt them worse

2. Retribution — hurt them equally

3. Indifference — shut them out

4. Love — seek their good

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

III. Why Live This Way?

A. Revenge wastes Kingdom energy Matthew 5:40

“Let him have your coat also.”

1 Corinthians 6:7; Acts 25

Hold your rights loosely when something greater is at stake.

B. Revenge changes us Matthew 5:39

Don’t allow someone else’s cruelty to shape who you become.

C. Radical love points people to Jesus Matthew 5:41

“Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.”

D. Hold your possessions loosely Matthew 5:42

“Give to him who asks of you…”

Be wise and generous, seeking what genuinely helps another person.

Overcome Evil With Good

Don’t answer insult with insult

Don’t fight for every right

Don’t let someone else’s sin determine your response

Kingdom people don’t simply refuse revenge—they overcome evil with good.