The Golden Rule: Do unto others

Matthew 7:12 "...So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets..."

Luke 6:31 "...And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them..."

What is Jesus saying?

- to put ourselves in our neighbor's place, and direct our conduct accordingly.

Why practice the Golden Rule? (KJV and NASB translate "so" as "therefore")

- we don't want judgment.

- we want the benefits of God's goodness.

- we reap what we sow.

How can the Law and the Prophets be summarized this simply?

- the Law and the Prophets were to create a "set apart" people who did things the way God wanted them done.

- God is love, and expects all our actions to be selfless acts of love for others.

- we're not embracing God's way until our individual value systems become community oriented.

Socrates, Buddha, and Confucius stated it differently: "Do not do to others what you would not have done to you;" How does this statement differ from Christ's?

- how does not doing something differ from doing something?

- passive vs active.

- there is a big difference between withholding bad and pouring out good.

- not being mean, harsh, or cruel is not the same as being generous, understanding and kind.

The Narrow Gate: Hard but right.

Matthew 7:13-14 "...Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few..."

Luke 13:24 "...Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able..."

Who goes through the wide gate? Why?

- many.

- it's easy, requiring no self control or self denial.

Who goes through the narrow gate? Why?

- few.

- it's difficult, requiring self control and self denial.

What is the fate of the majority?

- destruction.

What is the fate of the few?

- life.

Why do people like to position ourselves with the majority?

- we think there is safety in numbers.

Why should we be willing to go where the majority won't go?

- we should see beyond the immediate to the long term consequences.