LUKE 6:27-36

UPSIDE DOWN LIVING

February 24, 2013

Todd Chapman

Luke 6:27-36 ESV: [27] “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. [29] To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. [30] Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. [31] And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. [32] “If you love those who love you, what benefit 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 benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. [34] And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. [35] But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. [36] Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

Jesus makes it clear that an upside down, which is really right side up, kingdom worldview, leads to upside living. Those who treasure Jesus, who participate in his kingdom, love their enemies. Jesus, and Luke, go to extraordinary lengths to help us understand, loving others radically is a really big deal.

THE BIG IDEA: Love Your Enemies.

  • Who is our enemy? Those who take joy in diminishing our joy. 
    3 descriptions:
    •  Do good to those who hate you. 
    •  Bless those who curse you. 
    • Pray for those who abuse you. 
  • 4 illustrations: 
    • Offer the other cheek. 
    • Give your coat and shirt. 
    • Give to the beggar. 
    • Don’t expect anything back. 
    • Jesus’ Summary: Treat others like you would like to be treated. 
  • 3 more illustrations: 
    • Loving those who love us is not it. 
    • Doing good to those who do good to us is not it. 
    • Lending to those from whom we expect repayment is not it. 

THE BIG IDEA AGAIN: Love Your Enemies.

  • 2 descriptions again: 
    • Do good. 
    • Lend expecting nothing back.
  •  Our Motivation: 
    • We receive great reward. 
    • We authentically reflect our relationship with God. 
    • We genuinely display the mercy we have received.