Overview:
Jesus continues His radical teaching on what it means to obey God from the heart—even as we inhabit a world that couldn’t care less about God and His ways. So how should we respond when someone, uninvited, obnoxiously involves him or herself in our business? Follow Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he walks through Jesus’ shocking statements for dealing with situations like these . . . and more!
Message Summary:
In this message, Chuck Swindoll tackles what he considers some of the most challenging words in the Bible: Matthew 5:38–48. He sets the context by reading from 2 Timothy 3, describing the “savage” nature of the last days—a time characterized by selfishness, arrogance, and a lack of self-control. Swindoll argues that while this behavior is the norm for a depraved world, Jesus calls His followers to a radically different standard—one that often shocks the human system.
Swindoll clarifies that Jesus’ command to “turn the other cheek” and “love your enemies” is not a charter for national pacifism, nor does it suggest believers should be doormats for abuse or crime. Rather, it is instruction for personal relationships, teaching believers how to respond to insults and personal inconveniences without retaliation [13–16].
The sermon outlines four specific rights believers must be willing to release when dealing with difficult people: the right to personal dignity (turning the cheek), personal comfort (giving the coat), private schedule (going the extra mile), and possessions (giving to those who ask) [14, 20–23]. Swindoll concludes by explaining that the ultimate goal of this behavior is not moral perfectionism, but to be “Father-like”—reflecting the character of God, who sends rain and sun on the just and unjust alike [31–32].
Message Key Facts:
- The “Disclaimer” on Pacifism: Swindoll takes great care to clarify that this passage is “not counsel for National Defense” or the police. He shares a personal story of consulting police regarding a threat to his family, emphasizing that protecting one’s home from criminals is different from the personal non-retaliation Jesus teaches. Jesus is addressing insults and selfishness, not commanding victims to submit to violence or terrorism [12, 17–18].
- Defining “Turn the Other Cheek”: Swindoll explains that in the first century, a slap on the cheek was an insult to one’s honor. Turning the other cheek means refusing to trade insult for insult or to retaliate when one’s dignity is attacked [14–15].
- The “Extra Mile”: This command references the Roman law allowing soldiers to force citizens to carry their packs for one mile. Swindoll applies this to modern work ethics, challenging listeners to stop being “clock watchers” and to serve beyond what is minimally required [21–22].
- “Sons of the Father”: Swindoll explains a Hebraism found in the text. To be a “son of” something meant to possess its character (e.g., “son of peace”). Therefore, Jesus is calling His followers to be “Father-like”—displaying the same mercy and grace God shows to unbelievers every day [30–31].
- Meaning of “Perfect”: Addressing the daunting command in verse 48 (“Be perfect”), Swindoll defines the Greek word teleios not as flawless, but as mature or complete. It refers to reaching the intended goal of spiritual maturity, which is impossible without the indwelling power of Christ [32–33, 35].
- Depravity Explained: Swindoll attributes the selfishness of the world to “depravity.” He notes that if depravity were the color blue, humans would be “blue all over.” This sin nature does not disappear upon salvation, which is why Christians can still struggle with arrogance and bitterness if they do not rely on the Spirit [10–11].
- Examples of Loving Enemies: Swindoll cites historical examples of those who lived out this hard teaching, including Jim Elliot (loving the tribe that eventually killed him), Chuck Colson (loving prisoners), and Corrie ten Boom (forgiving Nazi guards) [27–28].
Message References:
- Matthew 5:38–48: The primary text detailing Jesus’ commands on non-retaliation and loving one’s enemies.
- 2 Timothy 3:1–5: Paul’s warning about the “difficult times” of the last days, characterized by lovers of self and money.
- Leviticus 19:18: The Old Testament command to “love your neighbor as yourself,” which the religious leaders had twisted by adding “and hate your enemy”.
- Hebrews 11:38: Referenced to describe the “remnant” of godly people of whom “the world was not worthy”.
- 1 Corinthians 6: Referenced regarding lawsuits among believers.
