Tuesday Oct 30, 2018

The Golden Rule - Collide

Introduction to a Profound Principle

In a Bible teaching from Founded In Truth Fellowship, the speaker, Matthew Vander Els, delves into a well-known yet often superficially considered principle: the Golden Rule. This teaching is part of a series called "Collide," focusing on the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew chapters 5 through 7. The Sermon on the Mount, delivered by Yeshua of Nazareth, is presented not just as a collection of wise sayings, but as a profound explanation of what it truly means to live according to God's law from the heart. It outlines the characteristics and impact of those who follow God, emphasizing a life that will inevitably "collide" with the world around them, leaving a mark of God's love, grace, and mercy.

The Familiar Yet Weighty Verse: Matthew 7:12

The core of this discussion is Matthew chapter 7, verse 12, which states, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." While many have heard this verse countless times and might find it somewhat basic or "boring" due to its familiarity, the teaching emphasizes the immense weight and significance of Yeshua's words. It wasn't just a casual suggestion but a declaration made with authority, akin to a prophet delivering the very heart of the Torah. Yeshua, as a rabbi speaking on a hillside to a diverse group of people, was essentially reinterpreting and summarizing the entire Old Testament – the Law (Torah) and the Prophets – for his listeners.

Unpacking the First Word: "So"

The speaker draws attention to the first word of the verse in Greek, "oun," which can be translated as "so," "therefore," or "wherefore." This seemingly small word acts as a crucial connector, a "big stop sign" that directs us to look back at what has already been discussed. It indicates that this statement about treating others is not a new or isolated idea but a conclusion based on the principles previously laid out in the Sermon on the Mount. It’s vital not to extract the Golden Rule from its context within this comprehensive sermon.

Connecting to God's Goodness and Generosity

Looking back at the preceding section, the teaching highlights the discussion on prayer. Engaging in prayer is presented as experiencing God's goodness, generosity, and fellowship. The verses immediately before (Matthew 7:7-11) encourage asking, seeking, and knocking, with the assurance that God, being a good Father, will give good gifts to those who ask. Therefore, the foundation of the Golden Rule is built upon the understanding of God's own character – his goodness, love, generosity, mercy, justice, and goodwill towards humanity. Yeshua is essentially saying that the way we treat others should flow from our understanding of how God treats us.

The Breadth of "Everything" and "Others"

The teaching further examines the words "everything" (pas in Greek) and "others" (anthropoi in Greek). "Everything" literally means all things, implying that this principle should be applied in every situation – at home, at work, at church, the grocery store, and in all interactions. "Others" (anthropoi) refers to all people, without exception, contrasting with terms that denote a smaller group like family or tribe. Yeshua's command broadens all human-created borders and walls, emphasizing that every single person, regardless of their background, current situation, or past, deserves to be treated according to this rule. We are not to build barriers against God's goodness towards others by filtering who we deem worthy of this treatment.

The Golden Rule: Summing Up the Scriptures

A central point of the teaching is Yeshua's assertion that the Golden Rule "sums up the Law and the Prophets." This was a bold claim, suggesting that the entire first-century Bible could be understood through this lens. It provides a way to grasp the core of how to relate to God (by reflecting his character in our actions) and how to love and obey him. This idea is further reinforced by the analogy of Moses giving the heart of the Torah on Mount Sinai. The speaker notes that the Greek phrasing is even stronger, implying that this is the Torah and the Prophets. This underscores the profound importance Yeshua placed on this principle, framing it as the essence of all the commandments and teachings of the Old Testament.

Application for Everyday Life

Be Proactive in Kindness: Instead of just avoiding harm, actively seek opportunities to do good for others.
Consider Others' Perspectives: In every situation, think about how you would want to be treated if you were in the other person's shoes.
Extend Love to Everyone: Do not limit your kindness and generosity based on personal preferences or social barriers; treat all people with respect and care.
Reflect God's Character: Base your treatment of others on your understanding of God's love, goodness, and generosity towards you.
Take the First Step: In situations of conflict or division, be the one to reach out and show love and kindness.
Challenge Negative Expectations: If you've been hurt in the past, avoid projecting those experiences onto new relationships or communities; instead, be the kind of person you hope to encounter.
Practice Love in All Relationships: Consciously choose to show your spouse, family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers the same love, patience, and kindness you desire from them.
Seek Opportunities to Implement the Golden Rule: Pray daily for the Holy Spirit to reveal situations where you can actively live out this principle.
Slow Down and Respond with Love: When feeling frustrated or angry, pause and consider how you can respond in a way that reflects God's love, mercy, and grace.