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Letter of Apostle Matthew – The Gospel
An Intimate Review
Pt 5
By Lawrence DeMetrius
Matthew 5:38-42
Effectively Combating Evil
The eye for an eye principle is the law of retaliation. It suggests that one who injures another should receive a similar degree of injury. This gives credence to the idea, that while salvation is now free to all mortals, there was a ransom that had to be paid per the Blood of Jesus Christ. [I Jn 2:1,2] His sacrifice further validates why Yahweh requires the practice of forgiveness. Due to Adam’s transgression, all mortals inherit the debt of sin which they cannot repay per their own means. Therefore, Yahweh expects the beneficiaries of salvation to practice forgiveness towards others at all times. While born-again believers are no longer subject to the power of sin, they are still vulnerable to it due to their sin flawed nature, and at times may fall thereto. [Rm 3:23] As born-again children of GOD, they have inherited the right to confess, be forgiven for and cleansed from their personal sins. [I Jn 1:8-10] Through the strength of Jesus Christ, Yahweh makes it possible for them to effectively RESIST EVIL. [Jn 15:1-5; Eph 6:10; II Cor 12:9] Those who recognize and embrace this ability secure to themselves The Crown of Life. [Rev 3:7-10] They are admonished to RESIST repaying EVIL with EVIL.
*resist Gk #436 anthistemi (anth-is-tay-mee) it means to stand against and oppose, which is to…
1. combat and act against or provide resistance to
2. stand in the way of, hinder or obstruct
3. set as an opponent or adversary and be hostile or adverse to
4. set as an obstacle or hindrance
*evil Gk #4190 poneros (pon-ay-ros) it means hurtful or evil in effect or influence, calamitous, vicious, Lucifer and unregenerate sinners
In this passage, Christ is addressing the manner in which His disciples are to deal with those who seek to harm them, especially for their allegiance to Him and His cause.
He teaches them to ask Yahweh to limit these encounters as much as possible. [Mt 6:13, 34] Whenever Yahweh permits these challenges, it is for a reason and is completely controlled by HIM. HE will never permit HIS child to experience an encounter with EVIL they cannot overcome. [I Cor 10:13; Jam 1:2-4] Such experiences may be inclusive of being SMITTEN on the RIGHT cheek, only to present the other cheek to be SMITTEN.
*smite Gk #4474 rhapizo (rhap-id-zo) it means to slap with the palm of the hand
• a slap is…
o a sharp blow or smack, especially with the open hand or with something flat
the hand is symbolic or figurative of one’s authority or power
o a sharply worded or sarcastic rebuke or comment
o an insult which is…
an act or remark meant to hurt the feelings or pride
bring under the authority or control of
cause to undergo something
o a rebuff which is…
an abrupt refusal of offered advice or help
to repulse or repel
repulse, is to…
drive back an attack
refuse or reject with discourtesy
repel is to…
reject, drive or force back
cause dislike in and be resistant to
Totally RESISTING a person who is under the influence of satanic powers, does not empower one to effectively offer them the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Witnesses of Christ are taught to use wisdom when dealing with people, so as to create an opportunity for them to experience divine iconoclasm.
*right Gk #1188 dexios (dex-ee-os) it is the right side or feminine hand as that which usually takes
*cheek Gk #4600 siagon (see-ag-one) it is the jaw-bone, cheek or side of the face
The CHEEK is the part of the physical body used to speak. Injury to either side of one’s CHEEK can hinder their ability to speak. The hand, again, is figurative of one’s personal power, ability and authority. Many throughout history until this day, use their hand to hinder or stop the speaking of truth. Jesus Christ forewarned that His disciples will encounter such EVILS. Ironically, these challenges create a broader platform for reaching a larger audience of hearers. These encounters are also inclusive of being SUED according to the law of the land for one’s COAT, only to give up their CLOAK as well.
*sue Gk #2919 krino (kree-no) it means to distinguish, mentally or judicially decide, try, condemn or punish
*coat Gk #5509 chiton (khee-tone) it is a tunic or shirt
*cloak Gk #2440 himation (him-at-ee-on) it is an inner or outer dress
When born-again believers willingly give what can be unjustly taken from them, more of who they are in spirit is exposed, especially during persecution. [Mt 5:14-16; 6:34a] When those under the influence of EVIL legally win a suit against the righteous in a court of law, they did so per some established law of the land. This tactic was used to officially sentence Christ to death at Calvary. His conviction was not based on heresy and slander, but on established secular and religious laws of the day. Nevertheless, His experience created a greater platform that exposed Who He really was to all who witnessed it. All the prophecies concerning Him and His mission were amplified per His Crucifixion. [Lk 24:44-48] For the joy that was set before Him by Yahweh, Christ endured the cross, despised the shame and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of His FATHER. [Heb 12:1-3] He resides as Lord of lords, King of kings, Possessor of authority over all powers and the Keys of death and hell. [Mt 28:18; Rev 1:18] In like manner, born-again believers are expected to render all they can of themselves for the greater good of sharing The Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, such self-sacrifice can only be rendered through the strength of Jesus Christ.
[II Cor 12:9, 10; Eph 6:10] In this discourse, Christ recognizes those who give respect unto His true witnesses and seek of them divine knowledge and service. Such are indeed the sheep of Yahweh’s flock, who have ears to hear, receive and conform to such insight. [Jn 6:37-40, 44, 45, 65; 10; Rm 8:28-30] Christ admonishes His brethren to go two miles with whosoever COMPELS them to, GIVE to anyone who ASKS of them and TURN NOT AWAY from those who need to borrow of their substance. Souls who sincerely desire what born-again believers have are actually seeking THE SOURCE of their abundant and everlasting life, which is THE LORD. As oracles of GOD, it is their duty to impart this insight to all who hunger and thirst for it. [Mt 7:6; II Tim 2:24-26; Acts 8:26-40]
*compel Gk #29 aggareuo (ang-ar-yew-o) it means to be a courier and press into public service
• a courier is…
o a messenger, usually traveling in haste, bearing urgent news, important reports or packages and diplomatic messages
o any means of regularly carrying news and messages
• to press is to…
o act upon with steadily applied weight or force into a certain direction of position
o subject to pressure and weigh heavily upon
o urge or entreat strongly or insistently
o insist upon, emphasize forcefully and plead with insistence
o hasten, urge onward and push forward
*give Gk #1325 didomi (did-o-mee) it means to give in many applications
*borrow Gk #1155 danizo (dan-id-zo) it is to loan on interest and to borrow
*turn Gk #654 aposrepho (ap-os-tref-o) it is to turn away or turn back
In the passage, Christ first addresses those who want to cause harm to witnesses of His message. Then He addresses those who seek their substance and service.
Those who sincerely do so are candidates for Christian discipleship and are worthy of the HOLY THINGS and PEARLS real Christian teachers can provide. [Mt 7:6]
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