THE GOLDEN RULE
Matthew 7:12
"Therefore all things
whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this
is the law and the prophets."
INTRODUCTION:
1. Matthew
7:12 – the "Golden Rule," perhaps one of the most often quoted of
the scriptures.
2. Consider
the various corruptions of this rule.
a) Do
unto others before they do unto you.
b) Do
unto others as they do unto you.
c) Do
unto others if they do unto you.
DISCUSSION:
I. The
Golden Rule is a comprehensive rule.
A. All
things whatsoever. If there is anything we would that men should
do to us, it becomes our duty to do to them. Ex: respect, kindness, patience,
courtesy, etc. Consider Philippians 2:3-4.
II. The
Golden Rule is an introspective rule.
A. All
things whatsoever ye would. Living by the "Golden
Rule" requires that we examine our own hearts. Ref. II Corinthians 13:5
– "examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith."
III. The
Golden Rule is a universal rule.
A. All
things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you. "Men"
as used here is a general term, including those of all sexes (male or female),
character, race, or religion. No one, whether friend or enemy, is excluded.
See Galatians 6:10.
IV. The
Golden Rule is an active rule.
A. Do
ye even so to them. The "Golden Rule" requires action on our part,
not just feelings. It is not enough to merely be sympathetic to or feel an
interest in others. Consider James 2:15-16.
V. The
Golden Rule is an all-inclusive rule.
A. "For
this is the law and the prophets." Jesus’
words point out that whatever the law would compel a man to do, his love would
have caused him to do it anyway.
CONCLUSION:
1. The
need to adhere to the "Golden Rule" is as great today as the day it
was spoken by Jesus. Adherence to this rule will help to ward off the sin of
selfishness.
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