#333 – GO THE EXTRA MILE (21/4/21)

On Sunday we continued with our series on discipleship from The Sermon on the Mount. This week we are looking at Jesus’ teaching regarding retaliation.

Jesus teaches us that, “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” Does this mean that we are to act like slaves and do anything that we are asked to do? Does this mean that we neglect ourselves, our families, our church… as we rush around ‘going the extra mile’ for everyone?

Jesus is referring to the practice of ‘impressment’, when Roman soldiers commandeered civilians to carry their baggage for one mile. Rather than being offended and vengeful, Christians were to be helpful and generous. They were to go beyond what was required.

RESPONSE

When we are asked to do something for someone we need to ‘stop, look and listen’. ‘Stop’ to think before responding to a request; ‘Look’ at the consequences of our response by counting the cost and considering what would be the godly thing to do; and ‘listen’ to Jesus - consider His example in how to respond. Jesus is teaching us to be generous in our service, even to people who don’t deserve our service. How will you go the extra mile at home, work, in your marriage, with that friend, that neighbour…?

COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY - STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN

Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

Particularly, this Sunday is a special gift day. Let's be praying as to how we will respond to this. Our target is £30,000.

Suggested opener/Ice-breaker

Nearly every film and story has an element of the ‘underdog’ winning a victory by reaping revenge on those unjust villains. What film or book comes to your mind when you think of revenge on an evil person or group getting justice?

Recap of Sunday's message - please share in your group

On Sunday we continued with our series on discipleship from The Sermon on the Mount. This week we are looking at Jesus’ teaching regarding retaliation.

Jesus begins this section by pointing out our legitimate rights of revenge. Yes, you can have an ‘eye for eye, and tooth for tooth…’. People would probably pat you on the back for standing up for your rights! Nearly every film and story has an element of the ‘underdog’ winning a victory by reaping revenge on those unjust villains. However, Jesus makes it clear that people who have received the gospel message and entered the Kingdom of God have a very different approach to retaliation.

Put very simply, Christians are not to give to people according to what they deserve. Rather, they are to be generous with people as God has been generous to them in the gospel.

Jem encouraged us, in every opportunity for retaliation or generosity, to ‘stop, look and listen’.

i) ‘Stop’ to think; we are to be patient and prayerful before taking action.

ii) ‘Look’ at the consequences of our response. Count the cost. Will my response lead to love and peace or division and escalation?

iii) ‘Listen’ to Jesus and follow His example on how to respond. Consider how the message of the gospel -God's love for sinners' - is going to be reflected in your decision.

Discussion questions

1. Did God speak to you about anything in particular from Sunday's message or the blogs this week?

2. What does it mean to 'turn the other cheek', and have you got any practical examples of doing this?

3. What does it mean to 'hand over your coat as well', and have you got any practical examples of doing this?

4. What does it mean to 'go the extra mile', and have you got any practical examples of doing this?

Serving, Investing and inviting

The way that we refuse to take vengeance speaks of the gospel. Let's take a moment to share and pray about this.

1) How do you deal with conversations that are vengeful?

2) The 'extra mile' principle is a massive way that we 'serve, invest and invite' How are you going the extra mile in your non-Christian relationships?

2) Who has God put into your life that we could pray for together?

2) How are you planning to serve invest and invite?