Sermon Notes

Matthew 5:43–48 NIV
⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Malachi 4:2 NIV
“But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well‑fed calves.”

Zechariah 14:8–9 NIV
⁸ On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it east to the Dead Sea and half of it west to the Mediterranean Sea, in summer and in winter.
⁹ The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.

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Series Resources

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Discussion Igniters

(1)  Has there ever been a time when you felt like God was asking something too big for you?

(2)  Read Matthew 5:43–48.
How does this example show us how we should love our enemies? 

(3)  What can we do to love our enemies, even those who may not “deserve” it? 

(4)  How can loving our enemies spread the Kingdom of Heaven?

(5)  What do you think Jesus means when he tells those listening to “be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect”?
Do you think that is possible?