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Turning the Other Cheek & Justice (Matthew 5:38-45)

Dennis Kreiss, April 9, 2016
Part of the wwjd - Christian Ethics series, preached for Growing Together Radio

Turning the Other Cheek & Justice
Matthew 5:38-45
I believe it was Gandhi who once said, “If we give an eye for an eye the world will soon be blind.” Jesus said, “Whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” So what about self defense and justice? How does it fit if you are being mugged? If you were attacked, would you defend yourself? Would you use your gun?”
#1 The pacifist view
______________ defend yourself.
Self Defense is always wrong.
We should never do harm to another.
#2 The Self Defense view:
When ever _____________, defend yourself.
Self defense is good when life or safety is threatened.
We may even use lethal force if necessary.
The Pacifist view
Mt. 26:52 - “all who draw the sword will die by the sword".
Jn 18:36 "If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight
Matthew 5:9 - "Blessed are the peacemakers".
Five points of The Pacifist philosophy
(1) It takes more strength to stand for love than to strike back.
(2) Resistance does not seek to humiliate but to win friendship
(3) Our attack is directed against forces of evil rather than people
(4) Nonviolence is a willingness to accept suffering without retaliation.
(5) It avoids not external physical force, and verbal violence
The Self Defense view
Romans 12:18 “if it is _______________, be at peace with all men.”
Jesus acknowledged self defense Lk 22:36
The "sword" was used as protection against _______ and wild animals
Jesus commended a Roman centurion’s faith Matt. 8:5-13
None of the Apostles ever tell a military convert to resign
Background of Matthew 5:38-39 - turn the other cheek
A slap in the face was a means of _______________
Christians should not retaliate when insulted or slandered
That is a far cry from defending oneself against a mugger or a rapist.
To permit murder or rape is morally wrong.
John 15:14"Greater love... that he lay down his life.
The Apostle Paul Defended himself (Acts 16:37-38)
He used armed guards for protection protect his life
Psalm 82:3-4 “Defend the poor and fatherless...
Isaiah 1:17 Defend the widow.
Exodus 22:2 "If a thief is struck… there shall be no guilt
Mat 24:43 “if a man had known… he would have defended his house.
One important observation…
When we are persecuted for our faith, whenever possible, the best self defense is non-retaliation and blessing!
Mat 5:10 - Blessed are those who are persecuted for _______________
Mat5:11 - "Blessed are you when they persecute you for ___________
1 Pet 3:14 if you should suffer for ___________ sake, you are blessed
1 Peter 4:13 rejoice that you partake of ______________ sufferings
1 Pet 4:15-16 if anyone suffers as a ________, let him not be ashamed
We live in a country in which there are brigands, bandits, killers and rapists. No city has enough officers to be 60 seconds away from every home and business. If they choose us as victims, we will have to choose how to deal with them. .

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« What about Civil Disobedience None The Ethics of War »
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