SEMESTER 6
287 – Our Lord’s Golden Rule
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: SOTERIOLOGY VI LESSON # 87
SERMON ON THE MOUNT
OUR LORD’S GOLDEN RULE
Read: Mat. 7:1-12
INTRODUCTION:
1. Before us is one of the simplest, yet most profound texts in Scripture.
2. By this, I mean it can be perceived by the babe, yet has a challenge for the scholar.
3. Common title “The Golden Rule” paraphrase: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
4. The paraphrase is less accurate in that it lends to Hypotheticals “What ifs,” which can deteriorate.
5. Keep it in order: “As ye would that men,” man to man, equal to equal.
III: Not what would I if I were a criminal, or bum, or drunk, or murderer, etc.
I. THE SCOPE OF THIS SIMPLE RULE (ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER)
1. It covers every aspect of man’s life as it relates to men as equals.
i. Violent treatment from a slap to murder.
ii. Moral conduct toward others – wives, daughters, husbands, etc.
iii. Respect for property, versus robbery, burglary, theft, covetousness, etc.
iv. Honesty in communication, to and about our fellowman.
2. It equally applies to every person regardless of social, economic, or intellectual level.
3. It equally applies to men in every age. Changing times never change this rule.
4. It is virtually impossible to find a circumstance where this rule does not apply.
II. HOW IS THIS THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS (MAT 5:17-19
)
1. How can this simple rule be equated to such a vast volume of instruction?
2. Remember, man to man, equal to equal. Thus, it speaks of command-ments five through ten. (Exo. 20:12-17) Look at them!
3. See how that in every case you would desire exactly what this rule demands.
4. You can project this rule into any situation relative to equals, and it works perfectly.
III. HOW DO MEN PERCEIVE THIS RULE?
1. Must one learn it, or memorize Exodus. 20? Is it thus dependent upon:
i. One’s teachers and education?
ii. Purity or stability of one’s society?
iii. The scriptural basis of your preferences?
2. No, it is naturally perceived even through natural preferences.
3. Application to self-disable the tendency toward pragmatism.
i. The unregenerate desires decent treatment.
ii. The ignorant feels it just as much as the educated.
iii. The person tempted to abuse others, yet wants fairness for himself.
4. Every sane man’s conscience feels the righteousness of this rule out of his own need.
5. This perception gives a tremendously accurate guide if we obey it.
IV. HOW DO YOU APPLY THIS RULE TO YOURSELF?
1. The fallen nature likes to disregard it and joke, “Do unto before.” “They would cheat me if they could,” and they feel that justifies their actions.
2. Jesus’ words still kindly echo this correction.
3. Let both you and me take it seriously and apply it.