Sermon Notes from Matthew 5:43–48 (NKJV)
Series: Back to School: A Master Class with Jesus.
2025 Vision Theme: REVIVE US AGAIN! (Psalm 85) — Believe. Belong. Become.
Scripture Reading
Matthew 5:43–48 NKJV
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
1) Check Your Friends List
Key Text: Matthew 5:43
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’”
Big Idea: Jesus challenges our categories. True “neighbors” are measured by God’s standards (godliness, integrity, compassion), not temporary ties (status, hobbies, benefits).
Reflection Questions
- Who are the warp-thread relationships in my life (anchored in God’s values)? Who are the weft-thread connections (circumstantial or convenience-based)?
- Do I confuse a “good situation” with a good friend?
- What standard am I using to decide who has real influence in my life, culture’s or Christ’s?
Action Step
- List your five closest voices. Note which are grounded in Godliness / Character / Commitment. Pray for and, if needed, redefine those connections.
2) Check Your Response
Key Text: Matthew 5:43–44
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,”
Also: Romans 12:17–18 NKJV
“Repay no one evil for evil… If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
Big Idea: Many of us run on auto-responses (clap back, withdraw, suspicion). Jesus resets our reflexes to love, bless, do good, and pray.
Reflection Questions
- When I’m hurt, what’s my automatic reply: fight, flight, or faithful response?
- Where can I replace sarcasm with blessing, retaliation with good works, silence with intercession?
- “As much as depends on you” What part does depend on me in this conflict?
Action Step
- Identify one recurring trigger. Pre-decide your Christlike response (a blessing you’ll speak, a good you’ll do, a prayer you’ll pray).
3) Check Your Purpose
Key Text: Matthew 5:45
“…that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
Also: John 13:34–35 NKJV
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you… By this all will know that you are My disciples…”
Big Idea: We love enemies because we bear God’s Family likeness. God’s kindness aims at redemption; our kindness becomes His witness.
Reflection Questions
- Do I view difficult people through the lens of God’s mission or my injured pride?
- Where could my steady kindness make the Gospel credible to a watching world?
- If someone studied my responses, would they conclude I’m my Father’s child?
Action Step
- Choose one “enemy” and do one undeniably good act this week, quietly and prayerfully.
4) Check Your Rewards
Key Text: Matthew 5:46–48
“For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?… Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
Also: 1 Peter 4:12–16 NKJV
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial… rejoice… that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy… If anyone suffers as a Christian… let him glorify God…”
Big Idea: Loving the lovable is ordinary; loving enemies is kingdom and God rewards it with joy, maturity, and His glory resting on us.
Reflection Questions
- What “reward” do I truly want: comfort now or Christlikeness forever?
- How has God used hard relationships to grow my perfection/maturity (v. 48)?
- Where am I tempted to settle for ordinary love when Jesus calls me higher?
Action Step
- Journal a past “fiery trial” with a person. Name the growth God produced. Thank Him for that reward.
Memory Verses (This Week)
- Matthew 5:44 — “Love your enemies… pray for those who spitefully use you…”
- Matthew 5:48 — “Therefore you shall be perfect…”
- Romans 12:18 — “As much as depends on you, live peaceably…”
- John 13:35 — “By this all will know… if you have love for one another.”
Prayer Focus
“Father, reset my reflexes. By Your Spirit, teach me to love, bless, do good, and pray. Make me look like You: mature, merciful, and steadfast so my city can see Jesus in me. Amen.”
Believe • Belong • Become — Weekly Action
- Believe: Fast one meal and pray for someone who has hurt you.
- Belong: Greet three people you don’t know this Sunday; learn a name and a story.
- Become: Do one quiet act of good for a difficult person, no announcement, just love.