The Golden Rule

The Sermon on the Mount, Matt. 5-7, is the most famous sermon of all time!

Not a Long Sermon. Matthew 7:12: “Therefore all things

whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”

Paraphrased: “Do unto others as ye would have others do unto you.”

Quote: Albert Barnes

“This would make you impartial, candid, and just. It would destroy avarice, envy, treachery, unkindness, slander, theft, adultery, and murder.”

It has been called “the golden rule” because of the golden benefits society would enjoy if everyone lived by this rule.

If we want to tread the street paved with “pure gold,” we should obey this rule.

“The Golden Rule” Analyzed:

“Therefore: From ountos, meaning “then, therefore, accordingly, consequently, these things being so,” Thayer. Jesus is summarizing what He had said in

the previous 11 verses. Includes hypercritical judging, which Jesus

condemned, Mt. 7:1,2. Includes pulling out the “mote” out of our

brother’s eye, while a “beam” is in our eye!

Includes the instructions in verses 7-11.

“Golden Rule” Analyzed, Con’t

“All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you.”

It Does Not Say, “all things others want to do to you, do even unto them!”

“Do ye even so to them.” Calling for Proactive Action!

“For this is the Law and the prophets.” The summation of the law and the

prophets. Matt. 22:35-40 – “On these two

commands hang all the law and the prophets.”

Different Rules People follow:“The Iron Rule”

“Might Makes Right: What is yours is Mine if I can get it.”

Different Bible characters followed this rule: Cain, the brother of Abel, Genesis 4:8.

One does not have to be an actual murderer to have a murder’s Mentality! I John 3:15.

Ahab, who coveted the vineyard of Naboth, I Kings 21:1-16.

David, who coveted Uriah’s wife, 2 Samuel 11:1-4.

Different Rules People Follow“The Brass Rule”

The “Get Even” Attitude: “Do unto others as they do unto you!” Romans 12:14,17,19. Matthew 5:43-45.

Note: If you want to “get even” with someone, try to “get even” with someone who has done you a favor!

Different Rules People Follow:The Silver Rule

“Do nothing unto others that you would not have them do unto you.”- The rule followed by the priest and the

Levite in Luke 10:30-37. - The rule followed by some professed

Christians. They don’t lie, steal, rob, murder, or commit adultery. On the other hand they don’t come the

rescue of those who badly need their help!

Different Rules People Follow:“The Golden Rule”

Matthew 7:12: “Therefore all things ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them, for this is the law and the prophets.”

The Golden Rule:

Reflects God’s love for man. God deals with us on the basis of our

needs, not what we deserve. Ps. 103:8-10; Rom. 5:6,8,10.

He wants us to be like Him! Matt. 5:44-45.

Reflects our love for others. Luke 10:30-37

Is Proactive, not reactive. It acts, without waiting to see what

others are going to do. James 4:17

Other Thoughts: Think how it would be if everyone followed this Rule”

In Society at Large! On the Job! In the Home! At School! In the Local Church!

“The Golden Rule” Does Not Contradict Other Rules of God!

We Should be willing to feed the hungry, Mt. 25:35, but we should not feed those who refuse to work!

We should encourage others in what is right, but we should not bid “god speed” to a sinful life style! Some want money to buy booze and drugs! Some even invoke the “golden rule” to justify

sinful relationships!

“The Golden Rule”Makes Stringent Demands. I

Must: Eliminate Gossip and Slander, Col.

4:6. Be forgiving of others, Matt. 6:12. Love My Neighbor, Matt. 22:39. Love My Brethren, John 13:34,35. Consider the impact of my words and

actions on others, Prov. 18:13. Practice what I preach, Matt. 23:3. Share the Gospel with the lost,

Matthew 28:18-20.

Conclusion:

Each of us should ask, “how golden is the golden rule in my life?” In the natural world we hear about that

which is “overlaid” with gold. We hear about “fool’s gold,” which deceives many, but is not the real thing.

One final question: Is your spiritual condition such that, if Jesus came today, You would be privileged to walk that street of “pure gold” in that heavenly city?