Matthew 5:39 Why would God command us to not resist evil?

[Guardian1970]

Roman soldiers had the right to make a person carry a burden for them but no more than one mile. Then they could find someone else to carry it. I think it applied to non citizens or something like that. Jesus is saying to make a statement by going an extra mile after they were not under requirement by law to do so. It might make the soldier ask you why you did such a thing and you can tell them about the Love of Jesus and preach to them.
How does it apply today? Do more than what people expect of you as a servant to them. They are not used to that. They will want to know why.

I think you are right it does present an opertunity if you go two miles to preach.

I think though why two miles? Because a person who does it because they are told fo will only do one. Because their heart is not in it.

A person who does it from his heart born out of love will go as far as need it, weather it be two or three or more miles. Because it is done out of true love not out of obedience.

This is the Way

Love, A brother in Christ

 

[CS1]

Well, day by day I feel less convinced. Christians make up the 2nd largest religion in the world. If Christians truly go by that verse, then what need do we have for police, and law? However we don't see this right? At all, even a bit. It's almost as if Christians ignore the full implications of Matthew 5:39 and can we blame them? Moreover, what is this idea that Christians need to suffer? Why should we suffer if God is love? In my mind, Satan wants to make us suffer, and needs no help in that, but for JESUS, our Savior, to want us to suffer our entire lives for a "next life" ?? God and Satan both? want us to suffer? There is no way souls can be reached out to without not resisting evil? God created and maintains existence and can do any and everything without our help, so wanting us to suffer our entire lives is .. the plan.. ? why? .. yeh some confusion here, actually alot.. .. and if Jesus is the son of God, why is so very little of what he said recorded (if God appears today you can BET our focus will be on him, not his servants) and realms of what his disciples said? .. so ya.. more and more confused here..

your logic is not taking into the fact that only 25% of Germany carried out the death camps the remaining Germanys were irrelevant, 20 % of Japan carried out the 12 million death, the remaining were irrelevant So did Russia, and other nations. More numbers doesn't equate to a win all the time.

 

[goanna]

I have to tell you this reminds me when I was with a friend years ago who was a Christian, but also an ex-marine boxing instructor and drill sergeant. We were doing some street preaching at a college and this guy came up and asked Mac, "If I slapped you upside your face, would you turn the other cheek?". Mac said "I wouldn't do that, if I were you." The guy said "Why's that?" Mac said "Because I haven't fully mastered the fruits of the spirit yet."

I still laugh now when I remember that.

 

[Guardian1970]

I have to tell you this reminds me when I was with a friend years ago who was a Christian, but also an ex-marine boxing instructor and drill sergeant. We were doing some street preaching at a college and this guy came up and asked Mac, "If I slapped you upside your face, would you turn the other cheek?". Mac said "I wouldn't do that, if I were you." The guy said "Why's that?" Mac said "Because I haven't fully mastered the fruits of the spirit yet."
I still laugh now when I remember that.

That is funny and true, thank you for sharing that.

Don’t get me wrong. Every day is a fight, a renewing through the grace of God. The flesh is there just waiting to snap you back. Those temptations will come. The more you feed your Spirit with His word and prayer with the help from God. The stronger you will be in Him and the Spirit. The greatest strength comes from true love. The less sin will be appealing to you.

I know it takes an effort sometimes to start the day with putting Him first everyday. Because we are still in the flesh. We become tired, worn down, distracted. That is why love is so important. I’n love we find strength that we normally wouldn’t have. That is why it is the greatest commandment, that is the Way.

I see our Spiritual walk like this. In the wilderness the Jews would move according to God. When they saw the sign, the cloud above the tent, they would pack up and move. Then when it stopped, they stopped made camp and rested. I believe our learning and spiritual walk to become refined and impact the world is the same as we go toward the promised land. Sometimes we are on the move, because we are being led by him for His good purpose. Sometimes at rest to recuperate from perhaps a big test/lesson completed on the last move.

The same as when you train your body physically. You push and push, then when you feel like your about to break something or die you stop. Take a few days off and your body recovers and becomes stronger. Then it performs better during the next training exercise. You have become stronger physically and mentally. Able to go further longer.

Then we rest, yet others are on the move then while you may be resting. Each within the same wilderness set toward a common destination. Sometimes moving at the same time. All movement and timing in God’s hands. Israel though had to keep watch and pay attention looking for the sign to break camp and move. Performing the rights and rituals during rest times. That is where with the help of God we too, when resting, must keep our eyes on God.

During their walk through the wilderness think about all their lessons they had to learn. This was to prepare them for their big test in the end to go into the promised land taking on giants. Just like David had already fought animals that would normally scare and make a meal out of little boys with His sling shot. God trained him not to panic. Made him a great shot. He gave Him the tools to face the challenge that would come.

You may know all of this already, I say it to share my talents with the entire family of brothers and sister. Those at different areas of their walk in the wilderness. That maybe someone can gain a talent and grow according to the will of God if it be His will.

We must invest our talents together with the banker so that everyone in the body can validate it against the word of God as truth. That the body as a whole can become stronger and benefit thereby becoming the will of God in the world accordingly. We must come together as a family to grow and learn from each other because God took his talents/truths and scattered them amount the stars. That no one man, woman or institution has all truths. That we realize we are all the same in God’s eyes, no one above the other. Do not hide a truth you believe God has shown you. Share it and let us all examine if this word has come from God or the other.

Brother and sisters please Don’t be upset at what I say, even Peter was praised one minute by Christ and rebuked the next. So it is biblical. We have ears so an angel of the Lord may whisper in one ear, while an agent of the devil whispers in your other one. Such it is to be in the flesh. That is why we must test the spirits with humility and in love. Validate the words spoken against the word of God. Pray for discernment and understanding as a family in Christ.

Love all serve all,
Your brother in Christ

 

[Martin13]

Guardian, There was not room to post my answer and your quote. Forgive me but its only a scroll away.

You start out by saying " Thank you first for being cordial and decent and subtle ." Then you proceed to call me a liar, to say that you know for a fact I have not accepted the Lord as my savior, and more, non of which is cordial, decent, or subtle, nor true. Would Jesus have spoke so to any who came seeking answers? I doubt this, very much.

"You also lack understanding of the basics that anyone who has accepted Christ as your Lord knows."

You place yourself in the seat of God to decide that I have not accepted Christ as my Savior. Who exactly who do you think you are to make this claim? Be very careful, such things are an insult to God.

"It is good not to believe everything but to test the spirits, so what spirit are you following?"

Guardian, yet another personal attack? Perhaps you would be wise to ask yourself that question. God would say Matthew 7:7-8: 7 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find" ..and here you accusing me of being with Spirits other than God to come seeking? God does not fear the light nor should you or any Christian.

"If you will not accept the words/writings of the apostles as truth, then you do not believe the word"

Guardian, as for taking what the disciples said with a grain of salt, Luke 22:33 shows they are not perfect like Jesus.

Luke 22:33 "And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death." (Simon Peter)

They were inspired and intended the best I believe. But from Jesus its from Gods mouth to our ears. So when the disciple who only speaks utter truth as you say said this to Jesus. Know what Jesus said to him Guardian?

Luke 34 "And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.:" (Jesus talking) (and it was just as Jesus said if you read the rest of the chapter)

IF Guardian, there were zero chance that a disciple might say something well meaning but untrue, this would NOT have occurred would it? But it DID occur, and so it definitely can occur. Jesus is wise enough to know this and uses this instance to bring such to our attention.

"James 4-7 I want you to get the whole context though, it is important. In it you will see Jesus said, “resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

It was not Jesus speaking to say that, it was James. The book of James is what James tells his the early churches in a letter to them.

Guardian you quote John 3:16 as your proof, thank you. For it is mine as well.

For reference here John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. "

It is my contention that if someone believes in you, then what you say they take as truth. I'm not aware of ANYWHERE in the bible that Jesus himself directly says "believe that I am the son of God, and that by believing I died on the cross to pay for your sins, you are sin free, and have eternal life" Find that quote and show me please. I believe you cannot.

I do believe that Jesus does speak on the matter of obtaining eternal life. He says:

John: 3:3 "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. "

John 3:5 "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh: and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. "

John 4:14 "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again; but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. "

John 5: 24 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. "

John 5:25 "Verily, verily, I say unto you. The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. "

John 5:39 "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. "

Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven "

Matthew 5:10 "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "

Matthew 5:19 "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. "

Matthew 7:24 "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house: and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. "

Mark 3:28 "Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: but he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation. "

Luke 6:20 "Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. "

Matthew 12:32 "And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost is in danger of eternal damnation: it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. "

John 6:47 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. "

John 6:53 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whosoever eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.


Matthew 18:3 "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. "


I feel that John 3:16 is telling us, Jesus is Gods son. BELIEVE THIS .. and if Jesus says something .. your ticket to heaven is to take this to heart and own it. I don't believe John 3:16 means meh .. Jesus may have said this, but his disciples said this so . .really its what they said..


"You state, why did God say not to resist evil in Matthew? He didn’t, .." Guardian these too are your words chastising me.

Matthew 5:39 " But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. "

I hope you realize that its not me you call a liar, but Jesus. These are HIS words not mine. Now you may feel you have the right say ya well he may have said them but trust me, I'm Guardian and what he really meant was something totally different, and you do. But I won't be taking your word over that of Jesus, same as I don't take a disciples word over Jesus. Jesus is the son of God, rest of us are fallible.

"You call into question the Word of God." More of your words Guardian.

Proverbs 30:5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. "

God does not fear being questioned. God loves it, because he is flawless and has nothing to fear and everything to gain.

But we DO know who fears questioning don't we?

John 8:44 "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. " .. the Father of Lies .. fears questioning because when held to the Light of God's truth, the lies fall apart.

You said "James 2:14 ty can read it there, but you won’t understand."

James 2:14 "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?"

Essentially it tells us that it is not enough to "talk the talk" we must also "walk the walk." What is there here you think I don't get?

"I ask you again, why are you here? You thought it was for one reason. You were wrong. God is in control hallelujah to the Lamb of God."

Here, you could be right. It remains to be seen. I thought I came here seeking the answer to why Jesus tells us not to resist evil. Matthew 5:39. I still do not feel I have that answer. Opinions yes (which I welcome) answer no. However your persecution of me for seeking answers, led me to re-read all the words Jesus spoke on the topic and so refreshed myself. It felt really good to read them yet again, so thanks for that. I'll post a link to them below. Perhaps others, perhaps even yourself, might enjoy a refresher course.

https://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/csj/index.htm

Don't let people bully you into being silent when you have questions about God, or Jesus or salvation or eternal life. God does not fear the light of questions. God IS the LIGHT.

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus says:

22 "For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad."





kind regards,

Martin

 

[Martin13]

I have to tell you this reminds me when I was with a friend years ago who was a Christian, but also an ex-marine boxing instructor and drill sergeant. We were doing some street preaching at a college and this guy came up and asked Mac, "If I slapped you upside your face, would you turn the other cheek?". Mac said "I wouldn't do that, if I were you." The guy said "Why's that?" Mac said "Because I haven't fully mastered the fruits of the spirit yet."

I still laugh now when I remember that.

Haha Goanna Good story and funny, also true for many of us. I find following the Lord is not a light switch change but rather a journey. I think the Lord knows this too and loves us anyway.

 

[Martin13]

Guardian, I left out your quote as there would not be room for my reply. Sorry but your quote is just a scroll away.

You start out by saying " Thank you first for being cordial and decent and subtle ." Then you proceed to call me a liar, to say that you know for a fact I have not accepted the Lord as my savior, and more, non of which is cordial, decent, or subtle, nor true. Would Jesus have spoke so to any who came seeking answers?

"You also lack understanding of the basics that anyone who has accepted Christ as your Lord knows."

You place yourself in the seat of God to decide that I have not accepted Christ as my Savior. Who exactly who do you think you are to make this claim? Be very careful, such things are an insult to God.

"It is good not to believe everything but to test the spirits, so what spirit are you following?"

Guardian, yet another personal attack? Perhaps you would be wise to ask yourself that question. God would say Matthew 7:7-8: 7 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find" ..and here you accusing me of being with Spirits other than God to come seeking? God does not fear the light nor should you or any Christian.

"If you will not accept the words/writings of the apostles as truth, then you do not believe the word"

Guardian, as for taking what the disciples said with a grain of salt, Luke 22:33 shows they are not perfect like Jesus.

Luke 22:33 "And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death." (Simon Peter)

They were inspired and intended the best I believe. But from Jesus its from Gods mouth to our ears. So when the disciple who only speaks utter truth as you say said this to Jesus. Know what Jesus said to him Guardian?

Luke 34 "And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.:" (Jesus talking) (and it was just as Jesus said if you read the rest of the chapter)

IF Guardian, there were zero chance that a disciple might say something well meaning but untrue, this would NOT have occurred would it? But it DID occur, and so it definitely can occur. Jesus is wise enough to know this and uses this instance to bring such to our attention.

"James 4-7 I want you to get the whole context though, it is important. In it you will see Jesus said, “resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

It was not Jesus speaking to say that, it was James. The book of James is what James tells his the early churches in a letter to them.

Guardian you quote John 3:16 as your proof, thank you. For it is mine as well.

For reference here John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. "

It is my contention that if someone believes in you, then what you say they take as truth. I'm not aware of ANYWHERE in the bible that Jesus himself directly says "believe that I am the son of God, and that by believing I died on the cross to pay for your sins, you are sin free, and have eternal life" Find that quote and show me please. I believe you cannot.

I do believe that Jesus does speak on the matter of obtaining eternal life. He says:

John: 3:3 "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. "

John 3:5 "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh: and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. "

John 4:14 "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again; but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. "

John 5: 24 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. "

John 5:25 "Verily, verily, I say unto you. The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. "

John 5:39 "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. "

Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven "

Matthew 5:10 "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "

Matthew 5:19 "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. "

Matthew 7:24 "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house: and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. "

Mark 3:28 "Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: but he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation. "

Luke 6:20 "Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. "

Matthew 12:32 "And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost is in danger of eternal damnation: it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. "

John 6:47 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. "

John 6:53 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whosoever eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.


Matthew 18:3 "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. "


I feel that John 3:16 is telling us, Jesus is Gods son. BELIEVE THIS .. and if Jesus says something .. your ticket to heaven is to take this to heart and own it. I don't believe John 3:16 means meh .. Jesus may have said this, but his disciples said this so . .really its what they said..


"You state, why did God say not to resist evil in Matthew? He didn’t, .." Guardian these too are your words chastising me.

Matthew 5:39 " But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. "

I hope you realize that its not me you call a liar, but Jesus. These are HIS words not mine. Now you may feel you have the right say ya well he may have said them but trust me, I'm Guardian and what he really meant was something totally different, and you do. But I won't be taking your word over that of Jesus, same as I don't take a disciples word over Jesus. Jesus is the son of God, rest of us are fallible.

"You call into question the Word of God." More of your words Guardian.

Proverbs 30:5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. "

God does not fear being questioned. God loves it, because he is flawless and has nothing to fear and everything to gain.

But we DO know who fears questioning don't we?

John 8:44 "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. " .. the Father of Lies .. fears questioning because when held to the Light of God's truth, the lies fall apart.

You said "James 2:14 ty can read it there, but you won’t understand."

James 2:14 "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?"

Essentially it tells us that it is not enough to "talk the talk" we must also "walk the walk." What is there here you think I don't get?

"I ask you again, why are you here? You thought it was for one reason. You were wrong. God is in control hallelujah to the Lamb of God."

Here, you could be right. It remains to be seen. I thought I came here seeking the answer to why Jesus tells us not to resist evil. Matthew 5:39. I still do not feel I have that answer. Opinions yes (which I welcome) answer no. However your persecution of me for seeking answers, led me to re-read all the words Jesus spoke on the topic and so refreshed myself. It felt really good to read them yet again, so thanks for that. I'll post a link to them below. Perhaps others, perhaps even yourself, might enjoy a refresher course.

https://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/csj/index.htm

Don't let people bully you into being silent when you have questions about God, or Jesus or salvation or eternal life. God does not fear the light of questions. God IS the LIGHT.

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus says:

22 "For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad."





kind regards,

Martin

 

[Martin13]

GOD looked beyond our faults and saw our need.People sometimes don't realize that they are being possessed or Influenced by evil so then we need to look past the evil and see what the person as a person would need, don't focus on the evil they are doing and the only way to help someone to have life Is with love.
2 Corinthians 5:16-17
King James Version

16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more.

17 Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Hi Seed Time

I really do understand hating the sin but loving the sinner. But that verse isn't saying that. It's saying to not stop the evil. If a criminal were raping torturing and killing your family, you really think Jesus and God want us to say oh well and preach gospel to them rather than defend our loved ones? Could you live with yourself after that happened if you did and didn't resist? Be honest.

 

[Martin13]

Roman soldiers had the right to make a person carry a burden for them but no more than one mile. Then they could find someone else to carry it. I think it applied to non citizens or something like that. Jesus is saying to make a statement by going an extra mile after they were not under requirement by law to do so. It might make the soldier ask you why you did such a thing and you can tell them about the Love of Jesus and preach to them.
How does it apply today? Do more than what people expect of you as a servant to them. They are not used to that. They will want to know why.

Hi Scribe
I think I understand this, and agree.

 

[Martin13]

Matthew 5:39 Why would God command (us ) ? to not resist evil?
The error is in brackets.

Hi T,
Would you mind using more words so that I don't take your meaning wrong? I mean , are you saying Jesus was saying that to one specific person and it has nothing to do with the rest of humanity or??

 

[throughfaith]

Hi T,
Would you mind using more words so that I don't take your meaning wrong? I mean , are you saying Jesus was saying that to one specific person and it has nothing to do with the rest of humanity or??

I'm saying that its critical to notice WHO Jesus is speaking to .

 

[Martin13]

In context of the verses Jesus is talking about resisting an evil person who is persecuting you.. He is not saying that you should not resist evil by itself..

Matthew 5: KJV
38 "¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: {39} But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."

And again the give our cloak and go the extra mile is not with ''IT" but the person who is being evil towards us..

In the end if our physical lives are destroyed by that evil person we shall be with our LORD Jesus in His perfect eternal existence..

BUT!!!

If we resist the evil person and end up killing them where do they end up? That's right in the eternal lake of fire.. Once we take the life of the evil person they no longer have any time to repent of their evil and accept Jesus as LORD and their Redeemer..

Did Jesus resist the ones who executed Him on the cross? He actually prayed for them and asked for their forgiveness.. He loved them before they ever came to love Him.. God is not willing that any should perish but that all should repent and come to believe in Him..

If a person believes in Jesus then their death is as nothing because they pass from this temporary faulty corrupt existence into a perfect eternal existence..

Hi A.
In an altruistic sense I do understand your intent or feel I do. If I may be frank, I"m not the least concerned bout evil happening to me. Allowing evil to harm those I love, is another story.
I met a woman in a terrible way once. Needles all over her floor when I went to bring her home from a party. Her children crying and begging me to stay. I got her out of there, and to what I thought was safety. The drug dealer followed and would not back off but kept visiting and tempting her over an 8 year period. A part of me was raging and wanted to straiten him out and ensure he was gone if he wouldn't stop. But this verse Matthew 5:39 held me back, and instead I tried telling him of the Lord and changing him. Some people A are not ready to change for any reason. The situation worsened. Long story short, she died from an overdose he helped push her into. I loved her heart and soul. The pain, inside, from standing down when I know I could have stopped him cold, eats at me every single day of my life. Her children A, suffer now every day without her. It's UGLY A. It tears me apart. There is nothing I can do to take that back. A part of me A, is certain that I am reading that verse wrong. That I am allowed to resist evil, but it goes against me to go against the Lord's will. At this point this stuff along with other instances of not resisting evil while I am able to, but hands tied, have turned my life into its own hell. We can talk metaphorically about things and its all nice and tidy, but the reality.. is ugly A. That verse is putting me in my own hell long before I hit eternity so I'm trying to make absolutely certain thats what God wants of me, because there has got to be some misunderstanding on my part surely?

 

[Martin13]

I'm saying that its critical to notice WHO Jesus is speaking to .

Okay so who do you say Jesus intends Matthew 5:39 to?

 

[throughfaith]

Okay so who do you say Jesus intends Matthew 5:39 to?

That audience under the old testament. Its why we don't see Paul saying the same things .

 

[Guardian1970]

Guardian, There was not room to post my answer and your quote. Forgive me but its only a scroll away.

You start out by saying " Thank you first for being cordial and decent and subtle ." Then you proceed to call me a liar, to say that you know for a fact I have not accepted the Lord as my savior, and more, non of which is cordial, decent, or subtle, nor true. Would Jesus have spoke so to any who came seeking answers? I doubt this, very much.

BLUF: You try and fail to disprove scripture. Your argument is it was written by man who is fallible. Claiming though that you are a believer and just here for your innocent understanding and knowledge of that which you doubt because man is fallible and wrote it. Which means your lysosome it to try and prove your point of view. Thus Ignoring the scripture where Christ prayed over his disciples to the Farher to protect them. While trying to use scripture against me to prove your point and quoting Proverbs 30:5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. ". Which I’f you believed it as you wrote it like you do, disproves your argument. I do not judge you the word you do not believe and the writing of Paul who you question do.

Yes, Jesus did speak that way with those who were religious, and rebuked them. John, being the Elijah of the time also rebuked them. It is not eye who Jude you it the word. You say you seek the truth but call the word a liar. Then who do you listen to?

"You also lack understanding of the basics that anyone who has accepted Christ as your Lord knows."

That was actuallyly a typo but, I stand by it. Because Jesus does know.

You place yourself in the seat of God to decide that I have not accepted Christ as my Savior. Who exactly who do you think you are to make this claim? Be very careful, such things are an insult to God.

This is where judgement to test those who claim they are of God is true. False witnesses and prophets have come, and will. If you call the Word a liar, as the devil does and disrespect the scripture stating God withholds heaven which is a lie. Then your fruits show who you serve. By your own words you doubt the scripture then what/who do you believe? Who do you listen to? Only what you think is right?

It is written you will know them by their fruits. That is a judgment based on the word of God. You claim the written word you doubt, so by your own words you prove you do not know him. It is not I who judge you hit the word. Who you doubt. Because I know Him and though I may have had question about certain actions by certain people. Sometimes I find the answer after prayer and study? You come and ask questions why? You didn’t say you don’t understand. You show disrespect for scripture instead and speak of unbelief. Then you do not believe. Which is your right, but I know Him and know the word to be true.


"It is good not to believe everything but to test the spirits, so what spirit are you following?"

Guardian, yet another personal attack?

You question Paul and other writings stating they are but men. Yet see offended that I test you and call it a personal attack? How is that personal, do you also not believe or follow what is written? Test the spirit is ordered, that isn’t personal it is to validate what you say. You should test me as well against the word.

Perhaps you would be wise to ask yourself that question. God would say Matthew 7:7-8: 7 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find" ..and here you accusing me of being with Spirits other than God to come seeking? God does not fear the light nor should you or any Christian.

You should seek and find, knock and door will be opened . This is not finding wisdom of man, or a door opened by them, nor wisdom of man and what he thinks. That is a statement from Hesus telling people to seek Gim and the Kingdom of heaven and He will give you all the above by His Spirit.

"If you will not accept the words/writings of the apostles as truth, then you do not believe the word"

Guardian, as for taking what the disciples said with a grain of salt, Luke 22:33 shows they are not perfect like Jesus.

I agree they are not perfect, even Paul stated about his struggle with a thorn in his flesh. That does not mean the scripture is fowl. You even question other books like Matthew, so again, what do you believe? If you question Matthew in one part why do you trust other parts? If you question it then how can you have true real faith in any part? Only the parts you think are right to support your argument poor argument?

What measure or proof of the spirit do you have to show your authority to question the word of God? What miracles follow you? Not that I would believe you because unlike you I believe the writings were protected by Jesus prayer over the disciples to keep them from the evil one. Unless you think He only meant physically and not overall, where is that written only half protected? I stand firm in and by the word of God who you claim to know yet question.

Luke 22:33 "And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death." (Simon Peter)

They were inspired and intended the best I believe. But from Jesus its from Gods mouth to our ears. So when the disciple who only speaks utter truth as you say said this to Jesus. Know what Jesus said to him Guardian?

You try to use the word of God and try to twist it to prove your point just like Satan! Where does it say they are perfect in the flesh are you? If we are all imperfect and saved only by grace through Christ then becoming filled with the Holy Spirit for those who truly believe. Where does it say they are not perfect in what they wrote? You try to point at their imperfection as a man as an argument for their writings. Yet you say you believe I’n God but deny not his power or ability to protect His word? As Jesus prayed for? This argument is then made null and void unless you don’t believe Jesus prayed that prayer as it is written?

Luke 34 "And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.:" (Jesus talking) (and it was just as Jesus said if you read the rest of the chapter)

IF Guardian, there were zero chance that a disciple might say something well meaning but untrue, this would NOT have occurred would it? But it DID occur, and so it definitely can occur. Jesus is wise enough to know this and uses this instance to bring such to our attention.

"James 4-7 I want you to get the whole context though, it is important. In it you will see Jesus said, “resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

It was not Jesus speaking to say that, it was James. The book of James is what James tells his the early churches in a letter to them.

This who are born again have Christ in them and the Father. Then go do you say it was not Christ speaking those words?

Your words above and below show testify against you. I will no longer waste time with your false seeking of the truth.

I will leave you with this prophetic writing from someone you don’t trust though.

2 Corinthians 11

(Paul and the False Apposlte)

I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, please put up with me! 2 I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning,your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.

(Huh sound like he knew you before you showed up?).

These are your words from below:
Proverbs 30:5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. "

God does not fear being questioned. God loves it, because he is flawless and has nothing to fear and everything to gain.

You quote scripture above as truth like you believe it, that says every WORD of God is is flawless and then attack it?
You try and use this as an argument somehow against me, as if you believe this,? Then why do you not believe all the other Scripture? Your argument calls for all scripture to be thrown out because Christ didn’t write it by his hand. his chosen his did. This proves again you are not a follower of Christ by your words you chose that is what the devil does. You cannot try and use only pieces of what you say is false to prove what you say is false! Thereby making yourself to be God and teaching a gospel others than the truth.


A brother in Christ

PS Sorry, I had to delete a lot of the scriptures you call into question below so I could post this.




Proverbs 30:5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who ta
God does not fear being questioned. God loves it, because he is flawless and ha[/Q

 

[Guardian1970]

[/QUOTE
Final Point;
You claim you are a “believer” yet call into question all of scripture because it was written by man. Yet you are man and without proof, but “feeling”, call into question all of scripture written by men who we believe are chosen and guided by God? Let me know when you catch up to your tail?

 

[yadyahawahshimashayach]

ITS A CONTACT SPORT. ASK THE APOSTLE PAUL: CAN WE TEACH CHRIST; WITHOUT GETTING HIT WITH CENSORSHIP OR BAN?

 

[Tararose]

Our world, is most definitely an evil place. John 3:16 tells is that if Jesus says it, believe what he says or Heaven is withheld. Jesus then tells us in Matthew 5:39 not to resist evil but instead to even assist it (give our cloak, go a mile with it.) Why would we stand idley by while our loved one is tortured or killed and rather than resist say the kids are in the other room. I try, and try, and try.. to come to terms with this sudden change from "eye for an eye" and I"m seeking but not finding. Opinions?

In scripture we are also told to defend the helpless, promote righteous judgement and obey the law. Jus like Christ did.
We must certainly not sit idly by while others are being attacked or in danger.
(Psalm 82 v 4. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.)
(Pro 24 v 10 If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. 11 Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.)

Jesus is the primary example of not resisting evil when it was aimed at only himself. However, He often defended people, and spoke up for those others looked down upon. That is a whole different matter. That has nothing to do with defending ego, taking offence, or self preservation.

Jesus taught this so strongly because He came from a culture of law, where the principle was an "eye for an eye" - give them what they deserve- type of payback.

But, instead, He lived out and brought the message of love overcoming hate, and taught us that the meek and the persecuted and so on, are blessed. Forgiveness and Mercy without measure, demonstrating His abounding love and grace in His human form, to the very end, even asking forgiveness from the Father, for those who tortured and crucified Him.

We are definitly not here to battle with people, but with sin. (Romas 6 v 12 - we do not fight against flesh and blood ...)
When we do not retaliate, or place our life of higher value than our attacker or enemy, this is perhaps the fulfilment of the meaning here. When we do this, we are entering into Christ's suffering, Showing the fruits of his Spirit, by turning the other cheek and loving our enemies and leaving room for God to repay if it is needed, Romans 12:19. We remove our self from the seat of the judge, and stand in the gap for the lost soul.

God is our example, and He does not deal with us as our sins deserve. For this reason, we as ambassadors of Christ, need to be a living testimony to the fact His love is worth far more than our comforts, our lives or this world is to us. We are to build up treasure in heaven and not on earth, all we have comes from the hand of God anyway, and He can give us all we need regardless of how many times it is taken from us.

Possessions, even this life, are not things we cling to, rather we cling to Christ and bear fruits of his love, even in the face of evil done to us. As believers, we are here to reveal His love and the good news to one another and to a lost world. No other reason. Sometimes that means defending someone, sometimes that means not resisting evil. The Spirit of the law is what matters in this regard, and we can apply scripture with common sense and the aid of the Holy Spirit to know what is the most loving thing to do in such situations.

 

[Tararose]

Matthew 5-7 is the sermon on the mount. It is Jesus teaching on principals of the kingdom of God. We are not in the kingdom of God on the earth so these are in the future. You are under no obligation to allow any evil one to harm your family. Jesus told His disciples to go and buy a sword if they did not have one. This was for self defense but not to make war on all the evil we encounter. Doing good to those who despitefully use us is how God will use us to bring them to Christ. Consider that it is the goodness of God that brings men to repentance not the severity of God.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

Luke 17 v 20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, 21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”

Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

 

[notuptome]

Luke 17 v 20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, 21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”

Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

The kingdom of God was at that moment standing in the midst of them. Jesus Christ is the kingdom of God come in the flesh. There remains a literal kingdom of God on the earth which will be the millennial kingdom with Christ reigning from Jerusalem. This is the kingdom to which Jesus was speaking of to the Jews on the mount.

For the cause of Christ
Roger