Bad Religion Matthew 6:1-6; 16-18   Main Idea: You Are Either Pleasing God or You Are Pleasing Yourself   The Overarching Principle (Matthew 6:1) The Obvious Question The Principle Revealed The Hidden Objective of the Religious Hypocrite (Matthew 6:2; 5; 16) Example 1: Giving to the Poor Example 2: Praying in Public Example 3: Times of Fasting Examples from Everyday Life The Fundamental Solution (Matthew 6:3–4; 6; 17–18) Live as if God is your only witness Look to God as your…

A Love that Reflects God’s Love for All Matthew 5:43-48 Main Idea: We resemble our Father the most when we love our enemies. The Blatant Perversion of God’s Command (Matthew 5:43) How Could They Defend This Call to Hatred? What Did This Call to Hatred Ignore? The Extraordinary Response that Jesus Requires (Matthew 5:44–48) Who is our neighbor? What is this love? Why is this so important? Where does this love come from?

Do Not Resist the One Who is Evil Matthew 5:38–48 Main Idea: Pursue a life of humble generosity not personal vindictiveness. I. The Key to Jesus’ Command (Matthew 5:38–39a) A. The Permanence of God’s Law B. The Goodness of God’s Law II.  The Context of Our Non-Resistance (Matthew 5:39b–43) A.  People Who Attack Our Honor and Integrity B. People Who Have Legal Authority Over Us C.  People Who Ask Us for Financial Assistance III. The Principle Behind Jesus’ Command