The Golden Rule

1
The Golden Rule
2
Introduction

• The golden rule is twice set forth in the gospels
  (Matt. 712 Luke 627-31).
• In some respects the concept was not unknown
  before Christ.
• That which is hateful to you, do not do to your
  fellow. (Hillel)
• Never impose on others what you would not choose
  for yourself. (Confucius)
• Yet, these negative formulations cannot rival the
  positive statement of Jesus.

3
Contrast

• One could heed the counsel of Hillel or Confucius
  by avoiding hurtful and harmful actions. One
  could satisfy the negative formulation by simply
  doing nothing.
• The golden rule places a great responsibility
  upon Christians. We must actively do to others
  what we would have them do to us.

4
Characteristics of the Golden Rule

• It is a Fulfillment of the Law (Matt. 2237-40
  Rom. 138-10 Gal. 513-15)
• It is Based on Love (1 Cor. 131-7 1 John
  316-18 2 Tim. 222)
• It is Reasonable and Clear (Matt. 139-16 Acts
  2823-28 Rev. 27)

5
Application of the Golden Rule

• Our Neighbors (Exod. 2012-17 Luke 1029-37
  Gal. 610)
• Our Brethren (Eph. 41-3, 29-32 Col. 312-14)
• Our Family (Eph. 525-33 61-4 Col. 318-21)
• The Lost (Gal. 61-2 2 Tim. 21-2 James
  519-20)
• Our Enemies (Matt. 543-48 Rom. 1218-21)

6
Conclusion

• Christianity is a religion of life. We must treat
  all men as we would like to be treated.
• However, full application of the golden rule is
  hopelessly beyond our reach until we become
  disciples of Christ.
• To fully obey this command, we must be born again
  (Gal. 220 Rom. 121-2 1 Pet. 122-25).