Above & Beyond - Going the Second Mile

 If you think about it, regardless of your theological position, all your views as a Christian are counter-cultural and always will be. If your views are cultural, you’re probably not reading the scriptures closely enough. To be a follower of Christ in the modern world is like being a fish trying to swim upstream. May God help us be the fish that swim hard against the current or better yet, men and women have the courage to be counter-cultural. (Carey Nieuwhof)

 WE LIVE IN A “ONE MILE” WORLD – “YOU HAVE HEARD . . . “

 You have heard that men were told long ago, “You must not kill another person.” (Matthew 5:21 - NLV)

 You have heard that it was said long ago, “You must not commit adultery”  (Matthew 5:27 – NLV)

 You have heard that it was said long ago, “You must not make a promise you cannot keep” (Matthew 5:33 – NLV)

 You have heard that it has been said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” (Matthew 5:38 – NLV)

 You have heard that it has been said, “You must love your neighbor and hate those who hate you.” (Matthew 5:43 – NLV)

 Five times in Matthew 5 Jesus uses the phrase “You have heard . . . “. This phrase is a reference to the conventional wisdom and prevailing mindset of the day. In other words, Jesus was referring to the tendency to live according to what is normally expected.

 How does one go about living like Jesus on a daily basis? Among the many grand and glorious principles taught by Jesus Christ, the principle of “the second mile” completely showcases the dynamics of true discipleship. The first mile is the trial mile and the second mile is the smile mile.  Can you imagine how the Jews felt when Jesus said, “Go the second mile?” No doubt, the audience said, “He’s got to be kidding me.” “Does he really expect us to do more than the law requires us to do?” What is the principle of the second mile? In essence, Jesus was saying that his disciples need to go above and beyond. It is to do more than is required or expected of us. Jesus is saying that any person can go one mile because they have to, but Christians should go the second mile because they want to. The first mile is to love those who love us. The second mile is to love those who do not love us. The first mile is the “have to” mile, but the second mile is the “want to” mile. (Bill Bright)

 “The law of Moses says, ‘If a man gouges out another’s eye, he must pay with his own eye. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the one who did it.’ But I say to you: If you are slapped on one cheek, turn the other too.  If you are ordered to court, and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat too.  If the military demand that you carry their gear for a mile, carry it two. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. “There is a saying, ‘Love your friends and hate your enemies.’ But I say: Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:38-45– LB)

 Going the “second mile” develops our ________________________________

 Going the “second mile” expresses our _______________________________

 Going the “second mile” validates our ________________________________

 Going the “second mile” honors our __________________________________

 THE “MILE” THAT BRINGS A “SMILE”

 Before we dismiss the ethic of the second mile as "ideal" or "unworkable" we should remember how close it is to the gospel. Jesus Himself went above and beyond – going much farther than the second mile for you — He went as far as anyone could go.

 Now stay focused on Jesus, who designed and perfected our faith. He endured the cross and ignored the shame of that death because He focused on the joy that was set before Him; and now He is seated beside God on the throne, a place of honor.  Consider the life of the One who endured such personal attacks and hostility from sinners so that you will not grow weary or lose heart. (Hebrews 12:2-3 – Voice)

 You are never more like __________ than when you go the “second mile”