The Golden Rule

 

Northwest Bible Church – Aug. 9, 2026 – Matthew – Alan Conner

Matthew 7:12

The Golden Rule

Intro

A. CONTEXT

1. Immediate context. “Therefore” –

a. Imitate God in His goodness (Matthew 7:1-11).

b. Imitate God in His love (5:44-18).

2. O.T. context – “this is the Law and the Prophets.”

a. Inclusio – Matthew 5:17 and 7:12.

b. The Golden Rule fulfills the Royal Rule of love. James 2:8; Matthew 22:36-40; Romans 13:9-10; Galatians 5:14.

B. COMMAND

1. Principle: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”

2. Requirement: die to selfish revenge.

3. Present tense – continuous action.

4. Scope – “in everything.”

5. “you” is emphatic.

6. “For this is the Law and the Prophets.” It fulfills the law of love.

7. Impossible without God’s grace.

C. APPLICATION

1. Start with ourself, how do I like to be treated?

2. Consider what you don’t like?

3. Examples from the O.T. Deut. 22:1-4.

4. Live by the standard of love.

5. The origin of religious liberty.

Conclusion