Law of Christ Part 6: “Do Unto Others” - 12.14.25

Jordon Gilmore

Series Context

• Law of Christ
• Focus: the remaining commandments that govern how we treat others
• These commandments move from God-focused to community-focused obedience

The Commandments in View (Exodus 20:13–16)

• You shall not murder
• You shall not commit adultery
• You shall not steal
• You shall not bear false witness

Why These Matter

• They establish:
  • The value of human life
  • The sanctity of marriage
  • Respect for others’ property
  • A foundation for justice
• These laws govern life within community, especially Christian community

The Law as a Mirror

• God’s Word functions as a mirror, not a checklist
• We don’t read Scripture to excuse ourselves, but to examine our hearts
• Grace forgives us, but grace does not excuse careless obedience

The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12)

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

• Jesus says this sums up the Law and the Prophets
• Obedience to God is lived out through how we treat people
• Christianity cannot be lived in isolation—it requires community

Jesus Raises the Standard (Matthew 5)

Jesus doesn’t just address outward actions—He addresses the heart.

Murder Begins with Anger (Matt. 5:21–22)

• Murder starts with unrighteous anger
• Anger allowed to take root produces:
  • Bitterness
  • Envy
  • Destructive words
  • Ultimately, violence
• Words reveal what’s growing in the heart
• The warning isn’t just about actions—it’s about spiritual danger

Adultery Begins with Lust (Matt. 5:27–30)

• Lust in the heart is adultery in seed form
• Jesus’ extreme language shows how serious early sin is
• Small compromises grow into life-altering consequences
• Sin must be confronted early, before it takes root

The Battle of the Heart

• The heart is fertile ground—it will grow something
• God’s Word and sinful desires compete for root
• We must actively tend our hearts:
  • Pull weeds early
  • Guard thoughts
  • Discipline inputs
• No one is far from failure—stay humble and vigilant

Jesus Fulfilled the Heart of the Law

• Jesus didn’t just avoid sin—He fulfilled God’s intent perfectly
• He harbored no bitterness, no lust, no accusation
• Because He could not even be accused, we cannot be convicted
• His perfect obedience makes our salvation possible

The Cross and Covenant Love

• Jesus’ teaching on adultery reveals His devotion to the Church
• He didn’t just warn against unfaithfulness—He demonstrated faithfulness
• On the cross, Jesus sacrificed Himself fully for His Bride
• The law isn’t about rule-keeping—it’s about covenant love

Key Takeaways

• The law exposes our hearts, not just our behavior
• Sin begins long before it becomes visible
• Grace forgives, but obedience transforms
• Our goal is not perfection, but growing Christlikeness
• Every look in the mirror should draw us back to the cross