For the last several weeks the Moody radio station has been running some spots called '2nd Milers'. They are testimonies of individuals who go above and beyond the norm. The idea of a '2nd Miler' comes from Jesus' admonition in Mt. 5:41.
And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. (Matthew 5:41)
This is part of what we refer to as the Sermon on the Mount. Here Jesus is taking principles of the Law and relating their relevance to the N.T. believer. This particular section addresses the Law of Restitution.
And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. (Exodus 21:23-25)
The Law of Restitution:
When Jesus came, He changed everything. He even began to change how people looked at the Law. He didn't really change the Law, but He did change how they were to understand it. That is what threatened the religious crowd the most! Listen to what Jesus had to say concerning the law of restitution. Note: Mt. 5:38-42
Although the Law protected the rights of the innocent, the righteous need not necessarily claim their rights! Instead of invoking their rights and striking back, or demanding repayment they could do just the opposite.
During the time of Christ, the Roman Empire was in control. Any Jew could be compelled to serve a Roman soldier or official by carrying a burden or load. Roman law required them to comply and go 1000 paces (a Roman mile). After that they could go about their own business. But Jesus taught that although they had a right to stop at one mile, they could choose to go on farther and do more than what was required of them. This is where we get the common phrase of 'going the extra mile'.
What the Lord was talking about was not to be the exception among believers, but was to be the norm. All of us should strive to be known as '2nd Milers'! Let me give you some areas we should go the extra mile. [
I. Go the Extra Mile in Forgiveness
A. Jesus taught that we should always exhibit a spirit of forgiveness.
(Luke 17:3-4) Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. {4} And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
(Mat 18:21-22) Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? {22} Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
1. Recently I asked some folks to forgive me for offending them.
2. Their response was, "I forgive you for offending me, but not for what you did."
3. What's wrong with that picture?
4. That isn't forgiveness!
5. I do not find anywhere in the Word of God an excuse for us NOT to forgive!
B. But what about MY rights?
1. We may have a right to retaliate because of wrongs done against us…
2. But our rights need to be yielded to Christ.
C. Listen to the command of Scripture.
(Eph 4:32) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
1. That command applies to every believer and every situation that we may find ourselves needing to handle.
2. It applies on the job, in the church, in our neighborhood, and even at home!
3. If we will go the extra mile in the area of forgiveness, we will exhibit the spirit of Christ to others.
4. This will pave the way for our witness and ministry.
5. Wouldn't it be positive for us to be known as one who went 'overboard' in forgiving?
II. Go the Extra Mile in Giving.
A. We live in a very selfish and self-centered world.
1. "What's in it for me?"
2. We need to understand that philosophy is totally anti-Christ.
3. I am not just talking about during the Christmas season.
B. Giving is an expression of our love.
1. Not just our love for others, but also our love for God!
2. It is possible to give for the wrong reasons and in the wrong spirit.
3. But true love demands that we give!
C. To have a positive impact on the world around us and upon those whom we desire to minister, we need to go the extra mile in the area of giving.
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
1. One who is a 2nd Miler in giving is one who 'sows bountifully'.
2. He is one who cheerfully gives from the heart.
3. The result is that he will "reap also bountifully".
4. The reaping was in the lives of others impacted with the Gospel for eternity.
5. Note: 2 Co. 8:1-5
III. Go the Extra Mile in Service.
A. Uncommon Valor
1. This phrase speaks of the recognition of some who have served our country.
2. The key word here is 'uncommon'.
3. Their service is above and beyond the call of duty…it is uncommon.
4. How would we evaluate our service to God?
5. Unfortunately there are many who do not serve at all, and even more who serve half-heartedly.
B. It does make a difference!
1. We represent Christ and Grace Baptist Temple in our realms of influence.
2. Paul used the terminology of being an ambassador.
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20)
3. People consider us and evaluate our church and our Lord by what we do.
4. Our representation needs to be above and beyond the norm.
5. 'Good enough for government work' speaks of an attitude of service, but is the wrong attitude for the Lord's work.
6. What do we say to others about our love for God and His church by our actions?
C. Concluding thoughts.
1. If we are going to have a positive impact on those around us for the cause of Christ…
2. We need to be known as committed Christians.
3. We must be willing to go the extra mile in our forgiveness, our giving, and our service.
There is another radio spot called 'Beyond the Call'. Again we find stories of believers who are not satisfied with mere existence in their Christian life. These are those who want to make a difference! Where are we at in these areas? As God deals with us, let's be open and surrendered to do His will that we might be what He wants us to be: '2nd Milers'!