The General Rules : Introduction

with the two-kingdom story

The sermon on Matthew 5:38-48 explores Jesus’ teaching on non-retaliation, love for enemies, and the General Rule of Methodism: Do No Harm. It begins with a humorous story about expectations in worship and acknowledges that people desire simple and powerful messages, but some truths—like Jesus’ call to turn the other cheek—require deeper reflection.

The message emphasizes that rules govern every aspect of life, from traffic laws to personal ethics. While some rules are clear, others—like Christian principles—require intentional effort to follow. Jesus’ teaching challenges natural human instincts. Instead of seeking revenge or justice through “an eye for an eye,” He calls His followers to break the cycle of harm and respond with grace, wisdom, and love.

The sermon introduces The Two Kingdoms Story, explaining that early Christians believed the Kingdom of God would soon arrive and radically changed their lives, prioritizing faith over earthly matters. However, as time passed, believers struggled with the tension of living in a broken world while following God’s higher call. This debate continued through St. Augustine, the Reformation, and modern Christian thought, shaping how believers engage with society today.

John Wesley addressed this challenge by giving Methodists a clear framework: Do No Harm, Do Good, and Stay in Love with God. Wesley recognized that faith is not just about belief—it requires action. Avoiding harm comes before doing good because unintentional harm can still have profound consequences. The Methodist tradition teaches engagement with the world, ensuring that actions do not contribute to harm, injustice, or division.

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 calls Christians to radical love. Turning the other cheek is not about passively accepting abuse but about choosing non-violence, self-control, and a higher response to conflict. Loving enemies and praying for persecutors sets believers apart, reflecting God’s unconditional grace.

The sermon concludes with a challenge: Christianity is not just about knowing Jesus’ teachings—it is about living them out. True faith means choosing compassion, patience, and integrity, even in difficult situations. As Methodists, faithful responsibility means actively choosing to do no harm while staying engaged in the world. Next week’s message will explore the second rule: Do Good.