Introduction

 A. This particular verse is part of Jesus Christ's Sermon on the Mount on various subjects

  1. But we shall focus on the idea of " going on a second/extra mile" in this lesson.

  2. What does this passage teach us on going the second/extra mile? Let us " know the truth..." as Jesus said in John 8:32

 B. Our approach in this message shall be as follows:

  1.Meanings of Going the Second Mile

  2.Examples of Going the Second Mile

  3.Reasons for Going the Second Mile

Discussion

 A. Meanings of Going the Second Mile

  1. An old expression which means

     - providing great customer service by phone, in person, via email

     - doing more than expected

     - trying a little harder/above the norm

  2. surpass/exceed expectations

     - go beyond/exceed requirements

     - bend over backwards

  3. Requires " observations and thoughtfulness"

     - knowing the likes and dislikes of your significant other

     - caring enough to make their lives easier

     - giving extra service in your relationship

 B. Examples of Going the Second Mile

  1.Paul's example of going the Second Mile

    " For I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me: yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel,"       I Corinthians 9:16

      -for the sake of the gospel, it will cost us something

      - subjecting our flesh under discipline

      - extra mile is going to an unpopulated  wasteland

      - " I discipline my body and make it a slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified,"

I Corinthians 9:27 ( Berean Study Bible)

   2. Paul had full commitment, not half-

hearted one as he expressed it in                       - I Corinthians 9:12 "If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even

 more?

    - nevertheless, we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ."

  3. Defend the faith when it being attacked as written in Jude v.3

       - contend for the faith which was once and for all delivered to the saints

       - speak up, not keep quiet

   4. Second Mile- deed of charity or kindness beyond the demands of duty

   5. Elisha was dying when King Joash came to him for help, 2 Kings 13:14

      - he did the second mile by telling him what to do in defeating the Syrians

      - extra mile as the prophet was dying yet he did somethig for Joash and Israel

   6. Finally, the power of going the second/ extra mile is stated in Ezekiel 11:19-20

    " I will give them one heart and I will put a new spirit within them..

      that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; they shall be My people and I will be their God."

 C. Reasons for Going the Second Mile

   1. Builds Stamina and Endurance

      - a marathon racer does not immediately run 50 kilometers, but starts with 5, 10,15 and so forth

      - going the second mile will eventually lead to success and victory

      - Revelation 2:10 " Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."

    2. Brings Wholeness as in the case of the Ten Lepers

      - in Luke 17:11-19 " standing afar off, they lifted their voices and said, " Jesus Master, have mercy on us!"

      - He said to them " Go, show yourselves to the priests." As they went, they were cleansed.

      - When one saw that he was healed, returned and with a loud voice glorified God.

      - and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan

      - Jesus said, " Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?

      - " Stand up and go; your faith has made you well."

      ( all the ten were cleansed, yet only one and a Samaritan did the extra mile)

      3. Brings Success and Victory as stated by the prophet Elisha in 2 Kings 13:14-19

      - with symbolic bow and arrows, the dying prophet with God's blessings helped Joash, king of Israel to defeat the Syrians three tiimes, vs. 18, 25

       - Elisha, sick and dying, vs.14, 20, did the extra mile for Israel and God granted them success and victory, v.23

Conclusion

 A. Going the Second/ Extra Mile as Jesus stated can be done in many ways

   1. In Galatians 6:10, Paul said, "As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."

    - the highest good, we can give to our fellowmen is " the gospel of Christ...the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes," Romans 1:16

    2. We should confess Christ before men and not deny Him, Matthew 10:32-33

  B. If we are not yet in Christ, He now invites you to come to Him

    1. In Matthew 11:28-30 " and obtain spiritual rest."

    2. " For he who believes and is baptized shall be saved," Mark 16:16

    3." Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit," Acts 2:38

    4. " Now is the day of salvation," said Paul in 2 Corinthians 6:2

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