#161 Resting in the Torrent of the Flesh | Matthew 5:38-42

Welcome to Episode #161 of Way of the Bible podcast. This is our first of eight episodes in our Twenty-First mini-series entitled, Sermon on the Mount Part 2. On today’s episode we’ll be hearing Jesus teach the first of two very difficult principles he reveals for Kingdom of Heaven living at the end of Matthew 5.

Many listening may be thinking, “If that’s the imagery, DrZ, experiencing torrents in the flesh does not sound very restful.” And of course, that is exactly why many ignore these last two principles in Chapter 5 or say they are for someone else at a future time. For many years that’s where I lived, thinking these principles were not for today. But then I learned more fully about the kingdom of heaven and there is indeed rest in the torrent of the flesh.

Paul spoke of this experience himself in relationship to his thorn in the flesh from the devil. I thought about sharing portions but am now certain I should share the entire account, as it has direct bearing on what we are going to hear Jesus say as I read today.

2 Corinthians 12:1-10 – I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— 6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

Did you get that? If not, go back and read it again; 2 Cor 12:1-10. I’ll reread verse 10 before reading the first of two hard principles of the kingdom of heaven, spoken by Jesus at the end of Matthew Chapter 5. 2 Cor 12:10 – For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

Matthew 5:38-42- “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. ’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.