Matthew 5:48
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Be ye therefore--rather, "Ye shall therefore be," or "Ye are therefore to be," as My disciples and in My kingdom. perfect--or complete. Manifestly, our Lord here speaks, not of degrees of excellence, but of the kind of excellence which was to distinguish His disciples and characterize His kingdom. When therefore He adds, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect--He refers to that fullorbed glorious completeness which is in the great Divine Model, "their Father which is in heaven." SERMON ON THE MOUNT--continued. Next: Matthew Chapter 6
John Gill Bible Commentary
Be ye therefore perfect, as your Father,.... This perfection is to be restrained to the subject Christ is upon, love to men, and not to be referred to any, or every other thing; wherefore, in Luk 6:36 it is, "be ye merciful, as your Father also is merciful"; and regards not a perfection of degree in that, but objects and quality: that is to say, not that men may, or can, or ought to be as perfect in love, as to the degree of it, as God is; that is impossible: the "as" here, is not a note of equality, but of likeness: such, who profess God to be their Father, ought to imitate him, particularly in their love to men, which ought to be extended to the same objects, as the divine goodness is; that, as he shows regard in a providential way to all men, good and bad, just and unjust, and his tender mercies are over all his works; so ought they to love all men with a natural affection, and hate no man, no, not their enemies: for he that loves only his friends, and not his enemies, loves imperfectly; he does not take in the whole compass of objects his love is to extend unto; and as God loves sincerely, and without dissimulation, so should they. To be "perfect", is to be sincere and upright: in this sense is the word often used, and answers to the Hebrew word which signifies the same: see Deu 18:13 which is the passage Christ seems to refer to here; and the sense is, be ye sincere and upright in your love to all men, as your heavenly Father is hearty and sincere in his affections to them. Next: Matthew Chapter 6
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:48 This verse ties 5:20-48 together as a unit (see study note on 4:23-25). • you are to be perfect: The term rendered “perfect” means maturity and wholeness in response to Jesus’ proclamation of the Kingdom, and complete consecration to God (19:21; Eph 4:13; Phil 3:15; Col 1:28; 4:12; 1 Jn 4:18). Perfection has love at its core (see Luke 6:36).
Matthew 5:48
Love Your Enemies
47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same?48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Be Ye Holy
By David Wilkerson19K57:19HolinessMAT 5:48ROM 3:10EPH 5:27In this sermon, the speaker discusses the demand for perfect holiness from God. He explains that there are three ways people respond to this call to be holy. The first response is to give up and quit trying because it seems impossible to achieve. The second response is to try to be holy through personal efforts, but this often leads to feelings of failure and inadequacy. The third response, which the speaker encourages, is to rely on God's grace and power to transform and make us holy. The speaker references the story of Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai as an example of God's call for holiness.
Repentance - Part 2
By Derek Prince12K28:07PSA 139:21MAT 5:48MAT 6:33LUK 15:11JAS 2:10In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the prodigal son from Luke chapter 15. He highlights the contrast between the younger son, who repents and returns to his father, and the elder son, who is religious but not repentant. The preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and letting God deal with the hidden sins in our lives. He shares a personal story of a man who experienced a dramatic transformation after allowing God to deal with a specific issue in his life. The sermon emphasizes the need for truth and self-awareness in our relationship with God.
Beatitudes/clothed in Christ 1
By Paul Washer10K48:40BeatitudesMAT 5:48MAT 11:28ROM 7:182CO 5:17GAL 3:27PHP 1:6HEB 12:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power and authority of true prophets of God. He highlights how the prophets in the Bible, including Paul, delivered strong and sometimes uncomfortable messages to Israel. However, the mark of a true prophet is that they also offer hope and redemption, inviting people to come to God for healing and restoration. The speaker then shifts to discussing the Christian life, emphasizing that true blessedness comes from experiencing the presence and glory of Jesus Christ. He encourages believers to focus on becoming more like Jesus and to prioritize character transformation over mere actions or accomplishments. The sermon concludes by examining the importance of Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the significance of Jesus opening his mouth to teach the disciples.
Holy Man of God
By Vance Havner8.7K27:50Men Of God2KI 2:92KI 4:9MAT 5:48MAT 6:331TH 4:13HEB 12:14REV 4:8In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the secret of someone's strength and influence over others. He emphasizes the importance of love and its impact on our lives. The speaker shares his personal experience of being moved by the words of the Bible, specifically from the 15th chapter of the First Corinthians. He encourages the audience to go the extra mile in prayer, Bible study, and communion with God. The sermon also includes anecdotes about mountain preachers and their passionate question, "How far have you gone?" to challenge listeners to evaluate their commitment to their faith.
How to Cultivate the Holy Spirits Presence
By A.W. Tozer6.0K43:01RelationshipPSA 1:2MAT 5:48MRK 16:15LUK 24:49ROM 12:11CO 6:122TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker criticizes a pastor who prioritizes watching a televised fight over a missionary convention. He emphasizes the importance of hungering for God and having a genuine relationship with Christ, rather than viewing Christianity as merely a social opportunity or insurance against hell. The speaker shares a conversation with a missionary who expresses the need for revival in their alliance. The sermon concludes with a call to examine our actions and determine if they hinder our relationship with God, urging listeners to repent and seek the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
A Man After God's Own Heart
By Keith Daniel5.7K56:11God's HeartPSA 27:10PSA 32:1MAT 5:481JN 1:91JN 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive power of jealousy and its condemnation in the eyes of God. He uses the story of David and his enemy to illustrate how jealousy can drive someone to insanity. The preacher also highlights how God orchestrated circumstances in David's life to test his response to vengeance. He urges the congregation to come to the church's upcoming meetings and encourages them to surrender their lives to God, acknowledging their unworthiness and the immense price paid for their redemption through the blood of Jesus.
Attributes of God (Series 1): The Perfection of God
By A.W. Tozer5.4K50:56Attributes of GodPSA 50:2ISA 40:18MAT 5:48MAT 6:33ROM 1:20EPH 3:191PE 1:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the greatness and holiness of God. He compares the excitement of a child playing with a ball to our attempts to impress God with our achievements, highlighting that God is not impressed by worldly accomplishments. The preacher then discusses the beauty and wonder of heaven, stating that only God can truly engage and excite the wonder of angels and all creatures. He concludes by urging listeners to pray for the raising up of men who will preach the beauty of God instead of offering worldly comforts and benefits.
He Is a Jealous Lover
By A.W. Tozer3.8K51:21Jealousy Of GodEXO 33:18MAT 5:48ACT 2:41CO 2:101CO 3:19PHP 3:15COL 1:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being perfect and thinking in alignment with God's word. He mentions that those who reason differently will face consequences from God. The preacher also introduces the concept of three models: being forward and backward, doing God's will alone, and being a jealous lover of God. He talks about the need for a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit and a return to New Testament Christianity. The sermon concludes with a reminder that true worship and service to God do not require fancy equipment or gadgets, but rather a sincere heart and a willingness to pray.
Sermon on the Mount
By Keith Daniel3.3K1:24:55Commands Of ChristMAT 5:13MAT 5:17MAT 5:48MAT 6:33MAT 7:24In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the church has lost its vital reality and effectiveness in the world. He urges believers to turn back to the scriptures and find their source of truth and impact. The preacher highlights the moral decay and corruption in the world and warns that if the church loses its effectiveness, the world will suffer greatly. He specifically mentions the dangers of exposure to filth and immorality through media and urges believers to protect themselves and their children from such influences. The preacher calls on the church to take steps towards spiritual renewal before it is too late.
Freedom Cd - Track 2 (Compilation)
By Compilations3.1K08:08CompilationMAT 5:3MAT 5:14MAT 5:48MAT 6:19ROM 6:23In this sermon, the speaker shares their personal journey of transformation through their faith in Jesus Christ. They confess to being involved in sinful activities such as watching soap operas and reading romance novels, which led them astray. However, they express gratitude for Jesus' forgiveness and cleansing, and declare their willingness to live and die for Him. The speaker emphasizes the importance of storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, and warns against serving two masters. They also highlight the blessings that come from being insulted and persecuted for the sake of Jesus. The sermon concludes with testimonies of how the speaker's life has been changed, including giving up drinking, cursing, and involvement in witchcraft and gang activities. They attribute their transformation to the power of Jesus and express a desire to serve Him forever. The speaker also references the Beatitudes from the Bible, highlighting the blessings that come from being poor in spirit, mourning, meek, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, being merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers.
The Law and the Commandments
By Art Katz2.7K54:13The LawPRO 23:26MAT 5:48MAT 6:33MAT 23:27ROM 10:191CO 11:1JAS 2:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with the authentic root of one's life in God before delivering a message. He compares this to athletes who warm up and prepare before a competition, highlighting the need for preparation and authenticity in preaching. The speaker warns against becoming professional and affected in one's delivery, urging pastors to remain natural and unaffected in their communication. He also criticizes the unreality and fantasy prevalent in both the world and the church, calling for a return to truth and a rejection of consumerism and entertainment.
I Am Thy Strength and Shield - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill2.4K1:08:40Provision Of GodGEN 17:1GEN 18:1GEN 18:26GEN 19:1MAT 5:48In this sermon, the preacher describes a scene of immorality and sin in the world, with prostitutes and drug users. However, he emphasizes that these things do not move or concern us as believers. He then references the story of Abraham and how God promised him the land and title deed, highlighting that God's promises are secure and cannot be taken away. The preacher also quotes a friend who expressed concern about the things he hadn't done for God, rather than the things he had done. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging listeners not to plead ignorance or laziness, but to have compassion and concern for others, even if they are our own relatives.
(Christian Leadership) Lovers of the Truth
By Zac Poonen2.4K1:16:35JER 15:16MAT 5:33MAT 5:48MAT 23:16MAT 24:242TH 2:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is not written in a logical or mathematical way, but rather speaks to the heart. He shares an anecdote about preaching in a seminary where he was criticized for not following traditional preaching methods, but he argues that Jesus Himself did not adhere to those methods either. The speaker encourages listeners to turn to God for hope and transformation, emphasizing that God can take the mess of their lives and create something new and glorious. He also urges believers to love the truth and discern false teachings, and highlights the importance of being honest and avoiding seeking honor from others. The sermon concludes by contrasting the law given by Moses with the grace and truth brought by Jesus Christ.
All That Matters
By Erlo Stegen2.3K1:09:36EternityDAN 10:11DAN 12:8DAN 12:10MAT 5:48MAT 24:37HEB 10:292PE 3:3In this sermon, Ralph begins by describing a situation where they were unable to make blocks due to the water covering the sand. He then mentions seeing two donkeys on an island, enjoying the green grass before being engulfed by the floods. Ralph draws a parallel between the donkeys and people who ignore God's teachings, warning that their lives will crumble like a house built on sand. He emphasizes the need for repentance and warns of God's wrath, using the example of France as a reminder of the consequences of forgetting God's judgment.
So Great a Salvation - Part 1 (Compilation)
By Compilations2.1K18:27CompilationMAT 5:48MAT 7:21ROM 6:6ROM 8:131CO 10:13HEB 12:141PE 1:16In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of why people often fall short in their spiritual journey and fail to overcome sin. He questions why many who attend crusades or church events do not experience lasting transformation. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the true meaning of being emancipated through Jesus Christ's sacrifice. He highlights the need for holiness and how it is lacking in many believers' lives. The sermon also touches on the role of conscience in convicting individuals of wrongdoing and the power of Jesus' sacrifice to set people free.
(Spirit-Filled Life) Part 1: A New Covenant Privilege
By Zac Poonen2.1K49:42MAT 5:21MAT 5:44MAT 5:48MAT 6:6MAT 6:25MAT 6:31MAT 6:34In this sermon, the speaker reflects on Jesus' teachings in Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7, known as the Sermon on the Mount. The speaker highlights the challenge of living up to the high standard set by Jesus in this sermon. They express a desire to know how to live according to this standard, as Jesus did not provide explicit instructions. The speaker also references the story of Daniel in the Bible, who took a stand for God's word despite opposition. The sermon emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in helping believers keep God's commandments and bringing about inward transformation.
False Prophets
By Don McClure2.0K51:32MAT 5:3MAT 5:13MAT 5:16MAT 5:48MAT 6:33MAT 7:12In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of living according to the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount. He emphasizes that many of the disasters in life stem from not following these teachings and not trusting in God. The sermon covers various aspects of the Christian life, such as loving God and others, being merciful and pure in heart, and being a peacemaker. The speaker highlights that the Sermon on the Mount is a central message in the Bible, and Jesus has condensed the greatest truths from the entire Bible into this sermon.
The Sermon on the Mount - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill1.9K51:12Sermon on the MountGEN 3:8MAT 5:48ROM 8:82CO 4:18GAL 6:7JAS 4:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the way the world lives is not aligned with God's plan. He highlights that the answer to all our problems cannot be achieved by human efforts alone, but rather through God's intervention. The preacher emphasizes that the kingdom of God is not found in physical structures like castles and mansions, but rather within each individual. He encourages Christians to have a godlike disposition and to focus on spiritual growth rather than worldly pursuits. The sermon also touches on the importance of living a life dedicated to God and doing His will, rather than seeking personal gain or recognition.
No Power Without Purity
By Gerhard Du Toit1.9K1:00:30PurityMAT 5:3MAT 5:17MAT 5:48MAT 6:33MAT 7:7MAT 7:12MAT 7:24In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spending time with individuals who want to come to Christ. He explains that by investing time in teaching and discussing the Word of God with them, it saves him from having to constantly follow up and ensure their spiritual growth. The preacher also highlights the three aspects of the ministry of Jesus Christ: his teachings, his miracles, and his reactions to people's responses. He then focuses on the teachings of Christ, specifically mentioning fasting, giving, and prayer. The sermon concludes with a reference to the Apostle Paul's exhortation to be transformed by the renewing of the mind and the importance of understanding God's mercies.
(Through the Bible) Matthew 5
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:25:45MAT 5:16MAT 5:19MAT 5:21MAT 5:48MAT 7:12MAT 22:37In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our hearts and loving our neighbors as ourselves, summarizing the law and the prophets. The preacher also highlights the need for self-reflection and recognition of our own weaknesses, as seen in the example of Paul the Apostle in Romans chapter 7. The sermon emphasizes the mission of the church to bring people out of darkness and into the kingdom of light, as described by Paul in his commission to deliver relief to the Gentiles. The preacher also references Jesus' teaching that believers are the light of the world and should not hide their faith but let it shine for all to see.
The Secrets of Jesus' Life
By Zac Poonen1.7K1:02:40SecretsMAT 5:48MAT 6:33MAT 11:25JHN 14:6JHN 16:32ROM 8:292CO 3:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being continuously led and filled by the Holy Spirit. He references 2 Corinthians 3:18, which speaks about the Lord the Spirit and how we are transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. The speaker highlights three areas in which the Holy Spirit can show us the glory of Jesus and help us pattern our lives accordingly. He also discusses the Father's purpose for our lives, which is to become like Jesus Christ. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the need for a strong relationship with our heavenly Father, just as Jesus had, and how the Holy Spirit enables us to reach our destination of becoming like Christ.
Hell - Part 2
By Norman Grubb1.7K30:23HellPRO 19:3MAT 5:48MAT 7:1ROM 6:14ROM 7:4ROM 7:6JAS 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeing the negative aspects of life and embracing change. He uses the example of Jesus, who was seen as a fool by the world but had the guidance and faith to fulfill God's purpose. The preacher encourages the audience to refrain from judging others and instead accept them as they are, trusting that God has a purpose for everyone. He also emphasizes the need to love oneself and recognize that every individual is precious to God.
(1 John #4) Since God Is Light
By J. Glyn Owen1.7K29:42God's HolinessLEV 11:44MAT 5:14MAT 5:48JHN 1:51PE 1:161JN 1:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the message of Jesus Christ, which was taught by Him and received by the apostles. The preacher highlights that Jesus is not just the gentle and meek figure often portrayed, but also the Son of God and the source of the message of God's holiness. The preacher explains that fellowship with God can only be achieved through His holiness, and that growing spiritually involves relating our lives to His holiness. The sermon also touches on the concept of God's love, life, and His consuming fire, and raises questions about the necessity of repentance and being born again.
Ye Are Come Unto Mount Zion
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K1:12:19Mount ZionPSA 87:2MAT 5:48HEB 12:18HEB 12:28In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the reality and power of the spiritual realm that believers have come to. He contrasts the abstract and imaginary nature of the natural world with the concrete and real nature of the spiritual realm. The speaker uses a humorous example of a procession to illustrate the difficulty of trying to march to a spiritual tune. The sermon also highlights the significance of Jesus' victory over death and the freedom it brings to believers.
The Holiness of God
By J. Glyn Owen1.7K44:03Holiness Of GodEXO 15:11LEV 11:44LEV 19:2LEV 20:7ISA 40:25MAT 5:481PE 1:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of the holiness of God. He emphasizes that holiness is not just a characteristic of God, but it also represents His will for His creatures. The speaker highlights that holiness is mentioned in religious contexts and is connected to four aspects: the nature of God, the duty of man, the work of grace in the Christian and the church, and the state of future glory. The speaker encourages a deeper understanding of holiness and emphasizes the importance of seeing truth in its divine context.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Be ye therefore--rather, "Ye shall therefore be," or "Ye are therefore to be," as My disciples and in My kingdom. perfect--or complete. Manifestly, our Lord here speaks, not of degrees of excellence, but of the kind of excellence which was to distinguish His disciples and characterize His kingdom. When therefore He adds, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect--He refers to that fullorbed glorious completeness which is in the great Divine Model, "their Father which is in heaven." SERMON ON THE MOUNT--continued. Next: Matthew Chapter 6
John Gill Bible Commentary
Be ye therefore perfect, as your Father,.... This perfection is to be restrained to the subject Christ is upon, love to men, and not to be referred to any, or every other thing; wherefore, in Luk 6:36 it is, "be ye merciful, as your Father also is merciful"; and regards not a perfection of degree in that, but objects and quality: that is to say, not that men may, or can, or ought to be as perfect in love, as to the degree of it, as God is; that is impossible: the "as" here, is not a note of equality, but of likeness: such, who profess God to be their Father, ought to imitate him, particularly in their love to men, which ought to be extended to the same objects, as the divine goodness is; that, as he shows regard in a providential way to all men, good and bad, just and unjust, and his tender mercies are over all his works; so ought they to love all men with a natural affection, and hate no man, no, not their enemies: for he that loves only his friends, and not his enemies, loves imperfectly; he does not take in the whole compass of objects his love is to extend unto; and as God loves sincerely, and without dissimulation, so should they. To be "perfect", is to be sincere and upright: in this sense is the word often used, and answers to the Hebrew word which signifies the same: see Deu 18:13 which is the passage Christ seems to refer to here; and the sense is, be ye sincere and upright in your love to all men, as your heavenly Father is hearty and sincere in his affections to them. Next: Matthew Chapter 6
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:48 This verse ties 5:20-48 together as a unit (see study note on 4:23-25). • you are to be perfect: The term rendered “perfect” means maturity and wholeness in response to Jesus’ proclamation of the Kingdom, and complete consecration to God (19:21; Eph 4:13; Phil 3:15; Col 1:28; 4:12; 1 Jn 4:18). Perfection has love at its core (see Luke 6:36).