Chuck Smith emphasizes the radical teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:38, focusing on the principles of non-retaliation, generosity, and going the extra mile. He explains that true transformation comes from a new nature that desires to respond with love rather than vengeance, illustrating this with biblical examples. Smith challenges the audience to reconsider their attitudes towards material possessions and legal rights, urging them to embody the spirit of Christ by exceeding expectations in their actions. He concludes that living out these principles requires the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, as they are not achievable through human effort alone.

"THE CHEEK, THE CLOAK & THE 2ND MILE" Intro: Importance of Spirit to help understand passage such as this. Great principle, "Die to self." This illustrates how. I. "TURNING THE CHEEK? A. We must rid ourselves of spirit of retaliation. 1. Starts on physical level, "smiting on cheek." a. Natural impulse to strike back. b. This is what He is concerned with. B. Illustration: Hudson Taylor. C. What we need is new nature. 1. If I am struck and great desire to hit back, yet I restrain, no credit, self righteous. 2. New nature - no desire to retaliate. D. Command ridiculous. 1. Drunk or lunatic. 2. Man beating up woman or child. E. I have been struck or insulted - I must defend my home. II. CLOAK & COAT. A. Under Jewish law could sue for cloak (inner garment), but never for coat (outer garment). B. Principle - our tendency to insist on legal rights. Our attitude towards material possessions. C. Compare scripture with scripture. 1. "If thy brother trespass against thee." 2. John 18:22, officer struck Christ on cheek. "If I have spoken evil then bear witness of the evil, but if well, why smitest thou me?" 3. Acts 16:37, Paul and Silas in prison. D. We as Christians are to be very interested in judgment, righteousness and truth. 1. "Thou hast committed the weightier matters." III. THE SECOND MILE. A. Common custom in ancient world. 1. Soldiers could command you and compel you to carry baggage one mile. B. Principle - not only do what is required of us, but in spirit of Christ go beyond. 1. Imagine doors for witnessing that are opened in the second mile. IV. "GlVE TO HIM THAT ASKETH." A. Easy to interpret this in a ridiculous manner. B. Principle, "What I have is mine and I hold." "I do not let go because I might suffer." C. Our Lord is not encouraging us to help drunks or professional beggars D. l John 3: 17& 18, "If any man have worldly goods and seeth his brother in need." V. WE SEE HOW IT TAKES A NEW MAN TO LIVE THIS KIND OF LIFE. A. This is no theory for non-Christian. B. No man can live like this without Holy Spirit.