The Subculture Message in Matthew 5-7

The famous Sermon on the Mount, as recorded for us in Matthew chapters five to seven, has nothing to do with doctrine (what we are supposed to BELIEVE). Rather, it's all about conduct (how we are supposed to LIVE!) These three chapters provide a radical new blueprint for life based on a worldview of unfailing confidence in a just and holy, but infinitely loving, God.

A true subculture should be radically different from the world around it. For instance, we might talk about a particular youth subculture in our nation. They might dress in some particular way that sets them apart, or they might do their hair a particular way. Perhaps they have their own lingo. But, for all this, if they still espouse the value system of the society around them (such as materialism, hedonism, scepticism, etc) then their culture is very shallow. Jesus, on the other hand, prescribes a radically different value system.

This article takes up a thought that was mentioned in the main article. It is based around a certain collection of Jesus' sayings. "You have heard that it was said... but I say to you..."

And, by the way, isn't it amazing that, after 2,000 years of Church history, these words still challenge us to the core? So many Church leaders through the years have gone exactly the opposite way, lusting after power, wealth and prestige. I wonder how they reconciled their consciences in the light of such plain teachings of Christ.

Let's briefly consider the sub-culture implications of this great passage.

MATT 5:21,22.  Murder begins in the heart. At least, that's the editor's subtitle in the Bible I'm currently using. When you really look at it, this passage is not actually about murder but about a different dimension of judgment. Jesus is telling His followers that they should not merely live in such a way as to avoid earthly judgment, but that they should live by a deeper code based on the eternal judgments of God. The passage goes on to talk about living a life free of offence, in word or in thought. The certainty and "rightness" of God's ultimate judgment is a key to the Christian worldview.

MATT 5:27,28.  Adultery begins in the heart. The Christian principle stated here is that sin begins in the heart long before the outward act is committed. (We assume the same thing about murder in the previous passage, even though it is not actually stated there.) The Christian looks to the heart to see the true nature. An outwardly sinless life is nothing but a massive self-delusion if the heart is corrupt.

MATT 5:33-37.  Christians are to have a different attitude concerning oaths. Yes means yes and no means no. We must be straightforward and honest, nothing manipulative or deceitful. No vain exaggerations. And no empty threats or promises. I believe that this can even be taken further in the light of Scriptures such as Ephesians 4:29 - "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." In a world of foul, abusive and derogatory speech, Christians should be radically different. Twila Paris has an excellent song where she talks about the "Language of Disciples".

MATT 5:38-42.  Vengeance is out for the Christian who wants to live a Christ-like life. Violence, revenge and stubbornness are characteristics of the world, but not for the disciples of Jesus! This points to the heart of Christianity, the Cross. Our way is not a way of self-assertiveness and self-rights, but a way of self-sacrifice in the footsteps of our Lord and Master. We are not supposed to fight, except against sin.

MATT 5:43-46.  Love your enemies. How radical can you get? This goes against every natural instinct of human nature. But it is the way of Christ and the Christian subculture.

In all these things, Jesus sets out a new way of looking at life, a way that puts faith in God at the undisputed centre of everything. These brief thoughts are totally inadequate to convey the richness of Jesus' words in this passage but they do (hopefully) demonstrate that He was talking culturally about a new kind of behaviour with a new worldview basis, rather than mere doctrine.