FOUR RULES THAT GOVERN THE TREATMENT OF PEOPLE
Introduction
A. It has been determined, and I don’t know the source, that there are four rules that
govern the conduct of people in their treatment of other people.
B. This lesson is needed because of the importance of our treating people appropriately.
1. We have different relationships:
2. We want to have a positive influence on people.
C. Let’s consider each of these four rules.
I. The first rule has been designated the iron rule.
A. Those who live by this rule practice the theory that might makes right. Four
examples:
1. Cain who killed his brother, Abel. Genesis 4:3-8 (3)
2. In the story of the Good Samaritan, the robbers who beat and robbed an
innocent man. Luke 10:30 (762)
3. Hitler who directed the killing of 6 million Jews who were helpless to defend them-
selves.
4. Totalitarian governments who subjugate people.
B. Those who live by this rule follow satan.
II. A second rule that governs the conduct of people in their treatment of others is the brass
rule.
A. This is the rule of retaliation-do unto others as they do to you. Examples:
If he hits me, I’ll hit him.
If he cheats me, I’ll cheat him. Etc.
(This is vengeance)
B. Christians aren’t permitted to live by this rule. Matthew 5:38-42 (706)
III. A third rule is the silver rule.
A. A person is not to do anything to someone that he doesn’t do to him. Examples:
1. Not permitted to wrongfully take from another.
2. What is mine is mine, and I intend to keep it. The rich man in Luke 16:19-23 (768)
B. The word of God doesn’t allow Christians to practice this rule. James 1:27 (892)
IV. The fourth rule is the golden rule.
A. A person treats other people as he would like to be treated. Matthew 7:12 (708)
1. Those who love their neighbors. Matthew 22:35-39 (723)
2. Those who love one another. 1 John 3:11-12 (901); John 13:34-35 (793)
3. Those who restore an erring Christian. Galatians 6:1-2 (862)
4. Those who help the needy. James 1:27 (892)
5. Those who teach other people God’s plan of salvation. Matthew 38:19-20
B. Jesus lived according to the golden rule, and so should we.
Conclusion: We can’t live for others but we can follow the golden rule ourselves.
