LEARNING TO LOVE: DYING TO SELF
2 Samuel 13:1-21
I. Love and Lust
a. Amnon thought he was in love with Tamar; however, Amnon’s actions demonstrate lust not love
b. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13 that love “is not self-seeking.”
c. Lust is centered on what I need, Love is concerned with what you need
d. Jesus tells us that the kind of love that we as His friends should exhibit is a self-sacrificial love
i. John 15- 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command.
e. As followers of Christ we are to deny ourselves (laying down our lives for our neighbors)
i. Matthew 16- 24Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever wants to save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.
ii. Matthew 5- 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
II. Dying to Self (Romans 8:5-17)
a. 5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
i. Amnon’s mind was centered on His needs and desires (His flesh)
ii. As Christians, our mind is to be set on the Holy Spirit and pleasing God in everything we do- especially in our relationships!
1. Ephesians 4- 1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
b. 6The mind of sinful man[j] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
i. We need to change the way we think about ourselves, others, and this life
1. Luke 10- 27He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'[a]; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[b]"
2. Romans 12: 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3. Amnon allowed obsession to overtake his mind- it controlled him!
ii. Romans 7- 22For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.
c. 9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.
i. Galatians 5
1. 1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
a. Christ has set us free from thinking about ourselves all the time!
i. Matthew 6:24- No one can serve two masters
ii. Matthew 6:33- 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
2. 16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
a. The desires of the flesh are: 19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
b. James 4:7- 7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
c. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
ii. Galatians 2:20- 20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
LEARNING TO LOVE: HOPE
LEARNING TO LOVE: HOPE
Luke 15:11-32
I. The Prodigal Son’s Father- A Lesson in Hope
a. Three remain together- Faith, Hope, and Love
i. Faith is concerned with the past and the present.
ii. Hope is concerned with the future. Faith in the future.
1. Romans 8- But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
iii. Love is what we are and what we do.
b. The father would obviously be hurt by his son’s request and his subsequent actions. The hurt could be manifested in shame and/or anger.
c. The father’s actions in this story demonstrate how love and hope and tied together.
i. Losing hope destroys relationships and communities.
ii. John Maxwell, Maine, Hydro-electric plant, relocation, “Where there is no faith in the future, there is no power in the present.”
II. The Father’s Hope (1 Corinthians 13)
a. 20So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
b. How did the father do it?
i. 1 Thessalonians 1:3- 3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
ii. The Father put his hope in God, not in man or possessions.
1. Psalm 42:11- Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
c. The Father was bold to believe that God would return his son to him.
i. 2 Corinthians 3:12- 12Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
ii. Bold in believing that he would turn the situation into something that would bring him glory.
1. Romans 5- And we[b] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we[c] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
2. Romans 8:28- 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[a] who[b] have been called according to his purpose.
iii. The Father’s hope was an anchor!
III. While the Father watches…Qualities of Hope in Love
a. Love keeps no records of wrongs—it is continually looking forward
i. Colossians 3- 12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
ii. Hebrews 12- 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
b. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
i. The Scriptures as a basis of our enduring hope.
1. Colossians 1- 23if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
ii. Prayer is an expression of our hope
1. Romans 12:12- 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
2. Philippians 1:19-21- Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[a] 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
c. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth!
i. The father threw a party. The other son rejected the party and was bitter.
ii. Hebrews 10:22-24- 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
iii. Philippians 4- 4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Luke 15:11-32
I. The Prodigal Son’s Father- A Lesson in Hope
a. Three remain together- Faith, Hope, and Love
i. Faith is concerned with the past and the present.
ii. Hope is concerned with the future. Faith in the future.
1. Romans 8- But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
iii. Love is what we are and what we do.
b. The father would obviously be hurt by his son’s request and his subsequent actions. The hurt could be manifested in shame and/or anger.
c. The father’s actions in this story demonstrate how love and hope and tied together.
i. Losing hope destroys relationships and communities.
ii. John Maxwell, Maine, Hydro-electric plant, relocation, “Where there is no faith in the future, there is no power in the present.”
II. The Father’s Hope (1 Corinthians 13)
a. 20So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
b. How did the father do it?
i. 1 Thessalonians 1:3- 3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
ii. The Father put his hope in God, not in man or possessions.
1. Psalm 42:11- Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
c. The Father was bold to believe that God would return his son to him.
i. 2 Corinthians 3:12- 12Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
ii. Bold in believing that he would turn the situation into something that would bring him glory.
1. Romans 5- And we[b] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we[c] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
2. Romans 8:28- 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[a] who[b] have been called according to his purpose.
iii. The Father’s hope was an anchor!
III. While the Father watches…Qualities of Hope in Love
a. Love keeps no records of wrongs—it is continually looking forward
i. Colossians 3- 12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
ii. Hebrews 12- 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
b. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
i. The Scriptures as a basis of our enduring hope.
1. Colossians 1- 23if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
ii. Prayer is an expression of our hope
1. Romans 12:12- 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
2. Philippians 1:19-21- Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[a] 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
c. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth!
i. The father threw a party. The other son rejected the party and was bitter.
ii. Hebrews 10:22-24- 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
iii. Philippians 4- 4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Attributes of Love (A)
Learning to Love Series: Part 4
Attributes of Love (A)
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
I. FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE
a. The key verse in 1 Corinthians 13- 13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
b. Paul states that faith, hope, and love are eternally related to one another- the attributes of love
i. 1 Thessalonians 1- 3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
c. Love is the greatest of these three
i. Faith is what we choose to believe
1. Hebrews 11:1- Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
ii. Hope is what we long for
1. C.S. Lewis- Hope…means…a continual looking forward to the eternal world
iii. Love is what we are and what we do
d. Love is the greatest because it is the reason for our faith in God and our hope in fulfilling what he has promised.
II. LOVE IS PATIENT
a. Patience and faith are one directly related to one another.
b. When we wait upon the Lord—we are choosing to believe in Him (have faith), even when the circumstances would drive us to disbelief
i. Psalm 37:7- Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
c. We are patient because we know that God is in control and faithful
i. Psalm 40:1- I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
ii. Philippians 1:6- he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
iii. Isaiah 40:31- But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (KJV)
d. Loving by faith and not by sight
i. Galatians 5:6- 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
ii. 2 Corinthians 5:7- We live (love) by faith, not by sight.
iii. Many times we lose our patience with others because we are living by FEELINGS (our senses) and not by FAITH.
e. Our faith means we are patient with God and with others recognizing that:
i. Eccl. 3:11- He has made everything beautiful in its time.
ii. His ways are mysterious
1. 8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
III. LOVE IS KIND (James 2:14-25)
a. Faith and Love are tied together and Faith without works is dead
i. If you love you will show it.
ii. Matthew 12:34- For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
iii. James 2:18- Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
b. Ephesians 2:10- For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
c. How do we show kindness?
i. Romans 12- 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
1. Don’t give up on people- because God has not given up on them
2. Serve the Lord by Serving Others
a. Colossians 3:17- 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
b. Matthew 25:40- 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
3. Let the Joy of the Lord be Your Strength and Delight in Him
a. Nehemiah 8:10- Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
b. Psalm 37:4- 4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
c. Philippians 4:19- 19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
d. Ephesians 3- 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Attributes of Love (A)
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
I. FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE
a. The key verse in 1 Corinthians 13- 13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
b. Paul states that faith, hope, and love are eternally related to one another- the attributes of love
i. 1 Thessalonians 1- 3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
c. Love is the greatest of these three
i. Faith is what we choose to believe
1. Hebrews 11:1- Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
ii. Hope is what we long for
1. C.S. Lewis- Hope…means…a continual looking forward to the eternal world
iii. Love is what we are and what we do
d. Love is the greatest because it is the reason for our faith in God and our hope in fulfilling what he has promised.
II. LOVE IS PATIENT
a. Patience and faith are one directly related to one another.
b. When we wait upon the Lord—we are choosing to believe in Him (have faith), even when the circumstances would drive us to disbelief
i. Psalm 37:7- Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
c. We are patient because we know that God is in control and faithful
i. Psalm 40:1- I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
ii. Philippians 1:6- he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
iii. Isaiah 40:31- But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (KJV)
d. Loving by faith and not by sight
i. Galatians 5:6- 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
ii. 2 Corinthians 5:7- We live (love) by faith, not by sight.
iii. Many times we lose our patience with others because we are living by FEELINGS (our senses) and not by FAITH.
e. Our faith means we are patient with God and with others recognizing that:
i. Eccl. 3:11- He has made everything beautiful in its time.
ii. His ways are mysterious
1. 8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
III. LOVE IS KIND (James 2:14-25)
a. Faith and Love are tied together and Faith without works is dead
i. If you love you will show it.
ii. Matthew 12:34- For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
iii. James 2:18- Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
b. Ephesians 2:10- For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
c. How do we show kindness?
i. Romans 12- 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
1. Don’t give up on people- because God has not given up on them
2. Serve the Lord by Serving Others
a. Colossians 3:17- 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
b. Matthew 25:40- 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
3. Let the Joy of the Lord be Your Strength and Delight in Him
a. Nehemiah 8:10- Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
b. Psalm 37:4- 4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
c. Philippians 4:19- 19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
d. Ephesians 3- 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
“LOVE YOUR ENEMIES”
LEARNING TO LOVE: PART 3
“LOVE YOUR ENEMIES”
Luke 6:27-41
I. Be Merciful, Just as your Heavenly Father is merciful
a. It is hard enough to love our neighbor, but Jesus wants us to love our enemies as well…why?
b. Loving our enemies makes us more like God which brings his glory and honor.
i. Romans 5:8-10- But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
c. As Christians, while we are regarded as enemies by some, we should regard no one as an enemy because everyone can be redeemed.
i. John 15- 18"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.'[b] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.
ii. Romans 12:18- If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
d. Consider the example of the relationship between Judas and Jesus
i. Jesus knew Judas was going to betray him and still he gave Judas a seat at the table and the opportunity to follow him.
ii. John 13:1-17- Jesus served the disciples even though two of the twelve would deny him.
iii. The love that Jesus showed was not dependent upon the actions of other but because of the Father…His identity was established by the Father
1. 3Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.
2. 1 John 4:16- And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
3. Romans 12:2- Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
II. How do we love our enemies?
a. The goal of loving our enemies is to transform the situation; rather than conforming to it.
i. John 3:16- 16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[f] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
b. Do good to your enemies by:
i. Bless those who curse us- What we say?
1. James 3- 9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
ii. Pray for those who abuse us- What we think about them?
1. 1 Corinthians 13- 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
2. Luke 23:34- Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
iii. Turn the other cheek- What we allow them to do to us?
1. Stop the cycle- Violence is a cycle
2. 1 Corinthians 13:5- Love is not easily angered
iv. Serve them! - What we do to them?
1. 1 Corinthians 13:5- Love is not self-seeking
2. 1 John 3:18- Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
3. Proverbs 25:21- 21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
v. Be merciful- Make the choice to forgive, even before the offense is made—that is what God did for us!
1. 1 Corinthians 13:5- Love keeps no records of wrongs
c. Resolve to know nothing but Christ!
i. 1 Corinthians 2- 2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified…16But we have the mind of Christ.
ii. Philippians 4- 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
iii. Philippians 4- 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
“LOVE YOUR ENEMIES”
Luke 6:27-41
I. Be Merciful, Just as your Heavenly Father is merciful
a. It is hard enough to love our neighbor, but Jesus wants us to love our enemies as well…why?
b. Loving our enemies makes us more like God which brings his glory and honor.
i. Romans 5:8-10- But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
c. As Christians, while we are regarded as enemies by some, we should regard no one as an enemy because everyone can be redeemed.
i. John 15- 18"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.'[b] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.
ii. Romans 12:18- If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
d. Consider the example of the relationship between Judas and Jesus
i. Jesus knew Judas was going to betray him and still he gave Judas a seat at the table and the opportunity to follow him.
ii. John 13:1-17- Jesus served the disciples even though two of the twelve would deny him.
iii. The love that Jesus showed was not dependent upon the actions of other but because of the Father…His identity was established by the Father
1. 3Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.
2. 1 John 4:16- And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
3. Romans 12:2- Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
II. How do we love our enemies?
a. The goal of loving our enemies is to transform the situation; rather than conforming to it.
i. John 3:16- 16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[f] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
b. Do good to your enemies by:
i. Bless those who curse us- What we say?
1. James 3- 9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
ii. Pray for those who abuse us- What we think about them?
1. 1 Corinthians 13- 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
2. Luke 23:34- Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
iii. Turn the other cheek- What we allow them to do to us?
1. Stop the cycle- Violence is a cycle
2. 1 Corinthians 13:5- Love is not easily angered
iv. Serve them! - What we do to them?
1. 1 Corinthians 13:5- Love is not self-seeking
2. 1 John 3:18- Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
3. Proverbs 25:21- 21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
v. Be merciful- Make the choice to forgive, even before the offense is made—that is what God did for us!
1. 1 Corinthians 13:5- Love keeps no records of wrongs
c. Resolve to know nothing but Christ!
i. 1 Corinthians 2- 2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified…16But we have the mind of Christ.
ii. Philippians 4- 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
iii. Philippians 4- 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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