Golden Nuggets from Romans: 9th in a Series

(Notes from Dr. Chris' sermon at FBC Ruston)

GETTING YOUR ENEMIES!

Rom 12: 14-21

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Enemy: in the Bible's definition, it's any people who are hostile toward you.

Reality biblically is where the world and Jesus' teaching meet

Christ's followers are asked to treat people differently than the world suggests we should treat them.

1. Speak Well of the Troublesome v 14
Don't wish evil and harm on your enemy' control your tongue; bless, speak well of them

2. Don't Be Mean Back To Them (17a)
To corrupt others against = evil
(If a doctor says you have rabies, don't make a list of all the people you want to hurry up and bite.)

3. Live in a Way to Protect Your Witness (17b)
Always keep your responses in check

4. Be a Peaceful Person (18)
Some people have mental problems and some people are just evil ... But as far as it depends on me, be peaceful
Mt 5:9 -- "Blessed are the peacemakers..."

5. Do Let God Handle It (19)
Deut 32:35 "It is mine to avenge..."
Our sense of judgment is fallable
No one knows how to get someone's attention like God does

6. Treat Them Kindly (20)
...and it could help bring them to repentance

7. Let Good Overcome In Your Life and In Your World (21)
Bitterness is a source of depression and anxiety; there is no such thing as a peaceful, retalitorial person

* Do the "right" things God instructs so He can be glorified and so you can be at peace

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