August 7 2016 Prevailing In Personal Relationships

Prevailing In Personal Relationships

Romans 12:14-21

Six Ways to Win in Personal Relationships

1. Return good for evil.

Romans 12:14 – Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse.

Matthew 5:44 – Jesus said, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Two Examples:

• Jesus
• Stephen

2. Identify with others.

Romans 12:15 – Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.

3. Be open minded to others.

Romans 12:16 – Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.

4. Treat others with respect.

Romans 12:17 – Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

5. Do all you can to keep the peace.

Romans 12:18 – If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Two Qualifications

• If it is possible
• As far

6. Remove revenge from our life.

Romans 12:19-21 – Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: It is Mine to avenge, I will repay, says the Lord.  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.  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Three Reasons

• It’s the Lord’s task.
• May move that person to Christ.
• Vengeance means we are conquered by evil.

December 29 2013 God The Promise Keeper

God The Promise Keeper

Psalm 33:4 – For the Word of the Lord is right and true, He is faithful in all He does.

God cannot do wrong. (Deut. 32:4) Just

God cannot lie. (Heb. 6:18) Holy

God cannot break promises. (Num.23:19) Faithful

I. The Greatest Example of God’s Faithfulness:

Joshua 21:45 – Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed, everyone was fulfilled!

Deuteronomy 7:9 –He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant to a thousand generations.

Psalm 145:13 – The Lord is faithful to all His promises.

II. God’s Guarantees to you:

1. I can depend on God to forgive your sins.

I John 1:9 –If we freely admit that we have sinned, we find Him reliable and just. He forgives us and makes us thoroughly clean from all that is evil.

2. I can depend on God to give me guidance.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and He will show you the right way.

3. I can depend on God to settle the score.

Romans 12:19 – Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for He has said He will repay those who deserve it.

1 Peter 2:23 – Jesus never answered back when insulted. When He suffered, He did not threaten to get even. He left His case in the hands of God who always judges fairly.

4. I can depend on God to reward my generosity.

Luke 6:38 – Give, and it will be given to you, for with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you.

5. I can depend on God to give me a home in Heaven.

1Corinthians 1:8-9 – God guarantees right up to the end that you’ll be counted free from all guilt on that day when He returns. God will surely do this for you.

2 Timothy 1:12 – I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day.

6. I can depend on God to remember my service.

Hebrews 6:10 – God is not unfair. He will not forget all that you have done, nor the loving labor which you have shown for His sake in looking after fellow Christians.

Romans 10:11 – Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.

Romans 10:13 – Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

October 14 2012 The Choice Of Reactions

THE CHOICE OF REACTIONS

Matthew 5:5 - Happy are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

I.  Clearing Up The Confusion

• What meekness is not:  Weakness

• What meekness is:  Strength under control

II. When Do I Need To Manage My Reactions?

1. When someone serves you

Be understanding not demanding.

Philippians 2:4-5- Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others too, and in what they are doing.  Your attitude should be the same as Jesus Christ.

2. When someone disappoints you

Be gentle not judgmental.

Romans 14:1 - Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.

Galatians 6:1-2 - If a person is trapped in some sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.  But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.  Carry each other’s burdens.

3. When someone disagrees with you

Be tender withoutsurrender.

Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer quiets anger but a harsh word stirs it up.

James 3:16-17 - Wherever there is jealousy or selfish ambition, there will be disorder.  But wisdom from above is pure, peaceful gentle and friendly.

2 Timothy 2:24-25 - The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, those who oppose him, he must gently instruct, in hope that God will give them a change of heart.

4. When someone corrects you

Be teachable not unteachable.

James 1:19 - Let everyone be quick to listen, but slow to use his tongue, and slow to lose his temper.

Proverbs 13:18 - Whoever listens to correction is honored.

5. When someone hurts you

Be an actor not a reactor.

Romans 12:17. 21 - Do not repay evil for evil, overcome evil with good.

Proverbs 16:32 - He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his own spirit, than he who captures a city.

2 Timothy 1:7 - God does not make us timid, instead His spirit fills us with power, love and self control.

Luke 14:33 - So no one can become my disciple without giving up everything for me.