How NOT To Treat Your Enemies

ROMANS 12:17-21  

SUBJECT: ENEMIES & CHRISTIAN LIVING

THEME: as the redeemed, we have gracious responsibilities to the Lord Jesus concerning how we treat our human enemies.  

INTRODUCTION:                                                    

The believer who seeks to obey God will have some enemies. Even our Lord had powerful and dangerous individuals and institutions opposing him and his message. Likewise, for Paul and the other apostles there were people who aggressively opposed the gospel and their ministries. The Lord Jesus warned us that our worst enemies may be those of our own households (Matt. 10:36). Unfortunately, some believers have enemies because they lack godly character, and not because they are faithful witnesses. There is a difference between sharing in “the offense of the cross” (Gal. 5:11; 6:12-15) and being an offensive Christian!

Satisfying God-given responsibilities toward our human enemies is an important facet of Christian living.  We are essentially called to overcoming evil with good. So, if you have been mistreated, disenfranchised, marginalized, disregarded, or disadvantaged because of your ethnicity, social standing, race, age, or gender, the counsel in this passage is for you. In this study, let us consider some things we must not resort to with our flesh and blood enemies.

LESSON:

CONSIDER SOME THINGS WE SHOULD NOT DO TO OUR ENEMIES

We are not to repay anyone for the evil acts against us; we are not to avenge ourselves, nor should we allow ourselves to be overcome by evil. Rather, we are to overcome evil with good.  

Consider these carnal reactions we must resist and avoid at all cost remembering the counsel is individual and personal. God is not addressing judicial systems or legitimate governmental authorities. Personal injuries are in view here.

Do Not Retaliate Against Your Enemies (Vs. 17 & 19)

Romans 12:17, Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

When we have been hurt, we instinctively want revenge or to retaliate. The need within us to secure some form of recompense is strong, and these feelings of retaliation are further bolstered by the counsel and expectations of society in general. Retaliation is precisely how a person without divine life and resources would react to provocation. Telling them off, striking back, and escalating the conflict with greater collateral damage. God says not so for His people.

Recompense to No Man Evil for Evil (Vs. 17)

Repaying evil for evil is so natural and common that if you refuse to follow this course of action, people will literally question your sanity. Folks regard this as weak, passive and allowing others to walk all over you. Some may even label you a coward for not striking back. Lost people understand giving tit for tat, or repaying in kind. They advocate for giving someone what he or she deserves; they want their pound of flesh! In contrast, God’s people are not to be driven by vengeance and retaliation—getting even is not a priority or a value of the redeemed.

Provide Things Honest in the Sight of All Men (Vs, 17)

Instead of reacting in kind, we should act honorably in the face of abuse and injury, as in all the circumstances of life. To “provide” means to have regard for beforehand or take thought for in advance or be careful to do. With such forethought, we can guard against responding in a way that will prove dishonoring to Christ, embarrassing to our families and potentially a violation of the law. We must not wait until we are in the heat of the provocation and then decide what we should do. No, God prescribes that we make the decision well in advance. This is incredibly important if we have a short fuse. It is also helpful to know what circumstances make your blood boil or frustrate you. I have been saved now for 28 years and traffic in Washington, DC still occasionally irritates me. As a countermeasure, I try to keep something spiritually edifying playing in the car to help me behave in traffic in a manner that pleases Christ. Beloved, we must consciously plan to purposefully act with honor!

To be “honest in the sight of all men” refers to the visible outward expression of an inward goodness. When this outward expression conforms to the inward goodness, then such Christian expression is an “honest” one, conforming to the inner facts. In other words, the goodness that people see is an honest expression of the goodness within resulting from the grace of God at work within. In contrast, if a Christian assumes an outward expression which is patterned after the ways of the world, then that expression is not “honestly” representing what he or she is as a child of God.  Such behavior leaves the observer the impression that the believer is deeply worldly, and such expression is dishonest and inconsistent with the internal reality.

Scripture exhorts believers to live with integrity and authenticity. Note the counsel of Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 2:12, says, “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” Christians are challenged to take careful forethought to ensure our lifestyle—outward expression—conforms to inward reality. We must honestly represent the good work God is doing within us; Beloved, be consistent with who you truly are as a child of God (Rom. 12:17).

Refuse to Repay Enemies with Evil, this Requires Divine Love

Obeying this guidance requires love because our first inclination is to fight back. It also requires faith, believing that God can work and accomplish His will in our lives and in the lives of those who hurt us. We must give place to “the wrath”-the wrath of God (Deut. 32:35). Read carefully and thoughtfully the wisdom and counsel of our Lord Jesus, in Matt 5:43-48, saying,

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44, But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45, That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46, For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47, And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48, Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Yes, our Lord prescribes loving, doing good for, praying for, and saluting even our enemies because such behaviors mirrors the gracious love of our heavenly Father. Clearly, such love is more a matter of how we treat them and seek to serve their welfare. You can see that God is not prescribing a form of passivity where we merely avoid doing something wrong in return. No, He expects us to be intensely active, conciliatory, and pursuing positive ends! We don’t just sit there and take it on the cheek! Even when our hearts are not motiving us to act in these ways, we must spring into action as the people of God in gracious ways as a matter of confidence in God’s wisdom. We trust the way God says to handle these matters; therefore, we act. In addition, trust the Lord for the most powerful force in the universe to be dynamically wielded through you. Remember, Charity “beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth” (1Cor 13:7, 8). Love is still a part of the fruit of the Spirit of grace.

Do Not Assume the Role of God by Taking Vengeance Against Your Enemies

Romans 12:19, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

It is normal for us to wonder if our feelings matter, and if we must resign ourselves to a doormat for anyone to walk all over. When we feel belittled, we crave to make ourselves larger in the perceptions of those who make us feel small. If we are the victims of abuse, we long for these offenses to be made right. When mistreated at work, at home, or at church we must guard against the powerful desire to make it right ourselves.

The Christian Must Not Play God Attempting to Avenge Himself

God can handle the wrongs we are confronted with and must endure. He alone holds this option, and we cannot assume His role or responsibilities. God is not looking to subcontract someone else to handle this kind of thing either! Returning evil for evil, or good for good, is the way most people live. But the Christian must live on a higher level and return good for evil. Let us decidedly focus on doing our duty and executing our responsibilities leaving God to manage His.

Vengeance is God's Prerogative

Romans 12:19, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

“Vengeance” is not spitefulness, vitriol or vindictiveness! It refers to “that which proceeds out of justice,” and is not related to people’s actions stirred by personal injury, feelings of hurt, resentment or ugly bitterness. You see none of this stuff is in the nature and character of a holy God! Therefore, He is the best person to handle matters of this nature. Beloved, the judgments of God are holy and right (Rev. 16:7), and they are entirely free from any element of self-gratification, nastiness, or maliciousness.

We must resist the tendency to avenge wrongs that are done to us. The expression, “give place unto wrath” encourages us to allow God to take care of it for us. Without any doubt this is the correct view of this instructive passage. Yes, we are to stand back and let the wrath of God take care of it. This form of vengeance is God’s prerogative alone, and He does not need our help, advice, or timetable! It is not our place to interfere with what is His exclusive right. He will repay at the proper time and in the correct manner. Lenski writes:

God has long ago settled the whole matter about exacting justice from wrongdoers. Not one of them will escape. Perfect justice will be done in every case and will be done perfectly.  If any of us interfered, it would be the height of presumption.

I read the story about a gentleman who once heard a preacher criticize him over the radio stating things that were not only unkind, but also untrue. The man of course became very angry and was planning to fight back, when a godly preacher advised, “Don’t do it. If you defend yourself, then the Lord can’t defend you. Leave it in His hands.”  The gentlemen followed that wise counsel, and the Lord vindicated him.  Remember, vengeance is God’s prerogative; simply step back and give room for His wrath to be poured out on them!

Do Not Curse Your Enemies (Vs. 14)

Romans 12:14, Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Knowing that God will take vengeance can lead to desiring and wishing for it. We must monitor our hearts and motives to ensure such godless desire do not creep in.  

To “Curse” means to Doom or to Wish Evil upon  

This is not speaking of the use of profanity, thought that too is wrong because it tears people down. The idea here is that of calling down divine curses upon someone.  God warns and admonishes us to “Stop cursing your enemies” or “Stop wishing the worst upon them” and wish the best for them instead. Bless and curse not! Perhaps all of us have heard someone joking say, “I hope you dog dies,” but we have also heard people call down death upon another because of some offense that transpired over 30 years ago!

This Requires a Correct Heart Attitude

Proverbs 24:17-20, Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: 18, Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. 19, Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; 20, For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

Remember, the best the wicked will ever know is this life on earth; eternity will be marked by intense and prolonged suffering cut off from God in the Lake of Fire. They may appear to get away with “murder” presently, but not one of us wants their future. They need someone to love their souls to Christ. Will you take the challenge?  

This Requires Constant Tongue Control

Job 31:28-30, This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above. 29, If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him: 30, Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul.

Job maintained his integrity and defended his sympathy towards those experiencing social and economical reverses. He insisted he had not secretly wished for the destruction of his foes. He was careful about what he said about those who sought his ruin.

Another example of this can be found in Joseph the favorite son of Jacob. Because of jealousy and envy Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, but he never uttered a word of hatred. He did not wish them any wrong. Instead this abused servant of God exercised great heart and tongue control. When he had the opportunity to get revenge he refused and instead sought to take care of them in Egypt. Joseph preserved their lives and that of their families (Gen. 37-50). He had the perfect opportunity to destroy his brothers in Egypt after Jacob’s death and burial, yet he refuses to curse, he instead blessed them. Read the account for yourself in Genesis 50:14-21,

And Joseph returned into Egypt, he, and his brethren, and all that went up with him to bury his father, after he had buried his father. ¹⁵And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. ¹⁶And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, ¹⁷So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. ¹⁸And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. ¹⁹And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? ²⁰But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. ²¹Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

CONCLUSION:

As the redeemed, we have spiritual responsibilities to our Lord Jesus concerning how we treat our enemies. While our human enemies may indeed be guilty of abusing, mistreating, defaming, or hurting us, we are not to respond in kind. Christian living means treating all people like God treats us—affording grace and goodness regardless of how they treat us. God counsels us to avoid three specific behaviors and attitudes:

1.  Do Not Retaliate Against Your Enemies    

2.  Do Not Assume the Role of God by Taking Vengeance Against Your Enemies

3.  Do Not Curse Your Enemies     

These three things I should not and must not do to my enemies. Many will say, “We need to organize and fight back!” Others have perhaps chosen a subtler form of revenge to get even and make things right. While our sense of justice may be screaming loudly for redress, God calls us to love and faith! It is that simple…no, it is not easy, but it is that simple! Yes, to obey will certainly require divine love and real confidence in God’s ways. Beloved, we must make room for this kind of supernaturalism if we desire real change and substantial healing personally, professionally, ecclesiastically, socially, economically, and nationally! As the children of God, we must live on the highest level-returning good for evil. Anyone...and I mean anyone can return good for good and evil for evil. Such attitudes and behavior require zero supernatural power or grace from God; it is all natural, and it only perpetuates the same injustices upon future generations. The only way to overcome evil is with good. If we return evil for evil, we only add fuel to the fire—escalation and ciaos will ensue. God’s way affords a hopeful and happier future! And even if our enemy is not converted, we have still experienced the love of God in our own hearts and have grown in His grace. We give evidence of God’s presence and power operating in a very broken world when we honor this counsel. 

The Work of Jesus Christ

Text: John 4:34; Luke 19:10; Deut. 18:18, 19; Heb. 6:20; Rev. 5:5; Isa. 53:9-12; 61:1-3; 1John 2:2; Romans 3:10-20; Heb. 2:9

Theme: We believe the Lord Jesus is God’s Prophet, Priest, King and Savior. His redemptive work required His death.

Aims: I hope to deepen your convictions, fuel your worship, and enlarge your appreciation for the redemptive work of Christ. May God help each of us to respond appropriately to Jesus Christ as our Savior, Prophet, Priest, and King.

Relevance:

Why is the work of Jesus Christ so important?

 Much of the Lord Jesus’ life will remain a mystery if we don’t understand what He did and why He did it. If we don’t, many of His acts will be shrouded in mystery. He will remain a puzzle to us. We will not have as much personal trust in Him, as much appreciation for Him, or as much confidence in sharing Him with others as we could have.

If we don’t believe what Jesus accomplished, the consequences are numerous. We are at odds with the Bible, we deny either the need for salvation or the possibility of salvation, we lose all hope for guidance in this life and for life after death, and we have no encouraging words to share with others who are seeking the answers to life’s most difficult questions. (M. Anders)

Lesson:

I.                  The Offices of Jesus Christ—Why believe Jesus is the real Messiah?

These three offices of Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King are the key to the purpose of the incarnation. His prophetic office was involved with the revealing of God’s message; the priestly office was related to His saving and intercessory work; His kingly office gave Him the right to reign over Israel and the entire earth. All the divine intention of these three historic offices was perfectly culminated in the Lord Jesus Christ. –Enns, Paul P.: The Moody Handbook of Theology

A.   The Lord Jesus is God’s Prophet—How can we be sure Jesus is God’s Prophet?

1.           Clear Declarations of Christ as God’s Prophet

                                                                   i.            As Prophet He satisfied what Moses predicted about the Messiah-Prophet (Deut. 18:15-19; Luke 24:19; 22:64; John 7:40; Matt. 13:57).

                                                                 ii.            As Prophet He represented God before humanity.

a.      He had hindsight. He knew the secrets of the past (Gen 1& 2; Matt. 19:1-6).

b.     He has insight. He knew the problems and needs of the present (Mark 2:5-12; John 2:23-25).

c.      He had foresight. He knew the secrets of the future (Matt 24 & 25).

                                                              iii.            As Prophet He was Anointed of God by the Spirit (Isa. 61:1-2; Luke 4:14-32; Matt. 3:16-17; Heb.1:9).

2.           Christ Fulfilled the Ministry of God’s Prophet

                                                                   i.            He Revealed God (Matt. 11:27; Jn. 1:18; 14:9; 17:6, 26; 1Jn. 5:20).

                                                                 ii.            He Declared God’s Word

a.      According to Peter (Acts 10:36-43)

b.     According to Matthew (Matt. 4:23-25)

                                                              iii.            He Performed Many Miracles (Acts 2:22; Mark 5—over demons, disease, death)

a.      Jesus performed miracles to validate the message of salvation He declared (Matt. 11:20-30). What is the validation for our message?

b.     Jesus did not purpose to heal everyone nor perform miracles for everyone. He did honor real faith wherever He found it (Matt. 8:5-13; 15:22-28). What does this imply for us?

c.      Jesus did perform miracles out of pure compassion and humanitarianism to glorify God (Matt. 15:29-39). What are the implications of this?

                                                               iv.            He Confronted Corrupt Religion

a.      Therefore, He required a righteousness that exceeded that of the Pharisees (Matt. 5:17-20). What bearing does this have on authentic Christian expression?

b.     Therefore, He confronted the religious leaders misunderstanding of the Sabbath (Matt. 12:1-13). What are some ways we press biblical requirements to unbiblical expectations?

c.      Therefore, He confronted them for exalting human tradition over the truth of God (Matt. 15:1-20). What are some ways that American tradition is chocking the vitality, creativity, relevance, and power out of church ministry and preventing real growth?

d.     Therefore, He publicly denounced the religious elite as hypocrites (Matt. 23:1-39). Where do we see hypocrisy today? How should we confront hypocrisy today?

                                                                 v.            He Pointed People to a Saving Relationship with God (Luke 19:10)

a.      Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). How can we evangelize social outcasts effectively?

b.     Israel as a nation (Matt. 23:37-39). How can we undertake effective missions to the world?

c.      Nicodemus (Jn. 3). How can we win the religious person to Christ?

d.     Woman at the Well (Jn. 4). How can we launch an effective cross-culture evangelism strategy?

e.      How should we respond to Jesus Christ as God’s Prophet?

B.    The Lord Jesus is God’s Priest—What distinguishes Christ as God’s Priest?

The very existence of a priesthood and a system of sacrifices gave evidence that man is estranged from God. It was an act of grace on God’s part that He instituted the whole Levitical system. Today, that system is fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus Christ. He is both the sacrifice and the High Priest who ministers to God’s people because of His once-for-all offering on the cross.

1.           Clear Declarations of Christ as God’s Priest (Heb. 3:1-3; 4:14-16; 7:15-28)

See the Lord Jesus as your great High Priest and rely on Him to provide grace, understanding, empathy, and assistance. Turn to Christ when you are failing, when you feel guilty and ashamed because you have failed Him, or when you feel inadequate for the challenges before you.

2.           Christ is Uniquely Qualified as God’s Priest

                                                                   i.            Priests were chosen by God and consecrated to God (Numbers 16:5; Heb. 5:4; Lev. 21:6,7)

                                                                 ii.            Priests were men of God compassionately serving men of sin (Heb. 5:1-2).

                                                              iii.            Jesus Christ satisfied all the unique qualification of God’s Anointed Priest (Heb. 4:14).

a.      He was a Man (Heb. 2:14-18; 4:15)

b.     He was chosen by God (Heb. 5:4-6)

c.      He was consecrated by God (Heb. 7:26)

3.           Christ Performs the Ministry of God’s Priest

                                                                   i.            Christ ministry as Priest began at Calvary on the Cross and will end at His Second Coming.

                                                                 ii.            Christ offered Himself as the Sacrifice upon Calvary (Heb. 2:9; 10:10-14)

                                                              iii.            Christ prayed and made intercession for His people (Jn. 17; Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25).

                                                               iv.            How should we respond to Jesus Christ as our Great High Priest? Because Jesus is both God and Man, He is an adequate link between us and the Father. So, the Scripture says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (v. 16). When we fail and are ashamed, or when we are overwhelmed and need help desperately, we need never draw back. Jesus, human like us, will understand. And Jesus, like the Father, can aid.

                                                                 v.            It is important, when we have heard the voice of God calling us to act, and still feel inadequate, that we turn to Jesus as High Priest and realize all that He is able to do for us. —Richards, Larry

C.   The Lord Jesus is God’s Potentate (King)—How can we be sure Christ is the coming King?

1.           The king is the individual who ruled for God.

2.           The King was to come from the Tribe of Judah and David’s family (Gen. 49:10; 2Sam 7:8-17; Ps. 89:3, 4). The Lord Jesus is wonderfully qualified (Matt. 1:1, 17; 1Tim. 6:13-16; Rev. 5:5; 17:14).

3.           The Lord Jesus will return to earth to establish His Millennial Kingdom and He will reign over the entire world from Jerusalem (Isa. 9:6-7; 11:1-9; 42:1; Matt. 24:23-51; Rev. 19:11-20:7).

4.           How should we respond to Jesus Christ as God’s King?

II.               The Death of Jesus Christ—Why believe Jesus’ death has redemptive value?

A.   The Awesome Nature of His Death—Did the Creator really die?

1.           It was the Meditation of the Old Testament Prophets (1Pet. 1:10, 11; Luke 24:25-27; Isa. 50:6; 53:4-7; Ps. 22:1, 6-8, 16-18).

2.           It was the Prediction of the Lord Jesus Himself (Matt. 17:22, 23; John 16:16, 17).

3.           It was the Conversation of the Prophets during a Special Visit from Heaven (Luke 9:28-31).

4.           It was the Consideration of the holy Angels (1Pet. 1:12; Eph. 3:10; Matt. 26:53). They watched their celestial Creator experience the horror of slaughter at the hands of wicked men. No doubt they were astonished, and outrage must have flooded their being.

5.           It is the Celebration and Grand Theme Songs of Heavenly Worship (Rev. 5:8-12).

6.           It is the Culmination of Ancient Bible Prophecy (Isa. 53:10-12; Luke 24:25-27; Matt. 26:52-56).

7.           Do you stand in awe of the death of Christ?

B.    The General Scope of His Death—For whom did Christ die?

1.           The Death of Jesus Christ was for the Entire World (Jn. 3:16; 1:29; 1Jn. 2:2; Titus 2:11; 2Pet. 2:1; 3:9; 1Tim. 2:6; 4:10).

2.           The Death of Jesus Christ is Effective for the Elect of God (Jn. 10:26-28; 17:9; 2Tim. 1:9, 10; Eph. 1:4).

3.           The Death of Jesus Christ was for Each Individual Person (Heb. 2:9). Everyone must repent and believe on Christ for a personal salvation experience. Salvation is not automatically bestowed on each person (John 3:14-18).

C.   The Significance of His Death—Why does Jesus’ death matter?

1.           Christ’s Death is Significant because it was Absolutely Necessary (Jn. 3:14-15; Luke 24:46; Acts 4:12).

                                                                   i.            The holiness of God required it (Prov. 15:9, 26; Ps. 7:11; Isa. 59:1, 2; Hab. 1:13; 1Jn. 2:2).

                                                                 ii.            The salvation of man required it (Heb. 9:22-28; 1Cor. 15:3).

2.           Christ’s Death is Significant because of Man’s Exceeding Sinful Condition (Rom. 1:18-32; 3:10-20; Eph. 2:1-5; Ps. 51:5; Gal. 5:19-21).

3.           Christ’s Death is Significant because of its very Nature (Rom. 3:24-26).

                                                                   i.            It was predestined and not an accident (Acts 2:23; 1Pet. 1:20).

                                                                 ii.            It was a sacrifice for all sin (1Cor. 5:7; Isa. 53:10; Heb. 9:14)

                                                              iii.            It was completely voluntary (John 10:17, 18; Heb. 10:5-7).

                                                               iv.            It was propitiatory. It satisfied the righteous demands of God’s holy and righteous nature as the payment for sin (Rom. 3:25; 1Jn. 4:10; 1Pet. 2:24; 3:18).

                                                                 v.            It was redemptive, a ransom (Matt. 20:28; 26:28; Gal. 3:13; 4:4, 5). Note the results of this satisfactory ransom payment to the justice of God (Rom. 8:1-2, 32; 6:18, 22; Jn. 8:32, 36; Gal. 5:1).

                                                               vi.            It was substitutionary (Isa. 53:6; 2Cor. 5:21; 1Pet. 2:24; 3:18).

                                                            vii.            It was a reconciliation (Rom. 5:10; 2Cor. 5:18, 19; Eph. 2:16; Col. 1:20).

4.           Christ’s Death is Significant because of its Results and Achievements.

                                                                   i.            Justification from sin was secured (Rom. 4:24, 25; 5:9).

                                                                 ii.            Reconciliation to God is realized (Rom. 5:10; 2Cor. 5:19).

                                                              iii.            Forgiveness of sin is enjoyed (Eph. 1:7; Col.1:14).

                                                               iv.            Condemnation has evaporated (Rom. 8:33, 34; Jn. 3:18; 5:24).

                                                                 v.            Cleansing from daily sins is provided (1Jn. 1:7, 9).

                                                               vi.            Enslavement to sin’s power is broken (Rom. 6:6).

                                                            vii.            Fear and Intimidation by death is Eliminated (Heb. 2:14, 15; Rom. 8:1-4; Phil. 1:21).

                                                         viii.            Victory over Satan was Established (Heb. 2:14; 1Jn. 3:8; 1Cor. 15:54-57; Rev. 12:9-11).

Conclusion:

As the little chorus goes, “He paid a debt He did not owe, we owed a debt we could not pay.” We have one hope: Forgiveness. And that hope lies in Jesus. No, His life was not meaningless. His was not the futile eruption of an overzealous optimist. He is God, who came to earth and became a man and died in our place. Because of that, we can know God and be with Him forever. How wonderful! What words can we use to say, “Thank You” to God? What can we do to show our appreciation? Giving back to Him the life we owe is the only measure complete enough.

Why do we need to know about the work of the Lord Jesus?

1. If we don’t understand what Jesus accomplished for us, we miss the very meaning of Christianity itself. We miss the very mind of God and intention of the Lord Jesus coming to earth. If we don’t understand that the central purpose in the Lord’s coming was to deliver us from our sin, we miss the whole message of the Bible. We may be blinded into thinking that Jesus was merely a good man who lived an exemplary life which we would do well to model.

2. Because we would have completely misunderstood the intention and strategy of God, we would be useless in helping others deal with the central problem in their lives. We would have a message of goodness to share, but so do many other people. What we need is a message of deliverance, and no one can deliver humanity except the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

3.  If we don’t believe the resurrection is true, then the Lord Jesus cannot be God. He is just another human. The Bible cannot be trusted, and there is no hope for life after death, for divine guidance, or for truth or morality in this life. Human history pivots on the resurrection. If it is true, there is hope: if it is not true, then there is no reason to hope for meaningful earthly existence or life after death.  (M. Anders)

The Burden Bearer

ROMANS 15:1-3

SUBJECT: BUILDING UNITY & FELLOWSHIP

THEME: we are encouraged by the example of our Lord Jesus’ and his servant the Apostle Paul to bear one another's burdens. This kind of consideration for each other and ministry towards one another will forge unity in the church even though it may be ethnically diverse. 

INTRODUCTION:

Sometimes Believers from differing backgrounds find it difficult to respect/relate to each other. This challenge is amplified when their church is comprised of believers from different cultures. The first thirteen verses of Romans 15 continue the subject of the previous chapter—matters of moral indifference–questionable issues. Tensions had arisen between the converts from Judaism and those from paganism, so Paul here pleads for harmonious relations between these Jewish and Gentile Christians, saying, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves” (Rom. 15:1).

Those who are strong (that is, they have full liberty regarding things that are morally indifferent) are not to please themselves by selfishly asserting their rights and freedom. Rather, they should treat their weak brothers with kindness and consideration, making full allowance for their excessive scruples—weak conscious. Paul wisely goes on to say in Romans 15:2, “Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.” This type of selflessness will certainly bridge the cultural divides!  

The principle is this: don’t live to please yourself. Live to please your neighbor, to do him good, to build him up in the walk of faith. This is the Christian approach; we should seek to help, build-up, comfort, and strengthen each other. If we do this, we will forge unity and cooperation in the church regardless of our ethnic backgrounds and cultural moorings. Kindness and consideration will begat the like; other believers in the church will reciprocate!

LESSON:

CONSIDER THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST, THE BURDEN BEARER  

When we catch the heartbeat of Christ and Paul for bearing the burdens of others it will not be long before their example must be translated into our own actions. Our Lord Jesus Christ “came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). His whole life was characterized by helping others and by bearing their burdens. Paul was perhaps the greatest of the apostles. He was so because he had learned to follow Christ, especially in sharing the weaknesses, pains and personal sorrows of others. May the examples left by our Lord and His apostle teach us what it means to truly bear one another’s burdens.

CHRIST FOCUSED ON OTHERS, NOT HIMSELF (Rom. 15:1-3).

Romans 15:3, For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

Christ’s attitude of humility was constantly and consistently expressed in his willingness to forfeit his pleasures or advantages. Our Lord suffered because of his loyalty and commitment to the Father. So much so that those who resented the Father lashed out at Christ who was loyal to Him. Jesus did not live for Himself, but to please His Father. Instead of securing his own advantages or declaring his rights, He bore the reproaches of another. Ultimately our Savior took our complete sin burden on Himself at the cross of Calvary. Note these references to this very matter:

Matt. 8:17, That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

1 Pet. 2:24, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 

2 Cor. 8:9, For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Jesus is the Burden Bearer like no other! It is Christ who took upon himself the sicknesses and physical infirmities of Israel, He bore the sins of the entire world at Calvary, Jesus sacrifice all and every advantage he had to secure a wealthy redemption for you and me! Aren’t you glad he willingly focused on our needs instead of his personal interests? Let us now consider and ponder astutely these simple observations. As a Burden Bearer, Jesus is…

The Supreme Example  

Paul points us to Christ's example in verse 3, “For even Christ pleased not Himself . . .”   And in Verse 5 says’ “be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus.”  Again, in verse 7, “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us….”

Christ has given us the highest example. He lived to please His Father, not Himself. He said, “The reproaches [Criticism] of them that reproached Thee fell on Me” (Ps. 69:9).

This means that He was so completely taken up with God's honor that when men insulted God He took it as a personal insult to Himself.  Christ loved the Father so much that when people cursed God, Jesus felt the pain! Jesus paid a tremendous price to minister to sinful humanity and to satisfy His Father’s will.  It would have been much easier to adopt His own will!  But, he didn’t; He went to Calvary any way! (W. MacDonald)

Paul is appealing to the stronger or mature saints to sacrifice their liberties for the benefit of their weaker brother in Christ. The stronger saint may feel like God is requiring too much and that the sacrifice he is being asked to make is too great.  But here Paul reminds us all that no sacrifice is great in comparison to Calvary where the Son of Glory died for a sinful undeserving world!  The next time you curtail your lifestyle because your actions could be offensive to a weaker Christian, remember the Example of our Lord and sacrifice your liberty to save your brother or sister from a fall.

The Sound Exhortation 

Paul instructs us now to follow our Lord’s Example of unselfishness in Verse 1. When he tells us “to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves,” we began to see how Jesus’ model can shape our behaviors and motives. While anyone can be self-absorbed, consumed with personal interests, and too busy to be bothered with others, Christians are called upon to weave ourselves into the lives of others. The stronger believers are to sense discipleship and mentoring opportunities and seize them unto a fellow believer’s edification. Yes, like a mother must put up with some things to raise her infant properly, so the mentor must put up with the weaknesses of the younger believer to aid his growth. Those who consider themselves strong in faith are to help weaker Christians with their burdens.

True Christian Love Is Not Selfish; Rather it Seeks to Share with Others, and it Seeks the Happiness of Others. It is even willing to carry the younger believer, to help them along with their spiritual development. We should not be merely enduring or tolerating them, we should be encouraging them! Remember anybody can criticize the new convert because they are novice indeed. What are you doing to help them grow and become stronger?  

A Christian’s Spiritual Maturity is Revealed by His Ability to Discern God’s Will, and the Sacrifices He is Willing to Makes for the Benefit of Others. Is he or she willing to temporarily give up his Christian Liberties and Spiritual Rights that others might be helped? Does he/she do this as a blessing and not a burden? Does he/she give up or quit and become cross and impatient with the younger believer?  If we answered these questions honestly, then we know if we are mature or if we are more like babies in the Lord.

    

Think about it…. Just as loving parents make sacrifices for their children, so must the mature believer sacrifice their liberties to help younger Christians grow in the faith. A good father will never tell his hungry young child to go out and earn some money so that he can have bread to eat.  He doesn’t say, “I have a right to eat because I worked for what I have.”  No, he gladly provides for his children the things they need even at his own expense. Often parents will forfeit their higher education, so their children can go to college. They may even be convinced a degree or a higher degree what help them professionally, but instead they opt for their children's future. Good parents may even wear simple inexpensive clothing to ensure their children are properly clothed. Some parents work two jobs to meet their children’s most basic needs. In addition, the children may not even appreciate it until they grow-up themselves, but a good parent will deny themselves certain privileges and rights to help their children. Beloved, the same is true regarding the way mature saint’s treat younger believers. They understand the younger believer needs time and opportunity to grow. 

The Serious Emergency 

There is not a person on earth today who is not hurting or needy in some way. Everyone you and I know has a burden—a heartfelt need. Behind every plastic smile there is a world of burdens that we are struggling and straining to cover up. We don’t want anyone to know our pain…we want to appear strong so that we don’t cause others to stumble. Remember, every set of eyes you will ever gaze into have shed hundreds of tears in secret when no one else but God was watching. That lady who is always smiling at church will one day need a shoulder to cry on. That guy who loves to laugh, cut up, and tell jokes will need encouraging one day.  Our world is in a state of emergency and the disease is “an overdose of hurts and burdens,” and the medicine they need is someone unselfish enough to help when they hurt. Someone to love them and reassure them of God’s great love for them!

Trials and Temptations are the Universal Lot of Us All, and Only Christ Can Give That Measure of Strength Necessary to Overcome Them. (See 1 Cor. 10:13)

1 Cor. 10:13, There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Look to the Lord for that way of escape and the power to endure until the temptation pass. Be assured He will never lead you into a scenario that is more than you can deal with. His grace is sufficient for you and me.

Christians Desperately Need to be Sensitive to the Needs of Others and to Help Bear Another’s Burdens (Rom. 15:1). This is a repeated instruction in the Word.

Gal 6:2, Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

1Thes 5:14, Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

Gal 5:13-14, For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14, For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Because We All Face Similar Trials We May Be Used of God to Help Another overcome a Challenge We Have Previously Experienced Ourselves. That is one reason why God allows us to suffer hardships. We learn to accept His help, strength, and comfort and as a result we can be of aid to someone else. (See 2 Cor. 1:3, 4.)

2 Cor. 1:3-4, Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; [4] Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

God Himself comforts us when life hurts, and He provides fellow comforters among the brethren as we receive His comfort through our personal trials. All of this says that God cares about what hurts you. Many of you know exactly what I mean when I say, “The pain can overwhelm us at times….” We can become confused, perplexed, and our souls ache beyond our ability to express…. We can become lost in our sorrows were it not for the sweet Savior, the Lord Jesus.

So, what is your burden today?

What are some weighty challenges you must bear? Does anyone really care about your burdens? What can we do for each other to assist one another with our various burdens? Does God really care about our problems? 

Consider a bit of encouragement from Mr. Max Lucado,

 “When it comes to the major-league difficulties like death, disease, sin and disaster—you already know that God deeply cares.But what about the smaller things? What about grouchy bosses or flat tires or lost dogs? What about broken dishes, late flights, toothaches, or a crashed hard drive? Do these matter to God? John [the Apostle] added this phrase for you (1Jn. 3:2).
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God,” We really are His children!
As a result, if something is important to you, it's important to God.…  God wants to share your burden . . . .  He wants to Lift Your Burden . . . .
    
Heb. 4:15, For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 

Heb. 4:16, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 

 So, go ahead. Tell God what hurts. Talk to him. He won’t turn you away. He won’t think it’s silly. For our high priest is able to understand our weaknesses. When he lived on earth, he was tempted in every way that we are, but He did not sin. Let us, then, with full assurance come before God’s throne where we can secure grace to help in our time of need . . . when the burden is too heavy to bare alone. . .  When no one else will understand . . . . when your secret is a dark one . . .  Take it to Him who cares and understands.
Does God care about the burdens and little things in our lives? You better believe it.If it matters to you, it matters to him.” (From He Still Moves Stones by Max Lucado)

I have had times when I could not help myself much less anybody else, but in those instances God Himself was faithful to comfort and encourage me when I needed it most. He has used His Word, afforded grace, imparted peace, provided relief, and met the needs! As my Pastor, Dr. Baldwin, says of Jesus, “He is a burden Bearer, and he is a heavy-load Sharer!” Like you, I have also been comforted by precious believers whom God had touched with His encouraging hands. I praise God for my precious wife, Patrice, God has used her repeatedly to comfort and encourage this preacher! Nothing knits people together like enduring painful times together. So, why not become a burden bearer like our Lord for the benefit of the brethren?