1 Peter
Notes
Transcript
Doing what is Good
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
Commands that God gives us to our opposers and to each other.
“Like-minded”
Understand where they are coming from.
“Be Sympathetic”
Don’t judge others without knowing the entire picture.
Many people come from different backgrounds and not everyone is the same.
“Love one another”
In our tone, in our motives, In our hearts
Why do you talk to others? To love them? Or to win an argument?
“Be Compassionate”
Relate to them in certain ways.
Make connections with each other.
“Humble”
Don’t be prideful.
Have a humble tone, not a “Perfect righteousness” tone.
The acronym KNT is a way we can think about what we say to others.
Kindness has to do with our hearts.
Necessary has to do with the importance of the statement.
Truth has to do with the importance of reality.
You must think before you speak.
If it goes wrong in that situation
Don’t “repay evil with evil.” or “Don’t “insult with insult”.
The Old Testiment did say in Exodus 21:24 “Eye for an Eye.”
However, Jesus said “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” [1]
Meaning we should allow them to sin against us so they might one day be convicted and saved or on the final day of judgement have no excuse for their evil.
Instead…
“Repay evil with blessing.”
It’s not a metaphor for something else.
Take this literally!
Take time to bless them and show love to them.
“Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you”. [2]
Forgive everyone, not just believers!
“May inherit a blessing.”
We might be given an earthy gift, or a heavenly gift so don’t look at it as pointless.
Our Faith and Trust in God is being Tested and he will gift you for how great your faithfulness is.
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” [3]
In conclusion do…
What is right and remain faithful.
What God says and you will be blessed.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly father, I thank you today for speaking through me and using me for your glory. Lord we knowledge that your word is truth, and we believe the greatest command you gave us is to “love others,” lord. We thank you for the truth because without you we wouldn’t understand how to “love others” without a selfish motive or a prideful thought. Lord, we thank you for the blessings you give us for remaining faithful even though you don’t have to give us anything for following the basics of your word lord. We praise your heavenly name Lord, Amen.
[1] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Mt 5:39.
[2] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Col 3:13.
[3] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Mt 5:10.