The LORD'S Compassion for Enemies

What is he saying?

PAIN: Isaiah hurts because of the looming destruction of Moab. The destruction of Moab will be mourned by Isaiah (walk through the passage).

Why is he saying this?

PRIDE: Pride leads to destruction. The pride of Moab will be manifested as impotent (powerless)

not worthy of trust (, )

What is the point (principle)?

PITIFUL: Mankind is pitifully untrustworthy. The word of the LORD should be trusted as opposed to falling, pitiful mankind.

What’s the FCF?

PROBLEM: Mankind has a nature that is self-serving. The response of Isaiah is especially convicting. His response is so counter-human that it reveals our indifference towards enemies (those we deem worthy of destruction).

How does this passage bring us to Christ (i.e. faith in Christ)

PERFECTION: Jesus Christ accomplishes this compassion perfectly. In the life of Christ we observe his compassion on people who often rejected Him:

How does Christ’s finished work enable us to obey this imperative?

POSSIBILITY: Christ delivers us from self-centered, ego-driven living. His life models this righteousness, His death confirms this truth. His Resurrection makes this kind of living possible for those who are His.

First, we were enemies ,

Second, we were hating one another -

Third, he has saved us so that we could live righteously - ,

Fourth, the Christian is able to

How does this apply?

PRACTICALITY: What Christ has enabled us to accomplish needs to be specific. We can love our enemies.

Parents of young children - Don't make decisions that are always advantageous for you and for your families' advancement in society. Living to love, as we have been loved, will cost us faith in the Lord and self-promotion. If it is a decision that undermines the supremacy of Christ....

Working Class People - You are tired, hard-working people. The good news is that Christ has fully equipped you to love the person who doesn't deserve your kindness. It's the person who uses you as the platform her his/her image. It's the person who takes the longer breaks and who works the least. It's the person who make excuses for everything. When you see them go through a tragedy, your heart should not say, "They deserved that" but rather "I mourn" at your destruction."

Retirees/Grandparents - Missions is one of the most practical ways to help children become conscious about God's love for the unreached. Speak of it. Involve them in trips. Give them finances to be able to go. Go yourself!

Unbeliever - Note the compassion of the LORD. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. How can you deny such kindness. The Lord is the just Judge of all the earth. We are all sinners against God. In spite of this, God has offered a Substitution. Why not receive Jesus now?

Christian Husbands/Wives - Is there an active effort in your life to build relationships with those who will be eternally lost? You have been given a burden. Live out this holy desire.