Gentleness is a Game Changer
Pastor Aaron Morris
The Choices That Change Every Situation • Sermon • Submitted
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Transcript
Welcome
Today’s Passage
How to connect
How can we pray for you
Pastor Available at the Back After the Service
SHARE:
Picture the typical holiday table at your house. If you could change one dish, what would it be?
Picture the typical holiday table at your house. If you could change one dish, what would it be?
Connect
A relevant illustration or story to hook interest in today’s idea
SERIES INTRODUCTION
We all face situations that overwhelm us. The problems are too big and the resources are too small. We feel stuck in conflict, stuck in neutral, or stuck with our own limitations. What if there was a choice you could make that could change every situation. We are discovering the 4 choices that can change every situation.
Ultimately it is about focusing on the one thing in our situation we can control: us. We are really looking at how we change us in our situation.
RECAP PREVIOUS WEEKS IN SERIES
Choosing GRACE means that neither I nor you have to be enough for this situation.
Choosing GRACE means that neither I nor you have to be enough for this situation.
CONNECT THIS WEEK’S MESSAGE
Gentleness is our choice this week that can change the situation for you.
Gentleness is strength under control.
Do you remember the image used for gentleness? A horse.
EXPLORE
PRIMARY SCRIPTURE
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 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.
UNDERSTANDING THE CONTEXT OF THE SCRIPTURE
Presupposition: Gentleness reflects the character of Christ.
Presupposition: Gentleness reflects the character of Christ.
MAIN IDEA
Transition from scripture to main idea
THE MAIN THING:
Gentleness can turn opposition into an opportunity.
Gentleness can turn opposition into an opportunity.
Explore the Main Idea
SHARE:
This is a fundamental truth about you. Share your first reaction.
This is a fundamental truth about you. Share your first reaction.
You are wrong.
You are wrong.
1. Gentleness can interrupt the conflict cycle.
1. Gentleness can interrupt the conflict cycle.
Text
1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
SHARE:
Name someone that you you almost never see get angry.
Name someone that you you almost never see get angry.
2. Gentleness can turn an adversary into an ally.
2. Gentleness can turn an adversary into an ally.
We have to overcome our need to win.
1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct.
3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
Example: the centurion.
SHARE:
Who has seen your worst in conflict?
Who has seen your worst in conflict?
3. Gentleness can turn a bystander into a witness.
3. Gentleness can turn a bystander into a witness.
There are always eyes on you
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
Example: the thief on the cross
SHARE:
4. Gentleness can turn a battle into a blessing.
4. Gentleness can turn a battle into a blessing.
Text
8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 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.
Coming Back to the Main Thing
Gentleness can turn opposition into an opportunity.
Gentleness can turn opposition into an opportunity.
Bring to Primary Application
1. Slow down
1. Slow down
2. Shut your mouth
2. Shut your mouth
3. Show Compassion
3. Show Compassion
4. Serve
4. Serve
Lead Application to Commitment
Commitment steps
Invitation
Announcements and Service Closing