Make no mistake! Jesus said so!
Love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in heaven!
He causes sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
A. Who is God’s enemy?
1. Jesus believer’s persecutors! Ac.5:38-39
Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go!
For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men;
you will only find yourselves fighting against God. Ac.5:38-39
2. Those choose to be a friend of the world! James 4:4
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?
Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
3. The best example is the repented prodigal Son!
The son said to his father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight:
I am no more worthy to be called thy son. Lk.15:21
4. Believers who eat idol worshiped food! 1Cor.8:12
When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.
5. You were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. Col.1:21
6. We all were God’s enemies! Ro.5:9-10
B. This is how God love his enemy!
1. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Ro.5:8
2. Since we have now been justified by his blood,
how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! Ro.5:9
3. For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son,
how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Ro.5:10
4. Everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. Jn.3:15
5. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Jn.3:16
6. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but to save the world through him. Jn.3:17
7. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life,
but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him. Jn.3:36
8. He who believes and is baptized will be saved. He who believes not will be condemned! Mk.16:16
C. This is how God love his enemy!
1. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive
out demons and perform many miracles?' Matt.7:22
Then I will tell them plainly: I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers! Matt.7:23
2. Then the king told the attendants: Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness,
where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' Matt.22:13
3. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness,
where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' Matt.25:30
4. Then he will say to those on his left: Depart from me, you who are cursed,
into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Matt.25:41
D. God tells us how to love our enemy!
1. Love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you! Matt.5:44
2. If you don't have a gun, sell your clothes and buy one. Lk.22:36-38
3. 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. Ro.12:20
***(The Key is this!) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Ro.12:21
***Murder is evil! Kill the one try to kill you is good! Police will come to help clean up for you!
E. Conclusion:
1. Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect! Matt.5:48
2. Make sure your life is hidden with Christ in God. Col.3:3
3. Be a life time member of the church of Christ! Ac.2:47, Re.14:13
May the Lord bless you and keep you always! Preach this June 9, 2019.