John 15:20 “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you...” 2

Radical LoveRomans 12:14-21

John 15:20 “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you...”

2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

Life in a Hostile World

• Seek our enemy’s salvation– by praying for them (v14)– by caring about them (v15)– by serving them (v20)


Luke 6:27–29 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either...”


Romans 5:8,10 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us... For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

What about imprecatory

Psalms?Psalm 109May his days be few; may another take his office! May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow!... Let there be none to extend kindness to him, nor any to pity his fatherless children!... He loved to curse; let curses come upon him! He did not delight in blessing; may it be far from him!


Psalms?• Progressive revelation–David: Justice is good...– Jesus: Salvation is better!

Ezekiel 33:11 ...‘As I live!’ declares the Lord God, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live...’


Psalms?• Progressive revelation–David: Justice is good...– Jesus: Salvation is better!

1 Timothy 2:3–4 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.


• Seek our enemy’s salvation– by praying for them (v14)– by caring about them (v15)– by serving them (v20)


• Seek our enemy’s salvation• Present a united front (v16)

John 17:20–21 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.


• Seek our enemy’s salvation• Present a united front (v16)• Model integrity and peace– Be an example of good (v17b)


• Seek our enemy’s salvation• Present a united front (v16)• Model integrity and peace– Be an example of good (v17b)

2 Corinthians 8:20–21 ...taking precaution so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift; for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.


• Seek our enemy’s salvation• Present a united front (v16)• Model integrity and peace– Be an example of good (v17b)– Be a peacemaker (v18)


• Seek our enemy’s salvation• Present a united front (v16)• Model integrity and peace• Be patient (v17a,19)

Documents

John 15:20 “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you...” 2