Overcoming Our Enemies

Romans 12:9-21

Opposition and Reaction

Source Self Others including Satan (1 Peter 5:8) Things like tragedy, sickness, etc.

Things to remember Can’t always be prevented Comes to all (2 Corinthians 12:9, 10)

Natural Response

Some say they can’t help it We are not “programmed” robots Are to have self control (2 Peter 1:6)

Often react like the world Not born with a “sinful nature.”

(Romans 12:17, 21; Matthew 5:43) Must develop a proper response by

growing

Natural Response

Natural responses of the world Guilt when the enemy is self Resentment when the enemy is another

person Anxiety when the enemy is a “thing,” like

misfortune, illness, etc.

Methods Used

Variety of methods for guilt Payback approach: Balance a bad deed

with a good deed (Ezekiel 33:13) “Poor me” approach: Thinking guilt will go

away by ignoring the problem (Psalm 32) “I’m sick” approach: Postpone resolving the

problem “Not my fault”: Trying to shift the blame and

the guilt (Genesis 3)

Methods Used

Variety of methods for resentment Develop a “better than you” attitude Attempt to “get even” (Genesis 50:15-21) We should overcome evil with good Resentment harms only that individual

Methods Used

Variety of methods for anxiety Put their job first (Luke 12:16-19) God must be first (Matthew 6:33) Adversity builds strength of character

(1 Peter 1:6, 7) Be concerned with proper things

(Deuteronomy 33:25; Philippians 4:6)

Proper Response From God

Trust God He can help (Psalm 32:8-11) Jesus trusted His Father (Matthew 22:44) We can overcome our enemies, even

death, through faith and trust in God (1 Corinthians 15:25, 26)

Proper Response From God

Be like Jesus Imitate Him (Hebrews 2:13; 1 Peter 2:21) Be merciful to our enemies (Matthew 5:43) Take the initiative in solving problems

(Matthew 5:9, 23, 24)

Proper Response From God

Do what is right Heap “coals of fire on his head”

(Romans 12:20) Silences the evildoers (1 Peter 2:12) Consider Jesus (1 Peter 2:23; 4:19) God blesses those who suffer for doing

what is right (1 Peter 5:10)

Conclusion

Are you a friend or enemy of God? (Colossians 1:21; James 4;4)

Cannot overcome Him (Romans 5:8-10)