Romans 12:14 - Cameron Jungels - Wed. PM, July 16, 2014

“Blessing Your Persecutors” (Romans 12:14)

^{Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Wed PM/July 16, 2014} 

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (Romans 12:14, NIV)

1.       The Circumstances of Persecution 

2.      The Response to Persecution 

a.      A self-control that does not respond in kind with curses or ill-will or violence. 

b.      A willingness to offer blessing to our persecutors.

 “Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:60, NIV)

“We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;” (1 Corinthians 4:12, NIV)

3.      The Teaching and Example of Christ in Persecution 

a.      Jesus’ Teaching

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10–12, NIV)

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” (Matthew 5:44, NIV)

“bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:28, NIV)

b.      Jesus’ Example 

c.       A Call to Walk in His Steps

“But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:20–23, NIV) 

 

4.      The Motivation for the Proper Response in Persecution 

a.      A supreme love for God, his truth and his glorious name. 

b.      A genuine love for other people, including our enemies. 

c.       A faith that believes in deferred, final justice from God. 

d.      A grace that transforms our hearts to be capable of doing what would otherwise be humanly impossible.