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Explore methods to overcome opposition and reaction from self, others, and external forces. Understand natural responses and develop proper reactions. Learn how to deal with guilt, resentment, and anxiety with a biblical perspective. Discover the proper response from God and ways to imitate Jesus in handling adversaries and challenges.
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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)