Friday Night Sermon --> 2 Cor 02-09-01

ISDAMan

02-10-01, 01:54 AM

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Friday
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What
I've Learned Part 2</TD>
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Part
7 Of A Study In 2 Corinthians</TD>
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So, there's still more of what I've learned to talk about here. I
hope you all know that I'm still learning just as you. If any of us
ever thinks that "we've arrived" in the sense if
Christianity, there's really trouble. I think that there are some
very important concepts here that we need to really look more into
before we move on.

If you'll notice, it's interesting that Paul might be aware that
there are those that have been against him, however, he is not overly
concerned with their actions. It's always important to remember that,
in any situation, the only person you can control is yourself. In any
argument or fight, there is a struggle for control. The proper
Christian view is that we, ourselves, need to be yielding control
over to the Holy Spirit. This, in turn, is how we have victory in
conflict. The aspect of turning the other cheek is not one of turning
a blind eye to the things that others do to us. One that turns the
other cheek is one that is aware that it is only God that is Holy and
Just and it is He who will take revenge without fail. This is a truth
that cuts right across my personal grain. I am not one to take a slap
in the face and not retaliate. That's true of me in most any personal
attack. I'm not interested in hurting the other person as they have
hurt me. Rather, I'm interested in making sure the person knows that
attacking me is not worth their while. I'm not fairly quick to anger
but, once you've earned it, you're going to get it. Though there is a
time to fight, even as the Scriptures tell us, there is often a
better way. In life, I am still facing the challenging test of making
the correct choices in when to and when not to fight. Thought it
pains me to actually do it, I would really have to say that waiting,
being patient, trusting God first, and not retaliating is always the
first million and a half attempts I should make.

Why is it so very hard then?!?!?!?!

Foolish Pride is the answer!!!!!!

Thought I may not have the same pride as the common sinner that's
just looking to assert myself over someone else at their expense, I
do have the pride of thinking that there is a limit that I will not
be brought down to by some other person. When you really think about
it, if God is for you who can be against you? However, it's not
possible for that kind of thinking to pop into one's head once the
decision is made to head down the road of self. I'm using myself as
an example here because I know we've all faced this. I hope that my
personal experience will be of good instruction to you.

Looking at Paul, he had shed the old man of self! He didn't pretend
that he wasn't under attack. He wasn't in denial. The man was
proactive! He attacked the problem without attacking the people.
This, I know how to do so long as my emotions aren't involved. Paul
simply knew what was more important to him and that the real danger
was in not following the example of Christ. I'll tell you, Christ's
example is a hard one. Those without God think us to be foolish to
strive to be equal to a standard that does not lift and serve the
self. Wishing we could follow better isn't going to cut it! When we
find ourselves in these interpersonal trials, we should not look to
God to give us some special direction in how to deal with it. Rather,
we should look back on what Christ has already shown us in how to
deal with theses situations and, in that manner, if it be the will of
God, He will give us a special direction. If we cannot follow what we
are first given, we will not get more. I want more. I also want it
all now. God does not deliver that way. Satan does. Therefor, I must
choose between patience and perfection or instant gratification and
future suffering. How often is it that our aggression can lead to a
drawing together? We need to realize that, if we do take up the
fight, the cost is high. That does not speak to whether or not it is
worthwhile, simply that it is high. A meteorite could fall out of the
sky and kill that person tomorrow. In choosing to fight, we also
choose to cast that person off without a witness of God's Mercy. It's
like choosing life or death for them. Remember being told that we are
small "g" gods. This is it in action. I'm sure that most,
if not all of you, that I am writing to, have never purposefully
chosen to end the life of another. Choosing to fight instead of
witness not far away. Don't believe me? Try the words of Jesus:

(Mt 5:21-22) NIV

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, `Do not
murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I
tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to
judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, `Raca,' is
answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, `You fool!' will be
in danger of the fire of hell."

Here's the point in my life when I have recently failed. God has told
us to be Holy as He is Holy. One of the aspects of His Holiness is
mercy. Just because someone has more than truly earned my wrath, does
that mean that I should deliver upon it? {INSERT DEVIOUS SMILE AND
LAUGHTER HERE} Times like these are times when I get to exercise my
Faith in God that He will stick to His Word and both, deliver me from
my oppressors and be the one to deal with whatever vengeance needs to
be enacted. Times like these are times when I get to be like God and
execute mercy even though justice is deserved. Times like these just
happened and I didn't cut it. I chose justice. Is it good to stand up
for your rights? Sure it is. Is it always the best thing to do? No,
not always! Sometimes you can stand up for your rights and attack the
problem without attacking the person. It's hard to witness to someone
you just pummeled. It's easy to forget that a sinner is going to act
like a sinner. Lying, cheating, back stabbing, disrespect, and a host
of other sins come as naturally as breathing to those without God.
What should come more naturally to us is the understanding that they
don't understand any other way than to be evil. For their sakes,
mercy, more often than not, is the best choice of action. I think
Jesus gave a perfect example in: 

(Mt 18:21-22) NIV

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall
I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

He basically said that you should go out of your way to forgive with
the understanding that there is a time for justice that should be far
away. You're not even required to be the one to act upon it. There's
also more to learn from this verse than we'll not get into today.
Just so you know, when there does come that time for justice, like
when Jesus had to clean house in the Temple {AKA. Put The Smack Down!!!},

(Mk 11:15-17) NIV

On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began
driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned
the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling
doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the
temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not
written: 

"`My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'?
But you have made it `a den of robbers.'"

there is a limit to how far you should go. Christ did not chase them
out into the streets and out of town. He merely put them in their
place, which was to no longer disrespect the house of the Lord. In
other words, He did not hold a grudge. They still had their free will
to sin. They just couldn't sin there!

So, how do we deal with these people?

(Ex 23:4-5) NIV

"If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, be
sure to take it back to him. If you see the donkey of someone who
hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure
you help him with it.

Sounds easy but, it's not. It takes effort and here's one reason why
you need to do it (not to mention pleasing God). 

(Pr 28:18) NIV

He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are
perverse will suddenly fall.

What does a blameless walk look like?

(Ro 12:14-21) NIV

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with
those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with
one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people
of low position. Do not be conceited.Do not repay anyone evil for
evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it
is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with
everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's
wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will
repay," says the Lord. 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." Do not be
overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

(Mt 5:43-48) NIV

43"You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate
your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who
persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He
causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on
the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you,
what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than
others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your
heavenly Father is perfect.

(Eph 4:29 - 5:2) NIV

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only
what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that
it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of
God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of
all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with
every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators
of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love,
just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant
offering and sacrifice to God.

You are not alone. You have a friend in this even if everyone you
know, trust, and love turns against you.

(Ex 23:20-22) NIV

"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the
way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. Pay attention to
him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not
forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. If you listen
carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy
to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you.

I thank God that I am learning. I hope that I have been a help to you
all. Remember to pray for me if you would. I shall do the same for
you. God has been working on my though it's slow in sinking in. Just
the other night, as He calmed me, He gave me a wonderful new song.
When I record it, I'll have to make an mp3 for you. Sister KK, you
know you'll get a tape :-) For now, here are the words I have so far.

<HR ALIGN=JUSTIFY WIDTH="100%" SIZE="2">


Sometimes in the night,

when My feelings aren't right

I grow cold and I don't know,

if I'll see the light

Jesus is there and I know He's aware

I've got fears

I've got dreams,

that I'm too scared to share

Sometimes when I'm cold

I just wish I could hear,

"Let me hold you!"

Being a man is so hard

can I get it right?

I hope and I pray

Am I soft if I say I cry?

No,... Jesus says, "I Love You!"

Slow me down and,

Don't let me rush away

I want to be your family man

One day if I can Lord

My strength is not my might

Teach me Lord

not to fight

I see the ears,

that litter the walkway

of all the places I have been.

Despite my righteous indignation

I should have kept,

my sword in

Teach me Lord

not to fight.

Even when I am right

<HR ALIGN=JUSTIFY WIDTH="100%" SIZE="2">


1 John 4:16, NIV

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love.
Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

ISDAMan

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