Message Notes
Look Back
What steps did you take this week to act more like a positive change agent (salty) and less of an irritating distraction (sandy)?
Look Up
Read Romans 12:17-21
- What specifically does the author, Paul, tell us “not” to do in these verses and why? How easy is it for you to accept and apply this teaching in your daily life?
- Try to put verse 19 in your own words. Does this verse comfort or challenge you?
- What does verse 20 say to do when we see an “enemy” in need. Have you ever done anything like this? If so, what was the result? If not, what holds you back?
- What warning is given in verse 21? What does this verse say is the solution and how does this reinforce what Paul teaches in the prior verses?
Read Matthew 5:38-45 & Galatians 5:22-23
- How are the situations Jesus describes in these verses similar to, or different from what Paul describes in Romans 12? Which example given by Jesus in these verses is hardest for you to understand, accept and apply? Why?
- What does it look like to show love to someone who has not treated you with respect? What role does the Holy Spirit play in shaping your response?
- How important is it for you to be known as a “child” of God? How easy is it for you to act as a child of God by “loving” your enemies?
Overall (Discovery Bible Study)
- What do these scriptures say about God?
- What do they say about people?
- How will I apply this to my life?
Look Ahead
Where in your life can you redirect controlling behavior by demonstrating radical Kingdom love?
Notes
Jesus invites us to respond to “evil” differently – not with weakness, but with restraint. Not with payback, but with purpose. Every time we choose love over hate, grace over revenge, generosity over pride we are revealing the kingdom of God. Giving others what they do not deserve also exposes their attitude and demonstrates kingdom strength. Going the extra mile forces those who use power to control to see us with a radically different perspective. Turning the other cheek is not weakness, it is courage and nonviolent confrontation. It shifts the power dynamics from escalation to influence. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are powerful tools in shaping our response to evil. Self-control, patience and kindness are essential if we are to show radical love to our “enemies”.
