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)