HOW TO RESPOND

Dining with Jesus Christian Episodes

THIS IS TABLE ROCK FELLOWSHIP – PASTOR RYAN LADEN

How to Respond

In our study of Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount for today we read more about how we are called to respond to those who challenge and try us in this life. Listen to the teaching that the Lord gave to you in the following passage:

“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.”

Matthew 5:38-48 NIV-11

Not Easy

Let me start by saying the obvious, this is not easy.

Loving your enemies?

Praying for those who persecute you?

Loving those who do not love us in return?

This kind of response to those who bring us pain, heartbreak, trial, and challenge is not something that any one of us can do in our own strength. We do not have the internal fortitude and capacity to step outside of our humanity and reverse what seems like a tidal wave of anger, hate, and bitterness toward our enemies and persecutors.

Not Self-Help

This is not a self-help message from Jesus Christ. We are not able to respond to hate with love or persecution with prayer unless we are submitting our hearts to the Lord and seeking to walk with his Spirit. Listen to the message given by the Apostle Paul in the following:

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:15-17

Check Yourself

· Are you willing to submit your anger and bitterness to the peace of Christ?

· Are you willing to be in the message of the Bible (Word) often enough that it is dwelling in you?

· Are you willing to be taught and admonished by other believers in Jesus so that you can step away from the response of retaliation and anger?

· Are you willing to sing praise to the Lord, lifting up his truth and glory in your times of struggle and doubt?

· Are you willing to submit your words and actions to the Lord as acts of worship?

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
I am in need of your strength
as I face challenges and trials.
I do not want to follow the way of my attacker.
I do not want to mirror evil.
Help me submit to you daily.
Help me make time for your word
and to give you the worship you deserve.
Thank you for never giving up on me.
I love you, Lord.

In Christ,

Ryan Laden

OUR MISSION AS A CHURCH

“TO ENCOURAGE AND EQUIP EACH OTHER IN LOVE TO KNOW JESUS AND MAKE HIM KNOWN”

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