1 00:00:01,220 --> 00:00:03,718 If you open your Bibles with me 2 00:00:03,718 --> 00:00:12,871 to Romans 12:17. 3 00:00:12,871 --> 00:00:23,280 Romans 12:17 4 00:00:23,280 --> 00:00:26,905 If you've ever responded in haste; 5 00:00:26,905 --> 00:00:28,342 maybe said something 6 00:00:28,342 --> 00:00:30,921 or sent an email or a text; 7 00:00:30,921 --> 00:00:34,279 or perhaps posted something on social media 8 00:00:34,279 --> 00:00:36,732 that you later regretted, 9 00:00:36,732 --> 00:00:42,321 this sermon has application. 10 00:00:42,321 --> 00:00:45,077 These verses come in a section of Romans 11 00:00:45,077 --> 00:00:48,119 that deals with Christian living 12 00:00:48,119 --> 00:00:51,480 on how we are to react 13 00:00:51,480 --> 00:00:53,329 towards people. 14 00:00:53,329 --> 00:00:56,592 And here when people treat us in a certain way, 15 00:00:56,592 --> 00:01:00,529 how we are to react towards them. 16 00:01:00,529 --> 00:01:04,219 So, do you remain seated? Stand? 17 00:01:04,219 --> 00:01:09,809 Okay, I'll read Romans 12:17-18 18 00:01:09,809 --> 00:01:15,994 and then we'll pray. 19 00:01:15,994 --> 00:01:20,046 "Repay no one evil for evil, 20 00:01:20,046 --> 00:01:23,277 but give thought to do what is honorable 21 00:01:23,277 --> 00:01:25,388 in the sight of all. 22 00:01:25,388 --> 00:01:29,421 If possible, so far as it depends on you, 23 00:01:29,421 --> 00:01:32,114 live peaceably with all." 24 00:01:32,114 --> 00:01:33,645 I'll read that again. 25 00:01:33,645 --> 00:01:36,764 "Repay no one evil for evil, 26 00:01:36,764 --> 00:01:40,194 but give thought to do what is honorable 27 00:01:40,194 --> 00:01:42,136 in the sight of all. 28 00:01:42,136 --> 00:01:46,638 If possible, so far as it depends on you, 29 00:01:46,638 --> 00:01:49,078 live peaceably with all." 30 00:01:49,078 --> 00:01:52,859 Let's pray. 31 00:01:52,859 --> 00:01:54,607 Our Father, as we look together 32 00:01:54,607 --> 00:01:57,588 at Your Word now, 33 00:01:57,588 --> 00:01:59,357 we pray that You would teach us 34 00:01:59,357 --> 00:02:02,042 by Your Spirit how to live lives holy, 35 00:02:02,042 --> 00:02:04,033 lives set apart for You; 36 00:02:04,033 --> 00:02:05,764 to live for Your glory, 37 00:02:05,764 --> 00:02:07,680 for Your name's sake. 38 00:02:07,680 --> 00:02:10,335 Help us, we ask, in Jesus' name, 39 00:02:10,335 --> 00:02:14,580 Amen. 40 00:02:14,580 --> 00:02:20,187 Okay, so if someone mistreats you as a Christian, 41 00:02:20,187 --> 00:02:22,837 or even goes out of their way 42 00:02:22,837 --> 00:02:24,688 to harm you, 43 00:02:24,688 --> 00:02:28,478 what is your reaction supposed to be? 44 00:02:28,478 --> 00:02:31,125 How are we as Christians 45 00:02:31,125 --> 00:02:33,371 called to react when someone 46 00:02:33,371 --> 00:02:36,839 does something evil towards you? 47 00:02:36,839 --> 00:02:39,705 And that is what these verses deal with now. 48 00:02:39,705 --> 00:02:43,613 The first principle the apostle lays out 49 00:02:43,613 --> 00:02:47,203 in regards to this here in v. 17 of our text, 50 00:02:47,203 --> 00:02:51,635 is repay no one evil for evil. 51 00:02:51,635 --> 00:02:53,701 In other words, don't just retaliate 52 00:02:53,701 --> 00:02:58,086 and strike back in whatever way. 53 00:02:58,086 --> 00:03:01,242 You see, the reason Paul, no doubt, 54 00:03:01,242 --> 00:03:04,881 begins with this what is a guiding principle, 55 00:03:04,881 --> 00:03:07,724 is because the natural instinct 56 00:03:07,724 --> 00:03:09,219 when someone treats you 57 00:03:09,219 --> 00:03:11,921 in what you perceive to be an evil way; 58 00:03:11,921 --> 00:03:15,686 the natural instinct is to want to strike back 59 00:03:15,686 --> 00:03:17,070 and get even. 60 00:03:17,070 --> 00:03:20,572 How dare they treat me in such a way! 61 00:03:20,572 --> 00:03:24,511 Now, I want to show you how this is linked 62 00:03:24,511 --> 00:03:27,204 to the previous verse there. 63 00:03:27,204 --> 00:03:30,143 At the end of the previous verse (v. 16), 64 00:03:30,143 --> 00:03:34,215 we are told, "Never be wise in your own sight." 65 00:03:34,215 --> 00:03:38,701 Or never be wise in your own estimation of yourself. 66 00:03:38,701 --> 00:03:41,776 That is basically another way of saying, 67 00:03:41,776 --> 00:03:44,296 "Do not think more highly of yourself 68 00:03:44,296 --> 00:03:46,259 than you ought to." 69 00:03:46,259 --> 00:03:48,403 Think about this. 70 00:03:48,403 --> 00:03:51,015 When someone has an overinflated opinion 71 00:03:51,015 --> 00:03:53,413 of themselves, 72 00:03:53,413 --> 00:03:56,515 they are always going to be easily offended 73 00:03:56,515 --> 00:03:58,139 at the slightest thing 74 00:03:58,139 --> 00:04:00,076 and ready to lash out. 75 00:04:00,076 --> 00:04:03,680 The instinctive reaction is always going to be, 76 00:04:03,680 --> 00:04:06,356 "How dare they treat me that way!" 77 00:04:06,356 --> 00:04:11,159 And instinctively lash out with vengeance. 78 00:04:11,159 --> 00:04:15,064 James 3 from verse 13 puts it this way: 79 00:04:15,064 --> 00:04:18,471 "Who is wise and understanding among you? 80 00:04:18,471 --> 00:04:21,477 By his good conduct, let him show his works 81 00:04:21,477 --> 00:04:23,502 in meekness and wisdom. 82 00:04:23,502 --> 00:04:25,333 But if you have bitter jealousy 83 00:04:25,333 --> 00:04:28,915 and selfish ambition in your hearts, 84 00:04:28,915 --> 00:04:32,809 do not boast and be false to the truth. 85 00:04:32,809 --> 00:04:35,750 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, 86 00:04:35,750 --> 00:04:38,831 but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 87 00:04:38,831 --> 00:04:42,612 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, 88 00:04:42,612 --> 00:04:45,980 there will be disorder and every vile practice. 89 00:04:45,980 --> 00:04:48,415 But the wisdom from above is first pure, 90 00:04:48,415 --> 00:04:51,764 then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, 91 00:04:51,764 --> 00:04:53,828 full of mercy and good fruits, 92 00:04:53,828 --> 00:04:56,851 impartial, and sincere. 93 00:04:56,851 --> 00:04:58,462 And a harvest of righteousness 94 00:04:58,462 --> 00:05:02,507 is sown in peace by those who make peace." 95 00:05:02,507 --> 00:05:06,530 You see, in order to react right, 96 00:05:06,530 --> 00:05:09,538 we've got to get our thinking right. 97 00:05:09,538 --> 00:05:11,576 If our wisdom, if our thinking 98 00:05:11,576 --> 00:05:14,248 is clouded by bitterness and jealousy 99 00:05:14,248 --> 00:05:16,306 or selfish ambition - 100 00:05:16,306 --> 00:05:18,052 there's nothing wrong, by the way, 101 00:05:18,052 --> 00:05:20,630 with ambition in and of itself. 102 00:05:20,630 --> 00:05:22,460 Someone can be ambitious 103 00:05:22,460 --> 00:05:23,978 for the glory of God. 104 00:05:23,978 --> 00:05:26,525 But selfish ambition is the problem. 105 00:05:26,525 --> 00:05:31,098 But when you are ambitious 106 00:05:31,098 --> 00:05:34,214 in whatever way for the glory of self, 107 00:05:34,214 --> 00:05:35,816 well, when all these things 108 00:05:35,816 --> 00:05:38,304 are clouding your mind, 109 00:05:38,304 --> 00:05:41,076 you're not going to react in the right way. 110 00:05:41,076 --> 00:05:43,478 So, one of the guiding principles 111 00:05:43,478 --> 00:05:47,892 that the apostle began with, of course, in chapter 12 112 00:05:47,892 --> 00:05:50,215 is do not be conformed to the mindset 113 00:05:50,215 --> 00:05:52,330 of this fallen world. 114 00:05:52,330 --> 00:05:54,824 So we really have it again here. 115 00:05:54,824 --> 00:05:58,752 You see, if our thinking is wrong, 116 00:05:58,752 --> 00:06:00,756 we're going to react wrong. 117 00:06:00,756 --> 00:06:04,442 If one has an overinflated opinion of oneself, 118 00:06:04,442 --> 00:06:07,402 then that person is going to be easily offended 119 00:06:07,402 --> 00:06:10,939 and see everything as a personal attack. 120 00:06:10,939 --> 00:06:12,387 And if someone treats you 121 00:06:12,387 --> 00:06:14,668 in what you perceive to be an evil way, 122 00:06:14,668 --> 00:06:17,257 your instinct is going to be instinctively 123 00:06:17,257 --> 00:06:21,230 to lash out in whatever way to get revenge. 124 00:06:21,230 --> 00:06:27,460 Well, the Christian is not to be in that way 125 00:06:27,460 --> 00:06:29,917 Paul states there. 126 00:06:29,917 --> 00:06:31,364 Think of this in another way. 127 00:06:31,364 --> 00:06:35,100 Imagine if the Lord treated us that way. 128 00:06:35,100 --> 00:06:37,342 Imagine if His response 129 00:06:37,342 --> 00:06:40,340 after we treated Him evil was just to lash out. 130 00:06:40,340 --> 00:06:42,139 None of us would be here. 131 00:06:42,139 --> 00:06:43,806 We'd all be in hell. 132 00:06:43,806 --> 00:06:46,280 So, that's the negative part here. 133 00:06:46,280 --> 00:06:47,710 What not to do. 134 00:06:47,710 --> 00:06:50,332 But then, in the next part of the verse, 135 00:06:50,332 --> 00:06:54,294 Paul tells us what to do instead. 136 00:06:54,294 --> 00:06:56,351 He says, "But give thought 137 00:06:56,351 --> 00:06:57,881 to what is honorable 138 00:06:57,881 --> 00:07:01,203 in the sight of all men." 139 00:07:01,203 --> 00:07:03,267 You see, this is what we are to do. 140 00:07:03,267 --> 00:07:05,925 "Give thought to what is honorable 141 00:07:05,925 --> 00:07:08,056 in the sight of all men." 142 00:07:08,056 --> 00:07:11,771 The ESV translates this quite beatifully. 143 00:07:11,771 --> 00:07:14,660 In case anyone is reading from 144 00:07:14,660 --> 00:07:16,573 the old King James, 145 00:07:16,573 --> 00:07:19,015 I must point out that that translation 146 00:07:19,015 --> 00:07:20,935 renders this verse: 147 00:07:20,935 --> 00:07:24,883 "Provide things honest in the sight of all men." 148 00:07:24,883 --> 00:07:28,869 Which is okay if you're living in the 17th century, 149 00:07:28,869 --> 00:07:30,222 and you're one of the people 150 00:07:30,222 --> 00:07:32,061 that translation was intended for, 151 00:07:32,061 --> 00:07:34,888 but it makes absolutely no sense 152 00:07:34,888 --> 00:07:37,894 in the way we would use the word "provide" today. 153 00:07:37,894 --> 00:07:39,824 You see, back in the 17th century, 154 00:07:39,824 --> 00:07:41,644 the word "provide" actually meant 155 00:07:41,644 --> 00:07:44,406 to take thought beforehand. 156 00:07:44,406 --> 00:07:46,398 To think ahead. 157 00:07:46,398 --> 00:07:49,239 Hence, why the ESV translates this, 158 00:07:49,239 --> 00:07:52,313 "But give thought to do..." 159 00:07:52,313 --> 00:07:54,240 You see, the idea here 160 00:07:54,240 --> 00:07:56,849 is when someone treats you 161 00:07:56,849 --> 00:08:00,452 in what you perceive to be in a bad or evil way, 162 00:08:00,452 --> 00:08:03,819 don't respond by instantly lashing out 163 00:08:03,819 --> 00:08:07,495 in revenge, but take thought. 164 00:08:07,495 --> 00:08:10,847 Think it through is the idea. 165 00:08:10,847 --> 00:08:13,113 And when it says in the next part 166 00:08:13,113 --> 00:08:15,341 that you are to give thought to do 167 00:08:15,341 --> 00:08:19,446 what is honorable in the sight of all, 168 00:08:19,446 --> 00:08:23,885 again, the ESV really gets the idea, I think. 169 00:08:23,885 --> 00:08:26,614 The idea is to respond in a way 170 00:08:26,614 --> 00:08:31,774 that is good that can be seen by all. 171 00:08:31,774 --> 00:08:34,279 That others can see it is good. 172 00:08:34,279 --> 00:08:40,016 It's the same words used in 2 Corinthians 8:21. 173 00:08:40,016 --> 00:08:44,430 Paul says, "For we aim (in our conduct) 174 00:08:44,430 --> 00:08:45,826 at what is honorable, 175 00:08:45,826 --> 00:08:47,504 not only in the Lord's sight, 176 00:08:47,504 --> 00:08:51,028 but also in the sight of men." 177 00:08:51,028 --> 00:08:54,334 That is, we aim to be blameless if we can; 178 00:08:54,334 --> 00:08:57,142 to act in a just and right manner. 179 00:08:57,142 --> 00:08:58,814 Not just before the Lord, 180 00:08:58,814 --> 00:09:01,477 although that is the primary, 181 00:09:01,477 --> 00:09:03,755 but hopefully we can also 182 00:09:03,755 --> 00:09:05,768 react and conduct ourselves in a way 183 00:09:05,768 --> 00:09:07,951 that is right in the sight of men. 184 00:09:07,951 --> 00:09:10,372 Of course, our first duty is to the Lord. 185 00:09:10,372 --> 00:09:13,239 And that must not be compromised for the other. 186 00:09:13,239 --> 00:09:17,256 But notice it says here 187 00:09:17,256 --> 00:09:20,796 "in the sight of all men." 188 00:09:20,796 --> 00:09:24,925 That is believers and unbelievers alike. 189 00:09:24,925 --> 00:09:28,069 You see, in our actions, 190 00:09:28,069 --> 00:09:30,410 in the way we respond, 191 00:09:30,410 --> 00:09:34,300 we are to be concerned about what others think. 192 00:09:34,300 --> 00:09:37,202 In the sight of all men it says. 193 00:09:37,202 --> 00:09:39,515 Do good in the sight of all men. 194 00:09:39,515 --> 00:09:42,613 We are to be conscious in how we react 195 00:09:42,613 --> 00:09:46,727 that the lost world is looking on at us. 196 00:09:46,727 --> 00:09:50,120 You see, the teaching of this verse is 197 00:09:50,120 --> 00:09:52,787 when someone does what you perceive to be 198 00:09:52,787 --> 00:09:54,696 an evil towards you, 199 00:09:54,696 --> 00:09:58,149 you are not to respond without thinking it through properly, 200 00:09:58,149 --> 00:10:00,440 by instantly lashing out. 201 00:10:00,440 --> 00:10:03,364 But you are to take thought. 202 00:10:03,364 --> 00:10:05,973 How is the lost world going to perceive 203 00:10:05,973 --> 00:10:08,637 how I respond to this? 204 00:10:08,637 --> 00:10:11,104 You ought to pause. Think. 205 00:10:11,104 --> 00:10:14,396 If I respond in this or that certain way, 206 00:10:14,396 --> 00:10:16,472 what will they think of Christ 207 00:10:16,472 --> 00:10:20,294 and Christianity. 208 00:10:20,294 --> 00:10:23,694 Remember this verse is in the context here 209 00:10:23,694 --> 00:10:29,352 of thinking of the church as a body. 210 00:10:29,352 --> 00:10:32,049 And so, we must ask ourselves as Christians, 211 00:10:32,049 --> 00:10:34,085 if I react in a certain way, 212 00:10:34,085 --> 00:10:36,447 what will people think of the church 213 00:10:36,447 --> 00:10:38,273 I am part of? 214 00:10:38,273 --> 00:10:41,437 You see, it's the Lord's name 215 00:10:41,437 --> 00:10:44,097 we are to be concerned with. 216 00:10:44,097 --> 00:10:48,007 If I respond in this way or that way, 217 00:10:48,007 --> 00:10:51,376 what effect is it going to have on others? 218 00:10:51,376 --> 00:10:54,241 You see, this really is another section 219 00:10:54,241 --> 00:10:57,109 about living the gospel. 220 00:10:57,109 --> 00:11:00,075 The unbelievers - the lost world around you 221 00:11:00,075 --> 00:11:02,233 will judge the gospel and Christianity 222 00:11:02,233 --> 00:11:04,295 by what they see in us. 223 00:11:04,295 --> 00:11:06,913 So we must think it through. 224 00:11:06,913 --> 00:11:09,479 How is my response going to affect 225 00:11:09,479 --> 00:11:13,614 the perception of Christ and Christianity? 226 00:11:13,614 --> 00:11:17,174 You see, you're a Christian now, 227 00:11:17,174 --> 00:11:20,760 and so no man lives unto himself. 228 00:11:20,760 --> 00:11:24,742 You've got to realize that what you do 229 00:11:24,742 --> 00:11:27,923 doesn't just affect you alone. 230 00:11:27,923 --> 00:11:30,150 No man lives unto himself. 231 00:11:30,150 --> 00:11:32,153 But what you do and say 232 00:11:32,153 --> 00:11:35,766 is going to affect what others think of Christ 233 00:11:35,766 --> 00:11:38,067 and Christianity. 234 00:11:38,067 --> 00:11:40,899 In how you behave and your conduct, 235 00:11:40,899 --> 00:11:44,847 in how you react to a perceived evil against you. 236 00:11:44,847 --> 00:11:49,149 And never think in terms of yourself only. 237 00:11:49,149 --> 00:11:52,480 But you must think first 238 00:11:52,480 --> 00:11:55,212 of what effect will my response 239 00:11:55,212 --> 00:11:56,705 have on others. 240 00:11:56,705 --> 00:11:59,696 You see, this is what must dictate 241 00:11:59,696 --> 00:12:01,396 or govern our response. 242 00:12:01,396 --> 00:12:02,518 Think it though. 243 00:12:02,518 --> 00:12:09,583 What response would give God the most glory? 244 00:12:09,583 --> 00:12:12,357 Think about all the times, brethren, 245 00:12:12,357 --> 00:12:14,225 you know, you've been hasty. 246 00:12:14,225 --> 00:12:16,914 How many times have you and I 247 00:12:16,914 --> 00:12:20,802 perceived an evil by someone against us? 248 00:12:20,802 --> 00:12:22,628 And so you've said something 249 00:12:22,628 --> 00:12:24,730 without properly thinking it through 250 00:12:24,730 --> 00:12:26,832 and then regretted it. 251 00:12:26,832 --> 00:12:29,659 How many times have people sent a text, 252 00:12:29,659 --> 00:12:32,193 an email, or replied to a post 253 00:12:32,193 --> 00:12:33,887 on social media? 254 00:12:33,887 --> 00:12:36,018 Something on Facebook or whatever. 255 00:12:36,018 --> 00:12:37,172 And later thought, 256 00:12:37,172 --> 00:12:41,168 "If only I had just waited..." 257 00:12:41,168 --> 00:12:44,180 We live in a minefield today 258 00:12:44,180 --> 00:12:47,094 with all the technology. 259 00:12:47,094 --> 00:12:49,215 You know, there have been times in the past 260 00:12:49,215 --> 00:12:52,936 when someone has sent me a rather angry 261 00:12:52,936 --> 00:12:57,407 or provocative message on WhatsApp. 262 00:12:57,407 --> 00:12:58,818 And of course, WhatsApp, 263 00:12:58,818 --> 00:13:01,684 when you send someone a message, 264 00:13:01,684 --> 00:13:05,614 it gives you the two blue tics to say 265 00:13:05,614 --> 00:13:11,859 they've read the message. 266 00:13:11,859 --> 00:13:14,258 But then, you find there are people 267 00:13:14,258 --> 00:13:16,165 who want to bring back public hanging. 268 00:13:16,165 --> 00:13:18,542 And of course, the death penalty's still here, 269 00:13:18,542 --> 00:13:20,257 but they want it to apply for that 270 00:13:20,257 --> 00:13:24,973 because I've not responded in 30 seconds. 271 00:13:24,973 --> 00:13:27,821 When in actual fact, what I'm doing 272 00:13:27,821 --> 00:13:29,854 is I'm doing what this verse tells me. 273 00:13:29,854 --> 00:13:33,179 I'm thinking about what is the best way 274 00:13:33,179 --> 00:13:37,045 to respond to their anger. 275 00:13:37,045 --> 00:13:39,647 Or, I might be doing something else 276 00:13:39,647 --> 00:13:41,556 and it's come up, so I've got to give 277 00:13:41,556 --> 00:13:43,138 my attention to that. 278 00:13:43,138 --> 00:13:48,766 You know the world doesn't revolve around people. 279 00:13:48,766 --> 00:13:51,127 You see, I use that by way of example 280 00:13:51,127 --> 00:13:53,125 because many times, 281 00:13:53,125 --> 00:13:55,513 you will feel under pressure 282 00:13:55,513 --> 00:13:57,780 to respond rashly. 283 00:13:57,780 --> 00:13:59,866 But you don't want to do that. 284 00:13:59,866 --> 00:14:01,492 Make sure you pause. 285 00:14:01,492 --> 00:14:03,205 Think it through. 286 00:14:03,205 --> 00:14:05,577 Time out. 287 00:14:05,577 --> 00:14:08,763 You see, rather than very quickly respond 288 00:14:08,763 --> 00:14:11,079 in a way without properly thinking it through, 289 00:14:11,079 --> 00:14:12,309 you must think, 290 00:14:12,309 --> 00:14:15,001 what is likely to be the final effect 291 00:14:15,001 --> 00:14:17,968 if I respond like this? 292 00:14:17,968 --> 00:14:20,375 Is it better to sit on your fingers 293 00:14:20,375 --> 00:14:22,156 and save the text or the email 294 00:14:22,156 --> 00:14:25,186 or the call for another day? 295 00:14:25,186 --> 00:14:27,306 In which time you might have 296 00:14:27,306 --> 00:14:30,558 a completely different perspective on things. 297 00:14:30,558 --> 00:14:32,867 By then, you might see, 298 00:14:32,867 --> 00:14:35,099 well, I've overreacted. 299 00:14:35,099 --> 00:14:38,230 Or, more things have come to light. 300 00:14:38,230 --> 00:14:40,291 Or, you might be thinking later, 301 00:14:40,291 --> 00:14:43,666 what good is this going to do anyway? 302 00:14:43,666 --> 00:14:46,197 I remember once, I had a school teacher. 303 00:14:46,197 --> 00:14:47,045 He used to say, 304 00:14:47,045 --> 00:14:49,560 "Engage brain before mouth." 305 00:14:49,560 --> 00:14:50,859 And that's good advice. 306 00:14:50,859 --> 00:14:53,908 Properly thinking it through. 307 00:14:53,908 --> 00:14:56,393 You know, sometimes you meet people 308 00:14:56,393 --> 00:15:00,417 that say, "I always speak my mind." 309 00:15:00,417 --> 00:15:01,923 And they're proud of the fact 310 00:15:01,923 --> 00:15:03,495 that they say the first thing 311 00:15:03,495 --> 00:15:04,837 that comes into their head, 312 00:15:04,837 --> 00:15:06,444 no matter how rude 313 00:15:06,444 --> 00:15:08,552 without thinking it through. 314 00:15:08,552 --> 00:15:11,047 Without thinking about what effect 315 00:15:11,047 --> 00:15:12,856 it will have on others. 316 00:15:12,856 --> 00:15:15,083 But according to this verse, 317 00:15:15,083 --> 00:15:18,935 a Christian should never have that attitude; 318 00:15:18,935 --> 00:15:20,637 should never be one of those people 319 00:15:20,637 --> 00:15:23,187 who says, "I just always speak my mind," 320 00:15:23,187 --> 00:15:27,686 and say the first thing that comes out. 321 00:15:27,686 --> 00:15:31,096 Never try and excuse things like that 322 00:15:31,096 --> 00:15:34,356 by saying I'm of a certain nationality 323 00:15:34,356 --> 00:15:36,992 or a certain family or whatever; 324 00:15:36,992 --> 00:15:38,951 a certain background. 325 00:15:38,951 --> 00:15:41,819 Never try to excuse sin 326 00:15:41,819 --> 00:15:44,616 by some sort of cultural context. 327 00:15:44,616 --> 00:15:47,116 When Paul said to the Cretans, 328 00:15:47,116 --> 00:15:50,077 those of Crete are always liars, 329 00:15:50,077 --> 00:15:52,850 he wasn't saying it's okay for you to lie 330 00:15:52,850 --> 00:15:56,589 because you're from Crete. 331 00:15:56,589 --> 00:16:00,190 Just like if someone is from - 332 00:16:00,190 --> 00:16:02,044 this is the way it is where we live - 333 00:16:02,044 --> 00:16:04,410 if someone is from Africa or Spain 334 00:16:04,410 --> 00:16:06,293 or Latin America, it doesn't mean 335 00:16:06,293 --> 00:16:08,619 it's okay for them to be late. 336 00:16:08,619 --> 00:16:10,909 Or if someone comes from the Middle East, 337 00:16:10,909 --> 00:16:13,887 it's not okay to have a bad temper. 338 00:16:13,887 --> 00:16:16,551 Believe it or not, there are professing Christians there 339 00:16:16,551 --> 00:16:18,990 who just lash out in anger 340 00:16:18,990 --> 00:16:21,282 and then they try and excuse it by saying, 341 00:16:21,282 --> 00:16:23,068 "Oh, it's just a cultural thing." 342 00:16:23,068 --> 00:16:28,369 You see, cultural sin is sin. 343 00:16:28,369 --> 00:16:30,996 That is the way Paul is speaking 344 00:16:30,996 --> 00:16:32,352 to those in Crete. 345 00:16:32,352 --> 00:16:34,537 He says, "Or is the saying true?" 346 00:16:34,537 --> 00:16:37,249 You're different. You're Christians now. 347 00:16:37,249 --> 00:16:42,822 And so, you're not to be that stereotype. 348 00:16:42,822 --> 00:16:44,807 A Christian should never be those people 349 00:16:44,807 --> 00:16:47,741 who say, "I just speak my mind all the time 350 00:16:47,741 --> 00:16:49,767 without thinking it through." 351 00:16:49,767 --> 00:16:53,599 And so, verse 18 continues with this. 352 00:16:53,599 --> 00:16:59,031 "If possible, so far as it depends on you, 353 00:16:59,031 --> 00:17:01,853 live peaceably with all." 354 00:17:01,853 --> 00:17:04,992 Live at peace with all. 355 00:17:04,992 --> 00:17:08,873 That is, believers and unbelievers alike. 356 00:17:08,873 --> 00:17:12,373 As far as it depends on you. 357 00:17:12,373 --> 00:17:15,262 Notice, as far is it depends on you, 358 00:17:15,262 --> 00:17:18,403 you are to take the initiative. 359 00:17:18,403 --> 00:17:20,872 The Christian is not to be the troublemaker. 360 00:17:20,872 --> 00:17:25,233 There's much in Proverbs about that. 361 00:17:25,233 --> 00:17:27,973 The contentious, argumentative, 362 00:17:27,973 --> 00:17:30,421 always picking a fight type of person 363 00:17:30,421 --> 00:17:33,360 is not a characteristic of a Christian. 364 00:17:33,360 --> 00:17:35,751 There's a lot of Christian bloggers out there 365 00:17:35,751 --> 00:17:38,243 and so-called discernment ministries 366 00:17:38,243 --> 00:17:41,020 that act in a way where they're always ready 367 00:17:41,020 --> 00:17:45,204 figuratively to punch someone in the face. 368 00:17:45,204 --> 00:17:48,402 But again, that's not characteristically Christian. 369 00:17:48,402 --> 00:17:52,191 But I want you to think about this. 370 00:17:52,191 --> 00:17:56,435 In reacting in a way that is not going to be 371 00:17:56,435 --> 00:17:58,365 a bad witness, 372 00:17:58,365 --> 00:18:00,567 and as far as it depends upon you, 373 00:18:00,567 --> 00:18:03,990 thinking about it in terms of 374 00:18:03,990 --> 00:18:07,834 you taking the initiative to be at peace. 375 00:18:07,834 --> 00:18:09,527 First of all, remember, 376 00:18:09,527 --> 00:18:12,422 you're not trying to win the argument, 377 00:18:12,422 --> 00:18:13,657 but the person. 378 00:18:13,657 --> 00:18:15,688 Well, you are trying to win the argument, 379 00:18:15,688 --> 00:18:18,703 but it's the person first and foremost. 380 00:18:18,703 --> 00:18:21,278 You see, if you just get someone's back up 381 00:18:21,278 --> 00:18:24,233 unnecessarily, then you've lost them. 382 00:18:24,233 --> 00:18:28,511 You may have won an argument, 383 00:18:28,511 --> 00:18:30,342 but they may go home thinking 384 00:18:30,342 --> 00:18:33,494 they won the argument too anyway. 385 00:18:33,494 --> 00:18:37,257 But secondly, think of this in terms of 386 00:18:37,257 --> 00:18:40,511 online disagreements with others. 387 00:18:40,511 --> 00:18:46,021 Much of the world lives in that sphere today. 388 00:18:46,021 --> 00:18:48,560 I remember one time another Christian 389 00:18:48,560 --> 00:18:50,222 was arguing with me over 390 00:18:50,222 --> 00:18:53,926 some secondary issue that was evidently 391 00:18:53,926 --> 00:18:56,594 a first issue to him. 392 00:18:56,594 --> 00:19:00,932 But we eventually agreed to disagree. 393 00:19:00,932 --> 00:19:03,100 Now, he was doing this via Facebook, 394 00:19:03,100 --> 00:19:04,914 so at the end of it, I thanked him 395 00:19:04,914 --> 00:19:07,952 for doing it on the private messenger. 396 00:19:07,952 --> 00:19:10,150 So only I and he could see. 397 00:19:10,150 --> 00:19:12,144 Because if it had been plastered all over 398 00:19:12,144 --> 00:19:15,124 my Facebook wall in public - 399 00:19:15,124 --> 00:19:16,376 in view of others - 400 00:19:16,376 --> 00:19:19,783 then all the unbelievers, the non-Christians looking on 401 00:19:19,783 --> 00:19:22,738 would not have understood it. 402 00:19:22,738 --> 00:19:25,403 It would have been a really bad witness. 403 00:19:25,403 --> 00:19:27,740 So even though I disagreed with him, 404 00:19:27,740 --> 00:19:30,076 and I thought his manner was a bit harsh, 405 00:19:30,076 --> 00:19:34,254 I thanked him for still doing it in private. 406 00:19:34,254 --> 00:19:36,113 Whereas I remember another person 407 00:19:36,113 --> 00:19:39,433 just plastering my Facebook wall, 408 00:19:39,433 --> 00:19:41,470 and every time I would delete his dribble 409 00:19:41,470 --> 00:19:43,659 because I'm thinking this doesn't look good 410 00:19:43,659 --> 00:19:46,395 in front of all the unbelievers I'm trying to reach here. 411 00:19:46,395 --> 00:19:47,879 He'd just post some more. 412 00:19:47,879 --> 00:19:49,890 So, in the end, I had to defriend him 413 00:19:49,890 --> 00:19:52,895 and take him off. 414 00:19:52,895 --> 00:19:54,484 You see, he obviously thought 415 00:19:54,484 --> 00:19:56,633 that all the world had to agree with him 416 00:19:56,633 --> 00:19:59,815 over some secondary issue. 417 00:19:59,815 --> 00:20:01,181 Because he wasn't thinking 418 00:20:01,181 --> 00:20:03,415 how is this going to be perceived 419 00:20:03,415 --> 00:20:04,371 by unbelievers? 420 00:20:04,371 --> 00:20:07,406 What sort of testimony is this going to give? 421 00:20:07,406 --> 00:20:09,310 He wasn't thinking of the glory of God 422 00:20:09,310 --> 00:20:11,169 and those people's souls. 423 00:20:11,169 --> 00:20:12,715 All that was before him 424 00:20:12,715 --> 00:20:16,607 was personal pride in winning an argument. 425 00:20:16,607 --> 00:20:20,981 And he didn't want to be seen to lose. 426 00:20:20,981 --> 00:20:24,765 Because he didn't want my friends 427 00:20:24,765 --> 00:20:30,054 or my wife's friends who he didn't even know - 428 00:20:30,054 --> 00:20:34,036 it's ridiculous. 429 00:20:34,036 --> 00:20:36,664 If you ever have a disagreement with someone 430 00:20:36,664 --> 00:20:37,940 in a church meeting, 431 00:20:37,940 --> 00:20:40,423 perhaps over some theological issue or whatever, 432 00:20:40,423 --> 00:20:42,574 don't lash out. 433 00:20:42,574 --> 00:20:43,615 Think it through. 434 00:20:43,615 --> 00:20:46,442 What are onlookers going to think of this? 435 00:20:46,442 --> 00:20:49,024 You know you've always got weaker 436 00:20:49,024 --> 00:20:50,908 and newer, less mature Christians. 437 00:20:50,908 --> 00:20:54,288 Some people who are 438 00:20:54,288 --> 00:20:56,333 walking through the door the first time 439 00:20:56,333 --> 00:20:58,238 and see some odd discussion 440 00:20:58,238 --> 00:21:00,903 that could be a bad testimony. 441 00:21:00,903 --> 00:21:04,260 It's very serious stuff. 442 00:21:04,260 --> 00:21:06,618 Supposing you have a disagreement 443 00:21:06,618 --> 00:21:08,557 with someone else, and so you have 444 00:21:08,557 --> 00:21:10,411 this big squabble, whether it's online 445 00:21:10,411 --> 00:21:11,821 or in a church setting, 446 00:21:11,821 --> 00:21:13,720 or in a house setting or at work 447 00:21:13,720 --> 00:21:16,891 or wherever, but it's in a public setting, 448 00:21:16,891 --> 00:21:19,464 and people know you're a Christian. 449 00:21:19,464 --> 00:21:20,806 And so the result of it, 450 00:21:20,806 --> 00:21:23,350 people are turned off to the gospel 451 00:21:23,350 --> 00:21:24,838 and Christianity. 452 00:21:24,838 --> 00:21:27,104 And so part of the reason they end up in hell 453 00:21:27,104 --> 00:21:29,431 is because of your conduct. 454 00:21:29,431 --> 00:21:31,519 Not to mention then going around 455 00:21:31,519 --> 00:21:33,635 blaspheming the Lord's name. 456 00:21:33,635 --> 00:21:37,447 Saying those Christians are just like that. 457 00:21:37,447 --> 00:21:40,450 You see, as Christians, we don't want 458 00:21:40,450 --> 00:21:43,445 to bring shame upon the name of Christ. 459 00:21:43,445 --> 00:21:46,331 That should be our concern. 460 00:21:46,331 --> 00:21:49,504 But we've got to realize, 461 00:21:49,504 --> 00:21:52,115 you cannot do things in isolation 462 00:21:52,115 --> 00:21:53,422 as a Christian. 463 00:21:53,422 --> 00:21:55,022 You are to, as our Lord said, 464 00:21:55,022 --> 00:21:56,998 let your light so shine before men 465 00:21:56,998 --> 00:21:59,247 that they may see your good works 466 00:21:59,247 --> 00:22:02,017 and glorify your Father who is in heaven. 467 00:22:02,017 --> 00:22:05,208 Think of this in every aspect of your life. 468 00:22:05,208 --> 00:22:07,201 That people are watching you. 469 00:22:07,201 --> 00:22:09,394 People are looking on. 470 00:22:09,394 --> 00:22:11,331 Now, of course, let me make clear here, 471 00:22:11,331 --> 00:22:14,239 you may still do everything right, 472 00:22:14,239 --> 00:22:17,919 and you're still going to get some false accusations. 473 00:22:17,919 --> 00:22:20,379 The Apostle Paul did. Our Lord Jesus did. 474 00:22:20,379 --> 00:22:22,678 You think of Joseph in the Old Testament. 475 00:22:22,678 --> 00:22:24,459 He was a classic example 476 00:22:24,459 --> 00:22:26,856 of someone living out this verse. 477 00:22:26,856 --> 00:22:28,685 And yet, he was still thrown in prison 478 00:22:28,685 --> 00:22:34,853 for something he didn't do. 479 00:22:34,853 --> 00:22:38,290 But he's also an example of how to respond. 480 00:22:38,290 --> 00:22:42,755 Now, the next thing I want to point out here though 481 00:22:42,755 --> 00:22:45,462 is Paul does not say 482 00:22:45,462 --> 00:22:49,504 be at peace with people at any cost. 483 00:22:49,504 --> 00:22:53,727 He doesn't say be at peace with people at any cost, 484 00:22:53,727 --> 00:22:58,079 but as far as it depends upon you. 485 00:22:58,079 --> 00:22:59,941 Remember, the wisdom from above 486 00:22:59,941 --> 00:23:03,246 is first pure, then peaceable. 487 00:23:03,246 --> 00:23:06,072 It's pure, meaning truth first. 488 00:23:06,072 --> 00:23:09,857 You see, you're not to be the trouble maker. 489 00:23:09,857 --> 00:23:13,612 You're not to be the one who initiates the fight. 490 00:23:13,612 --> 00:23:16,340 You are to try and be the peacemaker if you like 491 00:23:16,340 --> 00:23:18,379 in your actions, 492 00:23:18,379 --> 00:23:19,860 but there are some people who 493 00:23:19,860 --> 00:23:21,526 will go out of their way 494 00:23:21,526 --> 00:23:23,905 to be difficult. 495 00:23:23,905 --> 00:23:31,359 And there are some people you cannot make peace with. 496 00:23:31,359 --> 00:23:34,749 With those people you can sleep at night 497 00:23:34,749 --> 00:23:38,738 knowing that as far as it depended upon you, 498 00:23:38,738 --> 00:23:41,403 they could have had peace. 499 00:23:41,403 --> 00:23:45,464 But again, this peace is not at any cost. 500 00:23:45,464 --> 00:23:47,313 We are told in Scripture for instance 501 00:23:47,313 --> 00:23:48,725 that if anyone comes to you 502 00:23:48,725 --> 00:23:50,033 preaching another gospel, 503 00:23:50,033 --> 00:23:53,467 let him be accursed. 504 00:23:53,467 --> 00:23:55,147 It doesn't say just agree with them 505 00:23:55,147 --> 00:23:57,020 for the sake of peace. 506 00:23:57,020 --> 00:23:59,387 In 2 John, we're told if anyone comes 507 00:23:59,387 --> 00:24:03,217 bringing another doctrine of the person of Jesus, 508 00:24:03,217 --> 00:24:05,656 saying something like He's not fully God 509 00:24:05,656 --> 00:24:07,612 or He's not fully man, 510 00:24:07,612 --> 00:24:09,694 then don't even give him a greeting. 511 00:24:09,694 --> 00:24:11,533 He's not talking about your neighbor 512 00:24:11,533 --> 00:24:13,298 that you're trying to witness to, 513 00:24:13,298 --> 00:24:16,482 but someone teaching. 514 00:24:16,482 --> 00:24:18,003 There is such a thing 515 00:24:18,003 --> 00:24:21,335 as church discipline in Scripture 516 00:24:21,335 --> 00:24:23,585 for those who profess to be Christians, 517 00:24:23,585 --> 00:24:27,012 but continue in unrepentant sin. 518 00:24:27,012 --> 00:24:29,372 We are told to avoid the divisive person 519 00:24:29,372 --> 00:24:32,042 after one or two warnings. 520 00:24:32,042 --> 00:24:35,242 And we are to earnestly contend for the faith. 521 00:24:35,242 --> 00:24:39,584 Not put it aside for the sake of peace. 522 00:24:39,584 --> 00:24:41,332 You know, in regards to a pastor 523 00:24:41,332 --> 00:24:43,036 teaching from the pulpit, 524 00:24:43,036 --> 00:24:45,621 and other Christians in a general sense, 525 00:24:45,621 --> 00:24:47,733 of course, we should be sensitive, 526 00:24:47,733 --> 00:24:49,438 but there should never be a case, 527 00:24:49,438 --> 00:24:51,240 for instance, where a pastor thinks 528 00:24:51,240 --> 00:24:52,939 I can't preach this certain truth 529 00:24:52,939 --> 00:24:54,691 because so-and-so will be offended 530 00:24:54,691 --> 00:24:57,062 and leave the church. 531 00:24:57,062 --> 00:24:59,230 You know, I once had someone come to me 532 00:24:59,230 --> 00:25:01,996 very disgruntled over the doctrine of Calvinism 533 00:25:01,996 --> 00:25:03,985 and the sovereignty of God, 534 00:25:03,985 --> 00:25:07,512 and was showing their anger and disgust over it. 535 00:25:07,512 --> 00:25:10,757 The next time they came into our meeting, 536 00:25:10,757 --> 00:25:12,879 and it came up in that sermon - 537 00:25:12,879 --> 00:25:14,644 it was just in the text - 538 00:25:14,644 --> 00:25:16,641 but he actually got up and walked out 539 00:25:16,641 --> 00:25:18,995 in the middle of the sermon. 540 00:25:18,995 --> 00:25:20,682 But you see, we're not to skip over 541 00:25:20,682 --> 00:25:22,846 parts of the Bible in order to pacify 542 00:25:22,846 --> 00:25:25,059 those types of people. 543 00:25:25,059 --> 00:25:27,111 We're not to think I can't preach this 544 00:25:27,111 --> 00:25:31,126 because so-and-so might leave the church. 545 00:25:31,126 --> 00:25:34,108 I'm just the messenger. 546 00:25:34,108 --> 00:25:35,836 It's not my message to tamper with. 547 00:25:35,836 --> 00:25:40,200 In fact, it's a very serious thing to do so. 548 00:25:40,200 --> 00:25:42,782 You see, what I'm saying in these examples 549 00:25:42,782 --> 00:25:44,996 is in making peace, 550 00:25:44,996 --> 00:25:46,543 we should never do it in a way 551 00:25:46,543 --> 00:25:48,501 which would deny Christ 552 00:25:48,501 --> 00:25:50,346 and our Christian faith. 553 00:25:50,346 --> 00:25:51,502 Our Lord Jesus said, 554 00:25:51,502 --> 00:25:53,245 "If you deny Me before men, 555 00:25:53,245 --> 00:25:55,254 then I will deny you before My Father 556 00:25:55,254 --> 00:25:56,963 who is in heaven." 557 00:25:56,963 --> 00:25:58,943 So this verse is not saying 558 00:25:58,943 --> 00:26:01,128 in order to have peace and an easy life, 559 00:26:01,128 --> 00:26:03,089 deny your faith in Christ. 560 00:26:03,089 --> 00:26:05,023 Pretend you're not a Christian at times. 561 00:26:05,023 --> 00:26:07,997 You know, many people have gone to their deaths 562 00:26:07,997 --> 00:26:10,689 because they were not willing to deny 563 00:26:10,689 --> 00:26:12,904 they were Christians. 564 00:26:12,904 --> 00:26:18,580 You see, there are some people 565 00:26:18,580 --> 00:26:20,208 who will not have peace with you 566 00:26:20,208 --> 00:26:23,167 because you are a Christian. 567 00:26:23,167 --> 00:26:27,921 Like in the previous verses here, 568 00:26:27,921 --> 00:26:30,924 he's not teaching if people persecute you, 569 00:26:30,924 --> 00:26:32,653 then pretend you're not a Christian. 570 00:26:32,653 --> 00:26:37,565 You are to be faithful in your Christian faith. 571 00:26:37,565 --> 00:26:39,922 But as far as it depends upon you, 572 00:26:39,922 --> 00:26:46,008 be at peace with all people. 573 00:26:46,008 --> 00:26:49,841 A Christian wife married to an unbeliever, 574 00:26:49,841 --> 00:26:52,301 can and should go out of her way, 575 00:26:52,301 --> 00:26:54,402 as far as it depends upon her 576 00:26:54,402 --> 00:26:56,983 to be at peace with her husband. 577 00:26:56,983 --> 00:26:59,819 But she cannot deny Christ in that. 578 00:26:59,819 --> 00:27:01,764 And the same goes in the workplace. 579 00:27:01,764 --> 00:27:03,923 Or anywhere else in life. 580 00:27:03,923 --> 00:27:06,249 When you're around unbelievers, 581 00:27:06,249 --> 00:27:09,597 you are to go out of your way to live at peace, 582 00:27:09,597 --> 00:27:12,239 but you don't deny Christ. 583 00:27:12,239 --> 00:27:13,926 But as far as it depends upon you, 584 00:27:13,926 --> 00:27:16,280 live at peace. 585 00:27:16,280 --> 00:27:18,537 And we are not to sin 586 00:27:18,537 --> 00:27:21,278 in order to have peace with people. 587 00:27:21,278 --> 00:27:22,985 We are to have no fellowship 588 00:27:22,985 --> 00:27:25,755 with the unfruitful works of darkness. 589 00:27:25,755 --> 00:27:29,559 Lloyd-Jones pointed out something 590 00:27:29,559 --> 00:27:31,597 regarding this which was excellent. 591 00:27:31,597 --> 00:27:35,090 And that is there are some people 592 00:27:35,090 --> 00:27:37,561 who have a tendency 593 00:27:37,561 --> 00:27:39,156 to always want to retaliate 594 00:27:39,156 --> 00:27:40,693 and strike back, and of course, 595 00:27:40,693 --> 00:27:43,220 I've just given application for that. 596 00:27:43,220 --> 00:27:45,026 But then of course, there are people 597 00:27:45,026 --> 00:27:47,412 at the other end of the spectrum; 598 00:27:47,412 --> 00:27:49,853 there are other people who will do anything 599 00:27:49,853 --> 00:27:52,503 for a peaceful life 600 00:27:52,503 --> 00:27:54,180 and just give in to bullies 601 00:27:54,180 --> 00:27:56,779 and let people walk all over them. 602 00:27:56,779 --> 00:27:58,922 Well, that's not Christian either, 603 00:27:58,922 --> 00:28:00,273 he points out. 604 00:28:00,273 --> 00:28:02,660 And that is not what this is talking about. 605 00:28:02,660 --> 00:28:05,204 That sort of thing is just being lethargic 606 00:28:05,204 --> 00:28:06,095 and cowardly, 607 00:28:06,095 --> 00:28:08,955 or trying to avoid confrontations. 608 00:28:08,955 --> 00:28:11,524 You see, this is not being scared 609 00:28:11,524 --> 00:28:13,774 and so being willing to do anything 610 00:28:13,774 --> 00:28:20,847 for a peaceful life. 611 00:28:20,847 --> 00:28:22,458 Let me point out here, 612 00:28:22,458 --> 00:28:24,940 in all this, there are sometimes 613 00:28:24,940 --> 00:28:28,778 where you have to respond quickly. 614 00:28:28,778 --> 00:28:30,807 It may be in defending someone. 615 00:28:30,807 --> 00:28:33,599 He's not saying stop, pause, think about it, 616 00:28:33,599 --> 00:28:36,357 and the person's dead on the floor or whatever. 617 00:28:36,357 --> 00:28:40,097 Obviously, they're both in the context 618 00:28:40,097 --> 00:28:42,235 of the examples I've given 619 00:28:42,235 --> 00:28:43,864 when you can respond rationally 620 00:28:43,864 --> 00:28:52,878 and there was time to think it through. 621 00:28:52,878 --> 00:28:57,085 But you see, not acting in haste 622 00:28:57,085 --> 00:28:59,442 and doing something you regret is the idea. 623 00:28:59,442 --> 00:29:01,185 But thinking it through. 624 00:29:01,185 --> 00:29:02,805 What is the best response 625 00:29:02,805 --> 00:29:05,097 that's going to glorify God? 626 00:29:05,097 --> 00:29:08,248 What is going to be the best testimony? 627 00:29:08,248 --> 00:29:10,151 What's going to be the best 628 00:29:10,151 --> 00:29:13,917 to win these people to Christ? 629 00:29:13,917 --> 00:29:15,450 And you see, ultimately, 630 00:29:15,450 --> 00:29:22,117 these verses were the related theme 631 00:29:22,117 --> 00:29:24,158 that keeps coming up in Romans 12 632 00:29:24,158 --> 00:29:27,819 or a repeated word, I should say, is "love." 633 00:29:27,819 --> 00:29:29,601 You see this again and again. 634 00:29:29,601 --> 00:29:33,447 Love is to dictate how we respond. 635 00:29:33,447 --> 00:29:39,875 Love to God first and love to fellow man. 636 00:29:39,875 --> 00:29:42,053 As Charles Leiter rightly points out, 637 00:29:42,053 --> 00:29:43,407 with instruction like this 638 00:29:43,407 --> 00:29:46,888 in the Sermon on the Mount also, 639 00:29:46,888 --> 00:29:50,826 these instructions are not to be taken 640 00:29:50,826 --> 00:29:55,363 as a to-the-letter law. 641 00:29:55,363 --> 00:29:59,350 (Incomplete thought) 642 00:29:59,350 --> 00:30:01,222 What I mean is you're not meant to 643 00:30:01,222 --> 00:30:03,083 take these words like "rule #15." 644 00:30:03,083 --> 00:30:05,100 This is how I should respond exactly 645 00:30:05,100 --> 00:30:06,588 and tic that box 646 00:30:06,588 --> 00:30:08,997 when it could be the wrong response. 647 00:30:08,997 --> 00:30:11,587 But we're given principles here. 648 00:30:11,587 --> 00:30:14,077 And the overriding principle is love. 649 00:30:14,077 --> 00:30:16,813 How can I best show love to God 650 00:30:16,813 --> 00:30:18,122 and love to fellow man 651 00:30:18,122 --> 00:30:21,432 in how we respond? 652 00:30:21,432 --> 00:30:22,643 You see, these verses, 653 00:30:22,643 --> 00:30:24,339 they don't forbid going to 654 00:30:24,339 --> 00:30:26,851 a civil magistrate when you've been wronged. 655 00:30:26,851 --> 00:30:29,373 Paul deals with that in the next chapter. 656 00:30:29,373 --> 00:30:31,072 Even the Old Testament law 657 00:30:31,072 --> 00:30:33,862 gave principles for civil magistrates. 658 00:30:33,862 --> 00:30:35,746 So there's nothing wrong 659 00:30:35,746 --> 00:30:39,669 with calling the police or whatever authority. 660 00:30:39,669 --> 00:30:43,099 But don't lash out. 661 00:30:43,099 --> 00:30:46,156 First, pause and think. 662 00:30:46,156 --> 00:30:48,225 What is the best way I can respond 663 00:30:48,225 --> 00:30:49,728 that can give glory to God? 664 00:30:49,728 --> 00:30:51,984 What is going to be the best witness? 665 00:30:51,984 --> 00:30:54,249 Think first. Pray about it. 666 00:30:54,249 --> 00:30:57,009 Don't take things personally. 667 00:30:57,009 --> 00:31:00,793 It may be letting things go 668 00:31:00,793 --> 00:31:03,132 is the best response that time. 669 00:31:03,132 --> 00:31:06,983 It may be doing some charitable deed 670 00:31:06,983 --> 00:31:08,172 is the best response. 671 00:31:08,172 --> 00:31:09,599 It may be calling the police 672 00:31:09,599 --> 00:31:11,649 and getting them arrested. 673 00:31:11,649 --> 00:31:20,587 I remember last time I was in the U.S. up north. 674 00:31:20,587 --> 00:31:22,071 Well, it was in the middle. 675 00:31:22,071 --> 00:31:29,654 Kind of everything's north of Texas. 676 00:31:29,654 --> 00:31:32,915 But there was a member of the church there 677 00:31:32,915 --> 00:31:36,308 who prior to making a profession in Christ 678 00:31:36,308 --> 00:31:41,686 had been in prison for dealing drugs. 679 00:31:41,686 --> 00:31:44,044 But after making a profession, 680 00:31:44,044 --> 00:31:46,887 he'd gone back to it. 681 00:31:46,887 --> 00:31:50,774 Well, the church was now praying for his conversion. 682 00:31:50,774 --> 00:31:52,611 You know, they were loving him 683 00:31:52,611 --> 00:31:53,834 and praying for him. 684 00:31:53,834 --> 00:31:55,092 But at the same time, 685 00:31:55,092 --> 00:31:57,122 they were also praising God 686 00:31:57,122 --> 00:31:58,450 in the same prayers 687 00:31:58,450 --> 00:32:00,293 for taking him off the street 688 00:32:00,293 --> 00:32:02,757 so he's not harming others 689 00:32:02,757 --> 00:32:04,269 with his drug dealing. 690 00:32:04,269 --> 00:32:07,238 You see, that is a right balance there. 691 00:32:07,238 --> 00:32:09,490 Love and glory to God 692 00:32:09,490 --> 00:32:12,175 dictates our response. 693 00:32:12,175 --> 00:32:14,899 So we have to pause. Think it through. 694 00:32:14,899 --> 00:32:16,969 What is going to bring glory to God? 695 00:32:16,969 --> 00:32:18,780 And of course, you can apply this 696 00:32:18,780 --> 00:32:20,979 to other areas of life 697 00:32:20,979 --> 00:32:23,486 when you're not treated evil. 698 00:32:23,486 --> 00:32:26,323 You know when you're choosing what to do. 699 00:32:26,323 --> 00:32:27,530 You have many choices. 700 00:32:27,530 --> 00:32:29,201 Think it through. 701 00:32:29,201 --> 00:32:31,487 What is going to bring more glory to God? 702 00:32:31,487 --> 00:32:33,723 When you're volunteering to help for things, 703 00:32:33,723 --> 00:32:35,675 it's very easy to volunteer, isn't it, 704 00:32:35,675 --> 00:32:37,054 to do everything, 705 00:32:37,054 --> 00:32:41,261 but sometimes you can take things too much on 706 00:32:41,261 --> 00:32:42,934 and that can be a bad testimony 707 00:32:42,934 --> 00:32:45,670 because you can't follow it through. 708 00:32:45,670 --> 00:32:47,385 You think can I properly do this 709 00:32:47,385 --> 00:32:51,017 and so forth? 710 00:32:51,017 --> 00:32:56,454 So, let's pray. 711 00:32:56,454 --> 00:32:58,641 Our Father, we thank You for Your Word 712 00:32:58,641 --> 00:33:00,278 and we pray You would help us 713 00:33:00,278 --> 00:33:03,329 to apply these principles 714 00:33:03,329 --> 00:33:04,361 to our lives; 715 00:33:04,361 --> 00:33:06,446 that we would be governed by Scripture, 716 00:33:06,446 --> 00:33:07,763 that we would not be 717 00:33:07,763 --> 00:33:10,744 unnecessarily a bad testimony. 718 00:33:10,744 --> 00:33:12,823 Help us to be about our Father's business, 719 00:33:12,823 --> 00:33:15,232 concerned for the name of the Lord 720 00:33:15,232 --> 00:33:17,605 in what we say, what we do. 721 00:33:17,605 --> 00:33:20,060 In Jesus' name, Amen.