Gene Cunningham - June 9, 2012
Learn to Discern
If something is true it must be coherent, consistent, and has to correlate to life as we know it. How do we overcome evil?
"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Rom 12:14-21)
"Good" (greek agathos) has intrinsic value; no matter what it looks like, is truth. The supernatural way of responding to pesecution is recognize God allowed the situation and pray for the persecuter to be brought out of darkness. Absolute passivism is evil. Jesus could have called upon legions of angels. He's coming back with armies to be victorious over His enemies. A believer that refuses to provide for his family is worse than an unbeliever (1Ti 5:8). Self-defense is part of this.
How do we personally "Overcome evil with good"? (1) I have to present myself to God unconditionally (Rom 12:1) (2) Submit to authority -- Government, parent, pastors, etc. (Rom 13:1-3). When conviction is in conflict with authority you have a choice. (3) We need unconditional surrender to God but conditional submission to man. (4) We need to demonstrate Christ's Love (Rom 13:8-10). Compassion never violates what is true (Rom 14:14). (5) We need imitate Christ (1Co 11:1, Rom 15:1-3)
Complete Biblical definition of evil: The root meaning of the word is “to spoil, break in pieces, make worthless.”
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: Romans 12:14-21, Romans 15:1-3, Romans 14:14, Romans 13:8-10, Romans 13:1-3, Romans 12:1
From Series: "Learn to Discern - Denver Colorado 2012"
This series was given at the 2012 annual Colorado conference. The critical need for every believer is to avoid deception by holding to truth.