Memory VERSE'
"See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”
1 Thessalonians 5: 15
BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 12:14-21
INTRODUCTION
Vengeance is seeking to harm someone in return for a perceived offence or injury. God forbids' us to avenge ourselves - Leviticus 19: 18. How do you respond when someone wrongs you or tries to discredit you? Do you rehearse old offences and feel hurt again? It is our prayers that the Lord will teach us how to close the door on past hurts in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
OUTLINES
1. CAUSES OF VENGEANCE
2. SOLUTION TO HURTS
3. WHY YOU SHOULD NOT AVENGE
CAUSES OF VENGEANCE
One of the causes of vengeance is failure to forgive. People try to take vengeance on past sins not forgiven. The Lord teaches us to forgive Matthew 18:21-22; 6:14-15. Jesus Christ commands us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us and pray for those who spitefully use and persecute us - Matthew 5:44. People go into vengeance when they try to avenge a perceived wrong '- 2 Samuel 10: 1-5. Not letting go of the past is another cause of vengeance - 1 Kings 2: 5-9; Mark 6:24-25.
SOLUTION TO HURTS
God does not want His children to avenge themselves. You must, therefore, never reward evil for good - Proverbs 17:13; 2 Samuel 14:29-33; Luke 6:31; Romans 12:20-21. Learn to leave judgments to God - Psalm 94; Deut. 32:35; Hebrews 10:30. God is a better judge. You are limited but God is not - Acts 12:1-23.Pray for the spirit of forgiveness. Be Christ-like because in spite of all Jesus Christ suffered, He prayed for His persecutors - Luke 23:34; Phil 2:5-8.
WHY YOU SHOULD NOT AVENGE
- It is God's command - 1 Peter 3:1-9; 1:Thess. 5:15; Proverbs 20:22.
- God's vengeance could be much more than yours - 2 Samuel 12:7-14; Romans 12:17-21;
Proverbs 25:21-22.
- Your refusal to avenge makes you better than others - Acts 7:59-60.
- Your good can change others - Romans 12:21.
CONCLUSION
As true children of God we should be Christ-like. Jesus never sought revenge even when He was being nailed to the cross. He offered forgiveness leave vengeance to God and allow Him to be the only Judge.
QUESTIONS
1. What is vengeance?
2. What are the causes of vengeance?
3. What are solutions to hurts?
BLESSED WEEK WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
MONDAY: Exodus 22:24 - God's vengeance can be terrible. Leave vengeance to Him.
TUESDAY: Leviticus 20:5 - Do not toy with sin because of God's vengeance on sinners.
WEDNESDAY: Numbers 14:12 - God will avenge you of your enemies.
THURSDAY: 1 Samuel 2:25 - The wrath of God will come on disobedience.
FRIDAY: 2 Kings 9:7 - God does not allow anyone to cast insults on His prophet.
SATURDAY: Proverbs 20:22 -It is God's wisdom to leave vengeance to Him.
SUNDAY: 1 Corinth. 6:7 - Settling issues in court amongst brethren is not of God.
