Messages with Meaning


Sermons delivered at Sanlando Springs by Pastor Jack Parrott

Beat The Devil

Romans 12:14-21
February 3, 2008
I. Introduction

After having talked about how we relate to one another as believers (9-13), the Apostle turns to say something about living as believers among non-believers. He helps us to answer the question, how do you handle an evil neighbor? What would Jesus do with a 'nasty neighbor'? What should you do? How should Christians react when confronted with evil?

II. Live A Life Of Love
  1. Several years ago Chuck Colson asked the question, "How Shall We Then Live?" He said our Christian values should shape the way we live. In other words, we live as we do because Jesus died as he did.

    2. " Romans 12:1 we give our lives to God as an act of worship. What does it mean when it says our worship is "spiritual" or "reasonable"?
  2. We love because it is our Duty (12:14-21) In his teachings Paul always follows doctrine with duty, precept with practice, concept with conduct. If you believe it, you have a duty to live it.
  3. We love because we have a Debt that can never be paid in full (Rom 13:8-10)
III. Even Love Has Limits

When we are confronted by evil and it not only opposes us, but it opposes the Kingdom of God, and it is challenged to repent and does not...it then faces two responses (one human and one divine):

  1. Humanly, it is to be resisted. James 4:7 Resist the devil...
  2. When a sinful person refuses to turn from their sin (repent), they will face the judgment of God (Romans 2:5)
IV. Jesus Overcomes Evil With Good
  1. In the Sermon on Mt (Matt 5:38-48), Jesus out-loves the opposition. He beats the devil with a heart of compassion.

    2. -   Jesus throws rules of retribution aside and instead of giving our enemies what they deserve the Lord says do to them what you would want done to you.
  2. Perhaps the problem isn't that we don't love, because most everybody does love somebody. It's the particular somebody that's the problem. Jesus: " Love your enemies...."
V. Conclusion
  1. So, what do you think? How are we doing in loving our friends and our enemies? Are we loving, forgiving, and understanding?
    1. In his book "UnChristian", David Kinnaman says we are not doing well. He says plainly, " We are not known for our love."
  2. What is the 'glory' to which Paul is referring?
    1. Leadership Magazine interviewed 750 Muslims who have converted to Christianity, and they asked them, " Why did you become a follower of Jesus?
      The #1 reason: The love that Christians showed in their relationships with non-Christians and their treatment of women as equals.
      2. "
    2. Paul: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
  3. So, which is it? Love or hate? If we are known for our hate there's no difference between us and the devil's crowd. But if we're known for our love, we beat the devil.


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