Sermon Central
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How To Be Better Than Your Neighbor Series
Contributed by Doug Johnston on Oct 12, 2001 (message contributor)
Summary: If we truly think we’re better than another, we must demonstrate it by controlling ourselves, not controlling our neighbor.
“If you ever want to test the (1) of a person, ask him (or her) what you should do when your enemy is vulnerable. Unless they are men or women of God, they’ll tell you to (2) every time.”
-Chuck Swindoll
(1) = carnality
(2) = strike
I A Subtle Temptation (1-4)
A. When we really want to support our idea, we often say “The Lord led me” to do this or that, blaming God for what He may have not intended.
B. David had a chance for retaliation, and vengeance that seemed so deserved; he thought it must be from God
C. God’s first area of work in our lives is...us, not the people who irritate us
II A Simple Realization (5)
“And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote [convicted] him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt.”
A. God expects us to wait on Him to change people
B. We too often try to "play God" by punishing people we don’t like because we think God won’t do it for us
C. Our greatest responsibility is to purify our own hearts first, not our neighbor’s heart
III A Clearing Conversation (10)
“...And some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD’s anointed.”
A. God expects us to depend on the Spirit for living, just as we did for our salvation
B. God expects us to work on making things right in our relationships, both with Him and with others
C. God expects us to find strength to bear up under difficulties we shouldn’t change
Since…
-People are depraved, expect to be mistreated.
-Mistreatment happens, expect feelings of revenge.
-Revenge’s desire comes, refuse to fight in the flesh.
What about my RIGHTS?
“do thou likewise,” as the Good Samaritan did.
-Jesus, from Luke 10:37
