Confronting Bullies

Confronting Bullies

June 24, 2018 Morning Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: When we are no longer afraid of death, we can live the life that God has for us.

Focus Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

Supplemental Passage: But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

Introduction: A bully operates on fear and intimidation. When you confront a bully to show them you are not afraid or intimidated, it takes away their power. Death, suffering, and other fears are also bullies. They operate in fear and intimidation, keeping us from fully giving ourselves to God. When we take the power away from them, or rather, acknowledge that Jesus has taken the power away from them, they can no longer be our bullies. They can no longer keep us from the life that God has for us.

I. Death is a bully

a. Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. (Hebrews 2:14-15 NASB)

b. And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, (Hebrews 9:27)

c. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Psalms 23:4 NASB)

II. Suffering is a bully

a. 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10 NASB)

b. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4 NASB)

c. "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force. (Matthew 11:12 NASB)

III. Truth Brings Freedom

a. and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:32 NASB)

b. Jesus *said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. (John 14:6 NASB)

c. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10 NASB)

Application/Invitation: What are the bullies in YOUR life that keep you from being all who God wants you to be and do all that He wants you to do? Stand up to them. In the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ! But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39 NASB)