EXILES: Once Upon a Time in Exile

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - We are called to transform relationships.

TEXT - 1 Peter 3:1-12

"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." ~ 1 Peter 1:13

OUTLINE

Act. 1. Every relationship needs transformation.

* Genesis 3:1-24

* Genesis 4:1-9 “Where is your brother?”

Act 2. Relationships raise the question, “Am I your keeper?”

* Genesis 4:9b “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

* Matthew 5:38-45

Act 3. The Gospel transforms relationships.

* 1 Peter 3:8-12

* Luke 23:34. “Father, forgive them.”

NEXT STEPS

1. Protect your spouse.

2. Practice kindness and courtesy.

3. Seek the good of others. 

GO DEEPER: Rules for Loving our Enemies

1. Show genuine respect

Show your enemies the genuine respect that every human being deserves. Learn to think of them with compassion and not contempt.

2. Put yourself in their shoes

Putting yourself in your enemy's shoes is one of the most effective ways to show love for them. This is a worthwhile act of empathy that anyone can do in any situation. 

3. Find common ground

There's something we have in common with everybody if we look closely enough. You may have similar interests or similar experiences while growing up. You could also have similar jobs, common friends or family members, or similar personality traits. 

One surefire way to find common ground is by acknowledging your differences. When you acknowledge that there are differences between you, you can open the door to commonalities. 

4. Forgiveness is always an option

Can you truly forgive an enemy for what they’ve done in your heart? Jesus makes it clear many times in the Bible that we must model our forgiveness of others on God's forgiveness of our sins. 

In Matthew 6:14-15, the Bible says, "If you forgive others the wrongs they've done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you've done."

5. Pray for your enemies

When in doubt, pray. We can always pray for our enemies because praying is an act of mercy. Praying is loving, as our Heavenly Father loves. When all else fails, you can always look to God for guidance. 

Adapted from: https://www.pray.com/articles/love-your-enemies-what-it-means-and-examples-on-how-to-do-so

RECOMMENDED READING - If you wish to go deeper into the "Exiles" sermon series, we highly recommend Exiles by Preston Sprinkle. BUY ON AMAZON