LIFE HACKS: Wisdom Calls Us to “If Your Enemy . . . “

Wisdom Calls Us to . . . 

1.  a Radical

Proverbs 25:22 NIV, Proverbs 24:17-18 NIV, Matthew 5:43-45 NIV, Romans 12:14-21 NIV

Notes:

2.  a Radical

Proverbs 1:7 NIV, Romans 12:19 NIV, John 15:5 NIV, Ephesians 5:18 NIV, Romans 8:26-39 NIV, Galatians 5:22-26 NIV

Notes: 

3.  a Radical

Proverbs 25:22 NIV, Romans 12:11 NIV, Romans 12:20-21 NIV, John 16:33 NIV, Matthew 5:10-14 NIV, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV, Philippians 2:10-11 NIV, Revelation 20:11-21:4 NIV

Notes:

Discussion Questions, Thoughts, and Things to Ponder

For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or a watch party

1. Quick Review
   1. Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?
   2. What stood out to you in the message?
2. A Wise call to a Radical Response
   1. Proverbs 25:22 begins with “if your enemy…”  Enemies may come from a variety of types of people: Political, Relational, Family, Theological, Religious, Racial, etc.  Who do you think are your enemies?
   2. Even though they may not be “actual” enemies, of those who oppose you or the things that you value, who do you think of as enemies?
   3. Are you responding to them in your actions, thinking, and heart in a way that honors God?
   4. Do you pray for them? Yes No Make a list now and pray.
3. A Wise Call to a Radical Reliance
   1. How is your engagement with Scripture informing your responses to the various situations in your life that may cause discord or tension?
   2. Be filled with the Spirit… the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses… Keep in step with the Spirit… We are all truly dependent on the Holy Spirit, what can you do to actively increase your awareness of the Spirit and your dependance on Him?
4. A Wise Call to a Radical Hope
   1. The hope we have is that God will transform people’s lives. How have you seen “life-change” around you and how can that knowledge help you have hope for others?
   2. Even if there is never life-change God promises that He will judge and make all things new. How can this knowledge give you strength to have a godly response to your enemies?

Bonus Content

Here are a few resources to help you see this type of living in action.

Books:

In the Presence of My Enemies by Gracia Burnham
For American missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham, what started out as a relaxing, once-in-a-lifetime anniversary getaway at an exotic island resort turned into one of the most horrific nightmares imaginable. Kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist group with ties to Osama bin Laden, the Burnhams were snatched away from friends and family and thrust into a life on the run in the Philippine jungle 

Through Gates of Splendor by Elizabeth Elliot
Based on the story of 5 missionaries martyred by the Auca Indians in 1956.
Five missionaries went into the land of the savage Aucas. Their offer of friendship was rejected, and the Aucas killed the missionaries. Elisabeth Elliot, wife of one of the martyrs, her daughter and Rachel Saint would not give up and eventually lived among and brought the Gospel to the Aucas.  

To End All Wars by Ernest Gordon
(WWII) The story of Ernest Gordon’s life in the Death House–in a prison camp by the River Kwai. ’When Ernest Gordon was twenty-four he was captured by the Japanese and forced, with other British prisoners, to build the notorious ‘Railroad of Death’, where nearly 16,000 Prisoners of War gave their life. 

Movies:
Through Gates of Splendor – not rated 

To End All Wars – Rated R