P4 HOW DO WE RESPOND WHEN PEOPLE TREAT US BADLY?

P4 HOW DO WE RESPOND WHEN PEOPLE TREAT US BADLY?

Greater Than One, Part 4 – March 13, 2022
Matthew 24:7-9 (NIV2011) 

Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 
8 All these are the beginning of birth pains. “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.”
James 5:7-11 (NIV2011) 

7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 
8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 
9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 
10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 
11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Christians can patiently persevere in the face of persecution
Example: Farmer
God’s timing is not our timing
Example: High School
James 5:8-9 (NIV2011) 

8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 
9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
The coming of Christ will bring justice that is fair and final
Example: Asaph
Psalm 73:2-8 (NIV2011)
2  But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. 3  For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4  They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. 5  They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. 6  Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. 7  From their callous hearts comes iniquity; their evil imaginations have no limits. 8  They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.
Psalm 73:13 (NIV2011)
13  Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence.
Psalm 73:16-19 (NIV2011)
16  When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply
17  till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
18  Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.
19  How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
Hebrews 10:30-31 (NIV2011) 

30 For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 
31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
James 5:10-11 (NIV2011)
10  Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11  As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered.
Patient perseverance is not passive
Example: Crossing a river
James 5:11 (NIV2011)
You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Our rewards are worth it
Example: Cost/benefits
Job 42:10 (NIV2011)
10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV2011)
58  Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.