Enemies on SermonAudio

"If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the Lord will reward you." (Proverbs 25:21-22, NKJV)

Today our sermon will be from Psalm 55. Psalm 55 will be our new Psalm of Focus to sing as we work our way through the part in Second Samuel where we have the account of the coup that Absalom raised up against his father David who was God's Anointed King.

The sermon explores the psychological and spiritual impact of rejection versus acceptance, using the narrative of Esau and Jacob in Genesis 25 to illustrate how childhood dynamics and favoritism can shape a person's self-image and lead to the despising of one's spiritual birthright. It argues that while the world offers counterfeit acceptance through social validation and comparison, true acceptance is found exclusively in God, who views every individual as fearfully and wonderfully made. The message addresses the modern epidemic of insecurity and mental health struggles among youth, attributing these issues to strongholds formed by past trauma and the lies of the enemy. It calls for a transformation of the mind through the recognition of faulty perspectives, the forgiveness of childhood wounds, and the active renunciation of Satan's lies in favor of God's truth. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes that salvation by grace provides a secure identity in Christ, freeing believers from the need for worldly approval and enabling them to live in the fullness of their divine value.

This sermon explores Psalm 59 as a model for responding to persecution and spiritual warfare, emphasizing that while believers face unjust hostility, God remains their sovereign refuge. The central message is that faith does not eliminate trouble but reorients the believer's focus from their enemies to God's power and covenant faithfulness, known as hesed. The text instructs Christians to pray for deliverance, maintain a clear conscience, and trust God's justice rather than seeking personal vengeance. By contrasting the howling of enemies with the laughter of God, the sermon encourages a posture of confident praise and worship even in the midst of distress. Ultimately, it calls the church to view suffering through the lens of God's glory, trusting that He will either judge the wicked or save them, thereby preserving His purposes for His people.

King Belshazzar held a great feast while their enemy was outside the city trying to conquer it. Instead of preparing to fight, they got drunk using the vessels taken from the house of the Lord. The handwriting appears on the wall and Daniel is called to interpret it. Grab your Bible, turn to Daniel 5, and follow along with Pastor Mike as we look into the story and its spiritual applications for today.

The sermon explores the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18, emphasizing the necessity of persistent prayer and unwavering faith during times of delay or discouragement. By contrasting a wicked judge who relents only due to annoyance with a holy God who hears the cries of His elect, the message asserts that God will bring about justice speedily for those who remain faithful. The preacher encourages believers to view prayer as a spiritual lifeline that fosters intimacy with God, urging them to resist the enemy's lies and continue seeking God's will despite life's overwhelming circumstances. This exhortation culminates in a call to trust in God's promises and maintain a posture of dependence on Christ, ensuring that when the Son of Man returns, He finds genuine faith on earth.

This sermon explores the narrative of Isaac in Genesis 26, highlighting his consistent choice to pursue peace rather than conflict despite repeated provocation from Abimelech and the Philistines. By refusing to retaliate and instead offering hospitality and covenant, Isaac demonstrates a life that pleases the Lord, resulting in divine provision and the conversion of his enemies into allies. The teaching connects this Old Testament example to New Testament commands in Romans 12 and Matthew 5, urging believers to overcome evil with good and to trust God for vengeance rather than seeking personal retribution. While emphasizing non-retaliation for personal offenses, the sermon distinguishes this from the moral obligation to protect the vulnerable, family, and the integrity of God's house. Ultimately, the message calls for a life of radical grace and peace that serves as a powerful testimony to the world, reflecting the character of Christ. Questions: When should a Christian fight back? Does turning the other cheek mean Christians should never defend themselves? How should Christians respond when someone takes advantage of them? Why didn't Isaac fight for the wells that rightfully belonged to him? Can refusing to retaliate actually be a sign of strength rather than weakness? What does "Vengeance is mine; I will repay" mean for Christians today? What does it mean to "heap coals of fire" on your enemy's head? How can showing kindness to an enemy become a Christian testimony? Does God really make our enemies be at peace with us when our ways please Him? What is the difference between revenge and righteous defense? Should a Christian defend his family?

OUTLINE: Have you noticed before how Jesus calls us to be concerned about when someone else has something against you!?? 1) Making Peace with a Brother 2) Making Peace with an Enemy 3) Living Peaceably with ALL! Reconciliation Conclusion: Reflect more deeply on how Jesus describes the urgency of reconciliation in Matthew 5:23–26. Why is reconciliation in relationships so vital? AI Generated.... In this sermon on Matthew 5:21-26, the Pastor Geoff explains that Jesus deepens the commandment against murder by exposing its root in the human heart: anger, resentment, contempt, and bitterness. Jesus teaches that true righteousness is not merely avoiding violent actions but actively pursuing reconciliation with others. He emphasizes the surprising command that if someone has something against us, we should take the initiative to seek peace, even before engaging in acts of worship. The sermon stresses that Christians are called to be peacemakers, helping remove anger and hostility both in themselves and in others, including enemies. This kind of kingdom living requires humility, repentance, and dependence on God's grace, since reconciliation is often difficult and impossible in our own strength. Ultimately, the message points to Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who reconciled sinners to God through His sacrifice and now empowers believers by His Spirit to pursue peace, forgiveness, and restored relationships as an expression of the gospel.

Text: Matthew 6:13, Luke 11:4 Title: Praying the Sixth Petition 1. Because of our weakness 2. Because of our enemy 3. Because of our Father's provision