In our passage, Jesus gives an important principle of dealing with evil - don'tanswer evil with evil. Experience shows that this is harder than it seems, andhow ready we are to get back at people who hurt us. While it might cost ussomething, this is the way we find victory against evil in our own lives, and in ourworld. Today, we will look at Jesus' words and consider how we should respondto the ways people hurt us?

Our words may be the most powerful thing in our lives. We make promises toothers, build others up or tear them down, and worship with our words. Becauseof their power, there is a temptation to misuse them to get what we want. Whilethe world says we should speak to mislead people, being a disciple calls for adeep-rooted commitment to honesty. Where others may be tempted to shade thetruth or make misleading promises for personal gain, Jesus challenges Hisdisciples to living a pattern of life distinguished by absolute truthfulness. Let'slook at that pattern today.

Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave, ahistorical reality that has implications for our faith. First of all, the resurrectionshows the historic credibility of faith. There are spiritual implications as well. Theresurrection shows us the new potential we have in Jesus Christ. Where weused to be stuck in sin and life's circumstances, now through faith in Jesus, weare set free to live the life God has for us to live. Today's passage shows us howthe resurrection transforms us and shows it's power to free us from sin and badhabits to live a life that pleases God.1. Sin, You Are Dead to Me! (Romans 6:3-7)John 8:36Freedom in Christ is freedom from the power of sin2. I am Alive to God! (Romans 6:8-11)Romans 6:23The consequences of sin is death as sin creates more sinRomans 8:1As the condemnation of sin is removed, the power of sin overus is removed3. Gods Power for You is in Christ (Romans 6:12-14)4. Uniting to Christ Knowing His PowerMatthew 28:1820 The power of Christ in us, comes from the fact Jesusis with us2 Peter 1:3We have what we need to be godly1 Corinthians 6:14 the same power that raised Jesus will be used to raiseus to life2 Timothy 1:7the Spirit of God is the power of Christ working in usPhilippians 4:13the power of Christ strengthens us to thrive inchallenging circumstancesColossians 1:11because of Jesus power, we can bear fruit