Two 2 Ti 2 questions; worship and QC session

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 We met again in the flesh for dinner and cell after a long break :)

The questions today were:

How do you usually feel about and treat those who oppose you?
Look at Jesus' teaching and example regarding response to opponents:
 
Lk 4:22-30 
“But passing through their midst, he went away."
Lk 5:21-26 
"When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?"
Lk 6: 1-11, 35-38 
"And Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?” 5 And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”...
And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.”
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and your will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Lk 7:36-50 
"And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”
Lk 11:14-52 
"But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls"...
" But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”"
"“Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40 You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also?"... "
 Woe to you...!" ...One of the lawyers answered him, “Teacher, in saying these things you insult us also.” 46 And he said, “Woe to you lawyers also!
Lk 15:1-7 
 So he told them this parable...
 Lk 20:1-47 
"He answered them, “I also will ask you a question. Now tell me, 4 was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?”"
..."And he began to tell the people this parable"
"He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." 
"But he said to them, “How can they say that the Christ is David's son?"
"And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the scribes"
 
Jesus sometimes:
  • Ignored violent situations 
  • Asked questions and proved His answer was right
  • Asked questions and went ahead with what He planned to do anyway.
  • Asked questions that showed people how inconsistent they were. 
  • Asked questions that showed up their lack of knowledge and thought about Scripture.
  • Was kind to the ungrateful and evil, merciful - like His Father. God’s mercy and patience are not unlimited, although He forgives all who come to Him repentant.
  • Didn't judge in a condemning way.  Be generous to others and God will be generous to you.
  • Reasoned logically with people
  • Told stories to reveal spiritual truth.
  • Corrected misconceptions to reveal spiritual truth. 
  • Angrily condemned bad behavior
  • Refused to answer insincere theoretical questions 
  • Gave wise answers to testing questions.
  • Publicly showed up dangerous people
 Jesus always dealt with people in the right way for the right reasons. We are often silent and non-confrontational because we are afraid, or naturally introverted/shy. We often speak out in anger because we are angry people and enjoy confrontation. Not Jesus - He exhibited kindness and patience, forbearing with the wicked, out of real love for them. But he also was ruthless with others, out of real and pure Divine anger against wilful sin and blindness. We have to all learn to be like Him!

 

 

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