2011 THEME: MAKE READY A PEOPLE PREPARED FOR THE LORD – LUKE 1: 19
TOPIC: OUR DUTY TO OUR ENEMIES III
TEXT: ROM 12:17-21. MEMORY VERSE: ROM 12:21

Introduction: Christianity teaches us how to behave towards our enemies; and in this instruction it quite differs from all other rules and methods, which generally aim at victory and dominion; but this at inward peace and satisfaction. Whoever are our enemies, that wish us ill and seek to do us ill, our rule is to do them no hurt, but all the good we can.

Be not overcome of evil. Let not the evil of any provocation that is given you have such a power over you, or make such an impression upon you, as to dispossess you of yourselves, to disturb your peace, to destroy your love, to ruffle and discompose your spirits, to transport you to any indecencies, or to bring you to study or attempt any revenge.” He that cannot quietly bear an injury is perfectly conquered by it.

But overcome evil with good, with the good of patience and forbearance, nay, and of kindness and beneficence to those that wrong you. Learn to defeat their ill designs against you, and either to change them, or at least to preserve your own peace.” He that hath this rule over his spirit is better than the mighty.

Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good. God hath shown us what is good: these Christian duties are enjoined; and that is evil which is opposite to them. Now observe,
 [1.] We must not only not do evil, but we must abhor that which is evil. We must hate     sin with an utter and irreconcilable hatred, have an antipathy to it as the worst of evils,      contrary to our new nature, and to our true interest - hating all the appearances of sin,       even the garment spotted with the flesh.
 [2.] We must not only do that which is good, but we must cleave to it. It denotes a           deliberate choice of, a sincere affection for, and a constant perseverance in, that which is    good. “So cleave to it as not to be allured nor affrighted from it, cleave to him that is good, even to the Lord (Act_11:23), with a dependence and acquiescence.” It is subjoined            to the precept of brotherly love, as directive of it; we must love our brethren, but not love     them so much as for their sakes to commit any sin, or omit any duty; not think the better            of any sin for the sake of the person that commits it, but forsake all the friends in the          world, to cleave to God and duty.

Conclusion: When we have assimilated all what Rom 12: 1-21 teaches us, our duty to God, to ourselves and our enemies and put them into practice, then we are more than sure that our task-to make ready a people prepared for the Lord-Luke 1:17 would be achievable.