Title: Saints and Evils
Contents
Sermon Day - 060402 Weekdays
Text - Psalm 37:3,4
Title - Saints and Evils
Video Screening - Southeast Asia Tsunami
God is good, but not all church members are good.
Therefore, even though many people diligently serve the Lord, there are cases where the relationship with other members of the church is uncomfortable and they are put to the test.
Today's text teaches us how to overcome these times.
Yehwa - In anticipation of change
It is very difficult for people to truly change. No external change can be expected without real internal change. It is really difficult to expect any change from people whose fundamentals have not changed. Gandhi pointed out that the “seven things that destroy us” are: politics without principles, wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without personality, business without morals, science without humanity, and faith without sacrifice. Today, it seems that we are also experiencing national difficulties because of these seven things.
It is said that if you change your thinking, you change your behavior, if you change your behavior, you change your habits, if you change your habits, you change your personality, and if you change your personality, you change your destiny. Unless there is a fundamental change in our hearts and minds, it will be difficult for us and our country to expect change.
First, we must not complain about evildoers.
The evildoers and those who do unrighteousness are also under the sovereignty of God.
They do evil to us because God allows them to do evil.
The reason God allows evildoers is to make us mature.
Therefore, when we complain about evildoers, it not only hinders the maturity of our faith, but also becomes a crime against the sovereignty of God.
Example - Complaining and Gratitude
Yesterday the dump truck I was driving overturned. I'm in good shape, but the truck is a bit broken. It's my fault and I have to pay for it, so I don't think I'll be able to remit the money for two months. There are many people who eat well and live well in their home country, and there are many people who work comfortably in a cool office even after they go abroad, but I feel resentful about my situation.”
This is a letter a wife received from her husband who was working abroad at the height of the Middle East boom. A kind-hearted wife wrote a reply. “Honey, how grateful are you that the car has overturned and you are not hurt? Also, there are many people who can't go even if they want to go abroad, but how grateful are you that you got a job in good health? And you said you were going to do your last job, but you liked it because your driving experience was recognized and you pulled heavy machinery. It’s not something to complain about and lament the situation, it’s just things to be thankful for.”
Second, we must hope in God and do good.
The way to overcome evil is not to be patient, but to actively do good, hoping for God as the most righteous Judge.
Jesus Christ died not only for me, but also for my enemies.
Also, he not only grants forgiveness to me, but also opens his arms of forgiveness and acceptance to those who do evil to me.
Therefore, while looking forward to seeing the evildoer repent and become a new person, we should not lose heart and do good.
Yehwa - 10 years not in vain
Third, we must rejoice in YHWH.
When we suffer because of evildoers, we should not be sad or discouraged, but rather rejoice in God.
At that time, God said that He will grant our wishes.
Those who truly believe in God's faithfulness and mercy toward us are destined to rejoice in any circumstance.
Therefore, do not be compelled to endure, but rather rejoice and rejoice.
So, overcome hardships and fulfill your hopes.
Who is tormenting you now?
How do you treat that person?
If you have any resentment or complaint about it, repent now.
And with God's love, forgive him and embrace him.
In this way, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21), and we must become victors of faith and practitioners of love.