April 10, 2016
This week’s study is the ninth in a series looking at 1 Corinthians.
The topic is
“How to Respond When Treated Unfairly.”
So how do people respond when they are treated wrongly?
The cultures of the world think ‘Pay Back’ in one form or another.
The Law says, ’An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’.
In these days of Grace what does God say?
1. Man’s Natural Way.
By nature (old, sinful) man believes they need to ‘right wrong and bring about justice’.
Read the following….
What Jacobs’s sons felt and did to bring about justice for the wrong done to their sister Dinah. Genesis 34:13-17, 25-31.
What David wanted to do to Nabal when he screamed insults at him (1 Samuel 25:21-22) and then his response to Abigail’s intervention. 1 Samuel 25:32-35.
How Joseph wanted to bring about justice for himself but outside of God’s timing (Genesis 40:14-15, 23.) and what happened when it was God’s right time. Genesis 41:9-14.
Peter’s response to Jesus predicting His death (Matthew 16:22) and Jesus answer to Peter wanting to do things ‘Man’s Way’. Matthew 16:23.
2. God’s Way.
Read about how different and better God’s ways can be to our natural way. Isaiah 55:8-9.
God’s Heart.
What do the following tell us about what’s on God’s heart? Matthew 5:45, Acts 17:25-27, Ephesians 2:4-5, John 3:16-17.
What was on the heart of the father in Jesus story of ‘The Lost Son’? Luke 15:20-24, 31-32.
God’s Sovereignty.
What do the following tell us? Acts 17:24-28, Genesis 50:19-21.
3. Our Response.
As His children what has God called us to do? 1 Peter 2:21.
What insights does Jesus give in Matthew 5:38-42 as to the principle God wants us to follow in our response to the way we can be sometimes treated?
Trust Our Self and Our Situation into God’s Hands.
See the following people’s examples….
Jesus. 1 Peter 2:23.
Joseph. Genesis 50:16-21.
Paul. 1 Corinthians 4:10-13.
Discuss in your group Paul’s words in Romans 12:17-19.
Forgive Others.
Read the examples of Jesus (Luke 23:34) and Stephen (Acts 7:60) as they were about to die.
Discuss the situation and attitude of the older son toward his wayward returning brother. Luke 15:25-30. How would you have responded?
Consider the following quotes…..
‘In this day of lawsuits and incessant demands for legal rights, Paul’s command (Romans 12:19-21) sounds almost impossible. When someone hurts you deeply, instead of giving him what he deserves, Paul says to befriend him. Why does Paul tell us to forgive our enemies? 1. Forgiveness may break a cycle of retaliation and lead to mutual reconciliation. 2. It may make the enemy feel ashamed and change his or her way. 3. By contrast, repaying evil for evil hurts you just as much as it hurts your enemy. Even if your enemy never repents forgiving him or her will free you of a heavy load of bitterness.’ *
‘Forgiveness involves both attitudes and actions. If you find it difficult to feel forgiving toward someone who hurts you, try responding with kind actions. If appropriate, tell this person you would like to heal your relationship. Lend a helping hand. Send him or her a gift. Smile at him or her. Many times you will discover that right actions lead to right feelings.’ *
Be Proactive.
Discuss the practical out working of Paul’s words in Romans 12:20. How would you apply these? Have you? Share your answer to others in your group.
Discuss the powerful principle of Romans 12:21, ‘….conquer evil by doing good.’
Why is this so powerful?
*Taken from “Life Application Study Bible