What do these passages teach us about the kindness of God?

Romans 11:20-23 - Reception of God’s kindness is conditional on our behavior.

Ephesians 2:4-7 - God showed His kindness by sending Jesus to die for us.

Titus 3:4-5 - God’s kindness is evident in His mercy on us even in our sin.

I Peter 2:1-3 - We taste the kindness of God through His word.

Luke 6:31-35 - Our kindness is not to be based on whether or not we have been shown kindness.

Our kindness is based on:

How we want other people to treat us

God’s example of kindness to ungrateful and evil men

Acts 24:4 - What sort of things do kind people do? They go out of their way to be patient and helpful to others.

Colossians 3:12-13 - Christians are instructed to be kind. How do we obey that instruction? By considering others’ needs before our own and by adjusting our attitude. We should think about God. This is something that takes practice!

Christians don’t just react. They do what’s right!

What are some things that keep us from being kind?

Grouchiness

Selfishness

Holding a grudge

Pride

Ignorance

Bad company

What are the practical benefits of being kind?

Better influence on those around us

Get on God’s side by reading and praying.

Ezra 7:10

From reading God’s law, Ezra knew what he had to teach the people and what they were doing wrong.

Acts 8:34-35 - The Ethiopian started by reading God’s word and Philip started teaching him based on what the Ethiopian had read.

Surround yourself with people who will help.

Ezra 7:28

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - the advantage of having a companion who will help

II Corinthians 7:5-7 - Paul was comforted by the arrival of Titus.

Learn your lesson from last time.

Ezra 9:13-14

Acts 8:9-24 - Simon tried to return to his old ways when he tried to buy the power of God from the apostles, but Peter refused and rebuked him.

Acts 5:27

Hebrews 9:23 - Why is “sacrifices” plural here? This may be a figure of speech to compare the many sacrifices of the Old Testament with the one sacrifice of Jesus. The Bible often uses the plural form of a ord to include the singular. This may also be referring to Jesus’ sacrifice in combination with either God’s sacrifice in sending Him or our own personal sacrifices that we must make to follow Christ.

Hebrews 9:27 - Christians should not be afraid to die. If we are serving God like we should, we would be much better off in heaven.

See I Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Hebrews 9:28 - The second time that Jesus comes, it will not be to save men. It will be as a judge.

Hebrews 10:1-2 - We do not have to feel the guilt of our sins once we have been forgiven.

Hebrews 10:9 - God took away the first covenant when He established the new covenant. We are no longer bound by the laws, sacrifices, and ceremonies of the first law.

Prayer is one of the greatest privileges that God has given His children. (I Timothy 2:5

He speaks to us through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2.

His children speak to Him through His Son. (I Timothy 2:5

“The Man, Jesus Christ” made this possible.

He is mediator of the New Covenant (Hebrews 8:6.

Elements of acceptable prayer

To Deity (Colossians 1:3

Through our mediator, the MAN Jesus (I Timothy 2:5

In faith (James 1:6-7

If it be God’s will (I John 5:14

With the spirit and understanding (I Corinthians 14:15

With the right motives (James 4:3

Be forgiving (Mark 11:25-26

Be a doer of His will (I John 3:22

Pray frequently

Romans 12:12 - Continue instant in prayer.

Ephesians 6:18 - Pray always.

I Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray without ceasing.

Luke 11:1-8 - Be importunate in prayer.

But how and whose prayer is answered?

How?

We can only know that which is revealed.

In spiritual things (Luke 23:34

In physical things (James 5:17-18

Whose?

I Peter 3:12 - If one is not a Christian, he is void of all spiritual blessings, including prayer and hope of eternal life.