The preacher:

Speak words that become sound doctrine (Titus 2:1

Speak so as to be understood (I Corinthians 14:19

Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15

Speak with all authority (Titus 2:15

The listener:

Take heed what you hear (Mark 8:24

Take heed how you hear (Luke 8:18

Be sure the word is mixed with faith (Hebrews 4:2

Put the word to use in your life (James 1:22-25

Control your thinking - do not let your mind wander (Nehemiah 8:3

Uphold, do not apologize for the truth that was taught. (Acts 18:24-26

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