Introduction

• Psalm 136
• Galatians 5:22-23
• Ephesians 4:31-32
• Colossians 3:12

We are sons of the Most High, not mirrors.

• Luke 6:27-35 – We should not reflect bad behavior we see in others. We must do always strive to do what is right, regardless of the behavior of those around us.
• II Timothy 2:24-25

Kindness helps me positively influence others.

• Acts 9:36-42 – Tabitha was widely loved because of her kindness.
• Kindness helps us be a positive influence to others.
• II Corinthians 6:3-5
• Proverbs 31:26

God balances His kindness with severity.

• Romans 2:4
• Romans 11:22
• Galatians 2:11
• Galatians 3:1; 4:11; 5:12
• There is patience, but there is an end to God’s patience.

Introduction

• Genesis 3:20-24
• Ecclesiastes 1:1-11; 2:14-16; 3:1-2, 19-22; 4:2-3; 5:15-16; 6:6; 7:1; 8:8; 9:2-6
• It is miserable to consider only the earthly perspective.

Bryan Johnson

• “professional rejuvenation athlete”
• https://dontdie.bryanjohnson.com/
• Bryan Johnson thinks death is optional and is setting out to prove it.
• Follows an extremely controlled diet, exercise, and sleep routine.
• Started out as a Mormon, but now does not have faith.

We can’t escape death.

• Psalms 39:4-6
• Psalms 89:47-48
• Psalms 90:10

But we will live forever.

• Luke 20:34-38
• Revelation 1:17-18
• I Corinthians 15:21-26, 54-57

So, the wise thing to do is to prepare for eternity.

• John 4:14
• I Timothy 4:8
• Philippians 1:21-24 – To die is gain!
  • Contrast this with Bryan Johnson’s motto of “don’t die.”

II Corinthians 4

• II Corinthians 4:1-2 – Thoughts continued from II Corinthians 3:17-18. Paul refused to use underhanded ways or tamper with the gospel. He just spoke the truth.
• II Corinthians 4:3-4 – See II Corinthians 3:16. Turning to the Lord removes this veil.
• II Corinthians 4:5-6 – God’s message was light meant to direct their paths. In verse 6, Paul is referencing creation. Compare II Corinthians 5:17.
• II Corinthians 4:7-10 – This “treasure” is the message of the gospel. The “jars of clay” are people. See I Corinthians 2:1-5; 4:9; 15:30.
• II Corinthians 4:11-12 – Paul was facing physical death, but spiritual life was happening in the Corinthians.
• II Corinthians 4:13-15 – See Psalms 116:10; Matthew 13:31-32. Knowing that we will be raised and need to stand before Jesus should be a sobering thought.
• II Corinthians 4:16-18 – What Paul experienced was certainly not a light affliction, but in comparison, it shows how great heaven will be!

Introduction

• Nehemiah 9:24-31 – Cycles of obedience and disobedience.
• Judges 2:10, 16

Adversity is good for us.

• Judges 2:20-3:9 – God left enemies in place to test Israel and teach them war.
• II Corinthians 12:7 – God left adversity for Paul.
• II Timothy 3:11
• II Timothy 4:14-18
• Can we face this adversity and still be faithful?
• James 1:2

Don’t surrender to Satan’s culture.

• Judges 17:7-18:31
• Judges 19:1-21:24 – War with the tribe of Benjamin.
• Joshua 24:14-15
• Romans 12:1
• Hebrews 11:32-34 – God saw faith in these men who put up a fight.
• Ephesians 4:11-12

Thankfully, God is full of grace.

• Judges 3:7-12 – The cycle continued!
• God took pity on them and saved again and again.
• I John 4:14
• I John 1:9

Forgiveness

• Psalms 130:3-4 – The idea of forgiveness is letting go.
• I Corinthians 7:11 – The same word is used here and translated “divorced.”

Aren’t we glad that God forgives us?!

• I John 1:9
• Acts 5:30; 13:28

I have to learn how to quit holding grudges.

• Matthew 6:12-15
• Colossians 3:12-13
• Ephesians 4:31-32 – We must forgive others in order for God to forgive us.
• Matthew 18:21-35

Does the Bible require me to forget?

• Hebrews 10:3
• II Samuel 12:13-14 – Just because we are forgiven does not mean there are no earthly consequences.
• Deuteronomy 8:1-6