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John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will
have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
The Christian life is an overcoming life. Even though we will definitely have
problems and personal struggles in this life, we will be able to overcome because of
Jesus. Because of Him, we have victory over the world, including sinful habits,
bitterness, loneliness, guilt, fear, and discouragement.
Dear reader, God wants you to live an overcoming life! Please read the following
lesson with faith, not in yourself, but in God.
James 2:13
“Mercy triumphs over judgment!”
Introduction
In Matthew 5:7, Jesus blesses those who overlook faults, forgive failures, and
show mercy to those who have fallen. This type of people can see the good in every
situation, even when that situation has hurt them personally. They see the glass as half
full instead of half empty.
The Bible says Christians ought to be these type of positive and encouraging
people—not because we are unrealistic or blind to the facts, but because we believe in a
God who can turn around bad situations and forgive the most heinous betrayal.
Luke 18:27
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”
James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you
know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its
work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
We are in a spiritual war, where we are battling to save souls from a ruthless
enemy. In this war against sin and Satan, we will face opposition and trouble. We should
remember that even Jesus paid a high price in this war—and we are not exempt from the
fight. However, we have hope because we know God will win. In the end, no sacrifice or
suffering we face for the sake of Jesus and the gospel will be in vain.
Matthew 5:11-12
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil
against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven,
for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
We need to realize that we entirely dependent on the grace of God in our lives. If
anyone else fails at any point, we should realize that we are no better than they are. John
Bradford, a 16th century reformer that was imprisoned and eventually martyred by
English church authorities, saw a group of prisoners being led to their execution for their
crimes. Realizing that he was no better than those criminals in terms of sin, he said,
“There, but for the grace of God, goes John Bradford.” We need to have the same
humility before God when considering the sins of others.
Matthew 7:1-3
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will
be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at
the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own
eye?”
James 4 says that when we judge our brother or sister, we put ourselves above the
law of God. In effect, we are saying that God is not doing His job and that we need to
step in and deliver our own judgment. Our job is to obey God—we should leave the
judging to Him.
James 4:11-12
Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges
him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it,
but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able
to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
Conclusion
When we become a Christian, our outlook on life should change. We should trust
God to take care of injustice, consider ourselves with humility, and anticipate God will
cause good things to come from difficult situations. Moreover, we understand that a
critical attitude is dangerous spiritually because it harms others, poisons our relationships,
and prevents us from receiving God’s forgiveness for our own sin.
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think that people sometimes have a critical attitude?
2. After reading this lesson, how will you change in terms of judging yourself or
others?
3. Describe how God has been merciful and gracious in your life?
4. Talk about one person that is merciful, kind, and gracious. How do you respond to
them?