1. Dealing Biblically With The Past FALL 2014

2. FOUR BUCKETS

3. INTRODUCTION A.Beware of Selective Memory B.Behold the God of Truth John 14:6a Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” John 16:13a When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 1 Timothy 3:15b …the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.

4. EMPTYING BUCKET TWO A.Did you return evil for evil? Romans 12:17-21 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

5. EMPTYING BUCKET TWO A.Did you return evil for evil? 1.Returning evil for evil is always wrong (v. 17) 2.Seeking revenge displeases God (v. 19) 3.The person who sinned against you is not absolved from all consequences 4.This does not mean we must always be at peace with everyone (v. 18) 5.Attempt to overcome evil by actions of good (vv. 20-21)

6. EMPTYING BUCKET TWO A.Did you return evil for evil? B.Did you develop bitterness toward God? 1.Naomi suffered greatly as a result of living in a sin-cursed world (Ruth 1:1-5) 2.Naomi chose the path of bitterness because of her wrong view of God (vv. 20-21)

7. EMPTYING BUCKET TWO A.Did you return evil for evil? B.Did you develop bitterness toward God? C.Did you develop an unbiblical view of people?

8. EMPTYING BUCKET TWO A.Did you return evil for evil? B.Did you develop bitterness toward God? C.Did you develop an unbiblical view of people? D.Have you developed an unbiblical view of yourself? Proverbs 18:21a Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Romans 12:3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

9. EMPTYING BUCKET TWO E.Should you confront the person who sinned against you, and if so, have you done it? Matthew 18:15 If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

10. EMPTYING BUCKET TWO E.Should you confront the person who sinned against you, and if so, have you done it? F.If you confronted the person who sinned against you and he asked forgiveness, have you granted it? Luke 17:3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. Mark 11:25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

11. PERSONAL REFLECTION 1.Of the six questions discussed, which one is most convicting to you as the way you have failed to empty Bucket Two? 2.Discuss in practical terms what “returning good for evil” looks like. Role play one person behaving in an evil fashion and another group member responding in a way that is biblically “good.”