The Enemy Problem What might having no enemies indicate? –Luke 6:26 What might having enemies indicate? –That I have done nothing wrong (1 Peter 4:15) –That I have done what is right (2 Timothy 3:12) –That I have spoken the truth (Galatians 4:16)

The Enemy Problem Some reasons we may have enemies : –Enemies made that are not our fault. –Enemies made because of our wrongdoing. What are we to do about our enemies ?

“ But my enemies are vigorous, and they are strong; and those who hate me wrongfully have multiplied. Those also who render evil for good, they are my adversaries, because I follow what is good.” Psalm 38:19,20

“Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; they are mighty who would destroy me, being my enemies wrongfully; though I have stolen nothing, I still must restore it.” Psalm 69:4

“But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, 'They hated Me without a cause. ’” John 15:25

 Jealousy – Acts 7:9; Genesis 37:4;1 Samuel 18:6-9  Fear of inferiority – 1 Samuel 18:12-15,28,29  You refuse to sin with them – Genesis 39:7-18; 1 Peter 4:4  A liar – Genesis 39:19,20  The truth – Galatians 4:16; 1 Kings 22:8  What you know – Proverbs 9:8  Their mistreatment of you – 1 Samuel 24:12-19; 26:21  They are unreasonable – 2 Thessalonians 3:2

The Enemy Problem You made a mistake –2 Corinthians 12:13 An accident –Deuteronomy 19:6 You have sinned against the person –Matthew 5:23-25

 Pray for deliverance – Psalm 59:1  Pray for wisdom – Psalm 119:98; James 1:5  Love them – Matthew 5:44,45  Desire to forgive them – Luke 23:34  Do good to them; don’t retaliate – 1 Samuel 24:17; Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:19,20; Proverbs 24:17  Pray for them – Matthew 5:44; Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60  Trust God to help – 2 Thessalonians 1:6,7

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the LORD, Who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.” Psalm 18:2,3

The Enemy Problem If I have enemies, I need to be certain they are not my enemies because of any wrong I have done!! –Matthew 5:23,24 I may not be able to avoid having enemies, but I can control my attitude toward them! –1 Peter 2:21-23