1. Beware their Influence Pt 5a A look at Mistreat/ment and how to avoid her influence Scripture Reading: Jam 2:1-17

2. Introduction This morning we are going to meet Mis- treat(ment) and learn about her influence What do her actions look like? ◦ Treating others badly or abusively Other terms used to describe her actions ◦ Maltreat, ill-treat, misuse, wrong This morning we will look at Mis-treatment of others in the following circumstances ◦ The poor/less fortunate ◦ Revenge on those who have wronged us

3. The poor will always be with you Scriptures stating this fact ◦ Deut 15:9-11; Mt 26:11a; Mk 14:7; Jn 12:8 OT scripture regarding treatment of the poor ◦ Deut 15:7-11; Job 31:16-22; Ps 122:5-9; Prov 3:27, 14:31, 19:17; Is 58:6-12; Ez 18:7-9 NT scripture regarding treatment of the poor ◦ Mt 25:34-46; Lk 3:11, 14:12-14; 1 Cor 11:22 2 Cor 8:12-15; Jam 1:27, 2:1-17; Heb 13:1-3; 1 Jn 3:17-18

4. What about the handicapped, less fortunate, or afflicted? The scripture gives us the answer ◦ Lev 19:14; Deut 27:18; Job 29:12; Ps 72:12-14; Is 29:18-19, 35:4-6; Mt 11:4-5

5. What about taking revenge by mistreating those who mistreat us? OT scripture regarding revenge ◦ Ex 23:4-5; Lev 19:18; Deut 32:35; Prov 19:11, 20:22, 24:29, 25:21-22; Ezek 25:12-14 NT scripture regarding taking revenge ◦ Mt 5:7; Rom 12:17-21; Col 3:23-25; 1 Thess 5:15; 1 Pet 3:8-9

6. Conclusion We have seen this morning that the poor and less fortunate will always be with us and the manner in which we should treat them We have also seen this morning the importance of understanding God’s word regarding vengeance and that we must not seek revenge when feeling mistreated…God will take care of it This evening we will take a look at an example of how we should react when mistreated by others