Responding to Mockery with Love and Grace
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we gathered to partake in communion and reflect on a recent event where the Lord's Supper was mocked at the Olympics. Instead of responding with anger or retaliation, we are called to respond based on God's Word. Peter reminds us not to be surprised by the world's actions but to rejoice in sharing Christ's sufferings. Jesus modeled the perfect response to mockery and persecution by asking for forgiveness for those who mocked Him, demonstrating love and grace.
We are challenged to respond to attacks on our faith with love, grace, and prayer, recognizing that the world does not understand what it is doing. Our behavior as Christians should reflect Christ's love, as our actions can either draw people to or push them away from Jesus. John Maxwell's insight that people often reject Jesus because of how Christians behave underscores the importance of our conduct.
We also delved into the story of Hagar from Genesis, who found herself on the receiving end of Abraham and Sarah's poor decision. Despite her mistreatment, God saw her plight and promised her future blessings. This story teaches us that God sees our suffering and wants to help us, even though there may be consequences to endure. We are assured of God's future blessings if we trust Him and follow His guidance.
To receive God's help and blessings, we must stop retaliating against those who hurt us, face our pain, and sometimes even seek forgiveness for our own wrong actions. Retaliation and harboring bitterness only lead to further suffering and loss. Instead, we should trust in God's promises and take steps towards reconciliation and forgiveness, just as Hagar did.
### Key Takeaways
1. Respond with Love and Grace: When faced with mockery or attacks on our faith, our response should mirror Jesus' response on the cross: "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do." This response of love and grace acknowledges that the world acts out of ignorance and that our role is to pray for them and show them Christ's love through our actions. [23:52]
2. God Sees and Hears Our Suffering: Just as God saw Hagar's suffering and sent an angel to help her, He sees and hears our afflictions. This assurance that God is aware of our pain and wants to help us can provide comfort and hope, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. [43:21]
3. Consequences of Sin: While God is willing to help us, there are often consequences to sin that we must face. Hagar's son, Ishmael, was described as a "wild donkey of a man," symbolizing the ongoing challenges resulting from Abraham and Sarah's decision. Recognizing the reality of sin's consequences helps us understand the importance of following God's ways. [50:14]
4. Future Blessings Amidst Consequences: Despite the immediate challenges, God promises future blessings. Hagar was assured that her offspring would be numerous, giving her hope and a future. This promise of future blessings encourages us to trust God, even when we are dealing with the fallout of others' poor decisions. [53:43]
5. Steps to Healing and Blessing: To receive God's help and future blessings, we must stop retaliating, face our pain, and seek forgiveness where needed. Retaliation and bitterness only lead to further suffering, while forgiveness and reconciliation open the door to God's healing and blessings. Hagar's return to Sarah, despite the pain, exemplifies the steps we must take to move forward. [56:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[22:42] - Peter's Reminder: Rejoice in Suffering
[23:52] - Jesus' Response to Mockery
[24:50] - Reflecting Christ's Love
[25:38] - The Challenge of Christian Conduct
[26:09] - God's Love and Grace
[26:44] - Communion
[27:18] - Greeting and Announcements
[34:28] - Introduction to Genesis
[35:10] - The Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
[35:47] - Abraham and Sarah's Poor Decision
[38:44] - Hagar's Plight
[41:02] - God's Assurance to Hagar
[43:21] - God Sees and Hears
[50:14] - Consequences of Sin
[53:43] - Future Blessings
[56:13] - Steps to Healing and Blessing
[01:14:23] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 4:12-14 (ESV)
> "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."
2. Genesis 16:7-13 (ESV)
> "The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. And he said, 'Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?' She said, 'I am fleeing from my mistress Sarai.' The angel of the Lord said to her, 'Return to your mistress and submit to her.' The angel of the Lord also said to her, 'I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.' And the angel of the Lord said to her, 'Behold, you are pregnant and shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the Lord has listened to your affliction. He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone's hand against him, and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.' So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, 'You are a God of seeing,' for she said, 'Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Peter's advice to believers when they face trials and mockery for their faith? ([22:42])
2. How did Jesus respond to those who mocked Him before His crucifixion? ([23:52])
3. What was Hagar's situation when the angel of the Lord found her, and what did the angel instruct her to do? ([41:49])
4. What promise did God give to Hagar regarding her offspring? ([42:16])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Peter suggest that believers should not be surprised by trials and should instead rejoice? How does this perspective help in dealing with mockery or persecution? ([22:42])
2. How does Jesus' response to mockery and persecution serve as a model for Christians today? What does it teach about love and grace? ([23:52])
3. In what ways does the story of Hagar illustrate God's awareness and care for those who suffer? How does this assurance impact our faith during difficult times? ([43:21])
4. What are the implications of the consequences of sin as seen in the story of Hagar, Abraham, and Sarah? How does this understanding affect our view of sin and its impact? ([50:14])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced mockery or criticism for your faith. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in light of Jesus' example of love and grace? ([23:52])
2. When you are aware that God sees and hears your suffering, how does this change your approach to dealing with pain and hardship? Can you think of a specific situation where this assurance provided comfort? ([43:21])
3. Consider a situation where you experienced the consequences of someone else's poor decision. How did you handle it, and what steps can you take to trust in God's future blessings despite the immediate challenges? ([53:43])
4. Are there any areas in your life where you are harboring bitterness or seeking retaliation? What steps can you take to let go of these feelings and seek reconciliation and forgiveness instead? ([56:13])
5. Think about a person who has wronged you. What practical steps can you take to forgive them and seek reconciliation, even if they do not apologize or seek forgiveness from you? ([56:13])
6. How can you apply the lesson of facing your pain and not running away from it, as Hagar did when she returned to Sarah? What specific actions can you take to confront and deal with your pain? ([58:50])
7. Reflect on the story shared by the pastor about his personal experience with forgiveness. How can you relate to this story, and what steps can you take to ensure that bitterness does not take root in your heart? ([01:09:33])
Devotional
Day 1: Responding to Mockery with Grace and Love
When faced with mockery or attacks on our faith, it is natural to feel hurt or defensive. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to respond differently. Jesus, during His crucifixion, exemplified the ultimate response to mockery and persecution by asking for forgiveness for those who mocked Him, saying, "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do." This act of grace and love highlights the ignorance of the world and our role in praying for them and showing Christ's love through our actions. By responding with love and grace, we reflect Jesus' heart and can potentially draw others closer to Him. [23:52]
1 Peter 2:23 (ESV): "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt mocked or attacked for your faith. How can you respond with grace and love, following Jesus' example, in that situation today?
Day 2: God Sees and Hears Our Suffering
In times of suffering and affliction, it can be easy to feel abandoned or unseen. However, the story of Hagar in Genesis reminds us that God is always aware of our pain. Hagar, mistreated and cast out, encountered an angel who assured her that God had seen her suffering and promised her future blessings. This assurance that God sees and hears our afflictions provides comfort and hope, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Knowing that God is aware of our pain and desires to help us can strengthen our faith and trust in His plans. [43:21]
Psalm 34:15 (ESV): "The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt unseen or unheard in your suffering. How does knowing that God sees and hears your pain change your perspective on that situation?
Day 3: Recognizing the Consequences of Sin
While God is always willing to help us, it is important to recognize that our actions have consequences. The story of Hagar and Ishmael illustrates this truth. Abraham and Sarah's decision to have a child through Hagar led to ongoing challenges, as Ishmael was described as a "wild donkey of a man." Understanding the reality of sin's consequences helps us appreciate the importance of following God's ways and making decisions that align with His will. Acknowledging the impact of our actions can lead us to seek God's guidance more earnestly and strive to live in obedience to Him. [50:14]
Galatians 6:7-8 (ESV): "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
Reflection: Consider a decision you made that had unintended negative consequences. How can you seek God's guidance to make better choices in the future?
Day 4: Trusting in Future Blessings Amidst Consequences
Despite the immediate challenges and consequences of our actions, God promises future blessings. Hagar, despite her suffering, was assured that her offspring would be numerous, giving her hope and a future. This promise of future blessings encourages us to trust God, even when we are dealing with the fallout of others' poor decisions or our own mistakes. Trusting in God's promises allows us to look beyond our current circumstances and hold on to the hope of His future blessings. [53:43]
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Reflection: Think about a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you trust in God's promise of future blessings and hold on to hope during this time?
Day 5: Steps to Healing and Blessing
To receive God's help and future blessings, we must take specific steps towards healing and reconciliation. This involves stopping retaliation, facing our pain, and seeking forgiveness where needed. Retaliation and bitterness only lead to further suffering, while forgiveness and reconciliation open the door to God's healing and blessings. Hagar's return to Sarah, despite the pain, exemplifies the steps we must take to move forward. By following these steps, we align ourselves with God's will and position ourselves to receive His blessings. [56:13]
Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV): "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Reflection: Identify someone you need to forgive or a situation where you need to seek reconciliation. What steps can you take today to move towards healing and blessing in that relationship?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Here's what I want to challenge you with this morning. When it comes to retaliation, that will not bring, just so you know, that will not bring God's help or blessing into your life. It won't. Retaliation, honestly, makes things worse. And we have to understand that. You say, well, what about what they did? Hey, how about this? Don't say, I will repay evil. Wait for the Lord. He will deliver you." [57:23] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Aren't you thankful that we serve a God that gravitates to people who can't help themselves? Who gravitates to the defenseless? I mean, aren't you thankful this morning that we serve a God that gravitates to people this morning that God looked down from heaven and he so loved the world that he said, Jesus, go down and find them. Tell them about me. Help them. They're defenseless. They need you. And how many of you are thankful for that this morning?" [49:02] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Despite the challenge Ishmael's going to be, and he's going to be a challenge for you, you just need to know that you're going to have a line. You're going to have a family line that can't be counted. This is her future. Here's what he's saying. Hagar, you have a future. You can have hope right now. You're not going to die out in the wilderness. You're not going to be lost. You're not going to be forgotten. I see you, I hear you, and I'm going to help you. And you're going to have future blessing in your life." [54:13] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and he saves the crushed in spirit. And so this is Hagar and this is the heart of Jesus. And if we were to fast forward into the New Testament, we would see this in Jesus, wouldn't we? I mean, when you think about who Jesus ministers to, who is it he ministers to? Who is he drawn to? Who is he attracted to? He's trained. He's attracted to the lowly, to the defenseless, the widow, the orphan, the sick, the lame. Everybody else in society wanted to cast out and cast aside. Jesus gravitates towards them." [47:38] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I don't know if you're in that position this morning where you feel like you're at the receiving end of somebody's bonehead decision. Can I just tell you this morning, number one, that God sees what has happened. He sees it. He wants to help you. In fact, he can't help it. He's gravitating towards you right now. He wants to come into your situation and he wants to help you. And that's good news this morning. That is a wonderful assurance that we have." [49:02] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I think for us this morning, as we reflect on any attack against our Father, faith, instead of responding with retaliation and anger, that we be Christ-like in our response and recognize it is what it is. They know not what they do, church. It's the world. The proper response then is for us to love, show grace, pray for them, pray that the light of truth will be revealed to them. And let me just tell you how the light of truth is revealed to them through us. Through us. The way we behave." [24:50] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Despite the fact that he wants to help you, there are still going to be consequences in your situation. That's just the way it works. And we see this symbolically in Hagar's life as God now begins to reveal to her who the baby she's carrying will be and what he will produce. And here's what he says. He says to her, Behold, you are pregnant. And you are pregnant. And you're going to bear a son. You're going to call his name Ishmael because the Lord has listened to your affliction." [50:14] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "To receive help and future blessing, I have to stop retaliating against the person who hurt me. This isn't like super obvious in the text because we kind of get this idea that the only reason Hagar runs away is because Sarah's being mean to her. Well, that's one reason. But there's other. In the context, there's cultural reasons that she runs away. This would have been a low blow to Abram and Sarah. Sarah, she's not her own woman in this context, okay? She's a slave. She's a servant. It's not her baby. It's Abram's baby. She has no right to leave and to flee." [56:13] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You need to forgive the person that hurts you. That blankety blank. I want to make sure we're talking about the right person, God. Yeah, you've got to forgive them. All right, I forgive them. Need a little bit more than that from you, Brad. Here's what I need you to do. I need you to make a lunch appointment with that person and sit across from the table with them. I was like, oh, yeah, that makes sense. So they can ask for my forgiveness. Yeah, that's a good idea, God. No, no, no. Here's what I want you to do." [01:10:45] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You need to know that it's going to be a son. So it's going to be an heir, which that's what they all wanted to begin with. You also need to know his name's going to be Ishmael. That means that I have heard, I'm aware. And then it kind of goes south because he goes on to say he's going to be a wild donkey of a man. A wild donkey of a man. You say, well, what does that mean? It's the idea, and again, I can show you a lot of scripture where it kind of, it backs this up, but it's the idea that he's going to be a man of no restraint." [51:16] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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