The Sword of The Spirit

{Monday, January 23, 2006 . How to Overcome an Enemy}

How to Overcome an Enemy

Pastor Yonggi Cho

Matthew 5:38-41

Introduction: Nelson Mandela in South Africa was persecuted by the white government and imprisoned for 27 years. Since he spent most of his youth in prison, he must have had a painful mind and heart. However, when he got out of prison and was elected president of South Africa, the whole world paid attention to him. Common sense told them that he would take revenge on the white people. However, when he became president, he declared forgiveness and reconciliation, and as the head of his country, he was in a position to make it a place where whites and blacks could live together. He was a great man who overcame resentment successfully. It is not easy to confront an enemy and overcome a grudge.

Our Lord's command regarding our attitude toward an enemy

1. Do not take revenge (Romans 12:17-21).

1) God takes revenge (Deuteronomy 32:35).

2) Take care of an enemy (Proverbs 25:21-22).

3) Overcome evil with good - the way to stop evil (Proverbs 17:13, 24:17)

4) Love an enemy (Matthew 5:44-48, Luke 6:27-28)

2. When you are attacked by an enemy (Psalms 91:1-3).

1) When God was with Joseph, his dry cistern did not turn into a grave for him (Genesis 50:20).

2) When King Nebuchadnezzar had the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual because of his anger and murderous intent, it did not burn Shadrach, Meshach,and Abednego (Daniel 3:28)

3) When God was with Daniel, hungry lions in the den did not hurt him (Psalms 91:4-8, Daniel 6:22-23)

3. If an enemy comes, blessings will also come (Psalms 23:5)

1) God prepares a table - a table of manna in the desert in the sight of King Pharaoh (Psalms 78:52-53, 105:39-41).

2) The head was anointed with oil.

(1) It brought power - Samson and anointing (Judges 14:6).

(2) It brought joy (Isaiah 61:3, Psalms 30:11).

(3) It made a cup overflow - an abundant, satisfying life (Psalms 91:16, 103:5, 37:28).

Conclusion: (Matthew 5:38-41). This scripture was unpleasant to me for a long time because it sounded powerless and defeated. However, I realize that this is the right way to overcome an enemy and live a victorious life.

† P§¥KØ †™ testifying at 6:21 PM