FOR THE LOVE OF GOD: HOW THE CHURCH IS BETTER AND WORSE THAN YOU EVER IMAGINED (publicchristianity.

org)

JESUS’ TEACHING ABOUT LOVING YOUR ENEMIES

1. What do these four movies (pictured above) have in common?

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2. What do we love these sorts of movies?

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3. Read Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:43-48 then answer the following questions:

a) What is Jesus’ main point in Matthew 5?

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b) Write down at least ONE question you have about Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5.
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4. Read Romans 12:9-21 (below) then answer the following questions:

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Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another
above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in
affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who
persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony
with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not
repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on
you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written:
“It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty,
give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but
overcome evil with good.

a) Highlight the parts of Romans 12 (above) that relate to loving enemies.

b) What do you think “leave room for God’s wrath” refers to (verse 19)?
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c) What do you think is meant by “heap burning coals on his head” (verse 20)?
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The example of Jesus Christ

5. Read Luke 23:33-34 & Romans 5:6-10.

How has Jesus shown love to his enemies and led by example?
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6. Watch THIS VIDEO from the CPX website and list THREE things that stand out to you:
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The example of Martin Luther King Jnr

Martin Luther King Jnr refused to use violence and instead chose to
love his enemies. Watch THIS TRAILER from the movie Selma, about a
peaceful protest that was met with police brutality.

7. View THESE SLIDES and read THIS INFORMATION about MLK Jnr.
List THREE key dates and events in the life of MLK Jnr (not including
his birth or death).

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8. How does the example of Martin Luther King Jnr make you feel? Explain.
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9. In light of Ephesians 4:31-32, do you agree with the words in the box below ? Explain.

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“Love and hate are both immensely powerful. Hate is destructive. Love is restorative. It is very easy for
humans to hate. But Love, especially for one’s enemies, is very challenging. This requires God’s
strength.”

Watch THIS SHORT CARTOON