If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. 22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

Proverbs 25:22 NIV
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink

Proverbs 24:17, 18 NIV
Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, 18 or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them.

Matthew 5:43-45 NIV
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven.

Romans 12:14-21 NIV
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.

Proverbs 1:7 NIV
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Romans 12:19 NIV
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.

John 15:5 NIV
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Ephesians 5:18 NIV
. . . be filled with the Spirit,

Romans 8:26-39 NIV
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness . . .

Galatians 5:22-26 NIV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Proverbs 25:22 NIV
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

Romans 12:11 NIV
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:20, 21 NIV
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.

John 16:33 NIV
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Matthew 5:10-14 NIV
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13 “You are the salt of the earth. . 14 “You are the light of the world. . .

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

** Philippians 2:10, 11 NIV**
. . . that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Revelation 20:11-21:4 NIV
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER

• For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your LIFE HACK Group, or a watch party

• Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?

• What stood out to you in the message?

A Wise call to a Radical Response

• Proverbs 25:22 begins with “if your enemy…” Enemies may come from a variety of types of people: Political, Relational, Family, Theological, Religious, Racial, etc. Who do you think are your enemies?

• Even though they may not be “actual” enemies, of those who oppose you or the things that you value, who do you think of as enemies?

• Are you responding to them in your actions, thinking, and heart in a way that honors God?

• Do you pray for them? Yes No Make a list now and pray.

A Wise Call to a Radical Reliance

• How is your engagement with Scripture informing your responses to the various situations in your life that may cause discord or tension?

• Be filled with the Spirit… the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses… Keep in step with the Spirit… We are all truly dependent on the Holy Spirit, what can you do to actively increase your awareness of the Spirit and your dependance on Him?

A Wise Call to a Radical Hope

• The hope we have is that God will transform people’s lives. How have you seen “life-change” around you and how can that knowledge help you have hope for others?

• Even if there is never life-change God promises that He will judge and make all things new. How can this knowledge give you strength to have a godly response to your enemies?

Bonus Content:

• Here are a few resources to help you see this type of living in action.

Books:

In the Presence of My Enemies by Gracia Burnham
For American missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham, what started out as a relaxing, once-in-a-lifetime anniversary getaway at an exotic island resort turned into one of the most horrific nightmares imaginable. Kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist group with ties to Osama bin Laden, the Burnhams were snatched away from friends and family and thrust into a life on the run in the Philippine jungle

Through Gates of Splendor by Elizabeth Elliot
Based on the story of 5 missionaries martyred by the Auca Indians in 1956.
Five missionaries went into the land of the savage Aucas. Their offer of friendship was rejected, and the Aucas killed the missionaries. Elisabeth Elliot, wife of one of the martyrs, her daughter and Rachel Saint would not give up and eventually lived among and brought the Gospel to the Aucas.

To End All Wars by Ernest Gordon
(WWII) The story of Ernest Gordon’s life in the Death House–in a prison camp by the River Kwai. ’When Ernest Gordon was twenty-four he was captured by the Japanese and forced, with other British prisoners, to build the notorious ‘Railroad of Death’, where nearly 16,000 Prisoners of War gave their life.

Movies
Through Gates of Splendor - not rated

To End All Wars – Rated R

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Proverbs 22:6
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

The Church is to Invest in Future Generations (Col 3:20, Eph 6:1, Deut. 31:9-13, Josh. 8:34-35).

WISE PARENTS TRUST GOD’S WORD AND LEAD LIKE THE GOOD SHEPHERD!

1. Wise Parents Provide (Proverbs 27:23-27, Psalm 23:2)

Proverbs 27:23-27
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; 24 for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. 25When the hay is removed, and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, 26the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. 27You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you and your family and to nourish your servant girls.”

Psalm 23:2
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.”

1. Wise Parents Restore (Proverbs 11:8, Psalm 23:3a)

Proverbs 11:8
“The righteous man is rescued from trouble…”

Psalm 23:2
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.”

1. Wise Parents Lead (Proverbs 4:11, Psalm 23:3)

Proverbs 4:11
“I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.”

Psalm 23:3b
“He guides me in paths of righteousness.”

1. Wise Parents Remain Present (Proverbs 2:8, Psalm 23:4b)

Proverbs 2:8
“For he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.”

Psalm 23:4b
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with me.”

1. Wise Parents Defend and Protect (Proverbs 2:8, Psalm 23:4c)

Proverbs 2:8
“For he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.”

Psalm 23:4
“Your rod and staff they comfort me.”

1. Wise Parents Comfort (Proverbs 10:29, Psalm 23:4c, 5b)

Proverbs 10:29
“The way of the Lord is a refuge for the righteous...”

Psalm 23:5
“You anoint my head with oil…”

1. Wise Parents Prepare (Proverbs 27:23-27, Psalm 23:5a)

Psalm 23:5a
“You prepare a table before me…”

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My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. 8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
Financial Principle #1
Clarify Who You Are and the Value of Things

Proverbs 3:5 NIV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

Proverbs 3:9. 10 NIV

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

Proverbs 22:1-2 NIV

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. 2 Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.

Proverbs 9:10 NIV

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 11:4 NIV

Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

Deuteronomy 14:22, 23 NIV

Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.23 Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always.

Malachi 3:6-12 NIV

“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ 8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the store house, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

Psalm 24:1 NIV

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;

Matthew 6:24 NIV

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

A Tool to Help: The Tithe Challenge https://www.gfhope.org/giving

Michael Jr. – comedy clip on giving from LifeChurch.com

Bit starts approx. 17:46 (the whole message is good and funny)

9 Reasons Why We Give a Tithe and More… Pastor Paul and Bonnie Knight

Financial Principle #2
Set a Step by Step, Bit by Bit Financial Pace.

Proverbs 13:11 ESV
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.

Proverbs 10:4 NIV
Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.

Proverbs 12:11 NIV
Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.

Proverbs 21:5, 6 NIV
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. 6 A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.

Proverbs 23:4 NIV
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.

Luke 16:10-13 NIV
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? 13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Discipline of a plan:

10 / 10 / 80

A Tool to Help: Financial Peace University – Fall at HOPE Church

Book: Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

Ramsey’s Baby Steps – See bonus content below or follow link:

Financial Principle #3
There is Power in “Not Yet and No.”

Proverbs 20:21 NIV
The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.

Proverbs 28:25 NIV
The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.

Proverbs 22:7 NIV
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender.

Psalm 37:21 NIV
The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously;

Financial Principle #4
Experience the Joy of Being Gloriously Generous

Proverbs 11: 24, 25
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. 25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Proverbs 13:22 NIV
A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.

Proverbs 19:17 NIV
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.

Proverbs 21:13 NIV
Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER

For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your LIFE HACK Group, or a watch party

Quick Review

    Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?

What stood out to you in the message?

Financial Principle #1 -- Clarify Who You Are and the Value of Things

Do you think of yourself under the Lordship of Jesus Christ?

Do you see your possessions and money as belonging to God?

How does your view of who you are and the value of things affect your daily life?

Financial Principle #2 -- Set a Step by Step, Bit by Bit Financial Pace.

Do you have a financial plan for the management of money?

Does your plan fit with worldly wisdom or Godly wisdom?

Are there areas where you struggle regarding Godly financial wisdom?

Are there areas where you experience joy and victory in managing finances?

Financial Principle #3 -- There is Power in “Not Yet and No.”

How do you personally handle delayed gratification?

Where have you been victorious in waiting and been blessed?

Financial Principle #4 -- Experience the Joy of Being Gloriously Generous

1 Corinthians 9:7 states that God loves a cheerful giver. Do you consider yourself cheerful in your giving?

If you are not a cheerful giver, what would help you get to that point?

Are you generous?

Bonus Content:
9 Reasons Why We Give a Tithe and More…
Pastor Paul and Bonnie

1. We believe what the bible teaches about tithing and giving.
2. We love the Church and want to support it.
3. We agree that tithing and generous giving is a principle of financial freedom.
4. We want to model tithing and generous giving, primarily to our family.
5. We need to combat our own personal greed and consumerism.
6. We trust and love God.
7. We want to acknowledge His provision and protection of us.
8. To remind us that we are not home, we are aliens and strangers here.
9. Because we like it, it is fun. Dave Ramsey 7 Baby Steps

Baby Step 1
Save $1,000 for your starter emergency fund.

Baby Step 2
Pay off all debt (except the house) using the debt snowball.

Baby Step 3
Save 3–6 months of expenses in a fully funded emergency fund.

Baby Step 4
Invest 15% of your household income in retirement.

Baby Step 5
Save for your children’s college fund.

Baby Step 6
Pay off your home early.

Baby Step 7
Build wealth and give.

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5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
A Life Question: Are you on a path that is leading to God’s best for you?

Proverbs 3:1-6 NIV

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 3:6b NIV

… and he will make your paths straight.

Matthew 7:13, 14 NIV

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Genesis 12:1a & 2 NIV

The Lord had said to Abram, . . . 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
Wisdom Lesson:
Wisdom is knowing the best life possible is the life lived on the path designed by God.
Three Practices for the Journey to a Great Life
Practice #1
Develop a Deep ________________________ in the Lord.

Proverbs 3:5 NIV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

Proverbs 3:1 NIV

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart

Proverbs 3:3 NIV

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

Genesis 12:1-5 NIV

The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out . . .
Wisdom Lesson:
Wisdom is knowing that where you want to be may require you to move from where you are! Trust God on the journey.
Practice #2
Determine to ________________________ in a Way ____________ to God’s Way.

Proverbs 3:5b NIV

and lean not on your own understanding. . .

Proverbs 14:12 NIV & Proverbs 16:25 NIV

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.

Ephesians 6:10-14 NIV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then. .

Genesis 16:1-3 NIV

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; 2 so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said. 3 So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. 4 He slept with Hagar, and she conceived.
Wisdom Lesson:
When your way and God’s way are contrary its always wiser to take God’s way.
Practice #3
Acknowledge that _________is ______Over ______, _________.

Proverbs 3:6a NASB

In all your ways acknowledge Him. . .

Proverbs 3:6a NIV

. . . in all your ways submit to him

Luke 22:42 NIV

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Genesis 22:1, 2 NIV

Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” 2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”
Wisdom Lesson:
Acknowledging God is always best even when his best leads to sacrifice and submission.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER

For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your LIFE HACK Group, or a watch party

1. Quick Review

a. Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?

1. What stood out to you in the message?

Are you on a path that is leading to God’s best for you?

1. In your everyday life, are you living on the path that God has designed for you?

2. Are there specific areas of your life that you know you have taken a detour off God’s path?

a. What are those areas?

Practice #1 -- Develop a Deep Heart Trust in the Lord.

1. In what areas of your life do you have difficulty trusting God?

2. How do you think you can develop that practice of Heart Trust?

3. Are there things you are doing that diminish your trust in God?

Practice #2 -- Determine to Not Even Lean in a Way Contrary to God’s Way

1. Where are you most apt to go your way over God’s way?

2. Choosing your way over God’s way is evidence of a lack of trust in God. In the ways mentioned in question 8, why do you think you do not trust God?

3. What can you do to learn to “stand firm” instead of “leaning on your own understanding?”

Practice #3 -- Acknowledge that God is God Over Everything, Always

1. Do you agree with the idea that God should be God over everything, always?

2. In the areas where you tend to be your own god, your areas of disobedience, will you prayerfully place them and you on “an altar” declaring your willingness to acknowledge, submit and obey? Take a moment and, if possible, kneel or lay prostrate before Him and make that declaration. Submit your questions regarding this message or series to hope@ghope.org

We would like to invite you to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

To let us know you have made this decision, to receive more information or for guidance in this decision please text: MADENEW to 474747

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