“Avenge Not Yourselves”

Introduction

I. 	We have all been saddened by the several reports of senseless shootings in schools.
A. 	Some of those who have been killed or injured were or are faithful Christians.
B. 	Under such circumstances, it is easy to feel anger.
C. 	A natural tendency in man is to strike back under these circumstances.
II. 	Under the old covenant, the next of kin was expected to serve as the executioner of murderers.
III. 	Christians are taught to leave the avenging of such crimes to God.
IV. 	In this lesson we will be reminded of God’s teaching on vengeance.

Body

I. 	God instructed Israel that vengeance belonged to Him, but he also expected the next of kin to execute a murderer.
A. 	God authorized the next of kin to slay a murder, but He also set up cities of refuge where the man-slayer who did not intend to kill might go for protection.  Num. 35:9-34; Deut. 4:41-43; 19:1-13; Joshua 20:1-9.
B. 	God expected Israel to understand that vengeance belonged to Him.  Deut. 32:35; Ps. 94:1ff; Isa. 34:8-10; Jer. 50:11-16, 29; Micah 5:10-15.

II. 	Under the new covenant God has made clear that we are to leave vengeance unto Him.
A. 	We are not to render vengeance, but are to give place to the wrath of God.
1. 	In the section of Romans 12 where Paul gives numerous exhortations, he teaches us to deal with others properly.  Rom. 12:9-16.
2. 	We are not to render evil to others, nor are we to avenge ourselves.       Rom. 12:17-21.
B. 	God renders such vengeance through earthly rulers.  Rom. 13:1-7;                      I Pet. 2:13-17.
C. 	God will also punish those who are disobedient.  Heb. 10:26-31;                           II Thess. 1:3-12.
	
Conclusion

I. 	We must not render vengeance against evil people even though they may have done evil to us.
II. 	We must give place to the wrath of God and let Him render the vengeance.
III. 	God may use earthly rulers to accomplish such vengeance.
IV. 	We must also realize that God will punish us if we are disobedient.  Rom. 2:4-11.
V. 	You are encouraged to obey the Lord today!  Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rev. 2:10.

Prepared by:
   David Arnold
   May 31, 1998