GOD’S TRANSFORMING POWER
”Kindness”
Pastor Duane Cross | 03.23.2014

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”
Galatians 5:16-25 (NLT)

SCENE #1: CSI: Jericho. Jesus and a blind beggar. (Mark 10:46-52)

Lesson one: Kindness notices.

“I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” Matthew 25:40 (NLT)

SCENE #2: CSI: Jericho. Jesus and the crook. (Luke 19:1-10)

Lesson two:  Kindness risks.

SCENE #3: CSI: Galilee. Jesus and the sick woman. (Mark 5:24-34)

1. She couldn’t bear children.
2. She couldn’t be intimate
3. She wasn’t allowed in the temple.

“Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. ” Mark 5:34 (NLT)

Lesson three: Kindness affirms.

SCENE #4: CSI: Jerusalem. Jesus and his betrayer. (John 13:1-5)

Lesson four: Kindness shows mercy.

“Kindness makes a man attractive. ” Proverbs 19:22 (TLB)

“Your own soul is nourished when you are kind. ” Proverbs 11:17 (NLT)

“Never let your loyalty and kindness get away from you... Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation. ” Proverbs 3:3-4 (NLT)

GOING DEEPER QUESTIONS

These questions are designed to help you go deeper with the sermon during your week - to take a closer look at the Scripture and find fresh ways to live out the main points of
the sermon. Going Deeper questions also are used in all of our Grow Groups at Hope.

Scripture Reading

Galatians 5:16-25; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 19:1-10; Mark 5:24-34; John 13:1-5

Getting Started

When have you been touched with an act of kindness in recent days?

Do you believe that kindness in our world is rare? If so, why?

Read Proverbs 19:22. The writer states that kindness makes a person attractive. What is so attractive about a kind person?

A Closer Look

Read the 4 gospel passages and comment on the lessons of kindness.

- Jesus and the blind beggar (Mark 10:46-52)

- Jesus and the crook. (Luke 19:1-10)

- Jesus and the sick woman. (Mark 5:24-34)

- Jesus and his betrayer (John13:1-5)

Read Galatians 5:24-34. How should we deal with our sinful (natural, carnal) desires to withhold kindness? Why is that so difficult?

Digging Deeper

When is it most challenging for you to be kind? Explain.

Pastor Duane said that when kindness makes us attractive, it makes God attractive. What does that mean?

What makes God “unattractive” to the world?

This week decide to offer acts of kindness to others as a gift to God. If comfortable, share that commitment with your group.