Jeffrey Johnson's sermon focuses on the Christian virtue of grace and forgiveness, especially in the context of being wronged or defrauded. He begins by sharing a personal experience of being deeply moved by the unity and prayer of his congregation at Grace Bible Church. This moment of communal worship reminds him of the privilege of being part of a church family.
Johnson then transitions to discussing how Christians should respond to being wronged, especially by fellow believers. He uses the example from 1 Corinthians 6, where Paul admonishes the Corinthian church for taking grievances against each other to secular courts. Johnson emphasizes that such actions are contrary to the Christian spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation. He suggests that disputes among Christians should be resolved within the church community, reflecting the church's future role in judging the world, as described by Paul.
The core of his sermon is the call for Christians to willingly suffer wrong or be defrauded, following the example of Jesus Christ. He stresses that this is not a natural response, but it's a demonstration of Christ-like love and forgiveness. By enduring injustice and responding with grace, Christians can witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.
Johnson also addresses the challenge of loving and forgiving those who take advantage of us or wrong us intentionally, especially within the church. He acknowledges the pain and difficulty of this but insists that it offers an opportunity to display a Christ-like character. This approach to wrongdoing is counter-cultural, showcasing a distinctive Christian virtue.
In conclusion, Johnson urges his listeners to follow Christ's example in loving enemies, blessing those who curse us, and praying for those who mistreat us. He reminds them of the rewards of heaven for those who live according to these principles, encouraging them to let go of the desire for personal justice or revenge in favor of a higher, divine justice.
Throughout the sermon, Johnson intertwines practical advice with theological insights, urging his congregation to embody the forgiving love of Christ in their everyday interactions, particularly in situations of conflict or injustice within the Christian community.
