Wait on God!

Scripture Text Proverbs 20:22

Intro: It seems people today have an excessive concern for themselves. This infatuation with self does much harm to the Christian cause.

1. Self first people put themselves in the place of God. Proverbs 20:22 Do not say, "I will recompense evil"; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you.

a. Self first makes it harder to forgive others if they violate our expectations. We are not to take it upon ourselves to try to right all supposed wrong without knowing all the facts. We are to do unto others as we would have them do to us. And this is not the way we want to be treated. If we have a problem with someone Jesus said we are to go to them and let them know. If they don't listen to us we are to take two others with us. If they still refuse to hear, then we are to take it before the church. [Matt. 15-18] We are not to skip any of these steps!

2. Self first attitude results in bitterness that destroys others. Hebrews 12:15 (NKJV) looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

1. It causes us to fall short of the grace of God. God's grace has saved, forgiven, lifted mankind out of sin and put him in God's favor. When we become bitter we are no longer operating in God's grace, we have fallen short of His grace and are operating in bitterness which destroys people that God created and loves. It can and does hinder God's work!
2. Bitterness causes trouble. A bitter person never sees anything good. They begin to defile others by their bitterness and unforgiveness.

III. Self first people forget God is the ultimate authority. Proverbs 20:24 (NKJV) A man's steps are of the Lord; How then can a man understand his own way?

a. Whatever wrong exists, it is not our place to try to straighten it out, but we are to pray and give that concern to God. He is the only one who knows all the facts and has the wisdom to know what to do. He directs our steps!

IV. Self first people never experience the abundant life. John 10:10 (NKJV) The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

a. Only when our hearts and actions are right with God can we even begin to experience the abundant life. God forgave us through Jesus' sacrifice by suffering for us on the cross for our transgressions. So we must live in awe of His mercy. Also we must forgive others as we have been forgiven and not hold grudges and try to be the authority over others wrong doings.

V. We are to wait on God. [Proverbs 20:22] Romans 12:17-21 (NKJV) ¹⁷ Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. ¹⁹ Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. ²⁰ Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

a. God alone is our salvation. We are not to take vengeance on those who have done us or others wrong. We must forgive and wait on the Lord who has promised to be our avenger. [READ ROMANS 12:17-21 again]

Ultimately, not trusting God to be our avenger means not believing He is just and righteous. Instead, we must forgive as God in Christ has forgiven us. To do otherwise is sin and God does not bless sin.

Invitation: Jesus stands ready to forgive anyone who has sinned against God. All that is required to be forgiven is to confess your sins and ask Jesus to forgive and save you. Then you are to forgive others as you have been forgiven!