Today we conclude our series in Proverbs with a look at Proverbs 24:19-22.  This “Saying of the Wise”, challenges us to consider how we respond to evildoers in the world today.  Have you ever looked at the world and thought evil doers are winning the day? We watch evil doers seemingly prosper and have success. How can that be?  How should we respond to them?  We’re told not to fret or be envious because they have no future.   This begs another question though – why would we be angry or envious? If we find ourselves envious towards evil doers, this may reflect a false narrative  and/or perhaps I’ve forgotten my identity in Christ.  Both errors will lead me to respond to evil doers in an unhealthy manner.

How should I respond?  In Matthew 5 Jesus tells us we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.  Easier said that done – true!  But yet, this is how Jesus instructs us to respond. With God, all things are possible.

Discussion Questions:

Can you share an example of an evil doers succeeding? How did this make you feel?
Talk about how the false narrative (God responds to me based on my behavior). Have you seen this narrative lived out?
Discuss our Identity in Christ and why it is important for us to remember who we are in Christ?  How does our identity in Christ impact how we relate to and view evil doers?
Read Matthew 5:43-48 and discuss:
Who are our enemies?
What does it look like to ‘love my enemy’?
Why is it important to pray for those who persecute us?
What does it mean to “Fear the Lord”?
When I have ‘Fear the Lord’ in what ways will that impact my daily living?
Read and discuss Romans 13:1-7
How Christ Followers should respond to our leaders in government.
How should we respond to government laws regarding COVID protocols (ie, wear masks in church, limit the size of group that meets, etc).