Trusted with Power (Romans 12)
This sermon explores the profound test of character that arises when we gain power or advantage over those who have hurt us. It challenges listeners to choose mercy and goodness rather than seeking revenge, thereby proving themselves trustworthy for God's greater purposes.
When God gives you power or vindication, your response to those who wronged you reveals your character. Choosing mercy over revenge allows God to promote you to new levels of influence.
Overview
This sermon introduces a crucial test: how one uses power when given an advantage over those who have caused hurt. It emphasizes that God will not promote individuals to enable revenge, nor will He give greater influence if it will be used to settle old scores or punish those who have wronged them. Instead, the sermon highlights Paul's instruction in Romans 12 to never avenge ourselves but to leave vengeance to God.
The key to passing this test is to "overcome evil with good." This means actively being kind, blessing, and helping those who have been unkind or hurtful, even when it feels counter-intuitive. The sermon reframes the concept of "heaping coals of fire on their head" not as punishment, but as a purifying act of kindness that softens hearts, brings warmth, and creates conviction, leading to change.
The life of Joseph serves as a primary example. Despite being betrayed and sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph rose to become prime minister of Egypt. When his brothers, unknowingly, came to him for aid during a famine, Joseph demonstrated profound mercy by not only forgiving them but providing for them and their entire families, giving them the best land.
Joseph's story illustrates that God promotes based on character and integrity, not just talent or position. The sermon concludes by urging listeners to be like Joseph, choosing to bless their enemies, cover their faults, and show mercy. This attitude proves trustworthiness for greater influence and positions them for new levels of favor and destiny, as God acts as their ultimate vindicator.
Key points
- The sermon focuses on how one uses power and influence when in a position of advantage over those who have caused hurt.
- God will not promote individuals who intend to use their newfound power for revenge, to settle scores, or to pay back those who wronged them.
- The biblical instruction from Romans 12 is to "never avenge yourselves" but to "overcome evil with good," meaning to be kind and helpful to enemies.
- The phrase "heaping coals of fire on their head" through kindness is interpreted as an act of purification, softening, and conviction, rather than punishment.
- The story of Joseph is presented as a prime example: despite being betrayed by his brothers, he showed them profound mercy and provision when he became prime minister.
- God promotes based on character and integrity, testing individuals privately to see how they will handle power before granting public promotion.
- Choosing mercy and kindness towards those who have wronged us, even when it is difficult, reveals a trustworthy character that God can use for His highest purposes.
In Joel Osteen's words
“How you handle power when you have the advantage will determine what God can trust you with.”
“Sometimes you don't weep because you're hurt. You weep because you're healed.”
“God will test you in private before he'll promote you in public.”
Outline
- I. The Test of Handling Power
- A. God will not promote for revenge or payback
- B. Leave vengeance in God's hands (Romans 12:19)
- C. Overcome evil with good by being kind to enemies (Romans 12:20-21)
- D. "Heaping coals of fire" means purification, softening, and conviction, not punishment
- II. Joseph: A Biblical Example of Character and Mercy
- A. Betrayed and sold into slavery by his brothers
- B. Rose to power as Prime Minister in Egypt
- C. Showed mercy and provision to his brothers when he had the advantage
- D. God promotes based on character and integrity, not just talent or seniority
- III. Applying the Principle: Being a "Joseph"
- A. Don't let bitterness or revenge take root
- B. Choose to bless and cover faults, even when feelings dictate otherwise
- C. God tests your character in private situations
- D. My father's example of responding with love instead of insult
- E. Blessing enemies reveals your character and proves you trustworthy for greater influence
Scripture references
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Insights
Character is revealed not in hardship, but in advantage.
God's promotions are always rooted in a forgiving spirit.
True power is expressed through mercy, not retribution.
Questions & answers
What is the main test discussed in this sermon?
The main test is how you handle power and influence when you have an advantage or the upper hand over someone who has wronged you. It challenges whether you will seek revenge or show mercy.
How does the sermon define "overcoming evil with good"?
It means choosing to be good to those who were not good to you. This includes blessing, helping, and being kind to your enemies, rather than seeking to get even or ignore them.
What does "heaping coals of fire on their head" mean in this sermon's context?
The sermon interprets this phrase to mean that your kindness, mercy, and goodness act as purification, softening, and conviction for the person who wronged you, rather than causing them pain or burning them.
How does the story of Joseph relate to being "trusted with power"?
Joseph exemplifies being trusted with power because despite his brothers' severe betrayal, he showed them profound mercy and provision when he had the ultimate advantage as prime minister. His character in that moment proved him trustworthy.
What does the sermon say about God's basis for promotion?
The sermon states that God promotes based on character and integrity, not merely on position, talent, or seniority. He tests individuals in private to assess their trustworthiness before elevating them publicly.
What does the sermon suggest we do when we don't *feel* like being good to those who wronged us?
It advises us to get out of our feelings and let our character determine our decisions. Even when our human nature wants revenge, we are encouraged to override those feelings and choose to bless them.
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