Remember The Prisoners
Carter Conlon teaches that true love for enemies is only possible through the supernatural power of Christ living within us, enabling us to obey God's radical command to love, bless, and pray for those who oppose us.
This sermon challenges believers to love their enemies, bless those who curse them, do good to those who hate them, and pray for those who persecute them, reflecting the love and mercy of God. The message emphasizes the need for supernatural strength to obey God's command to love unconditionally, even in the face of opposition and hatred. It calls for a surrender to God's power and grace to show kindness and compassion to those who mistreat us, remembering that God's love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Old Testament Context of Enmity
- God’s command to hate enemies in Deuteronomy
- Historical reasons for animosity toward Ammonites and Moabites
- The natural human response to enemies
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II. Jesus’ Radical New Command
- Love your enemies as a supernatural mandate
- Bless, do good, and pray for those who persecute you
- The impossibility of this love without Christ
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III. The Role of the Holy Spirit
- Christ living within believers empowers love
- The Spirit enables us to do what we cannot do naturally
- The call to yield to God’s strength over our own
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IV. Living in a World of Growing Hatred
- The love of many growing cold in the last days
- The temptation to hide or respond with judgment
- Remembering prisoners and loving as Christ loved us
Key Quotes
“Loving your enemies is such a wonderful idea, that is, until you have enemies.” — Carter Conlon
“You can't do this, but I can, I'm going to show you the way. I'm going to come and live inside of your physical body.” — Carter Conlon
“Remember the prisoners as if chained with them. Remember those no matter how they fight against you, no matter how vile they might be.” — Carter Conlon
Application Points
- Yield daily to the Holy Spirit to love those who are difficult or hostile toward you.
- Remember that loving enemies is a supernatural act empowered by Christ, not by human effort alone.
- Actively pray for and bless those who oppose or persecute you, reflecting God’s heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to love your enemies?
Loving your enemies means blessing, doing good, and praying for those who oppose or persecute you, reflecting God’s unconditional love.
Why is it difficult to love enemies naturally?
Human nature responds with retaliation or hatred, but God’s love requires supernatural power beyond our natural abilities.
How can believers love their enemies?
By allowing Christ and the Holy Spirit to live within them, believers receive the strength to love beyond their own capacity.
What is the significance of remembering the prisoners?
It reminds believers to empathize with those bound by sin and darkness and to love them as Christ loved us, even when they oppose us.
What warning does the sermon give about the last days?
The love of many will grow cold due to increasing lawlessness, making it crucial for believers to rely on God’s love to remain steadfast.