God's Kindness
The sermon emphasizes the importance of kindness, as seen in Colossians 3:12, and encourages believers to put on kindness by showing love and kindness to others.
Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of kindness in the life of a believer, illustrating it through the actions of a godly leader who chose to show love and kindness despite being wronged. He highlights the biblical example of David, who, despite Saul's animosity, sought to show kindness to Mephibosheth, Saul's son, by providing for him and restoring his land. Epp encourages believers to embody this gentle and gracious disposition, reflecting God's kindness in their interactions with others.
Text
Colossians 3:12; Titus 3:1-7
The believer is to put on "kindness" (Col. 3:12). This refers to a gentle, gracious disposition.
When I think of this quality, a particular godly leader comes to mind. Years ago another leader in the area did him much harm and sought to ruin his reputation. In a board meeting with this godly leader some of us expressed concern about what this other person was doing to him.
This godly leader then made a statement I shall never forget: "I have determined in my heart to show love and kindness toward this Christian leader with all that I have." And he did. This is what kindness is all about.
A biblical illustration of showing kindness is seen from the life of David. The former king, Saul, had despised David and sought to kill him several times.
But David never took advantage of Saul; in fact, Saul's son Jonathan became his closest friend. After the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, David asked, "Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" (2 Sam. 9: 1).
It was then brought to David's attention that Jonathan had a crippled son, Mephibosheth (v. 3). David sent for Mephibosheth, and 2 Samuel 9 concludes by saying, "So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet" (v. 13).
In addition to providing for Mephibosheth continually, David also restored to him the land that had been confiscated from Saul. This was true kindness in action.
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Eph. 4:32).
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Kindness
- The Call to Kindness
- The Practice of Kindness
- Providing for Others (Mephibosheth's Story)
- Restoring What Has Been Confiscated (Mephibosheth's Land)
- Biblical Illustration of Showing Kindness (2 Samuel 9)
Key Quotes
“I have determined in my heart to show love and kindness toward this Christian leader with all that I have.” — Theodore Epp
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- Believers should make a conscious decision to show love and kindness to others, as seen in Ephesians 4:32.
- Kindness involves providing for others and restoring what has been confiscated, as seen in the story of Mephibosheth.
- Putting on kindness requires a gentle and gracious disposition, as seen in Colossians 3:12.