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Scripture Reading:  Psalm 139:17-24

PERFECT HATRED

Intro.

1.  Hatred is destructive (maliciousness, animosity, envy & strife) – Prov. 10:12.

2.  Yet, Bible says there is a time to hate – Eccl. 3:8!  What does this mean?

3.  Bible speaks of hate in several ways:

   a.  Relative preference – Lk. 14:26.

   b.  Sinful attitude & conduct – Tit. 3:3.

   c.  A right expression of aversion (disdain/revulsion) from evil – Heb. 1:9.

4.  The multi-sided nature of hate deserves our deliberate, prayerful attention!

I.  WE MUST HATE THE SAME THINGS GOD HATES.

   A.  God Hates (abhor, loathe) Sin – Psa. 45:6-7 (Heb. 1:9); Prov. 6:16-19; Mal. 2:16; Rev. 2:6.

      1.  Therefore, we must:

         a.  Love God / hate evil – Psa. 97:10; Amos 5:15; Rom. 12:9.

         b.  Reject evil in our life – Psa. 101:3.

         c.  Esteem God’s law – Psa. 119:104, 128, 163.

      2.  Imitate God’s character toward sin! 

   B.  A Sense in Which God Hates (has no pleasure in) the Sinner.

      1.  Psa. 5:4-5 – Due to his sin, he will not abide in presence / no fellowship.

      2.  Psa. 11:4-5 – Puts them under His wrath.

      3.  Similarly, we must:

         a.  Not sit with the wicked – Psa. 26:4-5 (Psa. 1:1).

         b.  Trust God, not liars – Psa. 31:6.

      4.  Psa. 139:21-22 – Grieved…Perfect hatred.

   C.  There is a Time to Hate! – Eccl. 3:8

      1.  Abhor sin & refuse the counsel / influence of sinners.

      2.  Prov. 8:13 – Shows our fear of God.  (3:7 – Depart from evil.)

II. ON THE OTHER HAND, WE MUST NEVER HATE (OR BE HATEFUL TOWARD) OTHERS IN RETURN (Matt. 7:12; 1 Pet. 2:22-23).

   A.  Hate is of the World – Gal. 5:19-20; Jno. 15:18-19.

   B.  One Who Hates Another Person is:

      1.  In darkness – 1 Jno. 2:9, 11.

      2.  A murderer – 1 Jno. 3:13-15.

      3.  A liar if says he loves God – 1 Jno. 4:19-20.

III. CHRISTIANS MUST DO GOOD TO THOSE WHO HATE THEM - Lk. 6:27, 22.

   A.  God Has! – Matt. 5:43-48

      1.  Physical good – 5:45.

      2.  Spiritual good — Jno. 3:16-17.

   B.  We Must Love the Evil Doer, Even When His Evil is Against Us – Matt. 5:44; Lk. 6:31.  (Genuine love is active.)

      1.  Our generation increasingly accepts hateful treatment of others as a right way to react toward those who wrong them – cf. Matt. 7:12.

      2.  Some of its actions will include:

         a.  Turn other cheek – 5:39 (unselfish).

         b.  Forgive – Matt. 6:14-15.

         c.  Pray for – Matt. 5:44; Lk. 6:28.

         d.  Rescue (because it hates sin!) – Jude 23.

   C.  God has Not Given Us the Right to Take Vengeance upon Evil – Rom. 12:17-21.

      1.  We are to render good for evil.

         a.  v. 17 – Take honorable course of action.

         b.  v. 18 – Be at peace.

         c.  v. 19 – Give place to God / don’t avenge.

         d.  v. 20 – Look to his good (coals of fire – may cause shame & remorse).

         e.  v. 21 – Overcome evil with good.

      2.  Otherwise, we will be overcome by evil!

Conclusion

1.   Hatred is a strong emotion, causing strong reactions of heart & deed.

   a.  God hates sin (incl. Hatred), & sinners have no place in His presence (nor pleasure from Him).

   b.  When we hate sin & refuse the counsel of sinners, we show reverence for God.

2.   So, we must seek to overcome evil with good, & not be consumed with hatred when evil is committed against us!

3.   Will you love Jesus & obey Him (Jno. 14:15)?  Or, show hatred for Jesus by denying Him in your life?  (Jno. 15:23; cf. 1 Jno. 2:23)