How to Respond to Slander - Wednesday Service

Main message: The sermon teaches believers how to respond to slander, false accusations, and past mistakes by following Jesus’ example: stay silent when needed, trust God for vindication, and refuse condemnation. It also urges Christians to live from a relationship with God in prayer rather than transactional religion.

Key points:

• Jesus responded to abuse and slander by not retaliating and by entrusting himself to God.
• Believers should not correct every lie, chase every rumor, or publicly litigate every accusation.
• Condemnation and reminders of the past are not from God; in Christ, believers are new creations and should not keep apologizing for the “old” self.
• Doctrinal debates and fruitless contention should be avoided; truth does not need panic, pride, or hostility.
• Prayer should flow from relationship with God, not performance, and should continue throughout the day.
• The message emphasizes receiving God’s vindication and identity over public opinion.

Scriptures mentioned: 1 Peter 2:21-25, 1 Peter 2:23, Isaiah 54:17, Hebrews 10:17, Revelation 12:10, Romans 8:1, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:6, Titus 3:9, 2 Timothy 2:24-25