Three Levels of Drama

1. The drama of a FOOL

• Luke 12:13-15 NLT, emphasis added - 13 Then someone called from the crowd, "Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father's estate with me." 14 Jesus replied, "Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?" 15 Then he said, "Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own."
• Don't love drama.
• Don't start drama.
• Don't go looking for drama.
• Don't choose friendships that are always in drama.
• KEY APPLICATION - AVOID A FOOL'S DRAMA.

2. The drama of a BYSTANDER

• John 8:7-8 NLT - 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!" 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.
• Sometimes you are dragged into drama and you can't do anything about it.
• James 3:17-18 NLT - 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
• KEY APPLICATION - USE THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE.

3. The drama of a VICTIM

• Matthew 26:67-68 NLT - 67 Then they began to spit in Jesus' face and beat him with their fists. And some slapped him, 68 jeering, "Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who hit you that time?"
• Some drama we're in is happening to us whether we like it or not.
• Watch Jesus:
  • He stayed LOW - Matthew 5:5 NLT: God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
  • He stayed PURE - Matthew 5:8 NLT: God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
  • He didn't REACT - Matthew 5:39 NLT: But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.
  • He did MORE than what was required - Matthew 5:41 NLT: If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.
  • He pursued PEACE - Matthew 5:9 NLT: God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
  • He BLESSED His enemies - Matthew 5:44 NLT: But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
• KEY APPLICATION - ENDURE LIKE CHRIST.