1) Definition: Exercising my senses so that I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me.
2) Scripture:
Prov. 12:25; 14:10,13; 15:13,23,30; 16:24; 17:14,17,27; 20:2,3; 24:11f;
25:11,20; 26:17; 27:9; Rom. 12:15; 1 Cor. 12:26; Phil. 2:17-26.
3) Underlying
principle: Sensitivity is demanded by the principle that we are to love one
another, to love our neighbor, to love our enemy, etc.
4) Illustration:
1 Samuel 16:14-23. Perhaps we see this
in David’s playing the harp for the possessed King Saul. In 1 Samuel 25 Abigail clearly had a
sensitivity to both her husband’s spirit as well as David’s.
5) Bible
Study:
a) Can
we know exactly what someone else feels like?
Prov. 14:10 says “no!” You know
your feelings but a stranger does not.
b) When
we sense someone may be having difficulty, does God require us to do what we
can for them? Prov. 24:11-12 indicates “yes.” You may claim, “I didn’t know,” but God knows
the heart and holds us accountable.
c) How
did Jesus show sensitivity in the following situations?
i) Luke
19:1-10: Seeing Zacchaeus in the tree Jesus knew he had a real heart to connect
with Him.
ii) John
4:5-26: In the story of the “woman at the well” don’t just think Jesus had some
divine knowledge of her. He knew from
the culture that she would be reluctant to reach out to Him so He took an
approach to reach out to her.
iii)
What other illustrations are seen in Phil. 3:17-26?
(1)
First, there is Paul (v17-18). Paul’s attitude of being poured out for the
faith of the Philippians eliminated callousness and opened his life up to their
needs.
(2)
Second, Timothy (v20) was sensitive to Paul’s heart and
thus could be trusted to care for the Philippians as Paul would care for them.
(3)
Last, Epaphroditus (v26) has a longing for the
Philippians. He felt their distress at finding
out he was sick. Perhaps we see
sensitivity in the Philippian believers as well.
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