August 2010
Monthly Archive
Tue 31 Aug 2010
How does one (that means me) know whether an issue is “the hill to die on?”
I have often said I have my opinions because I think they’re right. Why would I hold to an opinion which I think is wrong? So, if I think my opinions are “all that,” aren’t they all worth fighting for?
Experience has resoundingly exclaimed, “No!”
So where does that leave me? How am I to choose from the myriad of “right” thoughts I have on a given subject and say, “that doesn’t matter.” Isn’t that like saying, “I believe that, but it doesn’t matter what I believe?”
Of course I see in all this the premise is that I am central to all thought and action on this big blue ball affectionately known as Earth.
Maybe I can start there – because something seems askew.
Fri 20 Aug 2010
1 Corinthians 5:1-13
“Remove the bad apple”
Date: 22-Aug-10
Required Resources: The Message
Introduction
Review & Homework:
|
A. Salutations & Reminders (v1:1-1:9)
B. Divisions within the church (v1:10-4:21)
C. …of conduct unbecoming a believer (v5:1-13) |
- Read 1 Corinthians 5 and complete a page in your study booklet
- Paul addresses a specific issue in which the church body at Corinth needed to act in unison. He ends this section with the admonition “Expel the wicked man from among you.” Paul also makes it clear that he is talking about more sins in the body than just sexual immorality. Come to class prepared to discuss specific sins for which the body should expel our brothers and sisters – as well as your reasoning.
|
¿: Which is more dangerous, sin inside or outside the church? Why?
I also received a report of scandalous sex within your church family, a kind that wouldn’t be tolerated even outside the church: One of your men is sleeping with his stepmother. And you’re so above it all that it doesn’t even faze you! Shouldn’t this break your hearts? Shouldn’t it bring you to your knees in tears? Shouldn’t this person and his conduct be confronted and dealt with? I’ll tell you what I would do. Even though I’m not there in person, consider me right there with you, because I can fully see what’s going on. I’m telling you that this is wrong. You must not simply look the other way and hope it goes away on its own. Bring it out in the open and deal with it in the authority of Jesus our Master. Assemble the community–I’ll be present in spirit with you and our Master Jesus will be present in power. Hold this man’s conduct up to public scrutiny. Let him defend it if he can! But if he can’t, then out with him! It will be totally devastating to him, of course, and embarrassing to you. But better devastation and embarrassment than damnation. You want him on his feet and forgiven before the Master on the Day of Judgment.
1 Corinthians 5:1-5 – The Message (MSG)
1 Corinthians 5 deals with the necessity for disciplinary action in a church when one of the members is committing a serious sin of a public nature. Discipline is necessary for the church to retain its holy character in the eyes of the world.
Note that this chapter IS NOT directed to the “believer” who was committing the sin, it is directed to the body that sits by and does nothing.
The Text
|
Scripture
|
Observation
|
|
1
|
“It is actually” = it is common knowledge
This sin was both grievous and of a nature that was not even committed by non-Christians. Under Roman law such a relationship (step-mother/son) was considered incestuous.
Adultery was not charged, so it is likely the father died or was divorced.
¿: Why do you think Paul did not call out action against the woman involved?
|
|
2
|
Most shocking to Paul was not the sin itself, but the churches tolerance of it.
¿: This is a serious charge and yet Paul says they were proud, what could be possible reasons for their pride?
[1) he was a prominent leader in church and they were so proud of him/his abilities they ignored the sin; or
2) they were reveling in their freedom in Christ; or
3) they considered it “Christian love”, so they tolerated it]
Ü For a clue about the pride (v2) compare to boasting (v6) and read between the lines. [It’s as if they see it and say “a little isn’t that bad”]
¿: What is the churches proper response as long as sin remains within the body? [mourning/grieving]
|
|
HOMEWORK
|
Discuss specific sins for which the body should expel our brothers and sisters – as well as your reasoning.
|
|
4-5
|
¿: When were they to take action on this matter?
¿: Why do you think judgment should be in full assembly vs. privately by leadership only?
¿: What is the purpose of this discipline? (cf. Hebrews 12:6)
See Matthew 18:15-17
¿: Was this man a believer? (can we judge salvation by lifestyle?)
“so that the sinful nature may be destroyed”
¿: Is all suffering/pain due to sin? Some suffering/pain?
See 1 Corinthians 11:30 & John 9:2-3
Paul is saying to disassociate with, not despise. (cf. 2 Thess. 3:14-15)
This gives us a little hint of the purpose of the church (body) – a sanctuary from the evils of satan. Lack of fellowship with other believers is one way we experience the grace of God in the struggles of life.
|
|
6
|
A little rottenness goes a long way to spoil the entire batch
|
|
7-8
|
“as you really are”
Their standing with God was as saints, their practice was otherwise.
On the eve of the first day of the Passover Feast the Jew was required to remove all leaven from his house. He went to the kneading trough and scraped it clean. He scrubbed the place where leaven was kept till no trace remained. He searched the house with a lamp to make sure that none had been overlooked. Then he lifted his hands to God and said, “Oh God, I have cast out all the leaven from my house, and if there is any leaven that I do not know of, with all my heart I cast it out too.” (Believer’s Bible Commentary, pg 1760)
Paul’s words to Titus teach us HOW to put away the “old yeast.”
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)
¿: What are we to do? [say “no”]
¿: How are we to accomplish it? [embrace grace]
The key is not willpower – the key is embracing the “Grace of God” It teaches us by 1) our understanding of who God is, 2) who I am and 3) what God is showering on me.
Immersing ourselves in its fullness is what “teaches.”
|
|
|
David Brainerd was an American missionary to the Native Americans in the 1740’s. In his diary he wrote:
I never get away from Jesus, and Him crucified, and I found that when my people were gripped by this great evangelical doctrine of Christ and Him crucified, I had no need to give them instructions about modesty. I found that one followed as the sure and inevitable fruit of the other.
¿: How did Brainerd say the lives were changed?
|
|
9-11
|
“written in my letter” – Paul did write a previous letter which God did not include in Scripture.
“not to associate” = “don’t keep close, intimate company with” [grk]
¿: Reading between the lines – based on what Paul says here, what did Paul say in his first letter and how did he feel it was interpreted by the church?
Paul says “I understand that these people are in the world and act like this but what I am telling you is not to associate with a fellow believer who is:
Sexually immoral – not conforming to the sexual patterns of conduct established by God. [adultery, sex outside of marriage, perversions such as incest or homosexuality, lustful thoughts or pornography]
Greedy – excessively or inordinately desirous of wealth, profit, etc.; [hording wealth]
Idolater – one who has excessive or blind adoration of something or someone [car, house, job, children]; a test to see if something is an idol would be to include any thing or any one or any thought you are not willing to say “Lord, take it, I will live without it”
*Slanderer – one who makes a malicious, false, and defamatory statement or report; if truth be told the motive for most “gossip” falls into the malicious category.
*Drunkard – one who is habitually or frequently in a temporary state in which one’s physical and mental faculties are impaired by an excess of alcoholic drink
Swindler – one who cheats out of money or other assets
¿: Why do you think the 2 lists (v10 & v11) of vices are different?
¿: Is there anyone left in the church? Explain how a bunch of saints that sin can even fellowship.
Ü These Greek words are words used to indicate patterns of behavior. Those who persistently cling to certain sins with no mindset of changing.
Those struggling to break free from this bondage show a different mindset – not continual lifestyle but a struggle with that lifestyle.
¿: In the previous chapter (v4:5) we were told not to judge, now we’re told to judge, what’s the difference? [only God can judge motives, we can judge sin]
¿: What does Paul mean when he says, “with such a man do not even eat”? [Lord’s Table, social]
¿: Is this easy? Does it apply to a close friend/family member?
|
|
12-13
|
The principle here seems to be that we look after our own an God will look after the world.
¿: How is it possible to “go too far” in our “duty”?
|
Conclusion
Personal Application:
|
We cannot know a “true believer” but we can know one who professes faith and is taking action based on that profession
¿: Does anyone have a personal experience in a church that did (or should have) exercised discipline on a believer?
|
|
|
Homework:
Tue 17 Aug 2010
Posted @ 12:24 pm
{Click to post comment} Category:
Rants Excel shutdown – or maybe I inadvertently shut it down. Why is it corrupted. I spent a good portion of two days working on it and was about 75% done with it!
Computers! Where’s that recovery doc? Where’s the auto-backup?
I am not a happy camper.
Fri 13 Aug 2010
1 Corinthians 4:1-21
“On Parade for You”
Date: 15-Aug-10
Required Resources: 1 Corinthians – 4_1-21(Apostles on Display).doc
Introduction
Review:
|
A. Salutations & Reminders (v1:1-1:9)
B. Divisions within the church (v1:10-4:21)
1. The manifestation of the problem (v1:10-17)
A question of: “Which group is most spiritual?” leads to emptying the cross of Christ of its power
2. The gospel contradicts human wisdom (v1:18-2:5)
Your understanding of “spirituality” is a contradiction to the gospel
3. God’s wisdom is through the Spirit (v2:6-16)
This gospel is revealed through the Spirit
4. You’re “baby” Christians (v3:1-4)
Your works reveal your childishness
5. About the men who are honored (v3:5-17)
It’s you who are special, not us apostles
6. How to eliminate division (v3:18-23)
All is yours in Christ
7. The conclusion of the matter of division (v4:1-21)
The conclusion of this division matter…
a. Do not evaluate before the REAL test (v1-5)
b. The Apostles are last of all (v6-13)
c. Imitate me (Paul) (v14-21)
|
|
|
Homework review:
- Read 1 Corinthians 4:1-21 and complete page in your study booklet
- Come with a list of the qualities Paul says marked himself and the apostles as servants of Christ. It is important that we understand the characteristics Paul is referring to so we can discern the actions in each of our lives that Paul is talking about when he says “imitate me” in v4:16. If I never ask myself what Paul is talking about how can I do as he admonished and follow his example?
|
Introduction
Paul ended chapter 3 by introducing the concept that the leader were servants to be shared for the common good.
The church in America often honors, as spiritual leaders, those with large churches or ministries. The more outspoken, the more charismatic, the more TV time, the more books, etc. all of this adds to how we value their ministry.
These can be good and healthy indicators but Paul lays out in this passage that the true test – the life he himself is living – is the servants heart within the leader.
Is the leader in the trenches or on a pedestal?
If you compare where he “allows” others to place him with Christ’s example, how does he measure up?
The Text
|
Scripture
|
Observation
|
|
1 Corinthians
4:1-5
|
Do not evaluate before the REAL test
A sinful lifestyle always indicates sinful motives, but a godly lifestyle can mask sinful motives…. Only God knows the heart.
This section tells how God measures.1 Corinthians 4:1-5
|
|
1
|
“So Then…” – follows the previous thought that all is in common/shared – even the apostles themselves.
“servants of Christ” – literally “under-rowers” the guys in the bottom of a Roman galley that do the rowing. The lowest of a multi-tiered galley ship.
“entrusted” – idea of house manager or steward – great power to manage the house. Purchased slaves and goods and making wise investments and was answerable to the master. Paul must answer to Christ.
“secret things of God” – Cf. 1 Cor 2:7(thru),10 Paul says the apostles were given revelation from the Spirit which they in turn revealed to the people.
|
|
v2-5
|
Re: Judging – As a steward Paul would be held accountable to his master. It does not matter what others think, or even what he thinks of himself. What’s important is what the master thinks.
¿: Why did Paul say, “I do not even judge myself?”
This does not condone self-righteous independence. As a body we need each other to grow. Cf. Eph 4:1-6, 11-16 – our leaders have responsibility; we have responsibility
v5 – “Therefore” – signals a personal application to what was just stated.
1) Judge not (when I judge, aren’t I playing God?)
2) Wait
Reconcile “judge not” with Romans 16:17 & 1 Tim 5:20.
¿: With this in mind should we judge our leaders?
Ü Sound doctrine & personal holiness are essential
Do not pass judgment, wait until the only judge comes and reveals men’s hearts.
God’s praise is true.
|
|
1 Corinthians
4:6-13
|
The Apostles are last of all
1 Corinthians 4:6-13 |
|
6
ò
|
If reading between the lines, the implication is that there were other men (other than listed) that the church was forming divisions around. Likely these men were in the church at this time. Note how Paul is delicate in using himself vs. these men by name.
“Do not go beyond what is written”
Context: men following men causes division
Evidences from 6 scriptures thus far: v1:19; 1:31; 2:9; 2:16; 3:19; 3:20
Therefore: Does scripture indicate any wisdom in elevating men?
Ü Don’t make your own decisions of who is right/wrong… if you do this you will not have divisions and pride.
Ü The standard = written word. Have they been faithful in word AND deed?
They weren’t just following these men [Paul, Apollos, Peter] they were deciding which one had a greater hold on the truth.
|
|
7
|
Three intimidating questions to help them avoid inappropriate conduct.
Reference 1 Cor 1:4-9 and answer Paul’s questions.
Ü Their boasting about anything was inappropriate because all their gifts were not self-generated.
|
|
v8-13
|
“I wish I could reign with you and be important, but instead I must go into the Arena & suffer for the Lord Jesus Christ”
|
|
8
|
If these verses are not read in context they might appear as praise for what they had attained. Paul used sarcasm to show them how highly they thought of themselves.
Compare “Already you have all you want” in other translations…
The Corinthians wanted to be made high in their own right without an understanding that humility is the way in which God raises us up.
Ü James tells us about the rewards of humility & riches in James 1:9-12
|
|
READ
|
1 Corinthians – 4_1-21(Apostles on Display) to describe what the Corinthians knew so well
|
|
v9-13
|
The suffering of the apostles was not laid out as something to be respected but instead scorned. Paul was not elevating himself but lowering himself.
At the Roman games the gladiators and the wild beasts would battle – at the end of the day the most wretched criminal condemned to die would be paraded out before they were slaughtered. This “entertainment” was also a way to keep social order. Paul & the apostles were the entertainment – but more than that, they were the example as we’ll see later.
Paul was relating to the Corinthians in a way they could understand. A cynic (from the Greek word meaning dog-like) in Paul’s day would make themselves accursed. They would do and say things to cause people to deride them so they could show how magnanimously they could accept it. To be more they need to be less.
¿: While Paul & Apostles were living like this, how do you think those in Corinth were living?
¿: What is Paul communicating by leading out with v8 then following it with v9-13?
¿: How does this quote by Wiersbe apply to what we’re discussing… What life does to us depends on what life finds in us. (Warren Wiersbe, Be Wise, pg 66)?
|
|
1 Corinthians
4:14-21
|
Imitate me (Paul)
The purpose in Paul’s rebuke was not to shame but to correct & restore
¿: What about us, when we see a brother in error?
¿: In all honesty can we say our motives when ‘correcting’ a brother or sister don’t have some element of self-service? If not, how can we purify our motives to really help?
1 Corinthians 4:14-21 |
|
v14-17
|
Note the parental terms and tone Paul takes with them in his admonishment.
He has been stern even to the point of sarcasm because he feels a kinship as a father for his children.
¿: When Paul said imitate me, what did he mean, what did that entail? [humble, focused on Christ]
Paul could have elevated himself but he didn’t.
Another expression of Paul’s love for the Corinthians can be seen in 2 Cor 12:14-15
Timothy was discipled by Paul to the extent that he could disciple.
¿: Who should be discipling?
|
|
v18-21
|
Not all could be persuaded by his appeal therefore Paul held out his coming to them as a warning. He held out to them that his coming could be either in love or with chastisement.
Their attitude prompted more than a mild rebuke. Remember there was a letter before this to the church – evidently it did not correct the problem.
|
Conclusion
Personal Application:
|
¿: In light of 1 Corinthians 4 what do you think of being a church leader?
¿: How might this view of your leaders inform you in your attitude toward and dealings with leadership?
¿: What application do you think 1 Corinthians 4 has for your life outside of the church and church leadership?
|
|
|
Homework:
- Read 1 Corinthians 5:1-13
|
Thu 12 Aug 2010
I’m not growing fonder of the little key fobs you get from the mechanic. I’m sure you know what I mean, those things they attach your car keys to when you drop it off at the shop to be repaired. They usually have a little free advertising for the shop.
I always looks at these as a little throw-away bonus. Sometimes I have torn the little sticker that identifies the set of keys by car or name and saved the little guys for who knows what purpose. Well it seems lately they do have a purpose. I have these key fobs coming out my ears. Some say Honda Civic. Some say PT Cruiser. Some say 200SX. I could start a little museum with these things.
The part I really hate though is how much each of these little “extras” cost. It seems that 2 of my 3 vehicles have eaten up more of my assets than the vehicle actually cost.
When do I stop collecting these gems?
Wed 11 Aug 2010
On
May 11 I posted an entry regarding song that was very meaningful to me. At the time I remember understanding and desiring an even deeper relationship with my God. I read that short entry I sensed that I was moving to a new place, interesting. Today I am reminded of those lyrics.
The waters seems to be rising, faster and faster. I my head knows where to place my trust – does my heart really believe that? Honestly no. Sure I believe it at some level but my actions, my…. desperation they are the indicators. They do not believe.
I like that. That gives me a focal point.
Thank you!
Fri 6 Aug 2010
1 Corinthians 3:16-23
“The Key to Unity”
Date: 8-Aug-10
Required Resources: “The Voice of Truth” – Casting Crowns + words & amp
Introduction
Review:
|
A. Salutations & Reminders (v1:1-1:9)
B. Divisions within the church (v1:10-4:21)
1. The manifestation of the problem (v1:10-17)
A question of: “Which group is most spiritual?” leads to emptying the cross of Christ of its power
2. The gospel contradicts human wisdom (v1:18-2:5)
Your understanding of “spirituality” is a contradiction to the gospel
3. God’s wisdom is through the Spirit (v2:6-16)
This gospel is revealed through the Spirit
4. You’re “baby” Christians (v3:1-4)
Your works reveal your childishness
5. About the men who are honored (v3:5-17)
It’s you who are special, not us apostles
a. What makes the workers special? (v5-9)
b. The judgment of a believers’ works (v10-15)
Ü c. What is God’s belongs to God (v16-17)
6. How to eliminate division (v3:18-23)
All is yours in Christ
|
Homework review:
|
v18
|
- Read 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 and complete a page in your devotional/study booklet. What title would you give this short passage?
- We’ve been talking about the culture of Corinth and the things they believed and valued. Create two lists for class:
1) List the things that OUR society places value on
2) List the ones you struggle keeping in their right place in your life
|
The Text
|
Scripture
|
Observation
|
|
1 Corinthians
3:16-17
|
God’s view of the body of Christ
|
|
16
ò
|
“Don’t you know” – this is the first of 10 times Paul uses this clause in the letter (v5:6; 6:2-3, 9, 15-16, 19; 9:13, 24) it is introducing an indisputable statement.
While it is true that each believer is God’s temple, note the thought in this verse is that collectively the church in Corinth is God’s temple. As a body God view’s them as personally His.
I’m sure we’d all agree that we would never do anything to damage the body of Christ – that’s an abstract concept. What if I complain or gossip about the pastor or one of you in this class? What if I show you anything but the grace and love that was showered on me – which I do not deserve? Wouldn’t I be damaging the body of Christ?
|
|
17
|
¿: What importance does the fact that they are God’s temple have to do with this line of reasoning [the people are what’s important NOT the minister]
|
|
|
If any man destroys God’s temple (the body) and wrecks its testimony, God will not tolerate it.
¿: Who is the subject of v16-17?
Most believe this verse is talking to unbelievers because it says God will destroy him, but in the greater context what is Paul saying and who is he saying it to?
¿: Do you agree with this interpretation?
¿: How might that inform you about the passages that are not explicit regarding what is a sin, and how to deal with those issues (I’m not saying because it’s not spelled out it’s not a sin – I’m saying be careful and rely on HS to inform)
|
|
v18-23
Whiteboard
|
In Christ, all things are yours – we are unified
Brainstorm the 2 HOMEWORK lists
¿: For list # 2, why does the struggle exist?
Many of the things we’ve listed on the whiteboard have a stronghold in our lives because they are voices we hear over and over. We have lost the ability to separate truth from fiction, the world and satan has deceived us.
So far in 1 Corinthians Paul has used the word foolishness (or derivatives) 9 times. The Greek words are from the same root as our word moron.
¿: What point do you think he is trying to drive home?
The TRUTH is the only thing which can counter a lie. If we want to get rid of list # 2, we must begin to listen to truth and reject the lie.
Ü Play Voice of Truth, w/lyrics
¿: What are the key things you heard in the lyrics of this song?
¿: What is the net impact on our lives when we believe these lies?
|
|
18
|
In Christian service, as in the entire Christian life, there is always the danger of self-deception.
Any who have an exalted view of their own worldly wisdom must learn that they must become fools in the eyes of the world in order to become wise in their own estimation.
In any individual whatever, Corinthian or other, while preaching the gospel in your assemblies assumes the part of a wise man and reputation of a profound thinker, let him assure himself that he will not attain true wisdom until he has passed through a crisis in which that wisdom of his with which he is puffed up will perish and after which only he will receive the wisdom which is from above. [Frederic Godet, Commentary on First Corinthians, pg 195]
¿: What is Godet saying?
|
|
19
|
Human wisdom is moronic in God’s sight.
Human wisdom has no way of discovering and understanding divine things.
Job 5:13 – God triumphs over supposed wisdom of men to work out His own purposes.
No amount of man’s wisdom can thwart the plans of God. God often shows men that in spite of our worldly wisdom we are poor and powerless.
Cf 1 Cor 1:20 “Where is the wise man… has not God made foolish…”
|
|
20
|
¿: Why is Paul going to such great lengths to discredit worldly wisdom, again? [their wisdom told them that following their leaders was the right thing to do]
Christians do not have a right to their own opinions about the things God has revealed. When Christians start expressing and following their own ideas about the gospel, the church, and Christian living, the saints cannot help becoming divided. Christians are no wiser in their flesh than are unbelievers. The first step in a Christian’s becoming truly wise is to recognize that his own human wisdom is foolishness, a reflection of the wisdom of the world, which is foolishness before God. It is the product of intellectual pride and is the enemy of God’s revelation. [John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary 1st Corinthians, pg 88]
As believers we must lean on the scriptures for wisdom and rely on the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in understanding what they say, the flesh will deceive us.
ÜJohn MacArthur: “A Bible that is not studied carefully cannot be followed carefully.”
|
|
v21-23
|
The right view of others
|
|
21
|
“all things are yours” – They should not be claiming allegiance to the ministers because the ministers where there to serve them.
|
|
22
|
Again, “all are yours” – When Paul began talking about division (v1:10-12) he said it was wrong to rally behind these men.
¿: To our knowledge, where any of these men wrong in what they said and did?
These were learned man, they SHOULD be listened to and respected. The truth they taught should have created unity.
1 Thess 5:12-13 says that if they are teaching the truth SHOULD be respected and submitted to – they are worthy of the great respect. All faithful leaders are a blessing.
However, it is not the man we follow it is Christ.
|
|
23
ò
|
Cf. 1 Cor 1:12 – they are ALL part of the “I follow Christ” party. They were not of men, nor did only some of them have exclusive rights to Christ.
Every thing is for us to share equally (including the leaders) so we should share that in common. We are all naturally attracted to certain styles and personalities, GREAT, but we need to celebrate the other men with other styles and personalities… the diversity is part of the kingdom.
¿: If you’re in a church with a great pastor/teacher that you really connect with, then he leaves and the church calls someone who you don’t really connect with – what should you do?
¿: How can you grow as a Christian in a situation like this?
The Key: A right view of Christ. He Himself is the source of spiritual unity.
Ü Anything that denies our oneness with each other, denies our oneness with Him. Jesus prayed for us…
I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. John 17:9-10
that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:21-23
|
|
|
The Key to Unity:
With a common Lord, common possessions, common leaders & teachers and a common dependence on Scriptures there should be no cause for factions or disunity.
We all belong to each other. The leaders are not be elevated. They are our servants. They give themselves for the edification of all of us – with their uniqueness. If they are teaching the truth there is not one better or less than the other and we ought not to choose favorites as if there were.
|
Conclusion
Personal Application:
|
We talked about voices, the things we have been led to believe for one reason or another. Clinging to my own ideas of right and wrong leads me to sin. It divides me from you, it does not bring us together, it creates and us/them mentality.
[Personal story of autos coming behind me vastly exceeding the speed limit and my slowing down to “teach them” to obey the law.]
In this case it is NOT my job to be the enforcer, even though I am right (this is legalism). In the same way to say my ideas on who to follow are wrong. We are one in Christ. My opinions and thoughts are not superior to yours, nor yours superior to mine.
|
|
|
Homework:
