Being A Slave of Christ - Part 2

Being A Slave of Christ - Part 2

Luke 17:1-10     Page #1045

Todd Cyphers

 

I. Pointing others to Christ and not confusing them.    (vs 1-2)

II. Quick to forgive and seek reconciliation.                    (vs 3-4)

1. Forgiveness and the desire to walk in unity marks every follower of Christ.

Col. 3:12-13  - So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;    bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

2. Forgiveness means I Release me, my hurt & the individual to the Lord.

       So I refuse to:

A. Dwell on the incident

B. Bring up the incident to hurt you

C. Talk about it to others unless it is redemptive

D. Allow the incident to hinder our Relationship  

Rom. 12:18 - If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

3. Forgiveness does not mean:

A. I condone or submit to sin

B. Break the law

C. Enable the person

D. Or even trust the person

4. Forgiveness often is unconditional.

Mark 11:24-25  - Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. "Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone,  so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.

1 Peter 4:8 - ...love covers a multitude of sins.

5. Sometimes forgiveness also needs to be conditional and “conditional    forgiveness” comes only after confession and repentance because the   
sinful words or actions are too damaging to “cover”.

A.  Serious Dishonoring of Christ’s Name/Gospel

B. Seriously Damages the relationship

Matthew 18:15  - If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.

C. Serious Damage to others (especially the church)

Galatians 5:9 - A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.

D. Seriously Damaging to the individual.

Proverbs 27:6 - Faithful are the wounds of a friend…

Principle:

~ Private sins should stay between individual & God unless they have become a stronghold….

~ Public or community sins should be dealt with publicly with those influenced.

James 5:13-20    Page #1210

FAMILY FAITH SHEET

Transformation Verse -You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might.  Deuteronomy 6:5 (NASB)   (Cross Refs  Psalm 119:2, verse 34, Prov. 3:5)

 Monday  1-28-13 -  Reflecting on Yesterday

1. Read Luke 17:1-10.  Discuss Sunday’s message with someone.

2. Is it difficult for you to forgive people you live with?  Why or why not?

3. Pray for His people to follow Him in every way for His glory and our testimony.

Tuesday  1-29-13  - Reflecting on this Past Sunday

1. Read Luke 17:1-10 again.  What is God saying to you through His word?

2. Why is “unconditional forgiveness” so important to our own walk?  (See Heb. 12:15)

3. Read Psalm 66:18.  What is another reason to forgive quickly?

4. Pray for our ability to forgive and honor Him.

Wednesday   1-30-13 -  Reflecting on this Past Sunday

1. Read Mark 11:15-26.  What do you notice concerning prayer and forgiveness?

2. What happens to a person when his/her prayer life “dries up”?

3. Pray for anyone the Lord brings to your mind.

Thursday  1-31-13  - Preparing for this Upcoming Sunday

1. Read Luke 17:1-10.  (Being A Slave of Christ- Forging and Restoring)

2. This week we will discuss the process of going to someone who is sinning and hurting himself, others or God’s name.  Read Galatians 6:1.  What is needed before a person goes to another person to address sin?

3. Describe a time when you or someone “dealt with sin” in an ungodly and unloving manner. What were the results?

4. Pray for our maturity and our witness.

Friday  2-1-13 -  Preparing Ourselves for this Sunday

1. Read Matt. 7:3-5.  What must happen before we can be used as an instrument in restoring a brother/sister in Christ?

2. Pray for anyone God brings to your mind.

Saturday  2-2-13  - Preparing for Tomorrow

1. Read Psalm 51 and prepare your heart for taking Communion with God’s people at MCC tomorrow.

2. Pray for His people all over the world as He leads you.