Being A Slave of Christ Quick to Forgive II

Being A Slave of Christ

Quick to Forgive and Seek Reconciliation  iii

Galatians 2:11-15           Page #1165

Todd Cyphers

 Notes:

I. Point others to Christ and not confuse them 

II. Forgive and seek restoration       

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

Matt. 18:15-18  - "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in   private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. "But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed.  "If he refuses to  listen to them, tell it to the church; & if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile & a tax collector….

III. The purpose of church discipline is the spiritual restoration of fallen brothers/sisters and the strengthening of the church for the Glory of the Lord and for the Gospel testimony.

IV. Five obedience steps in the process of church restoration

1. Address our own heart.  

2. Lovingly go and confront our brother/sister in private. 

3. If he does not repent then take others with you.  

4. If no repentance, tell it to the church.  

5. If no repentance, publicly remove the person from all fellowship, pray and speak the Gospel to him.    

V. Specific Biblical examples:

1. Serious or ongoing intentional sin   (Matthew 18:15-20)   

2. False teaching       (Galatians 2:11-16)             Page #1165

3. Hypocrisy              (Galatians 2:11-15)    (Acts 5:1-11)

2 Peter 1:3 - …His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness…

4. Divisive spirit   (Titus 3:10-11)           Page #1194

5. Immorality   (1 Corinthians 5:1-13)    Page #1143

2 Cor. 2:6-7 - Sufficient for such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the majority, so that on the contrary you should rather forgive and comfort him, otherwise such a one might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.

 

FAMILY FAITH SHEET

Transformation Verse -  Hate evil, you who love the Lord… Psalm 97:10

Monday, 2-11-13    Reflecting on Yesterday   

1. Discuss Sunday’s message with someone.

2. How dedicated are you in being used to “rescue those who are entangled in sin and death”?  (James 5:19-20)

3. Discuss the testimony that was given.

4. Pray for a desire and willingness to act concerning seeking restoration.

Tuesday, 2-12-13    Reflecting on this Past Sunday

1. Read Titus 3:10-11.  What are we to be willing to do all the time?

2. The word “factious” in this passage describes one who is self-willed, not submissive to true doctrine or leadership, maintains self-determined beliefs contrary to Christ’s attitude and to Scripture.

3. Why would we need to be quick to confront such a person?  What would you expect from this person when he/she is confronted?  What does it say about a church member/leadership that allow individuals to infect others?

4. Pray for willingness to obey Him in all areas of our lives.

Wednesday, 2-13-13  Reflecting on this Past Sunday

1. Read Luke 15.  What do you notice about repentance and restoration?

2. Why does the Father want the celebration of repentance to be even “greater than the sin”?  (1 John 1:9)

3. What have you seen happen to individuals as the years go by who do not repent and/or receive the celebration of forgiveness and restoration?

4. Pray for His people to have His attitude toward restoration.

Thursday, 2-14-13  Preparing for this Sunday - Dependence

1. Dependence is complete reliance and trust on God.  How are you doing in growing more reliant upon the Lord for everything in every situation?  Where  or when do you most struggle with relying upon God and why?

2. A slave in Jesus’ culture was one who totally relied on his master for everything and focused only on pleasing the master.   Read Luke 7:1-10.  What do you see here that reveals the attitude and actions of a dependent, trusting slave  of Christ?

3. Pray for our dependence upon Him to increase.

Friday, 2-15-13     Preparing Ourselves for this Sunday

1. Read John 15:5.  What principle must we learn to be effective in ministry and truly enjoy life?

2. Read John 3:27.  What else must we learn to grow in ever increasing dependence upon Christ?

3. Pray for anyone God brings to your mind.

Saturday, 2-16-13    Preparing for Tomorrow

1. Pray for His people all over the world as He leads you.  Pray that we will be less self-reliant and more reliant on Him and His promises.