Wednesday Night July 24, 2013
scriptures: Proverbs 22, 2 Corinthians 13, Matthew 18, Ecclesiastes 9
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Proverbs 22:10
Many people have a problem submitting this scripture. They are focused on what they think is nice instead of taking a stance in Christ.
We have bible examples of and directives to address issues when people are not doing what is right in God.
This is God’s church. We have to do things His way. Your opinion does not outweigh what God wants.
2 Corinthians 13:1-10
For example, someone may want you to understand why they hate someone else, however, God says hating someone without cause is like murder.
God’s way is the way. He says we need to deal with the scorner and with issues of people not being right.
Many issues are a matter of being reasonable if you are going to be a Christian, loving, being considerate.
Is it reasonable for me to be a Christian and not to be loving, kind, strong, standing for God?
vs 5
Some scorners were saying to Paul, “Who are you to tell us or correct us?”
His response was that you should examine yourselves. You prove that you’re for God when you live it.
Have you asked yourself this week whether you are living, doing for God?
This is not about following correction to make Paul look good or powerful, but because it is right and beneficial to the doer in Christ.
Often correction is God using others to bring to light things that you are hiding in your spirit.
Pride is in that scornful spirit that rejects correction or a worthy idea just because of who it comes from.
How many desire to be perfect in your life right now? To want to have the thoughts, plans, desires, actions that God wants you to have.
Someone might bring sharpness, especially when correcting something dangerous or something repetitively.
Proverbs 22:10 It is not about being mean when following this scripture. Allowing scorners and those that bring discord to continue is disruptive. He doesn’t allow it in His church.
Matthew 18:15-17
A lot of people don’t have the spiritual backbone, courage to talk to someone when something is amiss. They would rather hold on to hostility and say that’s how I feel.
These scriptures outline how we are supposed to deal with a person who is doing wrong.
First, go to the person who has done you wrong. If they don’t listen, take two or three with you. Then the conversation will have witnesses.
If it is still not resolved take it to church body for a final step.
Some people come to church for entertainment or socialness, other than godliness and fellowship. Being direct might expose a scorner’s true position.
A scorner who does not repent may leave at this point because they cannot hide anymore – they are exposed.
Ecclesiastes 9:17-18
One person can cause a lot of conflict, keep it going.