A List I Wish Would Have Been At My Disposal Not Too Long Ago

*from the archives: November, 2009

Perhaps I am overly optimistic, or have a "pie-in-the-sky" outlook when it comes to the degree of authority the Bible should have in our lives.

However, I do believe the Bible should be the primary authority for all believers in matters of life and faith. Whatever we are doing or not doing, the Bible should be governing us.

I realize this approach makes me appear a bit simple and naive, but in the words of someone, "it is what it is."

So...

Here's five questions I think everyone should answer when attempting to resolve conflict or when discussing concerns they might have about someone or something (family, friends, job, church, etc.).

1. Is this about Christ?
2. Does the Bible speak clearly and specifically about this?
3. Does a clear and specific Biblical principle apply to this?
4. Do any Biblical passages or principles apply here?
5. Do you believe you are acting in clear obedience to God on this issue?

Honestly, if you find yourself in conflict with someone, and you can't answer "yes" (and immediately articulate why) to any of these questions, I would suggest you may be in the wrong for this conflict. The other person may also be wrong, but your inability to answer "yes" to any of these questions probably indicates you are holding on to something you shouldn't be holding on to.

Like Forest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."

General Thoughts on Forgiveness

This is a combination of stuff from The Peacemaker by Ken Sande as well as my study for this week. It'll all come together this weekend in my sermons on John 13.

THREE PRIMARY WAYS THE WORD FORGIVENESS IS USED IN THE NT:

• to exonerate, or withhold punishment. as in "to forgive sins". this is something that is typically only done by God or Christ in the New Testament.
• to lay aside, or to put away. this is the idea of choosing to just overlook someone's fault against you. it requires no interaction, it is just a decision.
• to set free. as in setting someone free from whatever they may owe you, whether it be material, financial, emotional, or even an apology.

FOUR "TRUTHS" ABOUT FORGIVENESS:

• Forgiveness is never the wrong thing to do
• Forgiveness is always Jesus' way
• Forgiveness doesn't "fix" everything
• Forgiveness is for YOU not for THEM

FOUR PROMISES OF FORGIVENESS:

• I promise not to dwell on this
• I promise not to use this against you
• I promise not to talk to others about this
• I promise not to allow this to hinder our relationship
  

Love One Another

Love should be the defining characteristic of every small group (John 13:34-35). As you think about what it means to love one another, and how your group can work on loving one another; here are two lists that flesh out a bit how Jesus expects us to love.

The New Testament "One Another" Commands. A List of Specific Actions that Grow Brotherly Love:

John 13:34 -- Love one another.
Romans 12:10 -- Be devoted to one another.
Romans 12:10 -- Honor one another.
Romans 12:16 -- Live in harmony with one another.
Romans 14:13 -- Stop judging one another.
Romans 15:7 -- Accept one another.
Romans 15:14 -- Instruct one another.
Romans 16:16 -- Greet one another.
1 Corinthians 1:10 -- Agree with one another.
Galatians 5:13 -- Serve one another.
Ephesians 4:2 -- Bear with one another.
Ephesians 4:32 -- Forgive one another.
Ephesians 5:21 -- Submit to one another.
Colossians 3:16 -- Admonish one another.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 -- Encourage one another.
James 4:11 -- Do not slander one another.
1 Peter 4:9 -- Offer hospitality to one another.

An Outline of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Paul's definition of Love.

Love is:

• PATIENT
• KIND

Love is not

• jealous
• boastful
• proud
• irritable

Love does not

• demand its own way
• keep a record of wrongs
• rejoice about injustice

Love does

• REJOICE WHENEVER TRUTH WINS OUT
• NEVER GIVE UP
• NEVER LOSE FAITH
• ALWAYS HOPE
• ENDURE THROUGH EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE

Three "S" Words That Should Characterize Your Relationships

What does it mean to love others?

SUBMIT

Within the body of Christ we are commanded to submit to (or prefer) one another (Ephesians 5). This submission is rooted in the example of Christ, who submitted himself to the Father and in doing so, submitted himself to death (Philippians 2).

Submission is choosing to give my power away for the good of someone else.

SERVE

Jesus said we are to love others the way he loved us. Just before he said that, he demonstrated his love for his disciples by washing their feet, a not-so-pleasant act of service (John 13). We've each been given unique abilities and resources, which when pooled, enable us to function as the body of Christ. Each of us must learn to use what we've been given to serve the body with all our energy (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 13)

Serving is using my resources for the good of others.

SACRIFICE

Jesus said the greatest love of all is the one who is willing to give up his life for his friend. Within 24 hours, He was doing that very thing (John 15). Paul reminded us that we need to be we willing to give up our own desires and wishes if that will be beneficial to those around us (Romans 15).

Sacrifice is doing what is good for others even if it costs me dearly.