One of the most important disciplines in the Christian life is that of building authentic relationships with other believers. Despite the reality that we are working as flawed persons among flawed people—so that offenses are inevitable—this fellowship (κοινωνία) is a universal standard in the church. What are we to do then: erect walls of isolation? Let ourselves get bulldozed? Fight back with equal vigor and vitriol? Avoid church altogether? Let’s let the Scriptures delineate our strategy.
In the book of Galatians we read these words from the Apostle Paul: "Brothers, you have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; You must love your neighbor as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you are not consumed one of another." (Galatians 5:13-14)
Here are the sermon titles, texts, and main ideas for September:
September - Charlie Bit Me (Building fellowship despite working as a flawed person among flawed people) …it is inevitable, we will be offended.
9/7 - Forgiving Little Offenses, Colossians 3, specifically verse 13. This sermon is about keeping short accounts with people just like we should always be doing with God. Forgive quickly and readily. Don’t let offenses accumulate.
9/14 - Confronting Bullies, 3rd John 1, specifically verse 9 & 20 dealing with Diotrephese. I will likely include some principles related to public rebuke. Paul’s handling of Peter when he failed the gentile believers in this regard is also applicable here.
9/21 - Ganging Up On Each Other (Positive Peer Pressure), Romans 16, specifically verses 17 & 18. Also Matthew 18:17 and the role of church discipline in the lives of believers.
9/28 - Building Fences, Matthew 10, specifically verse 16 & 17. This sermon will be about having boundaries and knowing when to walk away… without becoming selfish, self-righteous, self-serving, and therefore useless.
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