HAPPY 100!

Now that we know the Gospel, and we looked into how to examine ourselves to if we are in the faith, we have to see if our brothers and sisters in Christ are following in their walk with God. If we find that are, we are to encourage them (Romans 1:11-12).

But of course, there is Matthew 7:1-5:

““Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”“

Most people miss that fact there is a few verses after the first verse. The passage is reminder that you will not be left out of the judgement process. It is warning to keep in mind that you will be judged as well by the standard God keeps so keep you motives pure. If your motive is to point out how awesome you are because Derp Derp sinned. Jesus is speaking out against self-righteousness. How do I know this? Galatians 6:1-5:

 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.

Paul is describing that if a brother or sister in Christ is suffering in a sin we are to restore them a spirit of GENTLENESS (one of Fruits of the Spirit) without sinful intent. What Jesus was condemning in Matthew was how people would look at themselves so self-righteously and foolishly that they view themselves so highly that they have the authority to condemn sinners when we ourselves are suffering the same transgressions and not only that practicing the sin ourselves. (1 John 3:10-15)

Much as we need the express the fruit of LOVE for the unsaved we must also have a LOVE for our brothers and sisters in Christ. If we are not helping our brothers and sisters in Christ grow and have a healthy correction, then we are just as bad as the ones who don’t proclaim the Gospel to the unsaved. (1 John 3:16-21)

So how do we lovingly rebuke a brother in gentleness and love? How do we actually apply it?

This a perfect opportunity for the false convert to work their “magic”. People will take this time for a guilt trip. Listen if you do bad feel bad. If they are in sin, they are sin and as a Christian they should feel bad however this is not a license to bully someone. This is another way to view love in action.

We, of course must be honest, gentle, and loving in our approach. I don’t believe I could give a script on how this should be done. There are guidelines yes, however but remember the Bible says that this a burden for us to bear. We MUST let the sinner know we love them and that we love them enough to know that what they are doing is wrong. We need to be armed with scripture and also with love. Let the them know that not only does their sin insult God but it also insults you!

Use the same resources that you used to examine if you are in the faith. Walk them through the 10 commandments and the 9 Fruits of the Spirit.

If this does not work, then Matthew 18:15-20 helps us out. Jesus said:

15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

So what do we do next? gather 2-3 other people who are noticing the same sin going on in that persons life. Same deal as the first step just with more people.

Now I could be wrong on this but when Jesus says to go the church I believe He is meaning to go to your pastor as to convey this to the church or include the pastor in the 2nd step.

This is not an awesome time to proactive discipline. Keep in my mind this is what is best for the brother/sister in Christ and most importantly brings glory to God.

Speaking personally, I do see some of my friends in sin however I am fearful. Isn’t that silly? Could you please pray for me as I get over my fear of witnessing and confronting people? We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! Just keep prayin’!