Experiencing Gods Peace Message 3

Experiencing Gods Peace

Message 3

Harmony

Me:

1. I have a low tolerance for some things.

a. It might surprise you what some of them are.

Self-righteousness

ii. Self-righteousness is a characteristic or attitude displayed by individuals who believe that their own beliefs, actions, or moral standards are inherently superior or morally superior to those of others.

iii. Accompanied by a sense of moral superiority. (Many pastors many more lay leadership)

iv. A tendency to look down upon or condemn those who do not share the same beliefs or behaviors.

v. Lied too. Swindled or scammed. Gossip.

b. A church of second chances

i. Grace was born out of the self-righteousness of others.

When a church splits.

a. It grieves the Holy Spirit.

i. Ephesians 4:30–31 (NIV) — 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Ephesians 4:30–31 NIV

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

ii. Notice what grieves God’s Spirit?

iii. What is the foundation of this conflict and division?

1. You guessed it.

Self-righteousness

iv. If you have ever been part or a witness, you will know the pain.

1. The pain hurt feeling.

2. Hatful words

3. Bitterness

4. Loss of influence

5. Ruined reputations

b. How do we avoid this egregious sin?

i. Know the peace of God.

ii. By experiencing God’s peace

iii. Phil 4:7 saying this “Then you will experience God’s peace”

iv. Seven steps we must follow.

v. Step one is being

“Steadfast” “Standing firm”

vi. Step two

“Harmony”

vii. Look at Phil 4:2-3

God:

Peace and Harmony

a. We are not always going to agree.

i. Philippians 4:2–3 (NLT) — 2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.

Philippians 4:2–3 NLT

Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.

ii. Two women, Euodia and Syntyche at odds in the church

iii. Doesn’t matter what the agreement was about.

iv. It was hurting the gospel.

b. The Bible is plain spoken on this subject.

i. Philippians 2:1–2 (NLT) — 1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Philippians 2:1–2 NLT

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

ii. Ephesians 4:3 (NLT) — 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

Ephesians 4:3 NLT

Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

iii. Colossians 3:14 (NLT) — 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

Colossians 3:14 NLT

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

iv. 1 Peter 3:8–9 (NLT) — 8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

1 Peter 3:8–9 NLT

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

v. Eph 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32 NIV

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

c. How much more convincing do you need?

i. Here are some practical steps you can take.

You:

4. Harmony in the Church.

a. Steps to peace.

i. Having harmony in a church involves creating an atmosphere of unity, understanding, and respect among its members.

ii. We have worked really hard to do that.

Love and acceptance

i. God didn’t make everyone the same.

Clear communication

i. Listen with your ears. Empathy is often needed. Understanding among church members is so important.

Worship and prayer

i. A church that prays together…

Shared vision and purpose

i. A church of second chance

ii. We have a target audience.

Servant leadership

i. I pray that I demonstrate that every day.

ii. If you want to be a leader in this church.

Discipleship and spiritual growth

i. Study to show yourself approved.

Regular evaluation

i. Adapt and be flexible

Grace and forgiveness

i. Let’s be a model of that.

Just imagine:

Thriving community.

a. Just imagine.

i. A church that we love to attend.

ii. A church that is the highlight of your week.

iii. Imagine what that church can do in a community.

iv. Our mission is the gospel.