Church Hurt: What Can I Do?
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Our previous installment dealt with Church hurt with a congregational focus. It is with no doubt that church hurt exists. Though the phrase may not be seen the, the concept is.
The concept is clearly seen in the phrase “offend”.*
Hymenaeus and Alexander “shipwrecked” the faith of others 1 Tim 1:20
Peter was reproved for his behaviour among the Gentiles, even Barnabas was affected Gal 2:13
2 Cor 2:6-11, The church was called to forgive and reaffirm their love since the brother recieved sufficient punishment.
If we act as we are called to this is minimized and maybe even eradicated.
However, there is another aspect to the notion of “church hurt” that addresses the individual.
However, there is another aspect to the notion of “church hurt” that addresses the individual.
What should I do about church hurt?
What should I do about church hurt?
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,
while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
If you are wondering what was the nature of Paul’s affliction listen to this;
Are they servants of Christ?—I speak as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death.
Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes.
I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren;
Paul shows me that I can have a view of my affliction that does not breed hate, discord, vengeance etc.
Paul says the “prize” is worth more than the “problem”. Appl. It’s easy to lose sight of this when the emotions are stirred heavily.
Jesus endured suffering as well
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The Christians were leaving the Lord/church. The “why” is different (external pressure) the answer is the same! Church maybe classed as internal pressure but the response needs to be the same.
Keep Your Eyes on a Resolution
Keep Your Eyes on a Resolution
“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.
“Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,
leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.
Reconciliation before Ritual…can you imagine the strength of this statement to a Pharisee?
Making reconciliation takes priority of the origin of the breakdown.
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.
Go in meekness - Go in love - Go in gentleness
As much as lieth in you live peaceably with all men Rom 12:18
Learning to forgive.
bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
“But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.
Forgiveness comes from the same word we get, rejoice, grace, thanksgiving. This gives us the atmosphere in which forgiveness is to happen.
It means to free someone from the guilt of something
You no longer hold them to a charge.
Our aim is to please God and we can do that whilst at odds with our brother and we refuse to do anything
Our aim is also to get to heaven it’s crazy to think that I can not speak with my brother on earth but hope to enjoy heaven with him.
Let us Hold fast to God and consider to stir up each other as we seek to make Heaven our home.
Let us Hold fast to God and consider to stir up each other as we seek to make Heaven our home.