07 3d

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Section 08: PRAYER AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE, Advanced Level 3d

07 3d: Bring God's grace to cases of believer's sin and error

Correct without condemning.

Help your people have God's view of sin: He hates it and must punish it.

Jehovah of the Old Testament was a bloodthirsty God, demanding death and sacrifice for violating His law. Our Father in Heaven of the New Testament, is the same God, still as bloodthirsty. He is infinitely holy and cannot look on sin, but also merciful and forgiving, covering our evil acts and thoughts by the sacrificial blood of Jesus, who took our punishment. We appreciate this grace only as we see it against the harsh backdrop of His blinding, white-hot holiness, demonstrated throughout the Old Testament.

Correction requires both emphases: the deadliness of sin and assurance of God's merciful forgiveness, affirmed in the church.

Find in Galatians 6:1 at least two general guidelines for correcting a believer's fault.

Find in Matthew 7:1-2 a warning against correction by condemning.

Find in Matthew 18:15-22 the steps to take when you are offended by a Christian brother.

Find in Ephesians 4:32 a general rule for responding to offenses.

Find in the books of 1 and 2 Corinthians how Paul corrected many grave errors and sins in a church with grace (without condemning with a legalistic spirit).

Find in the book of Hebrews several examples from the Old Testament of how Jesus serves as our defender and High Priest before the infinitely holy Father in heaven.

Find in the book of Ecclesiastes why we gain nothing if we dedicate our time and efforts to common pleasures.

For simplifying the process of dealing with Christian issues with God's grace and power, and sound understanding: The Fight, John White

Investigate wisely before dealing with accusations.

Normally we do not go looking for accusations against those whom we love, and we do not keep a record of wrongs committed.
When two or more witnesses come forth against a follower of Christ, or a follower admits to sinful practices, then we must pay attention.
Always get various points of view, including those of the accused.
If you are working cross-culturally, there may be motivations for accusations that arise from long-standing animosity between social groups.

For help: Research

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