Balancing Love and Correction in Spiritual Growth

 

Summary

In today's sermon, I explored the delicate balance required in ministry and mentorship, the transformative power of love, and the supernatural nature of our Christian walk. I emphasized that a ministry focused solely on commendation creates weak and emotional individuals, unable to sustain power and stamina, leading to a ministry full of flattery and lies. Conversely, a ministry fixated on judgment and correction breeds discouraged people. The key is to strike a balance between commendation and correction, which leads to the purification and maturity of the church.

I delved into the concept of love, highlighting that God's love is the most powerful revelation of His nature. Love is not merely a feeling but a choice, and it is incomplete until it is shared with God and man. I stressed that love is not self-seeking; it seeks only to love others without expecting anything in return. This understanding of love is crucial for our spiritual growth and our relationships with others.

I also touched on the supernatural aspect of our faith, reminding us that Christianity is entirely supernatural. We are spiritual beings, and through Christ's work on the cross, we have been made clean and have entered into a supernatural reality. This understanding should shape our perspective on every circumstance we face.

Furthermore, I discussed the importance of being prepared for the return of Christ, likening the church to a bride preparing for her wedding day. This preparation involves purification, which is achieved through a combination of commendation and correction. I used the example of the churches in Revelation to illustrate how Jesus commends and corrects His church, showing us a template for spiritual growth.

Lastly, I used the analogy of a child's development to explain spiritual maturity. Just as a child's senses develop over time, allowing them to interact more fully with their environment, our spiritual senses must also develop to discern and interact with the spiritual realm.

Key Takeaways:

- A ministry that only commends will create individuals who lack resilience and are prone to emotional instability. It is essential to incorporate both commendation and correction to foster a robust and mature congregation. This balance is not just for church leadership but can be applied in various leadership roles, including corporate management. [01:08:48]

- True love, as exemplified by God, is not self-seeking and does not depend on emotions. It is a deliberate choice to seek the best for others, regardless of personal gain. This understanding of love should permeate our interactions with others, reflecting the nature of God in our lives. [03:18]

- Recognizing our supernatural identity in Christ is vital for living out our faith. We must not only hear about our supernatural nature but also truly believe and embrace it. This belief will transform how we view ourselves and the challenges we face. [15:51]

- The process of spiritual growth is akin to the development of a child's senses. As believers, we must nurture our spiritual senses to discern and interact with the kingdom of God effectively. This development occurs as we engage with the Word of God and the community of believers. [33:12]

- The concept of being born again is not just a second chance at life but a complete rebirth from above. This new birth gives us access to the kingdom of God and allows us to see and enter into a realm that operates on different principles than the natural world. [28:52]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 3:1-8 (NIV)
> "Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, 'Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.' Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.' 'How can someone be born when they are old?' Nicodemus asked. 'Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!' Jesus answered, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, "You must be born again." The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.'"

2. Revelation 2:1-5 (NIV)
> "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place."

3. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
> "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "You must be born again" in John 3:3? How does Nicodemus initially respond to this statement? ([14:00])
2. In Revelation 2:1-5, what commendations does Jesus give to the church in Ephesus before offering correction? ([52:01])
3. According to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, what are the characteristics of true love? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on love being a choice rather than a feeling? ([02:20])
4. How does the analogy of a bride preparing for her wedding day relate to the church's preparation for Christ's return, as discussed in the sermon? ([06:26])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus tells Nicodemus he must be born "from above" to see the kingdom of God? How does this concept of rebirth relate to our spiritual senses developing over time? ([28:52])
2. What does it mean for a church or ministry to strike a balance between commendation and correction? How does this balance contribute to the purification and maturity of the church? ([47:04])
3. How does the understanding of love as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 challenge common perceptions of love in our culture? How does this understanding impact our relationships with others? ([03:18])
4. In what ways does recognizing our supernatural identity in Christ change our perspective on the challenges we face in life? ([15:51])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you received either commendation or correction in your spiritual journey. How did it impact your growth? How can you apply this experience to encourage others in your small group? ([47:04])
2. How can you practice the kind of love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 in your daily interactions? Identify one specific relationship where you can choose to love selflessly this week. ([03:18])
3. What steps can you take to develop your spiritual senses, similar to how a child's senses develop over time? Consider practical ways to engage more deeply with the Word of God and the community of believers. ([33:12])
4. How can you prepare yourself and your community for the return of Christ, as the church prepares like a bride for her wedding day? What specific actions can you take to ensure you are living a life of purification and readiness? ([06:26])
5. In what ways can you embrace and live out your supernatural identity in Christ? Identify a specific challenge you are facing and consider how viewing it through the lens of your supernatural nature might change your approach. ([15:51])
6. How can you balance commendation and correction in your own leadership or mentorship roles, whether in church, work, or family settings? Share a specific example where you can apply this balance. ([47:04])
7. Think of a person in your life who may be discouraged. How can you offer both commendation and constructive feedback to help them grow spiritually and emotionally? ([47:04])

Devotional

Day 1: Balance in Commendation and Correction
In the journey of faith, it is crucial to understand that neither constant praise nor relentless criticism leads to spiritual growth. A ministry that solely commends can inadvertently foster a fragile faith, where individuals may become emotionally unstable and lack resilience when faced with life's challenges. On the other hand, a ministry that focuses only on correction can dishearten and discourage, stifling the joy and freedom found in Christ. The ideal approach is a balanced one, where commendation encourages and uplifts, while correction guides and refines. This balance helps believers to develop a robust faith, capable of withstanding trials and growing in the likeness of Christ. It is a practice that should extend beyond the church walls, influencing leadership in all areas of life. [01:08:48]

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." - Colossians 4:6

Reflection: Consider a recent interaction where you either commended or corrected someone. How could you have balanced your approach to foster growth rather than discouragement or complacency?

Day 2: The Nature of Godly Love
Love, as defined by the divine standard, is not an emotion that ebbs and flows with circumstances; it is a steadfast choice to seek the well-being of others without expecting anything in return. This love is a reflection of God's character, a powerful force that transforms lives and relationships. It is selfless, extending grace and kindness even when it is not reciprocated. Embracing this kind of love means to actively choose to love others in the way God loves us, which is essential for spiritual maturity and for manifesting the kingdom of God in our daily interactions. This love is not passive; it is an active commitment to the betterment of those around us, mirroring the sacrificial love that Christ has shown. [03:18]

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." - John 13:34

Reflection: How can you demonstrate selfless love to someone in your life today, expecting nothing in return?

Day 3: Embracing Our Supernatural Identity
Christianity is not confined to the natural realm; it is rooted in the supernatural, a reality that is often beyond our human understanding. As believers, we are called to embrace our new identity in Christ, which includes recognizing that we are spiritual beings with access to divine power and authority. This supernatural aspect of our faith should not be an abstract concept but a lived experience that influences how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. By truly believing and embracing our supernatural identity, we can overcome the limitations of the natural world and walk in the fullness of what Christ has accomplished for us on the cross. [15:51]

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." - 1 Peter 2:9

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to apply your supernatural identity in Christ and trust in His power over your natural circumstances?

Day 4: Nurturing Spiritual Senses for Discernment
Just as a child's senses develop over time, enabling them to perceive and interact with their environment more fully, believers must also cultivate their spiritual senses. This development allows for a deeper discernment and a more profound interaction with the spiritual realm. Engaging with the Word of God and the community of believers are essential practices for this growth. As we mature spiritually, we become more attuned to God's voice and His leading, enabling us to navigate life with wisdom and understanding that transcends our natural capabilities. This growth is a continuous process, one that requires intentionality and commitment to spiritual disciplines. [33:12]

"But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." - Hebrews 5:14

Reflection: What spiritual discipline can you practice this week to enhance your spiritual discernment?

Day 5: The Reality of Being Born Again
Being born again is not merely a metaphor for a fresh start; it is a profound spiritual transformation that grants us access to the kingdom of God. This new birth is a rebirth from above, enabling us to see and enter into a reality governed by divine principles rather than natural ones. As new creations in Christ, we are called to live in accordance with this higher reality, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and to live lives that reflect the values of God's kingdom. This transformation is radical, changing not only our eternal destiny but also how we live day to day. [28:52]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Reflection: Reflect on your understanding of being born again. How does this reality influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?

Quotes

"When the ministry and your mentorship structure is only full of commendation, you are going to raise a people that are weak and emotional, and they will not be able to sustain power and stamina. Your ministry, your organization will be full of flattery and lies." [01:10:40]( | | )

"True love, true love, mean that the antithesis of that means there could be a false love. Not true. But true love, God's love, is with God first and then man. So he's saying love is not complete until it's shared." [01:54]( | | )

"The gospel, Christianity, is completely supernatural. You just not have been awakened, most of us in the church, to that reality that it's supernatural. You don't realize, not really, man is a spirit." [15:51]( | | )

"The process of spiritual growth is akin to the development of a child's senses. As believers, we must nurture our spiritual senses to discern and interact with the kingdom of God effectively." [33:12]( | | )

"The concept of being born again is not just a second chance at life but a complete rebirth from above. This new birth gives us access to the kingdom of God and allows us to see and enter into a realm that operates on different principles than the natural world." [28:52]( | | )

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Transcript
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