Embracing Accountability: Strengthening Our Faith Together
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound theme of accountability within the Christian community, drawing from Hebrews 10:19-25. This passage emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ and the confidence we have to enter the holy places by His blood. It calls us to draw near to God with a true heart, hold fast to our hope, and consider how to stir one another to love and good works. The essence of our faith journey is not meant to be solitary; rather, it is enriched by the presence and support of fellow believers.
Accountability is a gift from God, designed to help us stay true to our calling and to encourage one another in love and good deeds. In our modern world, technology and social media can often distract us from this calling, pulling us away from genuine relationships and community. However, God has placed us in a community for a reason. We are meant to walk together, support each other, and hold each other accountable in our faith journey.
The church, as the body of Christ, is a place where we can find this accountability. It is where we can be encouraged, corrected, and spurred on to live out our faith authentically. We are reminded that accountability is not about judgment but about love. It is about inviting others into our lives to help us grow closer to Jesus and to live out our faith more fully.
As we reflect on this, we are encouraged to seek out accountability partners, to be open to correction, and to embrace the community that God has given us. Whether through a Bible study, a life group, or simply a friend who checks in on our spiritual well-being, we are called to be accountable to one another. This accountability is not a burden but a blessing, a means through which we can experience the fullness of life in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- The Sufficiency of Christ: Hebrews 10 reminds us of the sufficiency of Christ, who opened a new and living way for us through His sacrifice. This assurance allows us to draw near to God with confidence, knowing that our faith is anchored in His faithfulness. [10:00]
- The Gift of Accountability: Accountability is a divine gift that helps us stay true to our calling. It is not about judgment but about love and support, encouraging us to live out our faith authentically and to spur one another on to love and good works. [32:12]
- Community and Fellowship: God places us in community to walk together in faith. The church is a place where we can find encouragement, correction, and support. We are reminded that we are not meant to journey alone but to be part of a fellowship that holds us accountable. [40:00]
- Balancing Technology and Faith: While technology can be a distraction, it can also be a tool for growth if used wisely. We are encouraged to find a balance, using technology to deepen our faith while ensuring it does not replace genuine relationships and community. [47:07]
- Living in Freedom: Accountability is not just a fence to keep us from sin but an invitation to live in the freedom and joy of Christ. It encourages us to use our gifts for God's glory and to engage in meaningful fellowship with others. [50:00]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Personal Anecdote and Introduction
- [02:00] - Hebrews 10:19-25 Overview
- [05:00] - The Sufficiency of Christ
- [10:00] - The Call to Love and Good Works
- [15:00] - The Role of Technology in Distraction
- [20:00] - The Importance of Balance and Moderation
- [25:00] - The Gift of Accountability
- [32:12] - Real People, Real Accountability
- [35:00] - Biblical Examples of Accountability
- [40:00] - Community and Fellowship
- [45:00] - Accountability as Love, Not Judgment
- [47:07] - Living in Freedom and Joy
- [50:00] - Invitation to Deeper Fellowship
- [55:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Accountability in the Christian Community
Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 10:19-25
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Hebrews 10:19-25 say about the confidence we have to enter the holy places? How is this confidence achieved according to the passage?
2. In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the role of technology in our faith journey? What are some potential distractions mentioned? [15:00]
3. What examples of accountability partnerships from the Bible were mentioned in the sermon? How do these examples illustrate the importance of accountability? [32:12]
4. According to the sermon, what are the three areas in which we are to hold one another accountable as highlighted in Hebrews 10:24-25? [47:07]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sufficiency of Christ, as described in Hebrews 10, impact our ability to draw near to God with a true heart? What does this mean for our daily lives?
2. The sermon discusses the balance between technology and faith. How can technology be both a distraction and a tool for spiritual growth? [15:00]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that accountability is a gift rather than a burden? How does this perspective change the way we view accountability in our lives? [32:12]
4. How does the concept of accountability as an invitation to live in freedom and joy, rather than just a fence against sin, reshape our understanding of Christian community? [47:07]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current use of technology. Is there a specific way it distracts you from your faith journey? What steps can you take this week to find a healthier balance? [15:00]
2. Identify someone in your life who could serve as an accountability partner. How can you initiate a conversation with them about supporting each other in your faith journeys? [32:12]
3. Consider the community you are part of. How can you contribute to creating an environment where accountability is seen as a loving and supportive practice rather than judgmental? [32:12]
4. Think about a time when you felt encouraged or corrected by someone in your faith community. How did that experience impact your spiritual growth? How can you offer similar support to others? [47:07]
5. What specific gifts do you believe God has given you? How can you use these gifts to serve your church community and those outside of it this week? [47:07]
6. Reflect on a relationship where you might need to practice forgiveness or seek reconciliation. How can you take a step towards healing that relationship this week? [32:12]
7. How can you ensure that your interactions with others, both inside and outside the church, reflect the love and grace of Christ? What practical steps can you take to improve these interactions? [47:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Confidence in Christ's Sufficiency
The sufficiency of Christ is a cornerstone of our faith, as highlighted in Hebrews 10. Through His sacrifice, Jesus opened a new and living way for us, allowing us to draw near to God with confidence. This assurance is not based on our own merits but on His faithfulness. As believers, we are called to hold fast to this hope, knowing that our faith is anchored in the unchanging nature of Christ. This confidence empowers us to live boldly, trusting in His promises and His ability to sustain us through all circumstances. [10:00]
Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV): "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: What specific promise of Christ can you hold onto today to strengthen your confidence in Him?
Day 2: Embracing Accountability as a Divine Gift
Accountability is a divine gift that helps us stay true to our calling. It is not about judgment but about love and support, encouraging us to live out our faith authentically and to spur one another on to love and good works. In a world where distractions abound, accountability serves as a reminder of our purpose and the importance of community. By inviting others into our lives, we open ourselves to growth and transformation, allowing God to work through our relationships to refine us and draw us closer to Him. [32:12]
Galatians 6:1-2 (ESV): "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. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Who in your life can you invite to hold you accountable in your spiritual journey, and how can you approach them this week?
Day 3: The Power of Community and Fellowship
God places us in community to walk together in faith. The church is a place where we can find encouragement, correction, and support. We are reminded that we are not meant to journey alone but to be part of a fellowship that holds us accountable. This community is a reflection of the body of Christ, where each member plays a vital role in supporting and uplifting one another. By engaging in fellowship, we experience the richness of God's love and the strength that comes from unity. [40:00]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the community and fellowship within your church this week?
Day 4: Balancing Technology and Faith
While technology can be a distraction, it can also be a tool for growth if used wisely. We are encouraged to find a balance, using technology to deepen our faith while ensuring it does not replace genuine relationships and community. By setting boundaries and being intentional with our use of technology, we can harness its potential to connect with others, access resources, and grow in our understanding of God's Word. This balance allows us to remain focused on our spiritual journey while embracing the benefits of modern advancements. [47:07]
1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (ESV): "All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to ensure technology enhances rather than hinders your spiritual growth?
Day 5: Living in the Freedom of Accountability
Accountability is not just a fence to keep us from sin but an invitation to live in the freedom and joy of Christ. It encourages us to use our gifts for God's glory and to engage in meaningful fellowship with others. By embracing accountability, we experience the fullness of life in Christ, free from the burdens of isolation and self-reliance. This freedom allows us to pursue our calling with passion and purpose, knowing that we are supported and loved by our community. [50:00]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: In what ways can you embrace the freedom of accountability to live more fully in Christ's joy and purpose today?
Quotes
"Jesus reminds us that this is the true calling for all Christians to truly love God and love our neighbors. But when it comes to living that out, living out this faith, loving and pursuing Jesus, loving our neighbors, we can often get distracted from this calling. We can be distracted in a whole host of ways, but we've been using this Lenten season to talk a little bit about particular ways that we get distracted through our devices, our technology that fills our daily lives. It can play a big role in kind of getting us off track. We can be tied to our phones or to our games or our social media accounts in ways that actually do undermine faith and hope and life." [00:30:08] (41 seconds)
"you see accountability is one of the the the deeper problems that come with devices and the social media that we find on them people can be whoever they want online right they can create false accounts for themselves or pretend to be someone else or simply throw out insults damaging others because there's no real face -to -face connection there isn't the accountability that comes when a real person is sitting across from you on a real table having a conversation you just wouldn't say some of those things we all need accountability you see without it the sinner in all of us will try to get away with whatever we can amen very weak amen on that little topic because i know you guys like i know me we'll push the boundary beyond what's good or healthy for ourselves or for others we need accountability accountability happens when we walk with each other in faith right last week pastor greg emphatically reminded us that throughout scripture god says to us to his people i'm with you i am with you jesus says in matthew 28 remember i'm with you always even to the end of the age as god's people we're never alone and that's a wonderful promise and an incredible source of comfort we should also take just amazing comfort that god is with us that the spirit dwells in us it's just an amazing thing however as wonderful and powerful as that promise is god also understands a need that we have that each of us has i need some real people around me sometimes with real voices i need some real arms sometimes to pull me out of things or to give me amen god knows we need real people" [00:32:24] (108 seconds)
"god understands that and the witness of scripture is clear that god never intends for us to fight the fight or to walk the faith by ourselves doesn't send us into a cave to sit cross -legged and seek our better selves or him he places us in relationships we're never meant to go it by ourselves god is always placing people together as a means to hold each other accountable and encouragement and in correction there's always real people a person of faith that god gives to partner with us in accountability we see it throughout scripture whether it's moses and aaron or david and jonathan or ruth and naomi jesus sending out 72 by pairs to go and do his work or gathering 12 around him and post -resurrection the church is just filled with examples of how people come together not alone to walk through life and faith together and to top it all off god establishes the church you and me the body of christ in the church he knits us into one all of us together that we might draw from each other's gifts and learn from one another encouraging other to faithfully of christ saying hey we need toes and eyes and hands we need these various pieces of the body first corinthians chapter 12 that all come together in one to work on god's behalf and to love well and we hear in colossians 3 paul wrote the book of to the church in colossi 3 12 -14 how this accountability can function within the church when he says this he says to the church he says put on that as god's chosen one holy and beloved compassion at hearts kindness humility meekness and patience bearing with one another if anybody has a complaint against another forgive each other just as the lord has forgiven you so you must also forgive and above all these put on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony we bear together we forgive we're bound in love we have one another to look to and to pray with and to grieve and to celebrate with we have a whole community of accountability around us it's a huge gift isn't it" [00:34:10] (138 seconds)
"when we're accountable to one another we serve as a kind of a check and a balance right a way to assess together if we're heading in the right direction if we're using our gifts well or if we're wandering from the truth or losing sight of our callings in the text from hebrews that i began the service with hebrews chapter 10 verses 19 through 25 the apostle paul highlights three areas of our walk where he where we are to hold one another accountable if you turn back to that hebrews chapter 10 or if you have it open look at verses 24 and 25 it says let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some but encouraging one another all the more as you see the day drawing near you" [00:36:50] (46 seconds)
"we spur one another on to meet together and worship together i want to walk through those three places so first of all holding each other accountable spurring each other on to love the lord and to love our neighbors our love for god and our neighbors flows out of the calling that we have from scripture that we've talked about and as the colossians already alluded to scripture gives us this clear picture of what that looks like as we are the church together as we love one another within the church it says you got to be quick to forgive be quick to forgive be eager to build up paul wonders do we do people see jesus and how we treat each other and how we're loving each other within the church remember that old camp song they will know we are christians by our resentments" [00:38:26] (53 seconds)
"by our love so is our witness one where those outside the church are drawn to want to know jesus because of how we're loving each other well how we love those who have been walking with us in the church and how we love those who don't know jesus yet i discussed with uh we meet as a staff and we do a bible study on thursdays and we look at the text that we're going to be preaching on it's a it's a good kind of a way to bounce off together and think about the text as the preacher it's always helpful and then we were meeting today uh meeting on thursday with the staff and doing that bible study pastor greg and the staff encouraged me to say something that i've already said before but as we think about accountability how christians are to spur one of the one another on and correct one another each other i want to remind you you can't hold your neighbor that doesn't know jesus to the standards that are set out by scripture why would we hold somebody that doesn't know jesus to the standards that are in scripture and then be angry with them you understand what i'm saying when we do that what they say of the church is you're judgmental and you know what we are when we do that we are judgmental so what we're talking about in terms of accountability today isn't about holding people in our lives that don't know jesus accountable to what's in scripture that's not what we're talking about within the church and what i really want to talk about is you yourself think about i want somebody to hold me accountable rather than i see that guy over there i'm gonna go over and hold him accountable right i want us to invite others into an accountability within our own lives but if we're if we're trying to hold people outside the church accountable to scripture we will just be seen as judgmental because we are the opposite of that where the church goes off the rails and some of you heard this before i've said about once every couple of years the church will be seen as a hypocrite when within the church we give each other a pass on stuff and we don't hold each other accountable and then the people outside the church look and go well they're just a bunch of hypocrites" [00:40:39] (132 seconds)
"we'll only have an ability to speak into the lives of people who don't know jesus if we love them well as the hebrews tells us we are accountable to each other to spur each other on in love well and we are to spur each other on in good works using our gifts for the glory of god and the good of the neighbor god has given each of us a unique set of gifts and we are that are needed within the community of church for sure and needed outside the doors of this place first peter 4 you can write this down verses 10 and 11 says peter says as each has received a gift use it to serve one another as good stewards of god's varied grace whoever speaks as one who speaks oracles of god whoever serves as one who serves for the strength that god supplies in order that in everything god may be glorified through jesus christ see when we hold each other accountable in this way everyone using their gifts well and glorifying god through them when we live out our god -given gifts it blesses the church incredibly are you wondering what your gifts are where you could live them out man we'd love to talk to you about it we'd love to have you come and use your gifts or think about the ways that your gifts can be used not only here but outside the church because your gifts can also be used to build up people out there that in building them up might draw them in not it's not about this place i'm talking about being drawn into faith in jesus christ and if that's here great but this isn't some kind of selfless or selfish thing" [00:43:12] (103 seconds)
"it's kind of why when an athlete says like hey man it was all for the glory of god i like it actually because all they're doing is saying the gifts that i've got come aren't about me and we can all do this use our gifts well and then point to jesus when we're asked about it or when somebody points it out we can talk about the giver of all good gifts amen and finally we are accountable to each other in love spurring each other on to good works using our gifts and we are to spur each other on for fellowship for meeting together and worshiping together all of us need fellowship we need community the community of faith around us here's the thing i know that many of you listen to sermons from other preachers i'm glad you do" [00:46:08] (55 seconds)
"but i do worry that there are some who only listen to sermons online and podcasts and never step into the fellowship of believers at a church so if you're joining us i'm going to point to the camera right now if you're joining us this morning and watching this sermon love it join us every week it's awesome or if you're listening midweek that's great it's great but find a fellowship and place yourself in itself in that to be held accountable by people around you you see the proclaimed word of god is powerful wherever it is preached and hearing it is absolutely essential but with that all of us need real fellowship and real you" [00:48:27] (44 seconds)
"because here's the thing sin can feel good amen the only three of you dared to say that sin can feel good amen but sin can be wrong it's wrong we have to say that so we need to be accountable to one another to serve as a fence and to remind each other of God's commands and to point out where there's a better way and a healthier choice that's loving accountability can be a fence but it can also be an encouragement to live out the freedom that is won by Christ at the cross look at what I mean by this look at the text from Hebrews chapter 10 again where we started did this sound these last parts of this did it sound like a fence to you it sounds more like this wonderful encouragement to freedom where the Apostle Paul says go and love and use your gifts and serve and then come together for fellowship that's not a fence that kind of accountability is is an invitation to living in the freedom that God has won and has for us look at verses 22 and 23 he says let us draw near with the true heart and full assurance of faith and then let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for he who promised is faithful we hold each other accountable because Jesus is good and faithful these promises are certain we spur each other on because we've been named and claimed and saved a man whoo yeah Jesus and has unlocked for us true joy and peace and we can carry that into the world after all as the text says encouraging one another all the more as you see the day drawing near the accountability isn't merely a fence to help us be better it's also an invitation to live in the freedom and the joy of Jesus Christ were you holding you accountable to that" [00:52:23] (116 seconds)
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