Embracing Grace: Teamwork and Correction in Christ

Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into the third week of our series, "DreamWork," focusing on the importance of teamwork within the body of Christ. We began by revisiting the foundational principles from the previous weeks: every calling within the body of Christ is equally important, and teamwork is essential for achieving God's purposes. We celebrated the success of our recent homecoming water drop event, emphasizing that every role, no matter how small, contributes to the greater mission.

The core of today's message was encapsulated in the provocative title, "Sheep Poop." This metaphor served to remind us that just as sheep naturally produce waste, humans naturally sin. We explored the necessity of biblical correction and the importance of accepting and loving each other despite our flaws. Biblical correction, whether it comes directly from Scripture or through godly counsel, is essential for growth and should be welcomed.

We also discussed the concept of being "under shepherds" or "ranch hands" for Jesus, tasked with helping to tend His flock. This involves not only guiding and correcting but also loving and forgiving. We must remember that sinners will sin, and even believers will falter. Our role is to extend grace, just as God extends grace to us.

The message concluded with a call to never give up on people because God never gives up on us. We were reminded of God's relentless love and His call for us to love others in the same way. We must create margin in our lives to accommodate and minister to those who are struggling, ensuring that our church remains a welcoming place for all.

### Key Takeaways

1. Every Calling Matters: Within the body of Christ, every calling is equally important. Whether you are a minister, missionary, homemaker, or business tycoon, your obedience to God's call is what truly matters. Each role contributes to the greater mission, and teamwork is essential for achieving God's purposes. [36:34]

2. Biblical Correction is Essential: Biblical correction, whether it comes directly from Scripture or through godly counsel, is essential for growth. Proverbs 3:11-12 reminds us that the Lord's discipline is a sign of His love. We should welcome correction as it helps us identify and fix what is broken in our lives. [42:57]

3. Sinners Sin and Sheep Poop: Just as sheep naturally produce waste, humans naturally sin. We must not be surprised or overly judgmental when people falter. Instead, we should extend grace and love, understanding that everyone is on a journey of transformation. [51:16]

4. Never Give Up on People: God never gives up on us, and we should never give up on others. Whether someone has strayed or is struggling, our role is to love, forgive, and guide them back to the right path. God's love is relentless and everlasting, and we are called to reflect that love. [50:34]

5. Create Margin for Others: We must create margin in our lives to accommodate and minister to those who are struggling. This means being patient, forgiving, and willing to help clean up the messes that come with human imperfection. Our church should be a safe place for people to find the love and support they need. [01:18:07]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[35:21] - Introduction and Excitement
[36:02] - Week Three of DreamWork Series
[36:34] - Every Calling Matters
[37:28] - Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
[37:57] - Pastor Oscar's Sermon Recap
[38:28] - Serving Together as One Team
[39:00] - Homecoming Water Drop Success
[42:03] - Introduction to "Sheep Poop"
[42:57] - Biblical Correction is Good
[45:03] - We Are Sheep
[47:32] - Tending Jesus' Flock
[50:34] - Sinners Sin and Sheep Poop
[51:16] - Relationship Evangelism
[55:08] - Sheep Poop and Forgiveness
[59:12] - Handling Conflict Biblically
[01:10:05] - Never Give Up on People
[01:18:07] - Creating Margin for Others
[01:23:16] - Worship and Reflection
[01:30:24] - Final Prayer and Encouragement

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 3:11-12: "My child, don't reject the Lord's discipline, and don't be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."
2. Psalm 100:3: "Acknowledge that the Lord is God. He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture."
3. Luke 15:4-7: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance."

### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 3:11-12, what is the purpose of the Lord's discipline? How should we respond to it?
2. In Psalm 100:3, how are we described in relation to God? What does this imply about our relationship with Him?
3. What actions does the shepherd take in Luke 15:4-7 when one sheep is lost? What does this reveal about God's attitude towards those who stray?
4. In the sermon, what metaphor is used to describe human sinfulness, and what is its significance? ([50:34])

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that "the Lord corrects those he loves" (Proverbs 3:11-12) change our perspective on receiving correction from God or others? ([42:57])
2. What does it mean to be "the sheep of His pasture" as stated in Psalm 100:3? How does this shape our identity and responsibilities as believers? ([45:03])
3. In Luke 15:4-7, why is there more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons? What does this teach us about God's priorities? ([12:37])
4. The sermon emphasizes that "sinners sin and sheep poop." How should this understanding affect our interactions with both non-believers and fellow Christians who falter? ([50:34])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you received correction from God or a fellow believer. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? How can you be more open to correction in the future? ([42:57])
2. Considering that we are "the sheep of His pasture" (Psalm 100:3), what specific actions can you take to better follow the guidance of our Shepherd, Jesus, in your daily life? ([45:03])
3. Think of someone in your life who has strayed from their faith or is struggling. How can you, like the shepherd in Luke 15, actively seek to bring them back with love and grace? ([12:37])
4. The sermon calls us to extend grace and love to those who sin, just as God does. Identify a person or group you find difficult to love. What practical steps can you take this week to show them grace and understanding? ([50:34])
5. How can you create more margin in your life to minister to those who are struggling? What specific changes can you make to ensure you have the time and emotional capacity to support others? ([01:18:07])
6. Reflect on a situation where you may have judged someone harshly for their mistakes. How can you approach similar situations in the future with more compassion and understanding? ([51:16])
7. The sermon encourages us to never give up on people because God never gives up on us. Is there someone you have given up on? How can you reach out to them and offer support and encouragement? ([50:34])

Devotional

Day 1: Every Calling Matters
In the body of Christ, every calling is equally important. Whether you are a minister, missionary, homemaker, or business tycoon, your obedience to God's call is what truly matters. Each role contributes to the greater mission, and teamwork is essential for achieving God's purposes. This principle reminds us that no task is too small or insignificant in God's eyes. When we work together, we can accomplish much more than we could individually. This unity and collaboration reflect the diverse yet harmonious nature of the body of Christ. [36:34]

1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (ESV): "But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body."

Reflection: Think about your current role in your church or community. How can you better embrace and fulfill your calling, knowing that it is vital to the body of Christ?

Day 2: Biblical Correction is Essential
Biblical correction, whether it comes directly from Scripture or through godly counsel, is essential for growth. Proverbs 3:11-12 reminds us that the Lord's discipline is a sign of His love. We should welcome correction as it helps us identify and fix what is broken in our lives. Embracing correction can be challenging, but it is a necessary part of our spiritual journey. It helps us to grow, mature, and become more Christ-like. When we accept correction with humility, we open ourselves to God's transformative work in our lives. [42:57]

Hebrews 12:11 (ESV): "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent instance where you received correction. How did you respond, and how can you better embrace correction as a tool for growth in the future?

Day 3: Sinners Sin and Sheep Poop
Just as sheep naturally produce waste, humans naturally sin. We must not be surprised or overly judgmental when people falter. Instead, we should extend grace and love, understanding that everyone is on a journey of transformation. Recognizing our own imperfections helps us to be more compassionate and forgiving towards others. This perspective encourages us to support one another in our struggles and to offer grace, just as God extends grace to us. [51:16]

James 3:2 (ESV): "For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body."

Reflection: Think of someone who has recently disappointed or hurt you. How can you extend grace and understanding to them, acknowledging that we all have our own struggles?

Day 4: Never Give Up on People
God never gives up on us, and we should never give up on others. Whether someone has strayed or is struggling, our role is to love, forgive, and guide them back to the right path. God's love is relentless and everlasting, and we are called to reflect that love. This means being patient and persistent in our relationships, offering support and encouragement even when it is difficult. By doing so, we mirror God's unwavering commitment to us. [50:34]

Galatians 6:1 (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."

Reflection: Is there someone in your life who you have given up on? How can you reach out to them today with renewed love and support?

Day 5: Create Margin for Others
We must create margin in our lives to accommodate and minister to those who are struggling. This means being patient, forgiving, and willing to help clean up the messes that come with human imperfection. Our church should be a safe place for people to find the love and support they need. Creating margin involves prioritizing our time and resources to be available for others, reflecting Christ's love and compassion in tangible ways. [01:18:07]

Romans 15:1-2 (ESV): "We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up."

Reflection: How can you create more margin in your life to be available for those who need support? What practical steps can you take this week to make room for others?

Quotes

1. "Whatever God's called you to do. Whatever he has equipped you to do and gifted you to do. Do it for him. And watch him get the glory for it. Amen?" [37:28] (7 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Serving the Lord is not a matter of who gets the credit or who gets what job. All that matters is that we serve together as one team serving our one king, King Jesus. Amen? That's all that matters. It doesn't matter who wears what hat or who gets what title. We're one team working together for him." [38:28] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We can do more together than we can do on our own. Right? We can reach more people. We can cover more ground. We can handle more tasks. We can more effectively show the love of Christ. Right? To this messed up and jacked up world that we live in if we do it together than if we're trying to do it on our own. We just gotta do our part. Because everyone is a part of the body of Christ. And everyone has a part to play and every part matters. Amen?" [39:00] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Biblical correction is good. And is even something we should desire in our lives. Okay? You can't fix what you don't know is broken. Right? So, biblical correction. And biblical, two meanings in that. One meaning, it means from the word. Literally, biblically, as you're reading God's word and it hits you and it corrects you. That's one way. The other way I'm saying it is if someone gives you a correction that is backed up by God's word. Okay? Putting that word into action. Biblical correction is good." [42:57] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "As children of God, we're supposed to want to be changing. We're supposed to be changing day by day being conformed into the image of Christ. Amen. So we need that in our lives. So I wanted to give you a second to prepare yourself. And I wanted to get permission. Is it okay if I challenge you today? Okay. And for those of you who didn't say yes, blame the person who said yes. Is it okay? Is it okay if the Lord challenges you today?" [44:28] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Sinners sin. And that shouldn't surprise us. And I'm going to talk to you straight. You already told me I could. I'm sick and tired of Christians being so saved that they have no patience for sinners. That's what they do. And I don't want to belay this point too much because I know some of you are already uncomfortable. But if you can't hang out with a sinner, how do you expect to tell them about Jesus? If you can't associate with someone who doesn't know the Lord, how can you give them the gospel of the Lord?" [51:16] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The gospel is not behavioral modification. Okay? You take whatever thing in your mind that's sin. You take whatever thing in your mind that's like the greatest sins that somebody could commit. You know, however, whatever lifestyle that is or whatever that looks like. And do you understand that? If that person who you're picturing stopped doing everything tomorrow that you think of as sin today, they're still not saved. Do you get that? Because stopping the sin doesn't save them. It's only a relationship with Jesus Christ that will save them." [54:06] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "We never give up on people. Because God never gives up on people. Amen. Let me support it. 139th Psalm. Starting in verse 7. It says. I can never escape from your spirit. I can never get away from your presence. If I go up to heaven. You are there. If I go down to the grave. You are there. If I ride the wings in the morning. If I. Dwell in the farthest oceans. Even there. Your hand. Will guide me. And your strength. Will support me." [01:10:05] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "We never give up on people. Because God. Never gives up. On people. Amen. Now. Will people walk away? Of course they will. And I'll say this. Listen. I don't. I'm not a jerk. But I don't chase Christians. What do I mean by that? There are people all over this town. That go to different churches. That used to go to Harvest Fellowship. I love them. When I see them. I give them hugs. When I talk to the pastor. I ask how they're doing. And I encourage them. Why? If they know Jesus. That's good. They can go wherever God wants them to go." [01:12:59] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Does your life have enough margin for sinners? Does your life have enough margin for brothers and sisters who mess up on occasion? Because I can tell you. There are churches that have existed for decades that are made up of five or six families that just keep reproducing themselves and they're gradually getting smaller and smaller, but they never grow beyond that. And it's not because they're not loving people. It's not because they don't love Jesus. It's just that they can't accept people who aren't like them." [01:18:07] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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