Integrity in Discipleship: Righteousness, Anger, and Reconciliation

Devotional

Day 1: Handling God's Word with Integrity

Description: Handling God's Word with integrity is crucial for every believer. Misinterpreting or misapplying Scripture can lead to significant harm to others and ourselves. It is essential to approach the Bible with a heart of humility and a desire for truth. When we teach or share God's Word, we must do so with wisdom and care, understanding the weight of our influence on others. This means not only knowing the Scriptures but also living them out in our daily lives. Our actions and attitudes should reflect the teachings of Christ, as we strive to be faithful stewards of His Word. [01:18]

James 3:1-2 (ESV): "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 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 a time when you gave or received advice based on Scripture. How did it impact the situation? How can you ensure that your future counsel aligns with God's Word?

Day 2: The Law and Righteousness

Description: Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. Our relationship with the law should reflect a deeper, spiritual commitment rather than mere outward compliance. The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, though meticulous, was insufficient before God. True righteousness exceeds theirs and is only possible through Christ's imputed righteousness. This means that our obedience to God's commandments should come from a transformed heart, motivated by love for God and others, rather than a desire to appear righteous before men. [07:01]

Romans 10:4 (ESV): "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes."

Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself focusing on outward compliance rather than inward transformation? How can you shift your focus to a deeper, spiritual commitment to God's law?

Day 3: The Dangers of Anger

Description: Anger, if not managed properly, can lead to sin and give the devil a foothold in our lives. Jesus elevates the law by addressing the heart's intentions, not just outward actions. We must strive to control our emotions and not let anger dictate our actions. Reconciliation and forgiveness are essential to maintaining healthy relationships and spiritual well-being. By addressing the root of our anger and seeking to resolve conflicts, we can prevent bitterness and division within the church. [16:59]

Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV): "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil."

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt anger. How did you handle it? What steps can you take to manage your anger in a way that honors God and promotes reconciliation?

Day 4: Reconciliation and Service

Description: We cannot be right with God if we are not right with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Unresolved conflicts, gossip, and bitterness hinder our spiritual growth and service to God. Reconciliation is crucial for our spiritual health and our ability to serve God effectively. We must seek to resolve conflicts quickly and strive to maintain unity within the church. This involves humility, forgiveness, and a willingness to listen and understand others. By prioritizing reconciliation, we can create a healthy and supportive church community. [23:37]

Matthew 5:23-24 (ESV): "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."

Reflection: Is there someone in your life with whom you need to reconcile? What steps can you take today to seek forgiveness and restore that relationship?

Day 5: Living Out Our Faith

Description: Our actions and attitudes teach others more than our words. We must live out our faith authentically, understanding that our behavior influences those around us. True discipleship involves both teaching and exemplifying God's commandments in our daily lives. This means being consistent in our walk with Christ, showing love, grace, and integrity in all we do. By living out our faith, we can be a powerful witness to others and encourage them to follow Christ. [08:59]

1 Peter 2:12 (ESV): "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

Reflection: Reflect on your daily actions and attitudes. How do they align with the teachings of Christ? What changes can you make to ensure that your life is a true reflection of your faith?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we delved into Matthew 5:19-20, emphasizing the importance of handling God's Word with wisdom and integrity. The passage underscores that those who break even the least of God's commandments and teach others to do so will be called the least in the kingdom of heaven, while those who uphold and teach them will be called great. This isn't about salvation but about the quality of one's discipleship and the impact of their teaching. We discussed the necessity of taking God's Word seriously and the dangers of offering misguided counsel, as illustrated by a story of a church member who gave poor advice, leading to detrimental consequences for another believer.

We also explored the relationship between a disciple and the law. Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, and our adherence to the law should reflect a deeper, spiritual commitment rather than mere outward compliance. The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, though meticulous, was insufficient before God. True righteousness exceeds theirs and is only possible through Christ's imputed righteousness.

Furthermore, we examined the dangers of anger and the importance of reconciliation. Anger, if not managed properly, can lead to sin and give the devil a foothold in our lives. Jesus elevates the law by addressing the heart's intentions, not just outward actions. We must strive to maintain healthy relationships within the church, avoiding gossip, bitterness, and unresolved conflicts. Reconciliation is crucial for our spiritual health and our ability to serve God effectively.

###

Key Takeaways

1. being. [16:59]
4. Reconciliation and Service: We cannot be right with God if we are not right with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Unresolved conflicts, gossip, and bitterness hinder our spiritual growth and service to God. We must seek reconciliation and strive to maintain unity within the church.

5. Living Out Our Faith: Our actions and attitudes teach others more than our words. We must live out our faith authentically, understanding that our behavior influences those around us. True discipleship involves both teaching and exemplifying God's commandments in our daily lives.

### [16:59]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:18] - Importance of Handling God's Word
[02:23] - Discipleship and Counseling
[03:05] - Story of Misguided Counsel
[04:04] - Consequences of Poor Advice
[05:29] - Personal Reflection and Confession
[06:14] - Relationship with the Law
[07:01] - Righteousness and the Law
[07:55] - Jesus Strengthens the Law
[08:59] - Teaching by Example
[09:48] - Exceeding the Righteousness of Pharisees
[10:29] - Modern-Day Legalism
[11:07] - Importance of Knowing Scripture
[12:15] - Encouragement to Read the Bible
[12:58] - Imputed Righteousness through Christ
[13:54] - Jesus' Higher Standard
[15:26] - Controlling Anger
[16:59] - Anger and Sin
[18:34] - Handling Anger Maturely
[19:41] - Vengeance Belongs to God
[20:35] - Emotional Control
[21:32] - Danger of Calling Others Fools
[22:11] - Gossip and Defamation
[23:37] - Importance of Reconciliation
[24:22] - Returning to Service
[25:23] - Seriousness of Relationships
[26:06] - Avoiding Gossip and Complaints
[26:58] - Personal Story of Conflict
[27:50] - Conclusion and Next Topic Preview

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Matthew 5:19-20 say about the consequences of breaking and teaching others to break God's commandments? [01:18]
According to the sermon, how did Jesus' teaching on the law differ from the Old Testament law? [07:01]
What example was given in the sermon about the dangers of offering misguided counsel? [03:05]
How does Ephesians 4:26-27 instruct us to handle anger, and what are the consequences of failing to do so? [16:59]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it important to handle God's Word with integrity, and what are the potential consequences of failing to do so? [01:18]
How does Jesus' fulfillment of the law change our understanding of righteousness compared to the scribes and Pharisees? [07:01]
What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between anger and sin, and how can unresolved anger affect our spiritual lives? [16:59]
How does the concept of reconciliation play a role in our ability to serve God effectively, according to the sermon? [23:37]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you may have offered advice based on your understanding of Scripture. How can you ensure that your counsel aligns with God's Word in the future? [03:05]
In what ways can you deepen your spiritual commitment to God's law beyond mere outward compliance? What steps can you take this week to reflect this deeper commitment? [07:01]
Think about a recent situation where you felt anger. How did you handle it, and what could you have done differently to avoid giving the devil a foothold in your life? [16:59]
Are there any unresolved conflicts or relationships in your life that need reconciliation? What practical steps can you take this week to seek reconciliation and restore unity? [23:37]
How can you live out your faith authentically in your daily interactions? Identify one specific behavior or attitude you can change to better exemplify God's commandments. [08:59]
Consider the influence your actions and attitudes have on others. How can you be more mindful of the example you set for those around you, especially within your church community? [08:59]
Reflect on the importance of knowing Scripture well. What is one practical way you can increase your Bible knowledge and understanding this month? [11:07]

Sermon Clips

1. "It's so very important that we don't handle God's word foolishly. That we take it very seriously. And, you know, I guess I'm going to do it here. But on Sunday morning, Sunday school, you know, a year ago I said we're going to do this discipleship and then we're going to cycle back through it again. And I've changed my mind. We're going to finish the 50-something, 7, 8, 9, 10 weeks that we've got right now. And I'm going to put that on the back burner and we're going to take a pause." [01:18] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "I want to have a culture of helping in our church. I want that. But I also want us to be careful if you're not ready to help somebody not to. If you don't feel comfortable in that situation, direct them to somebody who does. I had a man. One time. And I would really rather us go through this whole counseling scenario, training thing, and then we move forward from there." [02:23] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The law does not help us enter into heaven. The law does not help us to keep us saved. But the law does offer great guidelines in our life for how to live a life that's pleasing to God. Now, you can't say I want to please God. Directly against everything he put in place in the Old Testament, that is to say that what God put in place didn't matter." [07:01] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We cannot exceed their righteousness on our own, but we can exceed it because we have the Lord Jesus Christ on our side. But the only way to go to heaven is to be saved. So that his righteousness is imputed to us and made to our righteousness. Though the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees is impressive to human observation, it could not prevail before God, and it could not meet God's judgment line." [12:58] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If you are angry with your brother, and I know it says without cause, but I challenge you to give me a good cause, because Christ is the avenger. Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord. I am dead to my emotions and my life. That doesn't mean I don't have joy or I don't get sad. I tell you this. I drove through these hills in Ireland. I wept. It was so beautiful. And it was. It was something I've wanted to see." [20:35] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "The idea here is we aren't right with God if we aren't right with our brother. And if there's gossip going on, if there's defaming going on, if there is bitterness between two church members, two Christian brethren, you're not right with God. And you must get that right. He doesn't say, now here's what some people like to do. I've been doing this a while. I'm not right with my brother. I'm not right with God. I give up. I quit." [24:22] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "I want a church full of people who can submit to God and not get angry, not allow hurt to control their lives, not allow emotions to make their decisions. And Jesus says here, If you are angry with your brother, and I know it says without cause, but I challenge you to give me a good cause, because Christ is the avenger. Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord. I am dead to my emotions and my life." [19:41] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "I encourage you to read your Bible. I encourage you in the right attitude. The right attitude. If you have questions about what I'm teaching, ask me. In the right attitude, in the right place. Okay? We're asking questions, not questioning. That's an attitude. And also do it in private so that if you're wrong, you don't cause somebody else to stumble. Right?" [11:41] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "If you failed, the Bible says a just man follows seven times. Yet riseth again. Get right with God. Get right with your brother. And get back to work. When I say work, I know we're trying to get rid of the doer mentality, but that doesn't mean there ain't work. That doesn't mean there aren't things to do. I'm not trying to be a dictator here, but I want to hand out 500 of those flyers. You know why? There are people in the community to help, and we can let them know we're here to help." [25:23] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "I want to have a culture of helping in our church. I want that. But I also want us to be careful if you're not ready to help somebody not to. If you don't feel comfortable in that situation, direct them to somebody who does. I had a man. One time. And I would really rather us go through this whole counseling scenario, training thing, and then we move forward from there." [02:23] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?