Upholding Truth and Grace in Our Church
Summary
In today's message, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the core values that define our church, Cornerstone. As we prepare for some upcoming changes, it's crucial to reaffirm the unchanging principles that guide us. At the heart of our church is a steadfast commitment to the Bible as the ultimate authority. We are a Bible-believing and Bible-teaching church, and this is non-negotiable. The Word of God is our foundation, and it is our responsibility to uphold it as the pillar of truth in a world where absolutes are often questioned.
The church is described in 1 Timothy 3:15 as the "pillar and foundation of the truth." This means that we, as a church, are tasked with upholding and proclaiming God's truth. It's a responsibility that we must take seriously, as no one outside the church will do it for us. This commitment to truth is not just about preaching it but living it out in our daily lives. We must strive for holiness and purity, not out of legalism, but out of reverence for God.
Moreover, we must understand the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. Godly sorrow leads to repentance and life, while worldly sorrow leads to death. True repentance involves a change of direction, a turning away from sin. As a church, we must lovingly confront sin within our community, following the biblical model of addressing sin one-on-one, then with witnesses, and finally, if necessary, before the church. This is not about judgment but about restoration and love.
Grace is a vital part of our church's identity. We extend grace to those who repent, no matter their past. However, we must not confuse grace with tolerance of sin. We are called to uphold the truth and purity of the church, even when it's difficult. This is the most loving thing we can do, as it aligns with God's Word and His desire for His people.
Key Takeaways:
- The church is the pillar and foundation of truth, tasked with upholding God's Word in a world that often questions absolutes. This responsibility is not just about preaching but living out the truth in our daily lives. [05:31]
- True repentance involves a change of direction, turning away from sin. Godly sorrow leads to repentance and life, while worldly sorrow leads to death. We must discern between the two and encourage genuine repentance. [15:25]
- Confronting sin within the church is an act of love and restoration. Following the biblical model, we address sin one-on-one, then with witnesses, and finally before the church if necessary. This process is about restoring the individual to a right relationship with God. [21:29]
- Grace is extended to those who repent, regardless of their past. However, grace should not be confused with tolerance of sin. Upholding the truth and purity of the church is an act of love and obedience to God's Word. [31:03]
- When we disagree with Scripture, we must assume that we are wrong and God is right. Upholding God's Word, even when it's uncomfortable, demonstrates the lordship of Jesus Christ in our lives. [33:12]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Introduction to Changes
[00:40] - Unchanging Principles
[01:09] - Bible as Our Foundation
[02:37] - Church as Pillar of Truth
[04:44] - Responsibility to Uphold Truth
[06:16] - Iwo Jima Memorial Analogy
[08:34] - Living Out the Truth
[09:21] - Purification and Holiness
[11:10] - Godly vs. Worldly Sorrow
[14:20] - Repentance and Change
[21:14] - Confronting Sin in the Church
[27:15] - Associating with Believers
[31:03] - Grace and Repentance
[33:12] - Obedience to Scripture
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Timothy 3:14-15
2. 2 Corinthians 7:1, 8-10
3. Matthew 18:15-17
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Timothy 3:15, how is the church described, and what is its role in relation to truth? [04:08]
2. In 2 Corinthians 7:10, what are the two types of sorrow mentioned, and what are their outcomes? [11:55]
3. What steps does Matthew 18:15-17 outline for addressing sin within the church community? [21:29]
4. How does the sermon describe the church's responsibility in upholding God's truth in a world that questions absolutes? [05:31]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for the church to be the "pillar and foundation of the truth," and how does this responsibility impact the way the church operates? [04:44]
2. How can one distinguish between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow in their own life, and why is this distinction important for personal spiritual growth? [14:20]
3. In what ways does the process of confronting sin, as outlined in Matthew 18, reflect the values of love and restoration rather than judgment? [21:29]
4. How does the sermon suggest that grace should be extended to those who repent, and why is it important not to confuse grace with tolerance of sin? [31:03]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be confusing grace with tolerance of sin? How can you address this in a way that aligns with biblical teaching? [31:03]
2. Think of a time when you experienced either godly sorrow or worldly sorrow. How did it affect your actions, and what can you learn from that experience to encourage genuine repentance in the future? [15:25]
3. How can you actively participate in upholding the truth within your church community, especially when faced with societal pressures that challenge biblical absolutes? [05:31]
4. Consider a situation where you might need to confront a fellow believer about sin. How can you approach this conversation with love and a desire for restoration, following the model in Matthew 18? [21:29]
5. When you find yourself disagreeing with Scripture, how can you ensure that you are submitting to God's authority rather than your own understanding? What practical steps can you take to align your life with biblical teachings? [33:12]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to strive for holiness and purity. What changes can you make this week to pursue this goal out of reverence for God? [09:21]
7. How can you support others in your church community who are struggling with sin, ensuring that you are offering grace and encouragement without compromising on the truth? [31:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Upholding Truth in a Questioning World
The church is called to be the pillar and foundation of truth, tasked with upholding God's Word in a world that often questions absolutes. This responsibility extends beyond preaching; it involves living out the truth in our daily lives. As believers, we are to embody the teachings of the Bible, demonstrating its relevance and power through our actions and decisions. This commitment requires courage and conviction, especially when faced with societal pressures that challenge biblical principles. By standing firm in the truth, we reflect the unchanging nature of God and His Word. [05:31]
1 Timothy 3:15 (ESV): "If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively demonstrate the truth of God's Word in your daily interactions and decisions today?
Day 2: The Path of True Repentance
True repentance involves a change of direction, a turning away from sin, and is marked by godly sorrow that leads to life. Unlike worldly sorrow, which results in death, godly sorrow produces a genuine transformation of heart and behavior. This process requires humility and a willingness to acknowledge one's sins before God. As a community, the church is called to discern between these two types of sorrow and encourage genuine repentance among its members. By fostering an environment of accountability and grace, believers can support one another in their journey toward holiness. [15:25]
2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV): "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you need to turn away from sin and seek true repentance? How can you invite God into this process today?
Day 3: Confronting Sin with Love and Restoration
Confronting sin within the church is an act of love and restoration, following the biblical model of addressing sin one-on-one, then with witnesses, and finally before the church if necessary. This process is not about judgment but about restoring the individual to a right relationship with God. It requires wisdom, patience, and a heart of compassion, aiming to bring healing and reconciliation. By addressing sin in this manner, the church upholds its commitment to holiness and purity, reflecting God's desire for His people to live in righteousness. [21:29]
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 needs gentle correction and restoration? How can you approach them with love and humility today?
Day 4: Grace and the Call to Holiness
Grace is extended to those who repent, regardless of their past, but it should not be confused with tolerance of sin. Upholding the truth and purity of the church is an act of love and obedience to God's Word. Grace empowers believers to pursue holiness, not as a means of earning God's favor, but as a response to His unmerited love. This balance between grace and truth is essential for maintaining the integrity of the church and fostering a community that reflects God's character. [31:03]
Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."
Reflection: How can you extend grace to others while also encouraging them to pursue holiness? What does this balance look like in your relationships?
Day 5: Obedience to Scripture in Discomfort
When we disagree with Scripture, we must assume that we are wrong and God is right. Upholding God's Word, even when it's uncomfortable, demonstrates the lordship of Jesus Christ in our lives. This obedience requires a willingness to submit to God's authority and trust in His wisdom, even when it challenges our personal beliefs or societal norms. By aligning our lives with Scripture, we affirm our commitment to follow Christ and reflect His lordship in every aspect of our lives. [33:12]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Is there a specific teaching in Scripture that you find challenging to accept? How can you seek God's wisdom and understanding in this area today?
Quotes
"You see it's our responsibility if we don't say hey this is God's word and this is absolute truth, who's going to do it think about it. Is anyone outside of the church going to hold up the truth of God's word of course not it all rises and falls on the pillar the foundation which is us the church." [00:05:40]
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. Paul says you know that first letter if you read the first letter first Corinthians you see he hammered them I mean you you go through first Corinthians and and forever you know for right reasons I mean that was a pretty nasty church." [00:11:52]
"Repentance which means to turn to change it means you're heading this one direction you're confronted you weep but you don't keep going the same direction. Repentance means you weep and it's godly sorrow God has brought those tears and you turn and you start walking the other direction and he says that's what you guys did." [00:15:14]
"There's a huge huge difference between grace and tolerance we're not to tolerate sin you know he tells a church in Ephesus you know the very same church of Timothy's in in Revelation chapter two he says you know one of the things that God loved about this church in Ephesus was they did not tolerate wickedness they showed grace but grace comes with repentance." [00:17:56]
"Grace is you walking up to him and hugging him that's grace you understand that and that's what we stand for as a church no matter what you've done what your past is like the moment you see you you weep and you turn and you say I want life I want to follow God now and we'll do anything to help you." [00:36:37]
"Paul says look I'm not when I said don't associate with immoral people I'm not talking about everyone he's I'm just talking about those who call themselves Christians a so-called brother but is living that type of lifestyle refusing to repent he goes we're not supposed to associate with them we're supposed to treat them like like outsiders." [00:28:19]
"Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit perfecting holiness out of reverence for God he says to the church he goes look since we've got all these great promises of God because because of that because of everything that God's done for us that yeah his son shed his blood we just celebrated that through communion." [00:09:45]
"The church is what we are we are the ones we are the foundation and the pillar of truth that it's totally up to us to hold up the truth of God. You see it's our responsibility if we don't say hey this is God's word and this is absolute truth, who's going to do it think about it." [00:05:29]
"True friend is the one that's willing to stand up and say no this is the wrong thing and I can't support you in this the bible says true love doesn't rejoice with wickedness it rejoices with the truth and we've got to understand these things in fact God gives us specific instructions on how to deal with sin in the church." [00:21:00]
"Grace comes when you give you know someone goes the wrong direction and they decide to turn and you immediately embrace them and and encourage them and love them but it doesn't mean you you sit and cuddle the person that's going on the destruction the destructive ways you tell them no you gotta change because you're not helping them any." [00:18:28]
"Godly sorrow leads you to repentance which leads to salvation he says worldly sorrow leads you to death so one leads to salvation one leads to death I mean can you see they're polar opposites they're completely different you know one is salvation one is but they both sound the same the tears look alike so what is the distinguishing factor." [00:14:49]
"Paul says you know that first letter if you read the first letter first Corinthians you see he hammered them I mean you you go through first Corinthians and and forever you know for right reasons I mean that was a pretty nasty church I mean when you read it it's like you know chapter one they're all divided hey I follow Paul." [00:12:00]
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