Sermon for July 28, 2013

Sermon for July 28, 2013:
God calls all of us (all believers) to deal with remaining sin.
James 1:21 NIV
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
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When sin is among us it’s like poison
Galatians 5:9 NIV
“A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”
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1 Corinthians 15:31 NIV
I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Corinthians 9:27 NIV
No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
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Dealing with sin is a personal matter…
…it’s not just personal it’s communal;
John MacArthur:
“We all know that a chain is not stronger than its weakest link. And the testimony of a church is no greater than its weakest member.”
…we must be concerned about our personal holiness; but we must also be concerned with the holiness of God’s church…
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Galatians 6:1-2 NIV
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
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Matthew 11:29-30 NIV
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
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Are you in step; are you walking in step with God?
Are you keeping in step with the Spirit?
Keep in step; keep walking with the Spirit…
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Community exists for restoration…
How are we to respond when one of us wanders from the Spirit’s path and stumbles into a sinful lifestyle?
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Reasons people avoid restoring someone:
1. It’s not always easy.
2. It’s not my place to confront anyone about their sin.
3. It may not produce restoration.
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It is the responsibility of the church community to help its members break free from the bondage of sin.
Signs of a community that restores:
1. It recognizes when someone is caught in sin: It focuses on getting someone under the control of sin(s).
2.
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—Authentic community—
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Paul Tripp:
As long as there is evil inside of me it will hook me to the evil outside of me. And I am capable of being snared until there is no evil inside of me.
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