Learning to Love my Friend(s) 6

Our sixth class last night was encouraging. We have good participation.

In preparing for our time-line and self-study, we have spreadsheets completed for the years 1961 - 1989. The remainder will be finished soon.

A family meeting will be conducted after services Sunday night, September 30.

Here is the outline of our class last night:

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My Friend Jesus Loves Me All the Time

Introduction:
A. This is one of the Biblical definitions of a friend. Proverbs 17:17; Job 6:14
B. But how can I do this and not condone the sinful actions of others?

I. THE PEOPLE MOST ATTRACTED TO JESUS WERE THE PEOPLE MOST CONDEMNED BY OTHERS.
A. Jesus invited the troubled. Matthew 11:28-30
B. Rank sinners were more attracted to Jesus than the religious people. Matthew 21:28-32
1. He taught that each person was important and He treated them that way. Matthew 16:26
2. He selected a tax collector as one of His apostles. Mark 2:13,14
3. He ate with them. Mark 2:15-17
4. He accepted their company, admiration, and gifts. Luke 7:36-50
5. He forgave them. John 8:3-11

II. HOW CAN I LOVE THE SINNER, NOT APPROVE OF SIN, AND HELP HIM/HER TO OVERCOME SIN?
A. Understand my job description: it does not include keeping a heaven and hell list of people living or dead.
1. It is true that we can judge the actions of people and respond appropriately as God has authorized in the Bible.
a. We can inspect fruit. Matthew 7:15,20
b. We can withhold fellowship from brethren who rebelliously participate in willful sin. 1 Corinthians 5:11
2. However, I have not been authorized to keep a heaven and hell list, a summary of eternal judgment decrees.
a. It is not the time and I don’t have adequate information. 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
b. I don’t have the books. Revelation 20:12
c. I don’t have the authority. John 5:22
3. But what about judging righteous judgment? John 7:14-24
a. This had to do with Jesus’ education and whether He was teaching the truth.
b. This was in response to Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath day.
4. The judgment committed to the Son exclusively was eternal judgment. John 5:22-29
B. Be honest with myself, always searching for and applying truth to myself as I relate to others. Romans 14:14,22,23
C. Really give people a choice; invitation is not manipulation. Matthew 11:28-30; John 6:66-69; 1 Corinthians 1:17
D. Always leave the front door open and keep looking down the road for those who choose to come later. Luke 15:11-24
E. Reassure people of their value, acceptance, and the availability of forgiveness. Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 16:7

Conclusion:
A. How could you apply the principles of your Friend, Jesus, to develop a friendship with a dishonest politician, a prostitute, or a street person?
B. What structure would you set to keep from being infected with the sin in their life?
C. When and how might you proceed into a Bible study to teach them the good news of Jesus?
D. After their baptism, how would you help them place membership in this congregation, feel a part of the fellowship, continue to grow as a Christian, and be accepted as an important part of the body of Christ?