February 18, 2024 • Keith Doyle, Senior Pastor • 2 Corinthians 6:14—7:1
How do you spot a wolf in the church? You Will Know Them By Their Beliefs (11:1-11), “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ…” (3) - They are deceptive – what your thoughts! (3), “…your thoughts will be led astray…” - They teach false doctrine (4) - Don’t take the bait! (4), “…you put up with it readily enough” You Will Know Them By Their Behavior (12-15), “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ…” (13) - They attack the faithful (7-11) - They masquerade…but it won’t last (15), “…their end will correspond to their deeds”
How do we regain clarity following conflict? - Edifying others without foolish compromise (7-11), …authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you. 2 Co 10:8 - Evaluating outcomes without false comparisons (12-15a),…when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. 2 Co 10:12 - Expanding objectives without forced commendations (15b-18), as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, 2 Co 10:15 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. 2 Co 10:18
How should we approach, respond to and deal with personal conflict? - Before You Do Anything…Check Your Attitude (1-3), “I Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ…” (1) - Before You Do Anything…Check Your Artillery (4-6), “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power…” (4) *The ‘Weapons’ of Truth, Love, Faith, Prayer - Before You Do Anything…Check Your Aim (7,8), “Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone if confident that He is Christ’s, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we…” (7)
