STEP UP & GROW UP // Sunday, October 27, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
/Sunday, October 20, 2024
Step Up and Grow Up
II Corinthians 13: 1 – 14 (ESV)
This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 2 I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them — 3 since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4 For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God. 5 Examine yourselves, see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 6 I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. 7 But we pray to God that you may not do wrong — not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. 8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. 10 For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down. 11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All the saints greet you. 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Four Traits of a Growing Christian
1. Accusations need Confirmation
2 Corinthians 13: 1 (ESV)
…Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
Deuteronomy 19: 15 (ESV)
A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.
1 Timothy 5: 19 (NLT)
Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses.
We deserve to have our reputations protected from irresponsible or malicious people
2. Truth necessitates Conversation
2 Corinthains 13: 2 (ESV)
I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them.
Truth can be hard to hear
Hard words are instrumental, indispensable, and valuable to help us mature as Christians.
God uses hard words of rebuke to lead us to repentance.
The Goal of Confrontation:
Return to godliness
Matthew 18: 20 (ESV)
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.
3. Salvation MUST be tested
2 Corinthians 13: 5 (ESV)
Examine yourselves, see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
Paul indicates that it is possible for someone to THINK they’re a Christian …on their way to heaven…
when they’re not.
Matthew 7: 21 – 23 (NLT)
“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’
4. Relationships must be nourished.
2 Corinthians 13: 11 & 12 (ESV)
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.