Topics: truth, brotherhood in Christ, love, reconciliation
I. Brothers in Christ!
- I beg of you, brethren, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong (Galatians 4:12).
- but you know that it was because of a bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the first time; and that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition you did not despise or loathe, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself (Galatians 4:13-14).
II. Enemies by Truth!
- Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. 16 So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth (Galatians 4:15-16)?
- Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17).
- but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ (Ephesians 4:15).
- Therefore Pilate said to Him, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?" And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, "I find no guilt in Him" (John 18:37-38).
- So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:31-32)
III. Reconciled by Love!
- They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out so that you will seek them. But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with you (Galatians. 4:17-18).
- My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you - but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you (Galatians 4:19-20)
- For the heart of this people has become dull, With their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes, Otherwise, they would see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, And understand with their heart and return, And I would heal them (Matthew 13:15).
Sermon by Pastor Dane Nissen, January 19th, 2025
Life group flow and discussion questions
"The Cost of Speaking Truth"
An important guideline of life groups: Discuss in your life group the importance of living in the freedom of the gospel and how you do that on a daily basis.
Getting Started:
- What are some signs that someone might be relying on works-based righteousness instead of grace?
Discussing Truths:
- Have you ever experienced a shift in your relationship with a spiritual leader or mentor, similar to what Paul describes with the Galatians? If so what happened?
- Have you ever confronted someone with the truth and they were hurt?
- Have you ever been confronted by the truth and were left hurt?
Now What? Application:
- How can we be more readily accepting of the truth when a brother or sister in Christ confronts us?
- And in turn how can we share the truth more lovingly to those around us?