How to Address an Offense from Zion Presbyterian on Vimeo.

Jesus knew His church was and would be made up of fallen men. He instructs us how members of the body should behave in order to not cause our brethren to stumble. The blood of our Savior presents us to God as clothed in white. The blood does likewise for His Church.

We are instructed to work out our salvation so we may present the world our best possible testimony. We are also to labor in our churches, ministering to our brethren and removing stumbling blocks. We cannot allow the the sins of our brothers to cause the world to blaspheme the name of God.

We must never forget that we are citizens of Heaven. It is therefore incumbent upon us to lean on the Law of God and forsake our own understanding for we are indeed ambassadors.

Today’s message is a continuation of our series on how to address offenses. We will go over the purpose and the process of ‘calling out’ sins in others in a Godly and loving manner so as not to drive them away, but to drive them closer.

How to Address an Offense from Zion Presbyterian on Vimeo.

Zion Presbyterian Church
7/11/2010 AM Sermon
Pastor Jess Stanfield

We live in a fallen world full of offenses. It is important that the believer has a right understanding of how to address offenses committed against them as well as addressing others they have offended.
Jesus sets a tone for us when He addresses this subject in Matt 18 instructing us to have the humility of a child or an eager pupil of the Word. This type of humility is rooted in subjection to the Word, not the false humility of the pharisees.

Jesus tells us to approach a brother whom has committed a sinful offense instructing him on what he’s done. This is not a command to just forgive and forget, nor is it carte blanc to point out every sin you perceive around you. Recall the need to get the beam out of our eye before helping another with the splinter in their’s.

We can make a correct application if we do it with humility, Biblical humility, which puts God’s law above our preferences. This will allow us to recognize genuine sin when we see it, and administer the remedy of Love and Grace unto which we have been so richly given. We are walking a narrow road, false forgiveness spurns resentment and sin, being hypercritical assumes self righteousness and alienates. Balance is found through diligent study of the Word with a desire for conformity in our hearts.

Some Examples of Stumbling Blocks from Zion Presbyterian on Vimeo.

06/20/2010 – PM Sermon
Jess Stanfield – Pastor
Zion Presbyterian Church

How to Change Part III from Zion Presbyterian on Vimeo.

Zion Presbyterian Church

06/13/2010 PM Worship Service
Jess Stanfield Pastor