Pastor Lawton's Sermon

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January 24, 2010 - "If It's Broke Fix It - Conflict Resolution"

Sermon Outline

If It’s Broke Fix It – Conflict Resolution      
Matthew 18:15 – 20 (p.695)

Why this topic?

Healthy Relationships are our goal

• Pain will happen

• Reconciliation is expected
• Should have a holy discontent with broken relationships

• Ignoring broken relationships often means ignoring sin
• Discern between hurt feelings and sin.

• Encourages healthy communication

 
Proper Attitude

• Not about pointing fingers
• Forgive the person even before you go to them
• Release the from their debt (Mt. 18:21 – 35)
• Desire reconciliation
• restored relationship
• Keep his/her relationship with God in mind

A Matter of Sin

• Chapter 18 lessons
• Do not cause others to sin (v.7)

• Sin must be dealt with
• It is rarely a private matter

The Process

• Go
• For the sake of the relationship
• For our sake
• For the sake of the other
• Helping other believers become aware of their sin is the Christian thing to do
• Warning: Should be a different approach towards non-Christians
• One on One (v.15)
• Don’t sin in response to someone else’s sin
• confrontation can be the most honest and healthy way to deal with most situations
• Not a me vs. you situation
• Go with witnesses(v.16,19 - 20))
• Realization of the seriousness of the offense
• Bring legitimacy to what is happening
• Go to the Church (v. 17,18)
• Recognizing the authority
• Treat them as an outsider  (v.7)
• Break fellowship

Commitment to Reconciliation

• Step 1: Acknowledge a damaged relationship
• _________________ has offended me and my relationship with him/her is important.
• Step 2: Discern the damage
• Preference vs. Sin
• Step 3: If sin, go with the intention of being reconciled.
• Step 4: If necessary get others involved within the church for the right reasons.
• Step 5: If reconciliation does not take place I will not withdraw my forgiveness nor stop praying for him/her.
• I will begin this process by _____________.   

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