7. In what ways are
you most likely to temp others to sin? What can you do to guard against this
problem?
· PERSONAL: Have to think about this… not very comfortable with the idea of causing someone else to sin. But not very comfortable with saying “I have never done that…”
· GENERAL: When we sin we give legitimacy to sinful ways; we want our errors to be “normal” to others so we can all agree that “it’s not that bad – everyone does it”.
· EXAMPLE: Speeding on the freeway; limit is 65 mph but everyone does it so it’s not a bad thing – but it’s still wrong and by doing so we contribute to the legitimacy of doing something wrong.
8. Jesus is clear about the fact that we sin and those we love sin. What are his instructions, given that fact (verse 3)? Why are these instructions so hard to carry out sometimes? Can you share an example of your failure in this area?
· COMMENTS: Speak the truth in love - Eph 4:15-16…
o [15] but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, [16] from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
o Commentaries point to Lk 17:1-3 referring to LEADERSHIP responsibilities and the manner in which the Pharisees were teaching others to be as hardhearted as themselves.
· V.3 INSTRUCTIONS:
o Rebuke, then if they repent, forgive.
§
Main Entry: 1re·buke
Pronunciation:
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): re·buked; re·buk·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French rebucher, rebouker to
blunt, check, reprimand
1 a : to criticize sharply : REPRIMAND b :
to serve as a rebuke to
2 : to turn back or keep down : CHECK
synonym see REPROVE
· V.3 HARD TO CARRY OUT:
o It’s not easy confronting people… I want to be liked by others and rebuking will cause people to not like me.
· EXAMPLE OF FAILURE:
o Fail to confront people about sin ALL THE TIME!
§ Often rationalize “I’m not perfect, how can I point out the speck in the eye of another…
o Failure also occurs when I’m confronted by another about my sin and I refuse to listen…
9. Servanthood is at the heart of the Christian life. What natural, human feelings create inner conflicts with what Jesus says our attitude must be toward doing our duty (verse 10)?
· NATURAL, HUMAN FEELINGS…
o PRIDE - I want to be served instead of serving…
o UNWORTHY - I’m not worthy of being served…
o PRIDE - I want extra recognition for my service…
10. When were the lepers healed?
· Healed while on their way to show themselves to the priests, as lepers are to do if they think they are clean.
· The lepers had to be acting on a certain amount of faith… Jesus instructed them to show themselves to the priests BEFORE they were healed.
11. How would you describe Jesus’ pity, or
mercy, he showed to the lepers? Using the nine lepers as a model, what tends to
be our typical response to Jesus’ mercy?
· JESUS’ MERCY – he simply healed them regardless of whether they were going to show appreciation.
· OUR TYPICAL RESPONSE TO JESUS’ MERCY – we certainly take it for granted… do we REALLY appreciate God’s grace and mercy? Are we capable of fully understanding the depth of our dilemma and vast extent of God’s restoration?
12. What things sidetrack us from thanksgiving and praise? How can you become a more thankful person?
· THINGS THAT SIDETRACK US – we are such simpletons… ANYTHING can sidetrack us. Witness the power of a television set in a room of people – TOTALLY distracted.
· HOW TO BE MORE THANKFUL – Seek God; spend time with Him, talk to Him, study Him, plan for Him, be with Him. Seek first His kingdom…