Building up each other (part1) 22/2/08

Words : Christina
Worship : Lin / Francis

Songs
41 In the name of Jesus
111 Welcome to the family
125 We are one in the bond of love
160 As we gather
295 We will worship the lamb of glory

(SHORT THANKSGIVING – ALL)

Rebuking the devil

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)

Today we will explore the word “Rebuke” in the relationship between rebuker and rebukee with God in the midst.

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Activity 1

Explore the 3 Identities & Its Role
Rebuker
Rebukee
God

Materials:
Paste it on a bigger piece of paper for illustration. (Better View)
GOD
LOVE
Way of Life
Do Not Condemn
Rebuker
Rebukee
Patience
Careful Instruction
Gentle Way
Privately
Be Kind & Tender
Forgive
Love
Do Not Despise
Do Not Resent
Repent
Heed
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Rebuker & Rebukee need to acknowledge its role and respond with God at heart

Rebuker
Patience & Careful Instruction
2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
Gentle Way
Galatians 6:1 “My brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right; but you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too”
Privately
Matthew 18:15 “If your brother sins against you, go to him and show him his fault. But do it privately, just between yourselves. “
Be Kind & Tender
Ephesians 4:32"Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive each other, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done."
Forgive
2Corinthians 2:7 “You should forgive him and encourage him, in order to keep him from becoming so sad as to give up completely. And so I beg you to let him know that you really do love him”
True love
Proverbs 27:5-6 “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”

What if the rebuke is rejected?
But if he does not listen to you,take one or two more with you, so that 'BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED-Matt. 18:16 also establishes another guideline - you should have two or three ready witnesses to confirm the truth of the matter; in other words, the issue at hand is not based on isolated example or hearsay (cf 1 Tim. 5:19-20).
If he still does not heed then simply allow matters to take its natural course. In other word, let consequences be the teacher.

The role of a rebukee is not to despise & resent
Proverbs 3:11-12"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline
and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves,as a father the son he delights in."

Repent
Luke 17:3-4 “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in one day, and each time he comes to you saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him.”

Heed
Ecclesiastes 7:5 “It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.”
Rebuke produces Repentance, Repentance produces Fruit.

God
Do Not Condemn
John 8:11 “Jesus said, "I do not condemn you either. Go, but do not sin again.”

Love
Revelation 3:19 says, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”

Way of Life
Proverbs 6:23, “For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life.”

Rebuke ≠ Disapproval ≈ Edification (Painful)

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Activity 2
Role Play - Encouraging role by the rebuker and rebukee

Jonathan noticed a change in Francis’s behaviour for the past 2 weeks during care group and church service. Francis seems to be quite drawn back on lots of activities and did not quite look the same. So Jonathan called Francis for a meet;

Johnathan: Hi Francis, how's life?

Francis (looking tired): I am doing ok, been tired these days, maybe due to heavy workload, late nights with friends and watch tv programmes that shows at wee hours...

Johnathan (concern): Wow, quite happening in your life now ya..

Francis: Ya, that is why I seems to get agitated easily and apparently it did not do me any good (Sigh)

Johnathan: How's your walk with God?

Francis (Sigh): I seems to be getting further away from God and his word doesn't seems to ring any bell to me.

Johnathan: It’s good that you are aware of your feelings & situation. Have you consider to change abit of your late night habits?

Francis (sound reluctant): Ya, but……

Johnathan (positive tone): Why not take a rest from staying late nights out with friends and reducing you know.. late night shows.. this week? This will probably free up some time to complete more of your workloads and this in turn may allow you to have time with God.

Francis: Ya, you are right, I thought about it too.

Johnathan (encouraging): Since you have been thinking about it, why not act on it? You know, God is almighty, he is giving and caring, you might not feel his presence but we all know that he is omni presence, he is always in our midst. We should take care of our body as it is the temple of God, we have to ensure that we function well, so as we are able to have a healthy walk with God.

Francis (brighten up): Good to meet up to have someone to share about my situation. I guess I really need to work on it. I know God is not happy with me.

John: Glad to see you that you have realised it. If you need someone to talk to or to have a meet up, call me. Let's walk through this together.

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Role Play - Discouraging Role by the rebuker and rebukee

Diana: What’s up brother?

Charlene (looking tired): I am doing ok, been tired these days, maybe due to heavy workload, late nights with friends and watch tv programmes that shows at wee hours...

John: Wow very happening in your life huh...

Sam: Ya, that is why I seems to get agitated easily and apparently it did not seems to do me any good (Sigh)

John: How your daily walk?

Sam (Sigh): I am kinda far away from God and His word doesn't seems to mean much to me.

John (raise eyebrown): Reeeeee….lly….???? Far away from God?? how come???

Sam (sounds sian): Ya lor, its ok, I’m alrite, dun both.

John (sounds angry): That’s not the right attitude!! I’m very disappointed with you!! What are you doing to your life?? Don’t you know you should be leading a good example? Don’t you know you are wasting your life?

Sam (sounds bo chap): At times we are like that what...

John (agitated): Seriously you have an attitude problem..

Sam (easy going): well, if you say so, okie lah, I need to go..

John (giving warning): You better think hard about what I said OKAY!!

End of role play
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→ Discussion on the roles played
→ Review the chart on some key points

Closing - When should a Christian try to correct another Christian?

This can be a delicate subject. It is wise to spend time in prayer first, to check our motivation, and ask for guidance. There are times when Christians are called upon to "talk to or try to correct a fellow Christian." Our motive and intent should always be to bring about repentance and restoration to the erring brother or sister in Christ.