Expect the Best

Expect the Best

Introduction:

Romans 12:9-16. Our relationship with brethren should be best on earth. John 13:35 teaches us that loving relationships are an identifying mark of Christians. Notice the following passages: 1 Pet. 1:22; 3:8-9; Heb. 13:1 and Phil. 2:3-4. It takes work to build great relationships. Consider the relationships you have with brethren in our congregation. Hope we can all say that we look forward to spending eternity with each other.

I. Despite our best intentions, problems do come between brethren.

II. If we’re not careful, we can develop a spirit of cynicism.

A. Cynicism comes when people have been hurt before and are afraid to love closely again out of fear of being hurt again.

B. Cynicism destroys relationships between brethren.

III. In 1 Tim. 6:4 – Paul describes a condition we need to be aware of.

A. 6:3-4. Focus on evil suspicions. Evil surmising ASV

1. Meaning here involves the impugning of motives

2. Person in 6:4 – has a deep sense of mistrust in others.

B. Such an attitude is dangerous because it is contagious.

IV. Some real life scenarios.

A. Scenario 1: in certain circles of the brotherhood – element of suspicion has enveloped brethren.

1. Preachers/brethren get labels attached to them – fairly or unfairly.

C. Scenario 2: have a bro/sis we’ve disagreed w/in the past. Personality conflict.

1. Something is said about the person & we accept it w/o investigation.

D. Scenario 3: congregation takes a “non-conventional” approach to their evangelism and outreach efforts.

1. Message doesn’t change – but different method is employed.

2. Some assume the congregation is moving toward liberalism.

E. In each of the above scenarios…only the worst was assumed.

V. This spirit of cynicism can have a devastating effect.

A. On the person(s) in question.

B. On congregations of the Lord’s people.

C. On the cynical ones themselves.

VI. How to overcome the problem. How can we learn to expect the best?

A. Open up the lines of communication.

1. Matthew 18:15-17 applicable here. Also Mt. 5:23-24.

B. Accept what they say. Mt. 5:37 – our word is to be our bond.

1. It’s not our place to judge motives! Mt. 7:1, 12

C. Learn to keep our mouths shut – Js. 1:19

D. Put forgiveness into action.

1. Bottom line: no forgiveness – we will not be forgiven. Mt. 6:14-15

Conclusion:

A. Rom. 12:9-16.

B. Is our love sincere/genuine? Do we expect the best of each other?



Expect the Best Introduction: Romans 12:9-16. Our relationship with brethren should be best on earth. John 13:35 teaches us that loving relationships are an identifying mark of Christians. Notice the following passages: 1 Pet. 1:22; 3:8-9; Heb. 13:1 and Phil. 2:3-4. It takes work to build great relationships. Consider the relationships you have with brethren in our congregation. Hope we can all say that we look forward to spending eternity with each other. I. Despite our best intentions, problems do come between brethren. II. If we’re not careful, we can develop a spirit of cynicism. A. Cynicism comes when people have been hurt before and are afraid to love closely again out of fear of being hurt again. B. Cynicism destroys relationships between brethren. III. In 1 Tim. 6:4 – Paul describes a condition we need to be aware of. A. 6:3-4. Focus on evil suspicions. Evil surmising ASV 1. Meaning here involves the impugning of motives 2. Person in 6:4 – has a deep sense of mistrust in others. B. Such an attitude is dangerous because it is contagious. IV. Some real life scenarios. A. Scenario 1: in certain circles of the brotherhood – element of suspicion has enveloped brethren. 1. Preachers/brethren get labels attached to them – fairly or unfairly. C. Scenario 2: have a bro/sis we’ve disagreed w/in the past. Personality conflict. 1. Something is said about the person & we accept it w/o investigation. D. Scenario 3: congregation takes a “non-conventional” approach to their evangelism and outreach efforts. 1. Message doesn’t change – but different method is employed. 2. Some assume the congregation is moving toward liberalism. E. In each of the above scenarios…only the worst was assumed. V. This spirit of cynicism can have a devastating effect. A. On the person(s) in question. B. On congregations of the Lord’s people. C. On the cynical ones themselves. VI. How to overcome the problem. How can we learn to expect the best? A. Open up the lines of communication. 1. Matthew 18:15-17 applicable here. Also Mt. 5:23-24. B. Accept what they say. Mt. 5:37 – our word is to be our bond. 1. It’s not our place to judge motives! Mt. 7:1, 12 C. Learn to keep our mouths shut – Js. 1:19 D. Put forgiveness into action. 1. Bottom line: no forgiveness – we will not be forgiven. Mt. 6:14-15 Conclusion: A. Rom. 12:9-16. B. Is our love sincere/genuine? Do we expect the best of each other?