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 _____________, problems do come between ___________.

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

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 ________________ 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 surmising ASV

1. Meaning here involves the ____________ of _______________

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

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

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 ___________ 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 _________________ in question.

B. On _________________.

C. On the ____________ __________ themselves.

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

A. Open up the lines of ______________________.

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

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

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

C. Learn to keep our ______________ _______ – Js. 1:19

D. Put ____________________ 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 _____________, problems do come between ___________. II. If we’re not careful, we can develop a spirit of __________________. 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 ________________ 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 surmising ASV 1. Meaning here involves the ____________ of _______________ 2. Person in 6:4 – has a deep sense of _____________ in others. B. Such an attitude is dangerous because it is ___________________. 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 ___________ 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 _________________ in question. B. On _________________. C. On the ____________ __________ themselves. VI. How to overcome the problem. How can we learn to expect the best? A. Open up the lines of ______________________. 1. Matthew 18:15-17 applicable here. Also Mt. 5:23-24. B. ___________ what they say. Mt. 5:37 – our word is to be our bond. 1. It’s not our place to judge ______________! Mt. 7:1, 12 C. Learn to keep our ______________ _______ – Js. 1:19 D. Put ____________________ 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?