Much assistance from Good Saint Care by Dr. Kent Spann

There is a large misconception about the Church

• Many state it this way, “The Church is full of hypocrites”

• This misconception is based on the belief that the Church should be full of sinless people

Is 53:4-6, 64:6; Rom 3:23; 1Jn 1:8-10, 2:1-2

The Church is a perfect creation full of imperfect individuals

Paul shares some of the difficulties we as Christians carry with us to the Church Gal 6:1-2; 1 Cor 6:11

Some have stated it this way, “If you find a perfect Church, please don’t join it because you will ruin it!”

The problem isn’t that the Church is imperfect; the problem is the Church often becomes dysfunctional

Some examples of how a dysfunctional Church deals with sin and the burdens of others and itself The “blame game”

Gen 3:12-13 , 17; Prov 19:3; Jam 1:12-15; Prov 28:13; Ps 51:3-4

Examples of the dysfunctional Church cont’d Critical spirit

Lev 19:15; Mt 7:1-5; Jn 7:24; Jam 2:13 Avoids the one who sins or is hurting

Jam 5:19-20; Lk 15:17; Jam 5:13-16 Being proud that sin exists in your midst

1 Cor 5:1-6, 11-13 Gossip or slander

Prov 6:16-19, 20:19; Eph 4:29; Jam 1:26

Examples of the dysfunctional Church cont’d Sin is discussed among brethren but not with

the guilty party and no action taken Mt 18:15-17; 2 Thes 3:6, 13-15; Rom

16:17

It appears we don’t always deal well with our dysfunction in the Church. We need to learn how to take care of this situation

Sin is a nasty word we don’t really like to use or talk about

A healthy Church is not only willing to talk about it but to restore those involved

To restore other Christians means to get them back on the strait and narrow

Paul teaches us who should be the ones to help Gal 6:1 ”… you who are spiritual restore such

a one…” Paul teaches how we should restore the

erring sinner Gal 6:1 ”… in a spirit of gentleness,…”

Paul gives an important warning to us Gal 6:1 “…considering yourself lest you also

be tempted…”

Life is full of burdens… Paul teaches we are to help carry these

burdens (vs 6:2) Paul describes the type of people able to

bear others burdens with them (vs 3-5) Paul teaches us that we should do this in

love and compassion (vs 2) Gal 6:2 “…and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Paul once again offers a precaution to us Gal 6:4 ”… But let each one examine his own

work…”

Paul has clearly laid out for us the steps we can take to help keep our congregation healthy and not dysfunctional

It is up to each of us to follow these instructions

If there is anything we can do to help you, please make it know while we stand and sing