Speak the Truth In Love

Pastor Eva L. Clarke - Sunday December 4, 2005

© 2005 Life Church Ministries, Inc.

 
wedge Key Scripture References
* Ephesians 4:11-16
* Mark 10:21
* Psalm 31:5
* John 14:16-17
* John 4:23
* Proverbs 23:23
* 1 Cor 13:4
* John 8:32
* Psalm 51
* Ephesians 4:22-32
* Ezekiel 3:17-18
* Proverbs 31:8-9
wedge Speak the Truth In Love
* Ephesians 4:11-16
wedge A Closer Look at Truth
* Truth is more than the mere absence of falsehood
* Truth is a characteristic of God
* David refers to the Lord as the God of Truth Psalm 31:5
* Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Truth John 14:16-17
wedge Truth is an attribute of our worship John 4:23-24
* Its all about putting God first
* Jesus loved and confronted the rich young ruler Mark 10:21
wedge A prophetic word came to Life Church "We are Worship"
* Worship is a lifestyle. We worship in spirit and in truth
* Truth is a key to wisdom, discipline and understanding Proverbs 23:23
wedge Characteristics of Love
* How do we know if we are speaking in love? The characteristics of love are unmistakable 1 Cor 13:4
wedge Speak the Truth in Love to Yourself
* We can deceive ourselves; we can ignore things that are right in front of us. (directions example)
* Jesus said if he hold to his teaching we're his disciples then we will know the truth and the truth will set us free John 8:32
* We need to have a "three-way-mirror experience"
* We should confront ourselves with truth and practice the characteristics of love - be patient with ourselves (cleaning and straightening example)
wedge Speak the Truth in Love to God
* David's psalm after committing adultery with Bathsheba illustrates the love and trust and honesty we should have for the Lord Psalm 51
wedge Speak the Truth in Love to Each Other
* Speak truthfully to our brothers and sisters in Christ, don't sin in anger, be kind Eph 4:22-32
* We are called to be watchmen Ezekiel 3:17-18
wedge Speak the Truth in Love for the Voiceless
* We are agents of God for the downtrodden Proverbs 31:8-9
wedge Discussion Questions
* Have you ever had a "three way mirror" experience and observed
attitudes, thoughts, behaviors or conditions in your life that didn't
line up with God's word or that you knew He was displeased with?
* Have you ever been tempted to run away from God when you've failed? What has your experience been running to Him in prayer?
* Have you ever "beaten yourself up" for your failures or faults?
How can we treat ourselves with greater love, patience and compassion?
* Have you ever ignored a problem or the "elephant in the room"
hoping it would just go away?
* Have you ever tried to speak the truth in love and had a positive
result? What happened?
* Have you ever tried to speak the truth in love and had a negative
result? How might things have gone better?
* Have you ever struggled with the "in love" part of speaking the
truth?
* What can you do personally to create greater unity in the body?
* In what ways can you speak up for those who can't speak for
themselves?