| “A More
Excellent Way” Lesson 3: Love
Depleting Challenges To Families “Jealousy and Pride” (1 Corinthians 13:4)
Intro: 1. Families must be careful to avoid things that rob them of joy and
happiness. 2. Our text warns us that proper love does not allow for jealousy
and pride. (Proverb 27:4) 3. Jealousy left unchecked can escalate into
greater challenges. I. The destruction
jealousy and pride have caused to families. 1. In the life of Joseph (Genesis
37:4-11) a. Parental favorites may be more subtle than a coat of many colors
but can be just as harmful. b. We must be cautious to not negatively react to
real or perceived favoritism. (Ephesians 4:26-27) 2. Jealousy was part of one
of the first family disputes and eventually ended in tragedy.(Genesis 4:5-8)
a. We must be careful not to let personal disappointment present itself in
jealousies towards others. Who was Cain really angry with??? b. Personal
failures should lead us to repentance not jealousy. (Luke 22:32) 3. Jealousy
in unusual circumstances. (Genesis 16:1-5) a. Not every family environment is
ideal. b. We must avoid letting those frustrations lead to further problems.
II. Pride hinders one of the greatest healing agents within families. “Asking
for forgiveness. ”1. My personal obligation. (Matthew 5:23-24) a. Pride has kept many families from the
love that God would want them to have. b. Jesus said, “blessed are the
peacemakers.” (Matthew 5:9) c. Saying you’re sorry and asking for forgiveness
can restore love to a home. 2. Love encourages us to confess our faults.
(James 5:16) III. Members of the Lord’s church must also be careful
concerning pride and arrogance. 1. We will all find ourselves at various
levels of knowledge. 2. My “superior” knowledge whether true or perceived
does not give me the right to act arrogantly toward my brother in Christ. (1
Corinthians 8:7-13) 3. My love for my brethren will encourage me to edify rather
than destroy. (Romans 15:1-3) 4. Love encourages me to give preference to my
brother. (Romans 12:10) Conclusion: 1.
Jealousy and pride are destructive forces. 2. Love helps us overcome the
temptation of these challenges. 3. Expressions of love should be used to
diffuse those who express jealousy toward us.(Matthew 5:44) |
