11-01-09 AM Reconciliation: 4 Steps to Reconciling any relationship
RECONCILIATION
Text: 2 Cor. 5:16-21 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
I. What is Reconciliation?
To call back into union and friendship the affections which have been alienated; to restore to friendship or favor after estrangement; as, to reconcile men or parties that have been at variance.
II. Under what Circumstances is This Important?
A. Christian Brethren
Matt. 5:23-24 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
John 13:35
35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
B. Saved People whose Fellowship With God is Broken
Psa. 42:1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
Psa. 130:6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
C. Lost People Who Need God
2 Cor. 5:20-21 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
III. What is the Necessary Process for Reconciliation?
A. The offender must be properly motivated. Are you looking for freedom from punishment, better circumstances for you or restored relationship.
B. The offender must understand the scope of the offence. Confess our sins
C. The offender must repent.
2 Cor. 7:9-11 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 11For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
D. The one offended must decide the outcome. (Acquittal is not possible because the offender IS Guilty)
1. Full Punishment to Include Eternal Estrangement
2. Full Punishment but Continue Elements of the Relationship that are beneficial to the Offended Party – (Like conditional Sentence –can go to work but that’s it)
3. Suspended Sentence – The punishment you deserve hangs over your head and if you mess up even in an unrelated manner, the hammer falls.
4. Punishment is given but its not the full extent of what you deserve. (fine or community service)
5. Conditional Discharge – There are certain things you must do, and if you do them, the offence will be completely expunged from your record
6. Absolute Discharge – Forgiven. Forgotten. Forever. AMEN!
IV. Apply to each of three cases:
A. Christian Brethren
1. Proper Motivation
a. Freedom from punishment
b. Better circumstances for you
c. Restored relationship.
2. Confess
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
3. Repent
4. Offended Party now must choose 1 thru 6
B. Saved People whose Fellowship With God is Broken
1. Proper Motivation
a. Freedom from punishment
b. Better circumstances for you
c. Restored relationship.
2. Confess
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
3. Repent
4. Offended Party now must choose 1 thru 6
1 John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
C. Lost People Who Need God
1. Proper Motivation
a. Freedom from punishment
b. Better circumstances for you
Mark 10:17 I just want to go to Heaven live forever (The desire to live in His palace) – Rich ruler
c. Restored relationship.
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. – DRAWN TO JESUS
Luke 19:3 I just want to know God (drawn to Him) – Zacchaeus Sought to see Jesus who He was
2. Confess
Luke 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
3. Repent
4. Offended Party now must choose 1 thru 6
Col. 1:21-22 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
