Many different situations arise during ones lifetime situations

� Many different situations arise during one’s lifetime, situations that require a different response. � There also different responses one can make, some good and some bad. � Let’s see what the Bible has to say about this point.

A SPIRITUAL RESPONSE

A Spiritual Response… � Problems with brethren are inevitable (Matt. 18: 7; 1 Cor. 11: 19). �Due to differences in personality, in understanding; due to sin, unkindness, etc. �There always carnal responses (Gal. 5: 13 -15). �We need to cultivate attitudes that will help us deal with brethren in trying situations (Eph. 4: 1 -3; Phil. 2: 1 -4; 1 Cor. 13: 4 -7). �The offending brother (Matt. 18: 15 -17).

A Spiritual Response… � Treatment of brethren in general: We must try to treat everyone alike. �This does not mean that it is wrong to have special friends. (Jn. 13: 23; 19: 26; 20: 2; 21: 7, 20). �We should be careful about making surface judgments (Jas. 2: 1 -9). �There is always a carnal response we can make to people. �We should look upon each person with love and a desire to help them to be presented to Christ perfect (Col. 1: 28).

A Spiritual Response… � Sin: One of the dangers is to pretend it does not exist. (That is the response many are making today) �Jesus condemned sin in no uncertain terms (Matt. 5: 29 -30; 15: 19 -20; Jn. 8: 11). �We must not tolerate sin (Rev. 2: 2, 14 -16; 2: 20). �Attempt to restore (Jas. 5: 19 -20; Jude 22 -23; Gal. 6: 1). �Withdraw (1 Cor. 5: 13; Rom. 16: 17; 2 Thess. 3: 6, 14). �Receive the one who repents (2 Cor. 2: 7 -8).

A Spiritual Response… � These are only a few of the problems that will arise: �Problems with brethren due to differences in personality, in understanding, unkindness, etc. �Treatment of brethren in general. �Responses to sin. � Let us take the principle we have studied and be sure that we always look for the spiritual response instead of the carnal one -- the scriptural response rather than the response of our impulses.

John 3: 3 -5 (NKJV) Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. " 4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born? " 5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ”