We live in a broken world So much

We live in a broken world • So much division • So much hatred • So much death This is THE OPPOSITE of what God created “the heavens and the earth” to be filled with.

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; ” (Luke 4: 18– 19; from Isaiah 61: 1– 3)

Christians still have “brokenness” • Or else there would not be pleas for faithfulness or rebuke for sinful behavior. cp Rom 12: 1 -2; Eph 4: 1; 1 Pet 2: 11 • There would no longer be a struggle against temptation. cp Rom 7; Gal 5: 16 ff; Lk 22: 40

How we don’t heal • By judging Christians who struggle in the flesh. Jn. 8: 7 (Remember Rom 7; Gal 5: 16 ff) • By gossiping and ruining the name of someone (let alone the church) who struggles with sin. 2 Tim 3: 1 -5

Consequences: Judging/Gossip • Brethren who struggle will NOT open up to their own brethren… they’d rather go to “ 12 steps”. Cp. Jas 5: 16 • Brethren will not have the ideal fellowship with one another that God wants… ugly warts and all.

How we heal the broken • Those who refuse to repent from sin… are not weak but rebellious. 2 Pet 2: 20 -22 • However, those who struggle with sin… • Be patient and longsuffering toward them. • Pray diligently on their behalf. • “Strengthen their hands. ” Heb 12: 12

When we realize just how broken we are • We see more desperately our need for Jesus’ salvation. • We become (more) compassionate for others who struggle with their own weaknesses and sins. We strive for solutions that build up the body of Christ and reach a broken world who desperately wants the deliverance Christ offers.