Gardens Part 11-Tearing Down Walls
June 26, 2022
2 Corinthians 6:3-13, Galatians 5:19-24
WHEN PAUL SAW ANYONE HE RECOGNIZED
They are on a journey (not done yet!)
He can impact them for better or worse
As a servant of God, he must live in a way that attracts people to God.
The gospel may offend (see 1 Cor 1:23), but the gospel preacher may not.
~ Linda Belleville
PAUL LIVE OPEN-HEARTED IN EVERYTHING, DESPITE WHAT PEOPLE SAID AND DID TO HIM, AND INVITED THE CORINTHIANS TO JOIN HIM IN OPEN-HEARTEDNESS FOR CHRIST’S SAKE
A closed heart lives according to the flesh
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5
An open heart…
–Collaborates not manipulates
–Builds bridges not stumbling blocks
–Speaks truth not lies
–Spreads joy not misery
–Bears fruit of the Spirit not fruit of the flesh
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Do you have Paul’s passion to clear the path for anyone?
Do you have attitudes or habits that need to be weeded?
What fruit needs to be developed?
Explore more ideas on how to cultivate growth in the Relationship Garden with the Growth Plan at:
For Further Study:
Check out the Bible Project’s Summary of 2 Corinthians https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/2-corinthians/
Message Reflection Questions
Begin with silence.
What did God say to you through the message?
Describe Paul’s open-hearted attitude in 2 Corinthians 6:3-13. What is the difference between open-mindedness and open-heartedness?
What do you notice about Paul’s ‘ministry resume’ in 2 Corinthians 6:4-10?
How are the acts of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21 stumbling blocks for others?
How do the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-24 match up with Paul’s resume in 2 Cor 6:4-10? Why are these essential to building bridges with others?
What is one habit or attitude that you have that builds walls instead of bridges?
What is one habit or attitude that you’d like to develop to build relational bridges for the sake of the good news?
Close in prayer. Include prayers for renewal and revival in you, in Stillmeadow and in the church in America.
DAILY READINGS
For the Relational Garden series, we’re reading through the second letter to the Corinthians, to whom Paul was appealing for reconciliation and collaboration.
Monday: 2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Tuesday: 2 Corinthians 4:13-18
Wednesday: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
Thursday: 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2
Friday: 2 Corinthians 6:3-13
Saturday: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
Helpful Instructions for reading
Start with silence. Recognize that the Jesus Paul talks about is the Jesus who is with you now.
Thank God for something that happened in the last 24 hours.
Read the verses. Ask: What is God saying about how we relate to Him and how we relate to others in this passage?
Review the memory verse for the series: 2 Corinthians 5:18-19.
Finish in prayer for yourself, your family, your neighbors, your co-workers, your church. Pray through the nations at www.prayercast.com/nations.html.