Message Notes

4th YAG RETREAT- THE FRUITFUL LIFE
Session #7
Monday, 23 October 2006
Evening Session
Text: Psalm 32, 51; Galatians, 2 Corinthians 7
A Fruitful Life is a Result of Problem Solving II (Personal)
INTRODUCTION

1. Ecclesiastical Problems can affect the Individual
2. These problems must be addressed as soon as possible
3. The resolution of these problems will bring forth good fruit

A. PROBLEM-SOLVING TECHNIQUES NEEDED

1. Biblical
2. Sound
3. Practical
4. Creative

B. A STUDY OF A BIBLICAL APPROACH OF RESOLVING PROBLEMS

1. Identifying of the problem (Galatians – An illustration of how painful Church problems will affect the individual)

a) External Influence/Hindrance

You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?

Galatians 5:7

i) Looking back in time

ii) Looking at the present

iii) Obvious deterioration

iv) Facing up to reality

v) The individual adversely affected by false teachings/teachers!

vi) The extent of the adverse influence must be assessed and addressed

b) Leaven

A little leaven leavens the whole lump

Galatians 5:9

i) Insight

ii) Wisdom

iii) A little problem left unresolved will permeate and affect other aspects of life and ministry.

c) Danger of unresolved interpersonal problems

But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!

Galatians 5:15

i) Danger may be underestimated (taking sides, hating each other etc)

ii) Danger must be evaluated carefully

iii) Danger must be eliminated

d) Overcome by trespasses

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual Restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest You also be tempted. Bear one anothers burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ

Galatians 6:1-2

i) Help may be needed

ii) Help must be rendered

iii) Fulfilling the law of Christ through carrying each other’s burdens

2. Conviction

a) The heart can convict us of sin          2 Samuel 24:10

b) The Spirit of God can convict us of sin          John 16:7-11

c) The misery felt within will drive us to the Lord          Psalm 32, 51

3. Confession          (Psalm 51)

a) Confrontation of sin-problem (full and thorough; no excuses)

b) Cleansing sought – at the deepest level

c) Complete restoration

d) Change of heart/spirit

e) Complete Make-over

4. Goals of Problem-solving (Personal)

a) Restoration of personal joy

b) Return to God

c) Renewal of walk with God

5. Where personal problems are not effectively resolved

a) Stagnation

b) Malaise

c) Weakness

d) Dropping out

e) Death (spiritual)

C. DANGERS ATTENDING WRONG APPROACHES

1. Schism          1 Corinthians 1
2. Diotrephes          3 John 9
3. Worldy wisdom          1 Corinthians 1
4. Litigation          1 Corinthians 6
D. PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF PROBLEM-SOLVING

1. One-on-One Principle          Matthew 18:15
2. Two-Three witnesses Principle          Matthew 18:16
3. Whole Church Congregation Principle          Matthew 18:17
4. The Forgiveness Principle Highlighted in the Parable of the Two Debtors          Matthew 18:21-35
5. Providing an Atmosphere/Scenario for healthy differences          Romans 14
6. Ensuring that the Main Ministries of the Church are not adversely affected          Acts 6
7. Creativity needed for problem solving          Acts 15:36-41
8. The Issue of Leadership          Acts 20
9. The Next Generation          2 Timothy 2