How To Treat Others

For 9/28/2011
All scriptures are from The Message Version

Today we look at three scriptures that deal with and give guidance on living in community with one another. This is a theme that runs throughout the bible, both the formal rules of the Old Testament Law and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. First we will look at a teaching by Jesus that sets the stage for understanding the foundation for living together as a faith community. The context is Jesus telling his followers that he is going to Jerusalem and that he would be crucified and what would be required if they were to follow him but there might be a wider application:

Matthew 16:24-26 Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?

· Jesus reminds his disciples (us) that we are followers; what is the essence of that reminder? This is easy to hear in concept but how should we apply it in practical terms to our daily lives? How do we relinquish being in the driver’s seat as we face the issues and decisions of daily life?
· How do you react to his words on suffering and self-sacrifice? How is our true self revealed thru accepting these things; have you had experiences that gave you insight on your true self (for better or worse).
· Can you relate any of this to what is needed to live successfully as a faith community and also with those whom we come across each day?

Next we look at specific advice Paul gives for living faithfully with others. Read the entire scripture and then come back and reflect on each section. As you read this are you reminded of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7?

Romans 12: 9-10 Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

· What do you relate to in these verses? What is called for as the scripture begins? Can you relate this to Jesus’ many, many teachings – This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you (John 15:12)
· What is Paul’s bottom line and how much practice does it take to play second fiddle?

11-13Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

· How do we avoid burn out? Is that a problem with our church leadership pool today? What are some ways in which we can recharge our spiritual batteries as individuals and as a faith community?
· What practical advice does he give for hard times and how might they fit into the life of your congregation today?
· Should we only help needy Christians?

14-16Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.
17-19Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

· Do you relate to the thought that you might have enemies in the congregation?
· How do you feel about your congregation's expression of Paul’s encouragement for relationships with one another? Can you think of specific examples?
· Have you had the experience of discovering beauty in someone you didn’t like? Was it helpful?

20-21Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

· There are lots of stories about taking positive steps to mend a relationships between two people who did not like one another, do you have one?
· Might there be a difference in applying this to believers as opposed to non-believers? Should we be selective in with whom we seek to repair a broken relationship?

Lastly Paul speaks to the understanding and reality that we need to embrace in order to be an effective person of faith, to incorporate the good we have been discussing into our lives.

Romans 12:3 I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.

· What is the key to understanding ourselves and motivating us to be proactive in living ou our faith in everyday life? Does it give you any new insight?
· What will you take away from this discussion today? What would you like to know more about?

Closing Litany
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
The Lord's Prayer - The Message Version

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Matthew 18:15-20, Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 149or Psalm 119:33-40, Exodus 12:1-14 or Ezekiel 33:7-11