Truth in Love: Winning One Another Back
This morning’s text from Scripture is:
Sermon Outline:
1. The Purpose: Restoration — Ezekiel 33:1–11
God calls his people to speak because he desires repentance, life, and restoration—not judgment or victory.
2. The Posture: Genuine Love — Romans 12:9–21
Christian truth-telling must be shaped by genuine love, humility, honor, patience, and a desire for peace.
3. The Practice: Go to Your Brother — Matthew 18:15–20
Jesus gives his people a practical pattern for addressing sin and conflict: go privately, widen the circle only when necessary, and seek to gain your brother.
4. The Foundation: Grace
We can pursue reconciliation because God first pursued and reconciled us through Jesus Christ.
Comprehension Questions
(These will help you open the Scriptures and understand the text.)
According to Ezekiel 33:11, what does God desire for the person who has turned away from him?
What qualities does Romans 12 say should shape the way Christians relate to one another, particularly when relationships become difficult?
In Matthew 18:15–20, what steps does Jesus give his disciples for addressing sin and conflict, and what does he say is the desired outcome?
Life Application
Is there someone you have been talking about, avoiding, or quietly resenting whom God may be calling you to approach directly?
When you enter conflict, do you primarily want restoration, or do you want to be proven right?
How well do you hold truth and love together? Are you more tempted toward harsh truth without love or comfortable love without truth?
When someone comes to you with a concern, are you able to listen humbly and consider whether repentance may be necessary?
What would need to change in your relationships, Life Group, family, or church for you to become someone who consistently seeks to “gain your brother” rather than win the conflict?