GRACE FOR THE PERFECTIONIST

Sunday, June 3rd, 2018

Message By: Pastor Terry Welham

Series: Grace Awakening

“GRACE FOR THE PERFECTIONIST"

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“Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.” (Romans 15:7, NLT)

1.) GRACE GIVEN FOR THE PERFECTIONIST

➢ Type A: a personality type characterized by ambition, high energy, and competitiveness, and thought to be susceptible to stress and heart disease.

“ The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” (Proverbs 16:23–24, ESV)

"Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:13–14, NLT)

2.) GRACE GIVEN BY THE PERFECTIONIST IN ALL OF US

"We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” (Romans 15:1–2, ESV)

➢ “I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God's business.” ― Michael J. Fox

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:29–32, ESV)

3.) GRACE GIVEN BY GOD FOR UNITY AND HIS GLORY

"May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5–6, NLT)

“…so that God will be given glory.” (Romans 15:7, NLT)

Life Group Questions:

1. Do you have a “Type A” personality? Or do you have a close relationship with someone who does?

2. How have you personally been affected by a “Type A” personality?

3. How do you handle unrealistic expectations from others? How do you handle situations when your expectations haven’t been met?

4. How does extending grace, or not extending grace, affect the giving of glory to God?

5. Knowing that God has accepted us with our imperfections, how should we accept others?