2015-5-16-17-outline.doc 1
Series: Resolving Everyday Conflict (Part 5 of 8)
Criticism and the Cross
Proverbs 9:9, 12:15, 13:10, 15:32, 17:10
Introduction
I. Our Natural Response to Criticism
II. The supernatural Response to Criticism Prov 12:15; 13:10; 17:10; 13:13; 9:9; 15:32; Ps 141:5
“The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Prov 12:15 NIV)
“Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” (Prov 13:10 NIV)
“A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool.” (Prov 17:10 NIV)
“He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.” (Prov 13:13 NIV)
“Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.” (Prov 9:9 NIV)
“He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.” (Prov 15:32 NIV)
“Let a righteous man strike me - it is a kindness; let him rebuke me - it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it.” (Ps 141:5 NIV)
III. The Criticism of the Cross Gal 2:20; Rom 3:9-18, 23; 6:23, 6
“I have been crucified with Christ.” (Gal 2:20 NIV)
“There is no one righteous, not even one.” (Rom 3:9-18 NIV)
“All have sinnedand fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom 3:23 NIV)
“The wages of sin is death.” (Rom 6:23 NIV)
“Our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with.” (Rom 6:6 NIV)
IV. The Justification of the Cross Rom 5:8; Phil 3:9; Rom 4:5; 3:20-26; Gal 2:20; Rom 8:33-34
“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8 NIV)
“The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Gal 2:20 NIV)
V. Our Response to Criticism
A. we can face any criticism with confidence
B. we can find comfort by seeing God’s hand in the criticism 2 Sam 16:5-7, 11-12
“Leave him alone; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. It may be that the LORD will see my distress and repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today.” (2 Sam 16.11-12 NIV)
C. we can respond to criticism with a spirit of thanksgiving Ps 141:5
“Let a righteous man strike me - it is a kindness.” (Ps 141:5 NIV)
D. we can respond with humility and a willingness to learn from criticism
E. we can respond to criticism with a spirit of surrender Rom 8:33-34
“Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns?” (Rom 8:33-34 NIV)
F. we can respond in a spirit of submission
“My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son.” (Heb 12:5-6 NIV)