Confronting Words - SERMON NOTES

Intro: (1) business meeting, youth FF (2) out this week (3) Proverbs 27:5-6 (cf. Ellen on Idol)

The Right Word (2:6): (1) must be framed by God’s words, not our own (2) not just sharing our opinion (cf. cutting grass, driving, grocery shopping) → lots of people do things lots of different ways (3) practical steps → examine your heart, admit your own faults, remember that change is a process, encourage with gospel-based kindness (cf. Romans 2:4)

From the Right Person (26:17): (1) questions → am I the offended party, am I accountable for either side involved (2) two extremes → confrontation police, avoiding (3) additional times → when you have relational influence (cf. elders), when a person is endangering, taking unnecessary risks, when it is in a required context that you cannot change (cf. workplace)

In the Right Way (24:29): (1) confronting is not revenge, but rather intended to reflect the Lord (cf. 20:22) (2) NT principles → Eph. 4:15, 32, 1 Cor. 13:5 (3) being motivated by reconciliation, not being proven right (4) what makes this tricky → personal irritation, not having the right info, unrealistic expectations (5) stay current, humble, encouraging

At the Right Time (25:11): (1) the best words are those that come at the right time (2) something can be true/needed but not delivered at the right time (3) one characteristic of foolish words is those that come at inappropriate times (4) good prayer → help for when is best time (5) give a heads up, don’t do through text or email (6) not being too quick or too slow

To the Right Person (9:7-8): (1) “right person” → THE person, one who will hear (cf. 28:23) (2) don’t expect others to be excited about being confronted (3) guard against assuming the worst about the other person (4) what if the person is unreceptive → Col. 3:12-14, seek wise counsel (cf. family vacation), Romans 12:18


Conclusion: (1) Lewis and Tolkien → “Bingo” (2) giving/receiving confrontation in light of the cross