Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Transcription

1 Session I Real Accountability Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Proverbs 27:5-6 1

2 What real (Christian) accountability is not. You re going to let someone die in front of you while you eat your salad? Letting someone die while you idly stand by and do nothing. 2

3 I m just tired of her junk. Not wanting to be bothered with someone else because they don t subscribe to your lifestyle, or even you. You don t get to pick and choose what you want! Picking and choosing what you will, and will not, do on behalf of the other person. 3

4 So then, what is real accountability? In what ways does this clip reflect real accountability? Christian Accountability says 4

5 I m a Christian, which means I help people! And since I am, I m not just going to let you die! If you re bleeding, I m not just going to keep eating my salad (ignoring your situation)! 5

6 When we see others bleeding, and they say, I ll see you in church, Christian accountability is the boldness to act on another s behalf until you see the church in them? Christian Accountability simply put is Being responsible for one's actions. ***** Holding someone else responsible for their actions. 6

7 Sometimes We get tired of their junk! I m just tired of her junk. Who is her (or him) in your life? Is it a spouse, as in the case of the movie? Is it a friend or coworker? Is it a fellow church member or believer? 7

8 Nonetheless, we must Speak the truth in love, to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ Ephesians 4:15 What are the keys to Christian accountability that stands out in this verse? The Word of God says But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 8

9 The Word of God says My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2 The Word of God says Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 9

10 Christian Accountability Being responsible for one s actions Holding someone else responsible for their own actions Which one of the verses shared best describes the value of Christian accountability for you? Which one of the verses shared best describes the value of Christian accountability for her in your life? Psalm 141 In Psalm 141, David s prayer teaches us how to receive accountability. Based on this prayer, what should our desire be for accountability and response to it? Read and discuss in small groups. 10

11 Essential Elements of Christian Accountability Trust Accountability involves a willingness to open yourself up and share sensitive or personal information. This is why trust is so imperative. If you sense trust, you are more open to share your innermost thoughts without concern of betrayal. Relating People who relate to one another can empathize and share with an understanding heart. People can feel comfortable in sharing their circumstances, and can be totally accepted without fear of rejection. Self-Reflection Romans 14:12 says, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Having learned what real accountability is, in what areas of your life do you need real accountability to God? 11

12 Self-Reflection Hebrews 10:24 says, And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Whom do you have, or should you seek, to encourage and build you us by holding you accountable? Self-Reflection Galatians 6:1-2 says, Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Which friend do you have who is doing something contrary to God s Word, for whom you are called to confront that person gently, forgive them, and comfort them? 12

13 Self-Reflection Answer the following questions. In what areas of your life do you need real accountability to God? Whom do you have, or should you seek, to encourage and build you us by holding you accountable? Which friend do you have who is doing something contrary to God s Word, for whom (through the guidance of the Holy Spirit) you are called to confront that person gently, forgive them, and comfort them? Just as David did, what is your prayer to God? Write it out. Devotional Homework Complete the pages (three days) Think about your prayer? What does the Lord say, in His Word, about the thoughts/reflections in your prayer? Enhance your prayer by including those Scriptural references. PRAY 13