Chapter 8: How Do We Love Outsiders?

Scott A Gordon

REDISCOVER CHURCH • Sermon • Submitted 7 months ago • Presented 7 months ago

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Matthew 16:18 CSB

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

INTRO—

[[QUESTION—Which side of a turkey has more feathers? (The outside)]]

OUR QUESTION: “Does the local church exist for insiders or outsiders?”

…& by outsiders we’re talking about Pony Boy, Dallas, Steve, Two-Bit, and Soda Pop!

[even when gathered]

‘BOTH, boss. BOTH!’

A quick word for us regarding insiders…

Galatians 6:2 “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

[[Galatians 6:10 “…let us work for the good…especially for those who belong to the household of faith.”

(See also Ephesians 4.11-16)]]

In studying this book, we have primarily focused on the church (insiders/us)…for that is what we primarily are accountable to do.

…yet…part of the responsibility we have to each other is how we answer the other side of this question—the OUTSIDErs focus.

GOOD TO ALL PEOPLE, EVERYONE, EACH ONE, ANYONE

Galatians 6:10 “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.”

‘WORK FOR THE GOOD OF ALL’

All = each (pas, pantas); each person

Work = do, act, labor; keep on doing; keep up the process for arriving at good for outsiders

Galatians 6:9 “Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.”

Good = moral good; that which benefits; that which fits with KINDNESS

…BY…

Treat outsiders [non-Christians] as if they are made in the image of God (…because they are).

Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female.”

Protect outsiders [non-believers] from harm.

I would want to be the first one an abortion clinic bomber would meet…promising to stop that person from doing it.

Standing up for someone who is being threatened to be beat up because he or she is gay.

Take care of a need for an outsider.

Like we do in disaster relief, et al., ministry.

…But don’t wait for a ‘disaster relief moment.’ [an unexpected surprise would be real nice (in the words of Cousin Eddie)]

Develop friendships (real and deep) with outsiders [non-Christians] (also maintain friendships; this is the only way you can really learn how to work for someone’s good on a significant level).

Watch the kids so they can have a date night (encourage marriages).

Tell these friends the truth—especially related to spiritual matters—as you have opportunity to do so…in love.

Rescue outsiders [the lost] from sin (from sin & death; move them from ‘outsiders’ to ‘insiders’)

Matthew 28:18–20 “Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””