March 19, 2023
CONFLICT REVOLUTION: TENSE TIMES BECOME TEACHING MOMENTS
March 19, 2023
Pastor Derik Idol
Today we continue our new series, Conflict Revolution. We are exploring the interactions Jesus had with people as He led them not only to a resolution of a conflict but caused them to think outside the box in a way that introduced a new path that was revolutionary, and in line with the heart of God—not just the outward action, but the heart attitude. He reveals how God views our inter-personal relationships, especially when there is a conflict, and turns each into an opportunity that provides a teachable moment. Derik Idol brings us a lesson on taking those times of tension—which we all have—and turning them into a positive reinforcement of teaching.
Focal Passage: John 7:53-8:11.
The Law says…
· Read John 8:1-6. What are some parts of this scenario that make no sense? Read Lev. 20:10. What did the Law read? How many reasons can you think of that the religious leaders would be present while someone was engaged “in the act of committing adultery”? Why would they not have brought the man?
· In verse 6, what was the real reason these leaders were going through this theatrical drama? What were they already wanting to do to Jesus?
· Read verses 7-9. What do you suppose the woman was thinking, as she was probably taken from a house in who-knows-what condition, and thrown down before Jesus? Speculate a moment: What were some of the things Jesus could have been writing? What could have been the significance of God mentioning they left by age?
· Read verses 10-11. How do you think the woman felt when the men left the scene? Knowing Jesus, how would He have reacted to the woman’s plight? What could He have done? Do you think Jesus was condoning her sin? Why did He tell her to go and sin no more? Did He mean leave the lifestyle she was in, or never sin again?
But Jesus came to seek and to save the lost
· Read John 8:11 again. Regardless of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, what could have happened to the woman? How do you imagine her heart responded to the words of Jesus? Turn to John 4:1-30. Can someone tell what happened when Jesus met the woman of Samaria at the well? How similar to the adulteress in John 8 was the woman of Samaria? Read verse 39 and 40 of that passage; is this a good illustration of what happens when God’s love is presented to sinners who have no hope?
· Pastor Idol told the story of a young man who finally went to church with his mother. Can someone recall the story and tell it? What would have happened if this young man—with no shirt on—had come into your church? Would you have welcomed him or criticized him for being without a shirt? What is happening as a final outcome?
· Recently we heard a sermon that suggested Christians are more apt to be hostile or critical of a sinner who visits, not giving them grace for having no idea how to act in church. Why do we expect them to act like those of us who have been saved for decades? What are some intentional things we can do to make the unsaved feel welcome in your church?
· Do you think that for years to come, this woman was referred to as “the Adulteress”? Read Joshua 6:25. After Rahab had saved the spies and confessed God, how does Joshua still speak of her? Whom did she marry? How would you feel if your name was linked with the adjective by which you were known before salvation? Read Luke 6:32-36. Is this how you love? Read Romans 5:8. Why is it so necessary to remember where we were when God saved us?
· A comment from Pastor Idol was, “the longer it has been since you committed the sin of ______ in your past, the more likely you are to be very condemning of someone who has that label.” Why do you think that is?
Who are you like in this story?
· Who were all the people represented in this part of John? Which ones are you most like? Whom do you want to be most like? What can you do to achieve that end?
Close:
Have you ever caught yourself about to join a conversation that is criticising someone whose reputation has been ruined by certain actions? About the time you are ready to open your mouth, your past flashes before your eyes and you recall doing the same thing—or even worse. The shame is great, isn’t it? Because truly, most of us know that if we participated in things that were not godly, other people stood around talking about us, just as we were now about to do.
Pastor Idol was very correct when he observed that the longer we go after salvation (or repentance from any horrendous sin), the easier it is to keep it in a closet and seldom think of it. After many years have passed, it is almost as if that had been another person—and, in fact, if you were brought to salvation afterwards, that person no longer exists! But if you’re like most people, if something resurrects the memory, we immediately fall to our knees again with a broken and contrite heart. But this time Jesus doesn’t respond as He did when we had genuinely repented years before. This time, in loving compassion and grace, He looks at you so kindly and says “What sin, Child? It’s no longer there.” Don’t let Satan torment you with your previous life. Those sins are cast to the deepest part of the sea, as far as the east is from the west. Thank Him. He deserves all your devotion for what He’s done.
By Sandy Day
March 19, 2023