How to Live Obediently: Faith and Love Toward Other Believers

1 John 5:16-17; Acts 5:1-11

Pastor Jon Hanson

Introduction

Our challenge for this year is to spend more time reading and studying God’s Word and praying to God according to His will. We should pray for others because we love one another. What should we do when we see a fellow believer living in a way contrary to the commands of Christ? Many in the Church today use Matthew 7:1-5 to claim that we should not judge others. But this isn’t what this passage teaches. We should carefully observe others and pray on their behalf, especially when we see sin in their lives.

Seeing your brother in sin – v. 16a

Our observation – our fellow believer is committing sin
The specific type of prayer – sin that does not lead to death
Our response – We should ask (pray) for this believer
Result – God will give the prayer life to pass on to the sinner

What about sin that does lead to death? – v. 16b - 17

What is sin leading to death?
If punishment is immediate, we are not under command to pray for that believer.
If punishment is delayed for a serious sin, we may pray about that.
All unrighteousness is sin and does not lead to immediate death

An example – Acts 5:1-11

Ananias and Sapphira made a conscious choice to lie to the Holy Spirit.
Their hypocrisy was exposed.
They committed a sin that led to immediate death.

Timeless Truth

Part of our love for one another is demonstrated by our observing fellow believers. If we see sin in their lives, we must act on it. Not by passing judgment upon them, that is God’s job, but by praying for them. We are specifically told to pray for those whose sin does not lead to death. Then God will hear, and He will give the one who prays life for those who commit sin. Thus, faith and love work together!

Living Lesson

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love (Galatians 5:6). Observe one another and pray for those sins that do not lead to death. This is faith and love working together!

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Prayer: Tuesday, 6 PM at TFL. If you can't make it, please send your prayer requests to prayer@truthfellowshiplive.com

Prayer with Fasting: We need to Pray, now more than ever for our nation. 1) Pray for the unity of our nation, 2) pray for the lord to confuse and confound the plans of those who operate counter to the truth, 3) pray that the church (followers of Jesus) would be the light of the world, 4) pray that our federal government leaders would recognize, understand, and yield to the truth, 5) pray that state legislatures will take up their responsibility to review state election systems and expose any corruption or manipulation, 6) pray that God’s people would resolve to stand firm and unwavering in the power of God’s might, and 7) pray for the leaders in the church and its members that we would demonstrate the love of Christ to our neighbors and one another.

Mail: We are receiving mail at our new location. Please mail donations and other items to our new address: 2702 East Rosser, Bismarck, ND 58501.

Faithlife and Logos Training: Pastor Jon will begin training for Faithlife and Logos Bible Software. Training on Faithlife and Logos will be available on an as-needed basis. Please text Pastor Jon at 701-390-7311 regarding the training you need.

Sunday Schedule:

9 - 10 AM -- Adult Education

10 - 10:30 AM -- Fellowship

10:30 - 11:55 AM – Worship

10:50 AM Children's Sunday School

Would you like a visit? Call Pastor Jon at (701) 390-7311 or email jon.hanson@truthfellowshiplive.com