Week 2 – No More Bleach
[Matthew 23:1-36]
CARING FOR TRUTH
Living a Façade
Live the Truth to Glorify God
If you are living a fake life, you aren’t living as He created you, but as you have concocted. Isaiah 43:7 – you were created to glorify God. Ephesians 2:10 – You are God’s masterpiece – He created you to do good works that He planned long ago.
Accept the Truth to Receive Grace
If you don’t accept the truth, you don’t accept the grace God is ready to pour out. Ephesians 2:8 – It is by grace you have been saved.
Embrace the Truth to Grow in Christ
You can’t allow God to work through your life to prune, discipline, etc. if you aren’t acknowledging the truth. Colossians 2:6-7
Seek the Truth to Enjoy Peace in Christ
Trying to keep up the fake life causes you to carry a heavy burden, one day you will not be able to keep it up. Philippians 4:7 – He offers a peace beyond understanding.
Share the Truth to Guide Others to New Life in Him
Living transparent life allows people to see what God is doing in YOUR life – and this will point people to Jesus! 2 Corinthians 5:20
Luke 16:15 – And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. [ESV]
Breakout Session Questions:
1) Read Matthew 23:4.
- What does this mean?
- How do we do this?
- How can we live without placing heavy loads on people?
2) Read Matthew 23:13-14.
- What does this mean?
- How do we do this?
- How can we live as door openers?
3) Read Matthew 23:23-26.
- What does this mean?
- How do we do this?
- How can we live focused on the more important?
Handle with Care is a 6-week series focused on studying God’s Word and responding with care. The six weeks of messages may sound like instructions for laundry care — but you will soon find Handle with Care beckons you to examine within, to gauge how you truly love God and love others, and to grow inward and outward. Caring starts with the heart and pours out into the community.
- Week 1 – Stain Removal – Caring for God’s glory
- Week 2 – Do Not Bleach – Caring for Truth
- Week 3 – Add Fabric Softener – Caring like Barnabas
- Week 4 – Fasten the Zipper – Caring for Unity
- Week 5 – Empty Pockets – Caring for Treasures
- Week 6 – Iron Low Heat – Caring without Complacency
Tania Gutekunst 
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