Uncomfortable – Week Three
The Awkward Parts are the Best Parts / Romans 12:9-21
Romans 12:9-21 - Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Biblical Community isn’t about comfort - it’s about growth
1. Real Growth is Uncomfortable
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Growth demands vulnerability, and vulnerability always comes with a risk of discomfort.
John 15:1-2 - “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
2. Jesus’ Disciples Were a Mess
John 3:22 -After these things Jesus and His disciples went into the land of Judea, and there He spent time with them and baptized. (AMP)
3. Awkwardness is a Sign of Authenticity
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
GET AWKWARD!
Step 1: Lean in
Step 2: Practice awkward honesty
Step 3: Choose Presence over Polish
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news that God, in His love, sent His Son Jesus to live a sinless life, die on the cross for our sins, and rise again in victory over death. Through faith in Jesus, we are forgiven, reconciled to God, and given the gift of eternal life. This gospel calls us to repent, believe, and follow Jesus as Lord, living transformed lives by the power of His Spirit.
Biblical Community isn’t about comfort - it’s about growth
1. Real Growth is Uncomfortable
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Growth demands vulnerability, and vulnerability always comes with a risk of discomfort.
John 15:1-2 - “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
2. Jesus’ Disciples Were a Mess
John 3:22 -After these things Jesus and His disciples went into the land of Judea, and there He spent time with them and baptized. (AMP)
3. Awkwardness is a Sign of Authenticity
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
GET AWKWARD!
Step 1: Lean in
Step 2: Practice awkward honesty
Step 3: Choose Presence over Polish
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news that God, in His love, sent His Son Jesus to live a sinless life, die on the cross for our sins, and rise again in victory over death. Through faith in Jesus, we are forgiven, reconciled to God, and given the gift of eternal life. This gospel calls us to repent, believe, and follow Jesus as Lord, living transformed lives by the power of His Spirit.