Well Faith
Pastor Chris Teien has been sharing and teaching the Bible for almost 30 years. His mission has been to encourage people of all ages to connect to Christ (the Rock) and live WELL lives (Worshiping, Encouraging, Learning and Loving). He shares a collection of Biblical wisdom, encouraging stories, devotionals, clips and some messages from his current and former church.
Chris’ latest messages: https://Rockwell.Church & https://rockwell.buzzsprout.com
Chris’ personal sites: https://christeien.com & https://wellfaith.buzzsprout.com
Many episode descriptions on both sites include basic sermon outlines you can use to grow, teach, preach and share with others. Please let us know how you have been encouraged here.
Well Faith
Learning to Listen to Criticism (Peacemaking 5/8)
“Learning to Listen to Criticism”
Proverbs 9:9, 12:15, 13:10, 15:32, 17:10
#1 Pride can be exceedingly expensive.
Criticism is when another person judges you by declaring that you have FALLEN SHORT of a particular standard.
A key step is to recognize the idol of SELF
#2 Criticism is a kindness, an honor, and a blessing if we have the
HUMILITY to listen to whatever may be TRUE in it (Prov. 12:15; 13:10; 17:10; 13:13; 9:9; 15:32; Ps. 141:5).
We will never be able to welcome criticism as a kindness until we under stand both God’s CRITICISM and his JUSTIFICATION of us through CHRISTS CROSS
#3 In Christ's Cross, I affirm God'sJUDGMENT of me (Gal. 2:20; Rom. 3:9-11; Gal. 3:10; James 2:10).
To claim to be a Christian is to claim to be someone who has understood CRTICISM
A Christian is someone who has stood under the greatest criticism – God’s criticism —and AGREED with it!
#4 In Christ's Cross, I affirm God's JUSTIFICATION of me (Phil. 3:9; Rom. 4:5; 3:20-26).
If the whole world criticizes you, you can reply, “If GOD has justified me, who can CONDEMN me?”
#5 The implications for our response to criticism:
We can face any criticism with confidence.
We can find comfort by seeing God’s hand in criticism (2 Sam. 16:5-7, 11-12).
We can respond to criticism with a spirit of thanksgiving (Ps. 141:5).
We can respond with humility and a willingness to learn.
We can respond with a spirit of surrender (Rom. 8:33-34).
We can respond with a spirit of submission (Heb. 12:5-6).
Conclusion: “How can I best give accurate, fair, and balanced criticism with much mercy and affirmation?” (Proverbs 9:9; 12:15; 13:10, 13; 15:32; 17:10; and Psalm 141:5)
Originally shared at River Rock Church 10.18.2009 Pastor Chris Teien
Message adapted using purchased sermon material from Peacemaker Ministries
