RESTORING A RELATIONSHIP ON THE ROCKS

•    Paul’s credibility questioned by critics
•    perplexed about changed attitude

A FOREVER FRIEND LOVES

•    Jesus gave Himself for our sins to rescue us
•    love lays down one’s life for sister/brother
•    helps in need, always right next

A FOREVER FRIEND LEVELS

•    able to tell them what they need to hear
•    warm affirming paragraph conspicuously absent in this letter
•    strong language reveals Paul’s consternation
•    tell friend truth / how it is / be real with them

A FOREVER FRIEND LEARNS

•    perverted gospel: “Jesus PLUS...(X)”
•    legalisms abound in Christian church
•    legalism alienates from Christ, devalues Him
•    How saved? By grace - or “gotta”?
•    grace comforts a friend when needed / things go wrong

A FOREVER FRIEND LIBERATES

•    freed from bondage of legalism: emphasizes externals
•    priority serving God instead of trying to please people
•    free to be oneself; non-judgmental

A FOREVER FRIEND LISTENS

•    had quit listening to Paul: instead, Judaizers
•    Paul listened to Jesus: received revelation directly
•    are showing ourselves friends of Jesus by listening to Him?
•    get excited over same things, know what they’re thinking