Practices #1 – Relationship
#2 Accountability – Dealing with the Hidden Agenda
#2 Accountability – Dealing with the Hidden Agenda
Ephesians 6:10-14a (New International Version)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…
We have to remember the truth of our situation:
Philippians 4:8 (New International Version)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
The Realities of Accountability:
1. We don’t belong here
1 Peter 2:11 (New International Version)
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.
Romans 8:18-23 (New International Version)
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
2. We learn through obedience, not information.
James 1:23-25 (New International Version)
Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.
3. Accountability helps us stay obedient.
Proverbs 27:17 (New International Version)
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 15:22 (New International Version)
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
Proverbs 12:15 (New International Version)
The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.
Proverbs 13:20 (New International Version)
He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
4. The Christian life demands growth – not compliance.
Isaiah 29:13 (New International Version)
The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.”
• Accountability is not Disclosure!
• Accountability is not Transference!
5. Accountability is Empowering Someone to Grow – Really!
Ecclesiastes 4:10 (New International Version)
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Psalm 32:1-2 (New International Version)
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
Accountability helps us stay focused on what is true, so that we can grow.
Where do I start?
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