Congruence: The IntegrityCongruence: The Integrityof the Way of the Crossof the Way of the CrossThe Way of the Cross Series [4]The Way of the Cross Series [4]

Selected ScripturesSelected Scriptures

October 6, 2013October 6, 2013

Pastor Paul K. KimPastor Paul K. Kim

RECAP & OVERVIEW OF THE CURRENT SERIES

September 15 – December 11. Why Choose the Way of the Cross?

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2. Our Vision: The Convergence of the Way of the Cross

3. Saltiness: The Quality of the Way of the Cross

4. Congruence: The Integrity of the Way of the Cross [TODAY]

5. Counter-Culture: The Mindset of the Way of the Cross__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Scripture Guidance: The Authority of the Way of the Cross

7. Spirit Dependence: The Power of the Way of the Cross 

8. Real Transformation: The Fruit of the Way of the Cross

9. Authentic Community: The Love of the Way of the Cross__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10.Seven Core Practices: The Strategy for the Way of the Cross

THREE REASONS WHY WE MUST SEEK CONGRUENCE AS CHRIST-FOLLOWERS

[John 15]* What is “congruence”? Congruence is an undivided wholeness in all areas of our lives—behavior, thoughts, actions, speech, relationships, etc.—aligned with what we profess as our faith in Christ.

•Reason #1: It is our integrity/validity of the faith in Christ.

Abide in me, and I in you....apart from me you can do nothing. (vs. 4, 5)

•Reason #2: It is our testimony to Christ for the glory of God.

 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. (vs. 8)

•Reason #3: It is our goal of Christian maturity.

Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit... that your joy may be full. (vs. 5, 11)

GOD-CENTEREDNESS: OUR SOURCE OF CONGRUENCE

“Useful” God “Sovereign” God

God fixes & blesses my life.[= God is useful to me]

God is a part of my life. [a compartmentalized life]

“What do You want me to do... ?” [End: bless me!]

God calls me to his plan. [= God is sovereign to all]

I am a part of God’s life. [an undivided whole life]

“What do You want to do in/with me?” [End: change me!]

THREE KEY AREAS OF CONGRUENCE WE MUST SEEK AS CHRIST’S FOLLOWERS

1) We are to seek congruence between WHAT WE DO AND THE WAY WE DO IT [ENDS/MEANS] as Christ-followers/the church.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:6 

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus...

Colossians 3:17

Ways in which we do things—not styles but principles—shape our ends; to compromise to wrong ways changes ends.

This is why we must take Jesus’ truth and do it in Jesus’ way to live the abundant life that Jesus promised his followers.

As Christ’s church, we are to choose Jesus’ way—rather than the world’s way—in building a transforming community.

THREE KEY AREAS OF CONGRUENCE WE MUST SEEK AS CHRIST’S FOLLOWERS

2) We are to seek congruence between WHAT WE SAY AND WHAT WE DO [RHETORIC/PRACTICE] as Christ-followers/the church.

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

Proverbs 12:22

 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

1 John 3:18

Duplicity in words and deeds can easily be rationalized—especially in a morally relativistic world.

Nevertheless, for those who follow Christ as Lord not just as Savior, it is the integrity of our discipleship in everyday life.

As Christ’s church, we are to continually strive to close the gap between our rhetoric and our practice with sincerity.

THREE KEY AREAS OF CONGRUENCE WE MUST SEEK AS CHRIST’S FOLLOWERS

3) We are to seek congruence between WHAT WE BELIEVE AND HOW WE LIVE [FAITH/OBEDIENCE] as Christ-followers/the church.

Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe

that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! James 2:18-19

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?”Luke 6:46

A rationalized incongruence in today’s churches is this: one can accept Jesus as Savior without following Jesus as Lord.

The truth is that it is a primary sign of true Christian maturity to take a posture of “everyday apprenticeship” in Jesus’ way.

As Christ’s church, we are to live out a true faith that is congruent with our everyday obedience and character.

Congruence: A Slow and Urgent Work The contemplative life, growing toward congruence, is slow work. It cannot be hurried. It is also urgent work and cannot be put off . . . In the American way, slow and urgent are not compatible. They cancel one another out. But in the Christian way, they are joined together. Urgent as this is, there is no hurry. Impatience cancels out contemplation. Patience is prerequisite. Formation of spirit, cultivation of soul, developing a contemplative life, realizing congruence between the way and truth—all this is slow, slow work requiring endless patience. Human life is endlessly complex, intricate and serious. There are no shortcuts to becoming the persons we're created to be. We can't pump contemplation on steroids. Unfortunately, patience is not held in high regard in American society. We get faster and faster and we become less and less; our speed diminishes us.

―Eugene H. Peterson

THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE

1. In what ways can I seek congruence between ends and means as a Christ-follower? As CrossWay Church?

2. In what ways can I seek congruence between rhetoric and practice as a Christ-follower? As CrossWay Church?

3. In what ways can I seek congruence between faith and obedience as a Christ-follower? As CrossWay Church?