1. Response and Responsibility
Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
I Corinthians 4:2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust (Servant) must prove faithful.

2. Focus on Results Too easy for us.
Paul - I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.
Planting seed – Our responsibility
Making it Grow – God’s Part

3. Romans 12:18 If it is possible 1st degree jerks – 50%
2nd degree jerks – 40%
Nth degree jerks – 10%

4. As far as it depends on you
Don’t be the jerk
Try to fix it and move on.
Proverbs 17: 9 He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
19: 11 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

5. Live At Peace With All Men
Be a person of peace.
Blessed are the peacemakers
“If he is big enough to offend me he won’t.
If he is small enough he can’t.”

6. I Corinthians 4:2 The requirement – faithfulness. Not results
Not the number baptized.
Not the number of studies conducted.
Not the number of people you get to come to church.
FAITHFULNESS!

7. Outreach is important Proverbs 11:30 he who wins souls is wise.
Romans 10:15 "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!“
James 5:20 Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

8. We Encourage Some fail to respond. That is their decision.
I am not responsible for their decision.
I am grieved by their decision.
My heart breaks when a member of our Burns family flounders.
It’s not my decision, it’s yours!
I plan to be faithful – I can live with myself.

9. Conclusion We can never control the response of others.
Their response is their responsibility.
My response is my responsibility