Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 I AM ACCOUNTABLE Now What? – Part 9 11/26/2023 The Need for Relational Accountability And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 NIV But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13 NIV Accountability Is: Honesty, Availability, Teachability, Transparency, Vulnerability... The Realities of Accountability: 1. We learn through obedience, not information. 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. James 1:23-25 NIV 2. Accountability helps us stay obedient. Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Gal. 6:1 NIV My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20 NIV • Accountability is not Disclosure! • Accountability is not Transference! 3. Accountability is Empowering Someone to Grow – Really! • Accountability helps us stay focused on what is true, so that we can grow. Where do I start? You Need ESP 1. Encourage one another – Toward spiritual realities. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV 2. Serve one another – Modeling Christ’s love. You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Galatians 5:13-14 NIV 3. Protect one another – Pastoring those who need help. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-13 NIV We Model Christ’s Love to the World in Our Relationships… By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35 NIV Accountability helps us to look at ourselves and shows us where to grow.