Dealing With Problem People 2 - 3-9-25
Analysis of Mark Martin’s Sermon "Dealing with Problem People" at Calvary Community Church
Purpose: This report examines the sermon’s biblical accuracy, logical coherence, and theological depth, focusing on Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah who fulfills God’s promises. It aims to provide a clear, scripture-based assessment for all readers, especially new believers.
Details:
Sermon Date: March 09, 2025
Speaker: Mark Martin
Location: Calvary Community Church (Christian, Gentile audience)
Length: Approximately 1 hour, 29 minutes
Format: Worship, teaching, announcements, and prayer
Theme: The sermon focuses on maintaining a healthy church by addressing divisive individuals, based on Titus 3:10-15, with emphasis on church discipline, sound doctrine, and good works.
1. Sermon Agenda
Goals:
Worship through praise and singing.
Teaching on Titus 3:10-15, concluding a series on Titus.
Announcements about a kids’ ministry vision meeting, youth fundraiser, and missions focus.
Call to action for financial giving to support youth and missions.
Biblical Alignment:
The sermon emphasizes church order and practical faith but does not connect Yeshua (Jesus) to God’s covenant promises to Israel and the nations (e.g., Isaiah 49:6). It reflects a Gentile Christian focus rather than a full biblical perspective.
It promotes sound doctrine and good works, consistent with Yeshua’s teachings (Matthew 5:17-20), though it lacks depth in Torah (Law) context.
2. Scriptural Usage and Contextual Analysis
Key Verses:
Titus 3:10-15: Core text on addressing divisive people.
Titus 1:9, 2:1, 2:10, 3:1, 3:8: Reinforce sound doctrine and good works.
2 Timothy 2:23-26: Encourages gentleness in handling disputes.
Analysis:
Titus 3:10-11: “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.” Martin accurately applies this to church discipline, but he underemphasizes grace and restoration (e.g., Matthew 18:15-17).
Titus Supporting Verses: Used correctly to promote godly living, though they lack connection to Torah roots (e.g., Deuteronomy 6:4-9).
2 Timothy 2:23-26: Softens the tone of discipline with gentleness, aligning with Paul’s intent, but repentance is not fully highlighted.
Depth: Offers practical “meat” (Hebrews 5:12-14) for church discipline but remains “milk” in theological depth, missing broader covenant connections.
3. Logical Soundness
Main Argument: Church leaders must address divisive people firmly to protect the congregation, using a three-step process from Titus 3:10-11 (warn once, warn twice, shun).
Issues:
Strawman Fallacy: Assumes all dissenters are divisive “heretics,” ignoring valid differences (e.g., Acts 15:36-41).
Assumption: All division is harmful, lacking nuance for truth-driven disagreement.
Conclusion: Biblically rooted but oversimplified, potentially missing complex relational dynamics.
4. Scriptural Corrections
Error 1: Overemphasis on shunning without balancing grace.
Correction: Yeshua’s process in Matthew 18:15-17 and Paul’s call in Galatians 6:1 prioritize restoration alongside discipline.
Error 2: No link to Jewish roots or Yeshua’s fulfillment.
Correction: Titus 2:14 reflects Exodus 19:5-6, fulfilled by Yeshua (1 Peter 2:9). Discipline ties to Torah holiness (Leviticus 19:2).
5. Psychological Methods for Giving
Tactics:
Emotional appeals: Supporting youth to “fill heaven” and aiding persecuted missionaries.
Stories: Missionaries facing hardship in Africa.
Analysis: Genuine and aligned with biblical generosity (Deuteronomy 16:17), though it could stress cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:7) more clearly.
6. Calls to Action for Giving
Youth Fundraiser: Direct appeal to fund summer camp via a hot dog sale, practical and community-focused.
Missions Support: Indirect appeal through prayer for missionaries, compassionate and urgent.
Assessment: Both align with biblical giving principles, avoiding coercion.
7. Contradictions
Issue: Harsh discipline contrasts with a closing message of grace.
Resolution: Discipline as love (Hebrews 12:6) and Yeshua’s forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-22) reconcile the tension.
8. Denominational Biases
Bias: Authoritarian discipline reflects Protestant traditions, favoring solo pastoral decisions over communal discernment.
Correction: Torah (Deuteronomy 16:18-20) and Yeshua (Matthew 18:16) emphasize community involvement.
9. Easy Belief or Structure
Assessment: Rejects “easy belief” by tying grace to good works (Titus 3:4-7) but follows a traditional pastor-led model, not a biblical communal one.
10. Pastoral Responsibility
Evaluation: Martin acts as a shepherd protecting the flock but risks authoritarianism by asserting strong control without encouraging questions.
11. Practical Application
Outcome: Promotes good works and church health (Micah 6:8, Titus 2:7-8), equipping believers practically and ethically.
12. Anti-Semitic Language
Finding: No anti-Jewish tones or replacement theology present; the sermon focuses internally on church matters.
13. Warnings to a New Believer
Shallow Roots: Misses Torah context and Yeshua’s biblical role.
Guidance: Study Matthew 5:17-20 to see Yeshua’s fulfillment of the Law.
Authority Risk: Discipline could silence honest questions.
Guidance: Test teachings against scripture (Acts 17:11).
Final Assessment
Strengths: Clear scriptural application, practical encouragement for good works.
Weaknesses: Limited biblical depth, unbalanced discipline, subtle authoritarian tone.
Conclusion: Useful if paired with personal scripture study to address its gaps.
Summary for a New Believer
Main Idea: Pastor Mark’s sermon teaches how to keep the church strong by dealing with people who cause trouble, based on Titus 3:10-15. It’s about protecting the church family so everyone can grow in faith and love for Yeshua (Jesus).
Key Takeaways:
Church Discipline Keeps Us United
The Bible says to warn someone causing division twice, then step away if they don’t stop (Titus 3:10). This protects the church, like a shepherd guards sheep, so we can focus on God and helping others (Titus 3:14).
Love Guides Discipline
Yeshua (Jesus) shows us to correct with care, aiming to bring people back to God (Matthew 18:15-17). It’s not about pushing people out but helping them turn around.
Warnings:
Stick to God’s Word, Not Man’s Ideas
Some teachings add rules or twist the Bible—like saying the church replaces Israel or that faith needs no action. Test everything with scripture (Acts 17:11) to stay on God’s path.
Watch for Too-Strong Leaders
If a leader uses rules to control or avoid questions, check their words against the Bible (1 Timothy 5:19-20). Truth welcomes honest searching.
Purposeful Undertones Used to Divert Attention
The sermon employs several subtle psychological tactics that divert attention from potential internal scrutiny or issues within the church. These undertones are designed to maintain a positive narrative and discourage questioning. They include:
Emotional Manipulation Through Unity:
The speaker emphasizes collective worship with phrases like "stand together" and "we praise you." This fosters a strong sense of unity and belonging, making individuals hesitant to question leadership or practices, as doing so might feel like breaking the group’s harmony.Positive Reinforcement to Suppress Doubt:
By flattering the congregation with statements like "I can Google good works and your picture comes up," the speaker highlights external achievements. This praise shifts focus away from internal matters, reducing the likelihood of members questioning church operations.External Focus to Avoid Internal Scrutiny:
A prayer for missionaries in Africa, using emotive terms like "Christian persecution" and "spiritual protection," directs the congregation’s attention to global issues. This outward focus subtly deflects scrutiny from local church leadership or decisions.Doctrinal Authority to Discourage Dissent:
The repeated stress on "sound doctrine" establishes the speaker’s authority and positions adherence as vital for spiritual well-being. This framing may deter questioning, as dissent could be perceived as a threat to the church’s stability.Handling Division to Silence Criticism:
The speaker’s approach to divisive individuals—"warn once, warn twice, then have nothing more to do with him"—is presented as biblically justified. This strict policy may silence critics by casting their concerns as disruptive to unity.Inclusive Language to Foster Loyalty:
Phrases like "our people" and "we’re protected, we’re cared for" reinforce a shared identity and loyalty to the group. This reduces the chance of members challenging internal practices, as it might feel like betraying the community.
Summary
These undertones—unity, flattery, external focus, authority, division management, and loyalty—work together to create an environment where questioning leadership or church practices is discouraged. The sermon maintains a narrative that keeps attention on positive, unifying themes while subtly diverting it from potential internal concerns.
This is a powerful series with these evaluations! I have been reading them, then listening to them, then going back to see how you lay it out - slow process for sure! It is such a valuable tool by teaching HOW to do this type of evaluation, rather than a condemnation of someone then telling us WHAT to think.
Again, thank you.