OUTLINE:

“This is a difficult statement”
Jesus had no reservations challenging His disciples. A good under-shepherd ought to confidently follow His example. An unchallenged sheep is one who doesn't grow. When Jesus said, "My yoke is easy" (Mt 11:30), it was a relative statement.

Difficult messages force us to face our convictions, stimulating growth in us.

Love Takes Risks
A good friend takes the risk of offending someone they love for their friend's sake. "So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth" (Gal 4:16)? "I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less" (2Co 12:15)?

2Co 5:7
for we walk by faith, not by sight.

Passive Learning
A pastor's job is to instruct you how to "ride a bike." He may help you, holding your handlebars, installing training wheels, etc. However, the ultimate goal is for you to ride solo. (e.g., Ac 17:11-12)

Active Learning
"Examining the Scriptures daily" has definite, predictable results. In the case of the Bereans, "many of them believed" (Ac 17:11-12). How do you think YOU will ever truly believe in God's Word???

“to their own destruction”
A person who rejects a challenge that is designed to stimulate spiritual growth is the person who seals their own fate. This person lives a distorted reality, unstable in all their ways (Jas 1:5-8).

Ps 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.