Objectives
We do not want to fall into the trap of a self-righteous and self-willed obedience to a moral law, whether in our own approach to holiness or in holding each other accountable. We are freed from the oppressive and impossible burden of seeking to justify ourselves (obviously this is not license for sin, but freedom from its power; c.f. Romans 6).
Consequently, the cross must remain central. Not only our mercy and justification are grounded in the cross, but also our regeneration, sanctification and obedience:
The cross is our hope when we stumble, for it is our only hope for mercy.
The cross is our hope for changed hearts, for only there do we receive new life.
The cross is our hope for power to conquer sin and to obey, for 1) in it we have died to sin; and 2) it is assurance of and ground for God’s faithful working in us to make us Christ-like, for which he has now sent the Holy Spirit to encourage and empower us.
So while practical counsel is appropriate, we also strive to relate both our sin and our obedience to the cross. Jesus receives all the glory for our salvation because he purchased us with his blood. And he receives all the glory for our obedience, 1) because in him we are made alive, fore-ordained and equipped for obedience (Eph. 2:4-10); and 2) because we are being fashioned into his image (Rom. 8:29).
Part of relating things to the cross is seeking to address our heart as well as our actions. The cross reminds us that our problem is a “worship problem”, and so we recognize that sinful deeds are not simply problems in themselves, but also evidence of self-worship (Matt. 12:34, 15:18-19; Mark 7:21; Luke 6:45; James 4:1). So we must not simply address bad fruit, but also the root problem, our hearts — and always in light of the cross.
Lastly, the cross reminds us of God’s overwhelming grace. We do want to appropriately examine our failures, respond to God’s conviction, and repent of sin. But it is also important to encourage one another 1) on the basis of God’s faithfulness and his promise of persevering grace; and 2) for specific evidence of God’s grace that we see in each other’s lives.
See also Johnathan Dodson’s excellent article on accountability groups, and Jerry Bridges’ article on gospel-driven sanctification.
Method
The “SERD” pattern works well because it covers most of the usual suspects, though I’d like to add mutual care and work to the list. See below.
I don’t want this to become formulaic, so we might do things like focus only on particular areas for a given meeting, or maybe sometimes do a “best of / worst of”. Time constraints may force us down those roads, as well. Group size may also force us to subdivide, though I’d like us to meet as one group at least long enough to get some feel for each other’s chief weak spots. Let’s evaluate things as we go along to see whether it could be made more effective.
Sexual temptation
Evangelism
Relationship (with spouse and/or family)
Disciplines
Mutual care and hospitality
Work
Let’s also keep in mind that accountability best functions as part of the whole spectrum of biblical fellowship. We ought to be pursuing fellowship and hospitality with one another as well!