Re-Evaluating Relationships

Last week we had to opportunity to talk about being a positive influence on campus.

This week, I want to talk about something that can be EASY TO GET IN, BUT HARD TO GET OUT. The most done, yet least addressed on this campus.

I’m talking Instagram posts.

I’m talking Lunch dates and Sunday brunch.

We are talking about RELATIONSHIPS.

What is a relationship to you? What comes to mind when you think of relationships?

(Let them answer)

These were some great answers.

Before I give some biblical context to relationships, I want to first give practical context to what relationships are.

Over the text couple of weeks I want to really deal with relationships so that they can be understood and cultivated for when you all leave and go out to the real world.

Some topics I believe will be helpful are,

Re-DEFINING your Relationships

Re-FORMING your Relationships

and eventually Re-STORING your relationships

but Tonight, I want to teach from a subject entitled “Re-Evaluating Relationships” (What’s really going on)

What are Relationships?

A relationship is ANY connection between two people, which can either be positive or negative.

This is not just a study of Romantic Relationships. NOOO I want to give practical principles on ALL relationships.

According to “Very Well.com” there are 6 different types of relationships.

Platonic- close friendships WITHOUT SEX.

Romantic- Involves Romance, Infatuation, and intensity

Codependent- unbalanced/dysfunctional relationship, Relies on others to take care of them.

Casual-One Night Stands, Booty Calls, Sex buddies, Friends with Benefits

Toxic-any type of relationships that emotional, physical, or psychological well being are threatened.

Intimate- closely aquatinted regular communication, purpose

Before reevaluating any relationships you first have to make sure 2 relationships are in tact

your relationship with God- do i have an intimate relationship between myself and the father

Philippians 1:9–10 NIV

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

Your growth in Christ strengthen your discernment

your relationship with you (what do you think about yourself?)-do i have an intimate relationship with me

3 questions you have to ask yourself with any relationship

What is its purpose?

why are you here?

Matthew 4:18–22 KJV 1900

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

Mark 1:16–20 KJV 1900

Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

Jesus gave them a reason to follow him.

establishing purpose will enhance boundaries.

If I know why you’re here I can make sure to act accordingly

If the purpose isn’t marriage, it’s strictly platonic.

If the purpose is discipleship-

If the purpose is mentorship

If the purpose is accountability

Is this a Godly relationship? How do I act when I’m around this person?

2 Corinthians 6:14 NIV

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

Are they dimming my light?

I’m Godly everywhere else but here

every Godly relationship should point to christ in some way.

Am I practicing the Love of Christ

john 13:34

John 13:34 NIV

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

Love is sacrifice- John 3:16

John 3:16 NIV

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Love is grace- Romans 5:8

Romans 5:8 NIV

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 Corinthians 13:4–8 NIV

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.