Family Life: Living Relationships

Walk in Christ thankfully

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1. Don’t let the law control your relationships

Video

Law pride

Matthew 23:1–5 (ESV)

1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples,

2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat,

3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.

4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.

5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,

Matthew 23:8–12 (ESV)

8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.

9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.

10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ.

11 The greatest among you shall be your servant.

12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Law shames

You feel like a child

Diet- Brother’s Star Crunch

2. Delight in your life in Christ

Colossians 3:1–4 ESV

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Running as an identity

3. Be a part of Christ’s family

Colossians 3:15–17 ESV

15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Family Life

Do you have a relationship with Christ?

Will you walk with Christ?

Don’t do things out of fear of condemnation

Don’t do things out of fear of disqualification

Don’t do things to submit to rules

Your life is in Christ now

Avoid earthly things and pursue heavenly things because of who you are in Christ

Do things out of love for others in Christ because you are loved by God

Do things to share the Word which helps us obey

Do things to honor Jesus thankfully

Community Group questions

When you feel like you are in a legalistic relationship, what reactions do you have when considering the other person?

2. Do you know of people who have walked away from Christianity because they thought it was all about looking good to a certain group of people?

3. What other downsides of letting laws control our relationships do you see?

4. How are you adoring Jesus? How does that reflect your life in Christ?

5. How does adoring Jesus help us obey Him? How does it change the way we relate to one another?

6. Who can you share Christ with because of the life you have in Christ this week?