Finish_pt3: Together We Are Unstoppable
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Finish_pt3: Together We Are Unstoppable
Finish_pt3: Together We Are Unstoppable
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
[TODAY] - Let’s talk about relationships
Many times what stops us in our race is...
A breakdown in a relationship
Or lack of relationships to encourage you along the way!
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Philippains 3:14
Kingdom: Confess to one another and be healed.
World: Gossip.
Kingdom: Husbands/wives, love and respect.
World: Divorce if you aren’t happy.
Kingdom: Forgive 70x7.
World: Get revenge.
Scripture is calling us to live to a different standard...
On this rock I will build my Church - EKKLESIA: gathering
[EXAMPLE] - Eye for eye... - Jesus raised the bar and removed personal entitlement.
[PAYOFF] - In 1 Peter, we are told to “love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins!
We’re going to need each others!!!
TOGETHER WE ARE UNSTOPPABLE!
Together
Together
All the believers were together and had everything in common.
They were running together!
But you can see it i
Relationships are God’s design.
Relationships are God’s design.
And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”
It’s easy to forget I need YOU for my own race.
It reminds me of drafting in car/bike racing...
One racer gets in behind the draft/slipsteam of the racer ahead.
Before long, the entire peloton of racers is drafting along
Reducing the amount of effort needed to go that fast.
You even see it in nature - birds flying in v-formation.
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
“FROM HIM!...” - It came from Him!
This is how God designed it!
Relationships make us better.
Relationships make us better.
As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.
You need friends to make you better!
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
[EXAMPLE] - Think about marriage – what’s required to make a marriage work, actually conditions our character all together (patience, understanding, respect, humility)
[STORY] – Misty and I met in high school.
We had a great relationship while dating
Then, we were engaged – everything changed
I was just going along with how things had always been…
Unaware of what was required of me now.
Mentor ministered to us, and it became clear…
I was responsible for giving her some things.
Later, I realize why the socks on the floor are such a big deal.
It’s the relationship that draws these things out.
[STORY] – Because of my relationship with my family, I’m compelled to provide.
And to do so, I’ve got to take responsibility
Get over myself - grow!
[STORY] – God has blessed me with a couple of relationships that have literally sculpted my life.
Friends that won’t let me settle for less.
Relationships draw us closer to Him.
Relationships draw us closer to Him.
…Because they challenge us and make us better!
…Because we have to depend on Him, often, to make relationships work.
…Because a relationship is what He desires from us – and it works the same way!
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
TOGETHER WE ARE UNSTOPPABLE
To the Corinthians, Paul illustrates what our life together should be…
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All God’s people here send their greetings.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Almost like this Eutopia of relationship.
Connect Groups provide:
Bible study – I need people to balance the Word of God in my life.
Fellowship – I need people who really know me.
Prayer – I need people to pray for me personally.
Support – I need people who will protect me.
Outreach – I need people to whom I can share my story.
[SO] - When it comes to relationships, we will live as designed, we won’t allow the enemy to use God’s design against us. TOGETHER WE ARE UNSTOPPABLE!
Unstoppable
Unstoppable
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Laugh together, cry together, live in harmony as best of friends!
[BUT] this doesn’t come easy, we know that!
[EXAMPLE] – Friends will let you down at times, even seem to betray you...
[SO] - In order to keep running as we move forward in relationships, we’ve got to make some determinations…
I will forgive!
I will forgive!
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Forgiving requires letting go.
Let go of hurt, pain, offence… even loss!
Sometimes what helps us to let go is to understand that we too cause hurt, pain, and offence.
We too need forgiveness…
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
I will see the best in others!
I will see the best in others!
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Always hopes – don’t give-up on that person.
They may need your encouragement to overcome!
You needed someone to believe in you too!
If all else fails, finally…
I will put others before myself!
I will put others before myself!
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
[ARGUE] - But I’ve done this! Over and over. No reciprocation…
[You have a TYPO in your printed notes. It should be Romans 12:18]
if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
[PAYOFF] - No matter what, you do your part.
If it is possible – sometimes it isn’t possible, so then you walk away IN PEACE.
Take Away
Take Away
Jesus raised the bar for His called out ones.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.
Jesus is raising the bar in all aspects of life, but especially how we deal with the people in our life – friends, family and enemies.
In my relationships, I will go the extra mile!
In my relationships, I will go the extra mile!
I want to be known as the person you can’t STOP!
You can’t rattle me!
You know exactly where you stand with me!
You can trust me with anything!
You can know I have your back!
You know I won’t leave you!
You know I will go the extra mile with you!
You know I will love you as Christ would!