Relationship Revolution - Part 1 - Building Blocks

Introduction

Why are Relationships so Important?

Matthew 16:13–18 NLT

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” 15 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.

Father God is above all things, relational: God did not come to a fallen creation because heaven was lacking order or holiness. He considered all of heaven and its perfection along with his own holiness secondary to restoring relationship with a messy and broken creation. Consider the following:

· We are beings created in relationship - we were created in the image of a triune God in relationship. [1]“Let us make man in our image” – we are created in the image of a relationship.

· We were created for relationship - God created us in His image to be in relationship with Himself. We are called [2]“the bride”, “children”, “sons and daughters”, “brothers and sisters”; everywhere is the paradigm of intimate relationship.

· We continue to exist by relationship - We continue to exist as a creation only as long as we are willing to pursue and cooperate in relationship.

God has Called us to Bring His Kingdom

God hides the kingdom behind relationship:

Matthew 16:19 NLT

19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

From this statement we can draw two immediate conclusions:

1. The Kingdom of God is hidden behind multiple locked doors.

2. It is necessary to operate in the “Kingdom keys” given us by Jesus to enter into, and walk consistently in His kingdom.

The first of these keys /principles is relationship; Jesus said He wasn’t showing up for the Lone Ranger;

Matthew 18:20 NLT

20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

By requiring relationship, he requires us to operate in that nature to walk in His kingdom.

Humility

Faith

Love

Submission

Sacrifice

Investment

Service

Honor

Stewardship

Kingdom Relationships achieve exponential results:

When 2 or more Christians cooperate in something, it is a non-linear equation. Aristotle put it this way: “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Our ability to affect change in the earth increases exponentially when we network. Knowing that we can greatly increase our impact in the earth through cooperative relationship, how then can we justify working alone?

Deuteronomy 32:30 NLT

30 How could one person chase a thousand of them, and two people put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the Lord had given them up?

Are All Relationships Good?

NO!

2 Corinthians 6:14 LEB

14 Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers, for what participation is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?

1 Corinthians 15:33 NLT

33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.”

Ephesians 6:10–13 NLT

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

Paul then goes on to describe the armor...

Ephesians 6:15 NLT

15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

Your sandals separated you from the world.

What does a healthy relationship look like?

Understanding Need vs. Purpose:

A healthy networking relationship is based upon common purposes, not common needs. For example, take a marriage. It shouldn’t complete us; it should rather extend and expand us; give the potential to be more fruitful in our wholeness. If we are approaching a relationship from a position of lack, we are poised to take, rather than give, or even to exchange.

Healthy relationships occur when both parties are bringing complimentary assets to the table.

Matthew 6:24 NLT

24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.