Relationships - Part One

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.HumilityFaithLoveSubmissionSacrificeInvestmentServiceHonorStewardshipKingdom 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.”

SEPARATION does not mean ISOLATION

John 17:13–18 NLT

13 “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. 14 I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.

So how do we live in the world, but not be of the word?

Ephesians 6:15 NLT

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