Relationships - Part Two

INTRODUCTION

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 hides his kingdom behind relationships and integrity. Dr. Henry Cloud

Your relationship with God is the Alpha relationship; it will determine quality of all other relationships.

1 John 4:20 NLT

20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?

Relationships are indicators of spiritual maturity…

John 13:35 The Message

35 This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”

Relationships, both good and bad, serve to produce spiritual maturity...

Proverbs 27:17 NLT

17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Life is not truly experienced until it’s shared...

Matthew 16:25 NLT

25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.

You cannot fulfil your purpose apart from relationships...

Genesis 12:2 NLT

2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.

You dramatically increase the impact of your life through relationships...

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?

Your relationships shape your character and determine your destiny...

Proverbs 13:20 NLT

20 Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

“Walk with” - direction, motion, destination.

Acts 4:13 TPT

13 The council members were astonished as they witnessed the bold courage of Peter and John, especially when they discovered that they were just ordinary men who had never had religious training. Then they began to understand the effect Jesus had on them simply by spending time with him.

People need to earn their place in your life...

EVALUATE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

ARE ALL RELATIONSHIPS GOOD?

The 21 Immutable Laws of Relationships

Pastor Gregory La Ijiwola, PH.D.

ADDERS

Adders: These are people who deposit good things into your life. They are good influences. They are usually good friends, confidants, and godly family members. You will recognize them by what happens to you in their presence. When you are with them, you feel inspired, loved, and believed in. They intentionally add value to your life and make your life more pleasant and enjoyable, increasing your capacity for influence. Celebrate these people.

Subtractors: This set of people takes from you unintentionally. Being with them puts a burden on you. They drain you of energy. They are receivers, not givers. You will recognize them by your response when they initiate contact with you. They are those you hesitate to answer phone calls from. Tolerate these people.

Multipliers: These are people who multiply your life. They greatly enhance you. They push you to be better. These are usually mentors and leaders. They push you into your potential. They are your coaches but not necessarily your friends. They will not tolerate your weaknesses; but will confront them. They love you and seek your increase. They multiply influence in your life. Value these people. Never take them for granted. Appreciate and celebrate them.

Dividers: These are people who cause strife and greatly diminish your life. They are different from subtractors because they are intentionally causing harm. Avoid such people. You need to identify those who occupy these categories in your life. Your response to each group should be different. Spend most of your time with adders and multipliers. Sometimes it may require some sacrifice to be with them. Pay the price. Sometimes your association with multipliers will be through their materials such as books and videos. Immerse yourself in them. The more you spend time with them, the sharper you become.

​2 Corinthians 6:14 LEB14 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 NLT33 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 NLT13 “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 NLT15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.