The Value of Authentic Relationships to the Life of the Disciple

Series: “Core Values for the True Disciple”

Message # 3: "The Value of Authentic Relationships to the Life of the Disciple”

Text: 1 Corinthians 5:11-15; 6:1

Introduction:

A- Core Value #2 :

1- The true disciple of Christ must seek to build authentic relationships:

a. with God,

b. with other members in the local church,

c. with his community

those who don’t know Jesus

B- What does the phrase "Authentic Relationships" mean?

1- "Authentic": means "being actually and exactly what is claimed. Implies actual character not counterfeited, imitated, or adulterated. Also implies good faith and sincerity of intention.[1]

2- "Relationship": a state of affairs existing between those having relations or dealings; the way in which two or more people, groups, countries, etc., talk to, behave toward, and deal with each other."[2]

3- "Authentic Relationships": "talking to, dealing with, and behaving toward other people in a way that is consistent with who we claim to be. It means that we act in good faith, with sincerity of intention toward others; refusing to be shallow or counterfeit in our interactions."

C- The Apostle Paul modeled this type of authenticity:

(2 Corinthians 5:11–15)

"11 Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too.

12 Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart.

13 If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit.

14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.*

15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them."

(2 Corinthians 6:1)

"As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it."

I- HAVING AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR COMMUNITY IS DIRECTLY LINKED TO THE AUTHENTICITY OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

A- Paul emphasizes the authenticity of his relationship with God.

1. (2 Corinthians 5:11)

2 Corinthians 5:11 NLT

11 Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too.

2. (Romans 9:1)

Romans 9:1 NLT

1 With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it.

B- Having entered an authentic relationship is a necessary beginning point.

1. You must have received a new perspective through a new birth into a new life.

a. (2 Corinthians 5:16–17)

2 Corinthians 5:16–17 NLT

16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

b. (John 3:5–8)

John 3:5–8 NLT

5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. 7 So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”

C- Having an ongoing authentic relationship with Christ is absolutely crucial.

1- (2 Corinthians 5:12-14)

2 Corinthians 5:12–14 NLT

12 Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. 13 If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.

a. This means continually seeking to learn from God's word and live under the control of the Holy Spirit.

(Ephesians 5:15-18)

Ephesians 5:15–18 NLT

15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,

II- HAVING AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR COMMUNITY INCLUDES INVOLVEMENT WITH THE LOST PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY.

A- We have an awesome responsibility to seek to persuade the lost people in our community to follow Christ.

1- (2 Corinthians 5:11)

2 Corinthians 5:11 NLT

11 Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too.

2- (2 Corinthians 5:17)

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

B- We have an awesome message about an amazing Savior to share with the lost people in our community.

1- (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

2 Corinthians 5:14–15 NLT

14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

2- (Romans 10:11–13)

C- We share our message because of the authentic concern we have for them.

1- We want them to understand God's truth.

a. (Romans 10:1–4)

Romans 10:1–4 NLT

1 Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved. 2 I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. 3 For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. 4 For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.

III- HAVING AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR COMMUNITY INCLUDES PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHER BELIEVERS TO ACCOMPLISH THE MISSION OF CHRIST.

A- We are a part of a larger picture:

1- We work with other churches to reach a lost world.

a. (Acts 1:7–8)

Acts 1:7–8 NLT

7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

b. Matthew 28:18–20

Matthew 28:18–20 NLT

18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

C. Paul's appeal for the Corinthian Church to help the Jerusalem Church underscores this truth.

1- 2 Corinthians 8:1–5

2 Corinthians 8:1–5 NLT

1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.

CONCLUSION:

Now What?

1. Will you enter into an authentic relationship with Christ right now?

2. What will you do this week to insure an ongoing authentic relationship with Christ?

3. What will you do this week to demonstrate an authentic relationship with your lost friends and neighbors in sharing the message of Christ with them?

4. What will you do this week to demonstrate an authentic relationship with other Christian churches?

[1]. "Authentic." Merriam-Webster.com. Accessed February 1, 2014. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authentic.

[2]. "Relationship." Merriam-Webster.com. Accessed February 1, 2014. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relationship.