The Enemy of Connecting

Bible Introduction (2m)

We Feel Disconnected Because the World Is

Ironic - feel ever more connected

Pick up phone, text, video calls, social media but disconnected.

But modern life isolates us

Drive alone, buy petrol without interaction, self-service tills, email instead of phone, sit at our own workstation, work from home, etc.

Result is we become lonely and isolated

Anxiety. Mental health problems. Fewer friends we really trust. No one has time for anything/anyone.

1 John 2:15-17 (Kay) reminds us of dangers of allowing this to happen

Introduction (5m)

The world wants us to connect with it rather than with God and each other

We are made to connect - in God’s image. Must connect to something. The world wants to get our attention and connect to it:

1 John 2:15 NLT

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.

Don’t be too cozy with world system

Don’t compromise. Don’t think/act like the world. Don’t be fooled by world looking more glamorous. Don’t allow appetites, ambitions, behaviour to be fashioned by world’s values.

Why? Because disconnects you from Jesus.

John: it’s one or the other. If love world, then do not have Father’s love in you.

Explanation (5m)

How do you know if you are in love with the world and disconnected from Jesus?

1 John 2:16 NLT

For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

Craving for physical pleasure

Often limit this to sexual sins. But wider than that. Any physical sensation that can drive us and become more to us than doing God’s will. Food. Drink. Drugs. Selfishness - my needs must be met first. Believing I am the only person that matters. “Because you’re worth it.” Not going to church because my needs are not being met - not the right kind of music, preacher boring, my talents are not recognised.

A world that revolves around me.

Craving for everything we see

Wanting everything we see. Materialism. Some people are on “see-food diets” not just with food, but all manner of things. See it, want it, get it, no matter the consequences.

Little value given to things unseen.

> great difficulty in loving God and other people.

Pride in achievements and possessions

Greek word = alazoneía (alaz-on-eeya) = arrogance. But arrogance beyond actual achievements and possessions. Bigging themselves up about achievements not actually achieved, just so look good in the eyes of others. For sense of importance.

But in the end just look bankrupt. People see through it and disconnect from them.

Not a list of do’s and don’ts, it’s about what or who is in our hearts

Not negative holiness. Not - don’t do this and you’ll be OK. This is about ensuring our relationship with the world is conducted on biblical principles.

Living life this way will be unpopular with the world, because the world opposes God.

Application (5m)

So we need to commit to having the love of the Father in us and connecting to people

Commit to struggling against the world. Commit to being salt and light to the world.

We can only do that by connecting with people.

If we don’t connect with others, cannot be salt and light to them. Invite them to connect with God and with us. Find the community they crave in a world of individualism.

Church one of the last places on earth where authentic relationships can take place.

Start with connecting more deeply with each other

Don’t struggle against the world on your own. Find small group of Christian friends to love and support you. Connect with them. Experience deep community, authentic relationships. Share life with them.

Live differently. Live connected.

Next Steps

SB 613 - O Jesus, I have promised

O Jesus, I have promised To serve thee to the end, Be thou for ever near me, My Master and my friend. I shall not fear the battle If thou art by my side, Nor wander from the pathway If thou wilt be my guide. 2 O let me feel thee near me; The world is ever near; I see the sights that dazzle, The tempting sounds I hear. My foes are ever near me, Around me and within; But, Jesus, draw thou nearer And shield my soul from sin. 3 O let me hear thee speaking In accents clear and still, Above the storms of passion, The murmurs of self-will. O speak to reassure me, To chasten or control; O speak to make me listen, Thou Guardian of my soul. 4 O Jesus, thou hast promised To all who follow thee, That where thou art in Glory There shall thy servant be; And, Jesus, I have promised To serve thee to the end; O give me grace to follow, My Master and my friend. John Ernest Bode (1816-1874) Used By Permission. CCL Licence No. 30158 Copied from The Song Book of The Salvation Army Song Number 613