Untitled Sermon (3)

TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE

Intro:

Two are better than one, this cannot be denied. Time and time again in the scriptures this is the case. In 1 Samuel 23:16-17 Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. Jonathan re-affirmed Gods promise to David that he would be king over Israel, and Jonathan would be second to him. As the family of God we need to have a heart and a love for others as Jonathan did for David. Today we will cover the importance of relationships, having mentors, Fathers/Mothers in the faith and the benefits that come when we are connected into the local church family.

Prayer:

Two Questions I would like to ask you. Who do you have that is helping you to find strength in God? And whom are you helping to do the same?

Albert Einstein was quoted saying “It is strange to be known so universally, and yet to be so lonely” So often we hear people say, they are to busy and that they don’t have time for their family, their church, or even those that are around them. We have a built-in desire for friendship in-fact we were made in the image of a RELATIONAL God.

God is three in one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He did not create us because He was lonely. It is that He enjoys fellowship. “In the beginning was the Word, (The Word is Jesus) and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

“God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness’” (Genesis 1:26). (“Us” could be the first hint of the Trinity in the Bible). Because we have been made in God’s image, we share with God the desire for fellowship. If we look at how social media these days is used, it is quite clear that this is the case. People long for interaction with others; we are social beings.

The bible tells us that God said that living alone is “NOT GOOD.” Genesis 1:31 “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.” Genesis 2:18 “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’” So God created Eve as a helper to Adam. (This was a marriage relationship. Of course, many people remain single and have meaningful relationships.)

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.11 Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

In society today we are taught to be individuals. Society tells us that we can really only believe in ourselves. Reality is that we need others and they need us. As Christians we have a personal relationship with God and have been brought into church community, the church family. This is Gods design and his intent.

Being connected in the local church and having relationship with other Christians can provide us with mentors, spiritual Fathers or Mothers of the faith. God places mature Christians that have been further on the journey, in our lives to help us connect to Him and fulfill our unique purpose. Just like a regular parent, they help you to grow in character, mature in faith and support you through the highs and lows of life. I encourage you this morning to be connected and seek those people for your life.

Let’s look at the scripture we just read, Exodus 17:8-14: There are three observations I would like to look at in these verses. They are: Being connected provides help, Being connected provides warmth and finally Being connected provides protection. Lets take a look at the first one:

Observation 1

Being connected provides HELP.

Verse 10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.

There is a great example of this in the book of Exodus 17:8-14 lets read this.

As we have read this scripture you can see the importance of providing help to someone who is in need. If Aaron and Hur had not been there to help hold up Moses arms Israel may have been wiped out. Having relationship with others and being connected into the local church means that when life is tough there are people with the strength to provide help and support. Let us always be the people that God has intended us to be. To help those in need and extend our hand to those who are weary.

Observation 2

Being connected provides WARMTH.

Verse 11 Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?

We should be friends who offer warmth—not physical warmth, but the warmth of affection. It is easy to feel cold in a world that is focused on self. What I have found when I spend time talking and meeting people who aren’t connected to God, is that people long for love, acceptance and value. Often people will say that the reason they connected with Oasis is because they felt the warm welcome and acceptance given when coming for the first time.

Lets be genuine in our affection for people, because it can be as real as experiencing a warm blanket when you have been outside in the cold.

Observation 3

Being connected provides PROTECTION.

Verse 12 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

There is safety in numbers. The devil will always try to divide and concur that is his only way to defeat people. We would not walk alone at night down a street with a bad reputation. As believers, we benefit from having people in our lives who can provide protection against discouragement, temptation, and doctrinal error.

Be a connector

You might be thinking, “I wish I had friends like that. I wish there were people in my life who could offer me help, warmth, and protection.” If you are asking that question you are in the right place. Getting connected to God and other Christians in your local church is fundamental to experiencing the things we have talked about this morning. Maybe you are already connected and could ask, “To whom can I be a friend?” Matthew 10:5-8 tells us:

Matthew 10:5-8

5 These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them: "Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; 6 but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.

Freely we have received, freely give.