Series: Buzz Words
Week: 4
Passage: Various
Title: 8 Relationships that Matter
Focus: Relationships
INTRODUCTION: A priority is “the right to precede others in order, rank, privilege, etc.; precedence.” To prioritize means “to arrange or do in order of priority” or “to give a high priority to” (Random House Webster’s College Dictionary). We need to recognize the priorities that God wants in regards to our relationships.
Relationship #1: Jesus Christ – Confess and believe. All relationship comes from this relationship!
Relationship #2: Marriage
• Explanation: God created marriage as most intimate of human relationships. It’s (1) God’s “fix” for aloneness (Genesis 2:18) and (2) a “helper” to “surround, to protect or aid, help.” (Genesis 2:20)
o “What God has joined together, let man not separate" Matthew 19:6
• Illustration: Son asked his Dad if it was true about what he heard in ancient China, “a man doesn't know his wife until he marries”. Dad replied, “That happens everywhere, son, EVERYWHERE!”
• Application: Not only do you not know your spouse, you don’t know yourself! Marriage relationship matters more than anything else! We learn love, respect, honor, forgiveness, etc. etc. Work here first!
o “The biblical concept of marriage is a oneness between two individuals that pictures the oneness of Christ with His church.” Hybles
Relationship #3: Family
• Explanation: Through marriage we see children come from marriage as a building block of society. Were called to look after and care for one another.
o God asked Cain, "Where is your brother?" Cain's responded, "Am I my brother's keeper?" Implication = YES!
o God didn’t just save Noah, He saved His family!
• Illustration: “The man who seldom finds himself in hot water is the one with a wife, several daughters and one bathroom.” Unknown
• Application: Nurture and protect your family (Kids, Inlaws, parents, etc.). Take care of them next!
Relationship #4: Friends (Big “F”)
• Explanation: There are friends with a little "f" and friends with a big "F."
o Little "f" friend: thinks the problems you whine about are recent.
o Big "F" Friend: says, "You've been whining about the same thing for 14 years. Get off your duff and do something about it."
o Little "f" friend: thinks the friendship is over when you argue.
o Big "F" Friend: knows that a friendship's not a friendship until you've had a fight.
• Illustration: Someone has said that if you can count your true friends on the fingers of one hand, you are blessed.
• Application: Jesus had 12 big “F” friends but you’re not Jesus! Find 3 to 5 friends who will (1) love you at all times (Proverbs 17:17) (2) stick closer than a brother (Proverbs 27:6) and sharpen you (Proverbs 27:17)
o You will grow old and die with these people.
Relationship #5: Mentors
• Explanation: “Mentor” is defined as “a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.” That doesn’t appear in the Bible, but more gives examples…
o Moses was mentored by his father-in-law Jethro (Exodus 18)
o Eli prepared Samuel for the tasks and responsibilities (1 Samuel 1–4)
o Jesus mentored His disciples (Luke 9)
o Barnabas and Paul excelled in mentoring (Acts 9–15).
• The point of mentoring is leading so another can follow well.
• Illustration: “Leaders should influence others in such a way that it builds people up, encourages and edifies them so they can duplicate this attitude in others.” Bob Goshen
• Application: Every sheep needs a shepherd. Find someone older and get to work. Be a Barnabas (always looking for someone to encourage in the ministry), pursue a Paul (someone to watch, listen, serve, follow, learn, read, glean, and emulate), and train a Timothy (share what you know).
Relationship #6: Friends (Little “f”)
• Explanation: These are people who know you but don’t actually “know” you (casual friends). These develop quickly through common interests, activities, or concerns. While they may not be as close as big “F” friends, these people should still build Godly character in your life.
• Illustration: Gordon Colwell = only have 125 little “f” friends.
• Application: Let God choose these people and ask him to help you share with them as they share with you.
o “Exhort one another daily lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13
Relationship #7: Neighbors/Strangers
• Explanation: Who is my neighbor? Your neighbor is anyone’s need who you are able to meet. The second greatest commandment is to “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37–40).
• Illustration: “The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: 'If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?' But...the good Samaritan reversed the question: 'If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?” -MLK
• Application: Loving our neighbor includes (1) sharing with the poor (2) being honest and just (3) being impartial (4) avoiding gossip/slander (5) not holding grudges or (6) taking vengeance. Jesus said we should do to others as we would have them do to us (Matthew 7:12).
Relationship #8: Enemies
• Explanation: Jesus said we are to love our enemies (have a relationship w/them). If you love your enemies and “pray for those who persecute you,” you then truly reveal that Jesus is Lord of your life.
• Illustration: “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend” for it has “creative” and “redemptive” power.” MLK
• Application: Take the initiative to show love and leave the rest to God. He will give us the love that we need to follow through.
CONCLUSION: What are the 8 relationships that matter?
