Authenticity in Relationships: Centering on Christ

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Authentic Friendships

Authenticity in relationships is about being real and vulnerable, allowing for genuine support and accountability. True friendships are not just about sharing joyful moments but also about being there for each other during life's challenges. This authenticity mirrors our relationship with God, where we are called to be open and genuine. In a world that often values superficial connections, being authentic can be a powerful testament to the strength and depth of our relationships. [03:26]

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a friend with whom you can be more authentic. What steps can you take today to deepen that relationship by being more open and vulnerable?

Day 2: The Role of Small Groups

Small groups are essential for spiritual growth and accountability. They provide a space where individuals can be known, share their struggles, and grow together in faith. These groups are not merely social gatherings but are intended to deepen one's relationship with Jesus and with each other. In these intimate settings, people can find their "2 a.m. friends"—those they can rely on in times of need. [06:08]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: Are you part of a small group or community where you can be truly known? If not, what steps can you take to join or form one this week?

Day 3: Jesus as Our Source

Our faith journey is centered on Jesus, who is the source of wisdom, purity, and freedom. All gatherings and activities should point us back to Him, reminding us that He is the reason for everything we do. It's crucial to keep our focus on Jesus, rather than getting lost in the activities or the people around us. [14:56]

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity." (Proverbs 2:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you refocus your daily activities to ensure they point back to Jesus as your source of wisdom and strength?

Day 4: The Importance of Being Reminded

Just as the Corinthian church needed reminders, we too need to be reminded of the centrality of Jesus in our lives. Our focus should not be on the activities or the people but on Jesus, who unites us all. Regular reminders help us stay grounded in our faith and keep our priorities aligned with God's will. [23:58]

"Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have." (2 Peter 1:12, ESV)

Reflection: What are some practical ways you can remind yourself daily of Jesus' central role in your life? Consider setting a daily alarm or placing a note in a visible spot.

Day 5: Holding Onto Our Forks

God has more in store for us beyond our current experiences. Our relationship with Jesus is the main course, and everything else is meant to enhance that relationship. We should always be open to what God has next for us, holding onto our forks in anticipation of the greater things He has planned. [37:20]

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to expect more? How can you prepare yourself to embrace what He has in store for you?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of authenticity in our relationships, both with each other and with God. Reflecting on my long-standing friendship with Brett, I shared how our journey together has been a testament to the power of being real and vulnerable. This authenticity is not just about sharing the good times but also about holding each other accountable and supporting one another through life's challenges. Our friendship, which began at Howard Payne University, has been rooted in a shared faith in Jesus Christ, which has been the foundation and the glue that has kept us together over the years.

The concept of being real extends beyond personal friendships to our community at City Church. We are encouraged to engage in small groups where we can form deep, meaningful connections. These groups are not just social gatherings but are intended to be spaces where we can be our true selves, share our struggles, and grow together in faith. They are places where we can find our "2 a.m. friends"—those we can call on in times of need.

However, the essence of our community and our gatherings is not just about the relationships we form with each other but about our relationship with Jesus. As we looked at 1 Corinthians 1, we were reminded that Jesus is our source of wisdom, purity, and freedom. Our gatherings, whether in small groups or on Sunday mornings, are meant to point us back to Him. They are tools to help us deepen our walk with the Lord, not ends in themselves.

In our journey of faith, we must remember that Jesus is the reason for everything we do. Our focus should not be solely on the activities or the people but on the One who unites us all. As we continue to grow as a community, let's hold onto our forks, knowing that God has more in store for us. Our relationship with Jesus is the main course, and everything else is meant to enhance that relationship.

Key Takeaways

1. Authenticity in Relationships: True friendships are built on authenticity and vulnerability. Being real with one another allows us to support and hold each other accountable, fostering deep and meaningful connections. This authenticity is a reflection of our relationship with God, where we are called to be genuine and open. [03:26]
2. The Role of Small Groups: Small groups are vital for spiritual growth and accountability. They provide a space for us to be known, to share our struggles, and to grow together in faith. These groups are not just social gatherings but are meant to deepen our relationship with Jesus and with each other. [06:08]
3. Jesus as Our Our faith journey is centered on Jesus, who is the source of wisdom, purity, and freedom. Our gatherings and activities should always point us back to Him, reminding us that He is the reason for everything we do. [14:56]
4. The Importance of Being Reminded: Just as the Corinthian church needed reminders, we too need to be reminded of the centrality of Jesus in our lives. Our focus should not be on the activities or the people but on Jesus, who unites us all. [23:58]
5. Holding Onto Our Forks: God has more in store for us beyond our current experiences. Our relationship with Jesus is the main course, and everything else is meant to enhance that relationship. We should always be open to what God has next for us. [37:20]
** [37:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:26] - The Power of Authentic Friendships
[06:08] - Importance of Small Groups
[09:35] - Humorous College Memories
[14:56] - Jesus as the Foundation
[16:30] - City Church Values
[18:07] - Hold Your Fork: Expect More
[22:42] - Focus on Jesus, Not Activities
[23:58] - Jesus as Our Source
[25:09] - Wisdom from Jesus
[27:01] - Real-Life Application
[30:41] - Unexpected Conversations
[32:41] - Prayer and Support
[34:40] - Life Through Jesus
[37:20] - Beyond Breadsticks: The Main Course
[40:29] - Next Steps in Faith
[41:07] - Trusting in Jesus
[44:12] - Invitation to Salvation
[46:36] - Closing Prayer

Sermon Clips

"How's your ministry, but how's your family? How are you individually apart from all of that? Where is your walk with the Lord? And those kinds of things are those be real moments. And that's what we want people to be able to experience." [00:05:51] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"And the more you get to know people, the more you get to find out about some of their great things in their life, right? But also some of the, uh, you know, shady stuff to places where you can hold one another accountable places where you can encourage one another. That's what groups tend to be for. And that's what city church wants them to be about as well. Growth accountability, 2am friends." [00:04:22] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Paul is going to remind us today about all of our church activity and small groups and gathering on Sundays. That is good, but there's more. There's a base. It's not about what we do. It's about the who." [00:21:38] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Christ made us right with God, and he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the scriptures say, I want you to, or if you want to boast, boast in the name of the Lord. Boast only in the Lord." [00:22:17] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"One of the things that we would really miss is if our focus was only small groups and how that's our people and that's what we do, or only Sunday morning services where that's our thing and that's what we do, we would really be missing all of the richness that God has for us found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ." [00:23:03] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Remember, Jesus is our source. City Church started because of Jesus, not because Brett Levi was looking for something else to do. Jesus is our source." [00:24:20] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Jesus is the source, and that's what Paul needed to remind the Corinthian church of, as we need to be reminded as well. Because again, small groups are so cool, such a great experience. Friendships, people that you connect with in the Lord, man, those are, you're so rich and so beautiful. But he, Jesus, that's the point, the purpose, the why, the who." [00:24:48] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"There's something even better, and that's a relationship with Him. Now, small groups and gatherings on Sunday mornings, those help encourage that relationship with Him, and that's what they're designed to do." [00:29:00] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Be reminded, as the Corinthians were reminded, it's about Jesus himself. Groups, church, instruments, right, to help us in the pathway of understanding and knowing Jesus even better." [00:37:00] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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