Authenticity in Relationships: Centering on Christ
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]
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
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1 Corinthians 1:30-31
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Observation Questions:
1. What does 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 say about the role of Jesus in our lives? How does this passage describe Jesus' impact on our relationship with God?
2. In the sermon, how does the speaker describe the importance of authenticity in relationships, particularly in the context of small groups? [03:26]
3. What are some of the values and mission statements of City Church mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to the concept of being real? [16:30]
4. How does the speaker use the metaphor of "holding onto our forks" to illustrate the anticipation of what God has in store for us? [18:07]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the passage in 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 emphasize the centrality of Jesus in the life of a believer? What does it mean for Jesus to be our source of wisdom, purity, and freedom?
2. The sermon highlights the importance of small groups for spiritual growth and accountability. How might these groups help individuals focus on their relationship with Jesus rather than just socializing? [06:08]
3. Reflecting on the speaker's story about his friendship with Brett, how can authentic relationships mirror our relationship with God? What role does vulnerability play in both? [03:26]
4. The speaker mentions the need for reminders about the centrality of Jesus, similar to the Corinthian church. Why might believers today need similar reminders, and how can they be effectively communicated? [23:58]
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Application Questions:
1. Think about your current friendships. Are there areas where you can be more authentic and vulnerable? How might this deepen your relationships and reflect your relationship with God? [03:26]
2. If you are part of a small group, how can you contribute to making it a space where members feel safe to share their struggles and grow in faith? If not, what steps can you take to join or start one? [06:08]
3. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus is the reason for everything we do. Are there activities or commitments in your life that distract you from focusing on Jesus? How can you realign your priorities? [23:58]
4. The speaker shared a personal story about being unprepared for a friend's crisis. How can you prepare yourself spiritually and emotionally to support others in unexpected situations? [30:41]
5. Reflect on the metaphor of "holding onto your fork." What are you currently anticipating in your spiritual journey, and how can you remain open to what God has next for you? [18:07]
6. How can you incorporate the values and mission of City Church into your daily life, ensuring that your actions and decisions are aligned with your faith? [16:30]
7. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from hearing about your faith journey. How can you share your story with them this week, focusing on the impact of Jesus in your life? [42:37]
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?
Quotes
"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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