Building Strong Relationships Through God's Foundation
Summary
In my sermon today, I began by expressing gratitude for the congregation's presence and participation in the recent Multiply Marriage Conference, highlighting the importance of relationships and the foundations upon which they are built. I emphasized that relationships, whether marital, familial, or otherwise, require solid foundations to thrive. I shared the DNA statement, "When I am right this way, God will make relationships right this way," underscoring the significance of our vertical relationship with God in influencing our horizontal relationships with others.
I delved into the foundations of relationships, drawing from Psalm 68 and Matthew 7 to illustrate the necessity of building our lives upon the rock of Jesus Christ. I narrated the parable of the wise and foolish builders, emphasizing that hearing and acting upon God's word is crucial for establishing a resilient foundation for all relationships.
I then spoke about the importance of aligning our priorities with God's design, referencing Genesis 2 and the order of relationships established by God: individual, marital, and familial. I stressed that when our priorities are misaligned, it leads to legitimate jealousy, where individuals feel rightfully deprived of the attention or love that belongs to them.
I also addressed the concept of producing good fruit in our relationships, as outlined in Matthew 12 and Galatians 5. I explained that the words we speak and the actions we take have a profound impact on our relationships, and we are accountable for every careless word. I encouraged the congregation to produce the fruit of the Spirit, which nourishes and multiplies our relationships.
Furthermore, I discussed the necessity of following the flow of God's Spirit, using the analogy of rivers in Genesis 2 and the vision given to Ezekiel in Ezekiel 47. I described the different depths of the river, representing levels of surrender and control in our relationship with God, and the joy that comes from trusting Him fully.
I concluded the sermon by inviting those who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior to make a relationship with God their top priority, offering a prayer of salvation and encouraging the congregation to surrender to God in worship.
Key Takeaways:
1. Relationships require a solid foundation, and this foundation is built upon our relationship with God. When we are aligned with Him, our other relationships will naturally align as well. This principle applies to all forms of relationships, not just marriage. ([41:14])
2. Prioritizing our relationships according to God's design is essential. Individual relationship with God comes first, followed by marital and then familial relationships. When we prioritize correctly, our relationships flourish, and we avoid the pitfalls of legitimate jealousy. ([44:20])
3. The fruit we produce in our lives directly affects our relationships. We must choose to produce good fruit, which comes from the Holy Spirit, and be mindful of the words we speak, as they have the power to build up or tear down our relationships. ([52:53])
4. Following the flow of God's Spirit is crucial for the health of our relationships. Just as rivers nourish a garden, the Spirit nourishes our lives. We must be willing to surrender control and trust God to lead us into deeper waters where true joy and fulfillment are found. ([57:43])
5. Setting priorities is not just about order but also about understanding the seasons of life and the roles we play. As life changes, our priorities may shift, but our relationship with God remains the constant foundation upon which all other relationships are built. ([50:18])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 68:5-6 - "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land."
2. Matthew 7:24-27 - "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
3. Genesis 2:24-25 - "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 68:5-6, what roles does God fulfill for the fatherless and widows? How does this reflect His character?
2. In the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27), what is the key difference between the two builders? What does this difference signify?
3. What does Genesis 2:24-25 say about the order and priority of relationships? How does this order reflect God's design for relationships?
4. In the sermon, what is the "DNA statement" mentioned, and how does it relate to our relationships with others? ([41:14])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding God as a "father to the fatherless" and a "defender of widows" (Psalm 68:5-6) impact the way we view our own relationships and responsibilities within the community?
2. What does it mean to build our lives and relationships on the "rock" of Jesus Christ, as described in Matthew 7:24-27? How can this foundation affect the stability of our relationships?
3. How can misaligned priorities in relationships lead to "legitimate jealousy," as discussed in the sermon? What are some examples of this in everyday life? ([47:59])
4. The sermon mentions producing good fruit in our relationships (Matthew 12 and Galatians 5). What are some practical ways we can ensure we are producing the fruit of the Spirit in our interactions with others? ([52:53])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current relationships. Are there any where you feel the foundation is not built on the "rock" of Jesus Christ? What steps can you take to strengthen these foundations? ([39:57])
2. Consider the order of priorities in your life. Are there any areas where your priorities might be misaligned according to God's design? How can you realign them to avoid legitimate jealousy? ([44:20])
3. Think about the words you speak in your relationships. Are there any patterns of speech that might be producing "bad fruit"? What specific changes can you make to ensure your words are building up rather than tearing down? ([52:53])
4. The sermon discusses the importance of following the flow of God's Spirit. Are there areas in your life where you are resisting this flow? How can you surrender more fully to God's leading? ([57:43])
5. Identify a relationship in your life that needs more nourishment. What practical steps can you take this week to "water" this relationship and help it thrive? ([57:43])
6. Reflect on the seasons of your life and the roles you play. How might your priorities need to shift in this current season to ensure your relationship with God remains the constant foundation? ([50:18])
7. The sermon ends with an invitation to make a relationship with God a top priority. If you haven't already, what steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God this week? ([01:07:34])
Devotional
Day 1: Foundations of Faith Affect Relationships
Relationships are like buildings; they need a strong foundation to withstand the storms of life. This foundation is not made of stone or wood, but of one's personal relationship with God. When this vertical relationship is right, it sets the stage for all horizontal relationships to align. Just as a house built on a solid foundation stands firm, so too will relationships be resilient when they are grounded in faith. This principle is not limited to marriage but extends to all forms of relationships, including friendships, family bonds, and professional connections. It is through a strong personal faith that one can navigate the complexities of human interactions with grace and wisdom. [41:14]
Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV): "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."
Reflection: How does your relationship with God influence your interactions with others, and what steps can you take to strengthen that foundational relationship?
Day 2: God's Design for Relationship Priorities
Understanding and adhering to God's design for the order of relationships is crucial. The individual relationship with God is paramount, followed by the marital relationship, and then familial ties. This hierarchy is not arbitrary but is a blueprint for harmony and fulfillment. When these priorities are in the correct order, relationships can flourish, and the risk of legitimate jealousy is minimized. Legitimate jealousy occurs when someone feels rightfully deprived of the love or attention that should be theirs. By aligning priorities with God's design, one can foster a healthy balance in relationships, ensuring that each one receives the appropriate focus and care. [44:20]
1 Timothy 3:4-5 (ESV): "He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?"
Reflection: Are your relationships aligned with the priorities God has set? If not, what changes can you make to correct this?
Day 3: The Impact of Our Spiritual Fruit
The fruit one produces in life has a profound impact on relationships. Words and actions are the manifestations of the heart's condition, and they have the power to either nourish or damage the bonds we share with others. It is essential to be mindful of the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—as these qualities contribute to the health and growth of relationships. Being accountable for every careless word means understanding the weight of our expressions and striving to communicate with intention and grace. [52:53]
Galatians 6:7-8 (ESV): "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
Reflection: What kind of fruit are you producing in your relationships, and how can you cultivate more of the fruit of the Spirit in your daily interactions?
Day 4: Surrendering to the Flow of the Spirit
Embracing the flow of God's Spirit is akin to navigating a river; it requires surrender and trust. The river's depth symbolizes the levels of surrender and control in one's relationship with God. As one learns to let go and trust in God's guidance, they experience a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment. This surrender is not passive but an active trust that allows God's Spirit to nourish and direct every aspect of life, including relationships. By following the Spirit's flow, one can experience the fullness of life that God intends. [57:43]
Isaiah 58:11 (ESV): "And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you resisting the flow of God's Spirit, and how can you practice surrendering to His guidance?
Day 5: Understanding Seasons and Roles in Relationships
Life is dynamic, and with it, the seasons and roles within relationships change. However, the constant through all seasons is the foundational relationship with God. Recognizing and adapting to life's changing circumstances while maintaining God as the cornerstone ensures that other relationships can adjust and thrive. It is through this understanding that one can navigate the shifting priorities and roles with wisdom and grace, ensuring that each relationship is nurtured according to its season. [50:18]
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (ESV): "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;"
Reflection: How can you better recognize and adapt to the seasons and roles in your relationships while keeping God as your foundational priority?
Quotes
"When I am right this way, God will make relationships right this way. We work, spend so much time trying to make these right when really if we would focus on this, God will fix this. I have couples that, my wife and myself, we get the privilege of walking with couples." [41:14]
"What you produce they will eat. But then he goes on he says here's the good fruit 22 through 24. But the Holy Spirit produces these kinds of fruit. Love joy peace patience kindness goodness gentleness self-control." [56:59]
"Because every relationship needs foundation. All right. All right. Every relationship. Relationships that you have with that teacher, even just for a few brief years, you need a foundation. You need a foundation to build a relationship on with them so they can guide you and help you." [37:10]
"The difference is simply this, the person who hears and does what God says, you're going to be building your house, your life, your relationships on a solid foundation, which is Jesus Christ." [39:57]
"God requires priority in relationship. In Genesis 2, 24 and 25, therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother, hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and they were not ashamed." [43:47]
"God shows us the blueprints of relationship through priorities. And when we prioritize things that are not aligned with what God has said in his word. Then those individuals. That live within that priority within the realm and the circle of our life." [47:59]
"If I never get to share the gospel anymore if I never get to preach another sermon and tell another person about Jesus Christ I'm still a father to my children I'm still a husband to my wife and I'm still a child of God." [50:18]
"Because if a garden isn't watered then it dies. And if your relationship is not watered it dies. Therefore you have to stay in the flow of the river in Ezekiel chapter number forty seven God begins to give Ezekiel a vision verses one through six." [57:43]
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