Building Three-Dimensional Relationships in Christ

Summary

In today's gathering, we focused on the profound importance of relationships within the church and our individual lives. We began by lifting up the Christensen family in prayer, acknowledging the shared grief and the need for communal support during times of loss. We also prayed for peace in Israel, recognizing the ongoing conflict and the need for divine intervention and comfort for those affected.

The core of our discussion revolved around the three-dimensional relationships modeled by Jesus: upward, inward, and outward. These relationships are essential for a balanced and fulfilling Christian life. The upward relationship with God is foundational, as it is the source of our strength and guidance. Without it, we risk living a powerless life, disconnected from the divine source of our purpose and mission.

Inward relationships, those with our church family and close friends, are crucial for support, accountability, and growth. Jesus exemplified this by investing deeply in His disciples, particularly the twelve and even more intimately with the three. These relationships provide a space for vulnerability and mutual edification, helping us to grow in love and holiness.

Outward relationships involve reaching beyond our comfort zones to serve and love those outside our immediate circles. This is where we fulfill the Great Commission, sharing the love and truth of Christ with the world. It is a call to action, to step out of safety and comfort, and to engage with the world in meaningful ways.

We also highlighted practical steps to deepen these relationships, such as participating in the Hearing God seminar, joining small groups, and engaging in community service through initiatives like the food and clothing drive. These opportunities are designed to equip us for ministry and to foster a sense of belonging and purpose within the church community.

Ultimately, the call is to live a life marked by love, as Jesus commanded. This love is not just an emotion but a commitment to live in relationship with God, with each other, and with the world. It is through these relationships that we reflect the manifold wisdom of God and fulfill our purpose as His church.

Key Takeaways:

- The Power of Prayer and Community Support: In times of grief and conflict, communal prayer and support are vital. We are reminded that when one member of the body suffers, we all suffer, and we are called to lift each other up in prayer and presence. [25:14]

- The Importance of Upward Relationships: Our relationship with God is foundational. Without it, we risk living a powerless life. Jesus modeled a life of prayer and dependence on the Father, showing us that our strength and direction come from Him. [49:27]

- Inward Relationships and Vulnerability: Being known and knowing others within the church is essential for growth and accountability. Jesus invested deeply in His disciples, and we are called to do the same, fostering relationships that encourage and challenge us. [47:52]

- Outward Relationships and the Great Commission: We are called to step out of our comfort zones and engage with the world, sharing the love and truth of Christ. This outward focus is essential for fulfilling our purpose and reflecting God's love to others. [01:19:07]

- Practical Steps for Growth: Engaging in church activities like the Hearing God seminar, small groups, and community service are practical ways to deepen our relationships and grow in our faith. These opportunities equip us for ministry and foster a sense of belonging. [55:13]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [25:14] - Prayer for the Christensen Family
- [27:00] - Prayer for Israel
- [30:16] - Introduction and Personal Update
- [33:15] - Gratitude for Church Community
- [34:35] - The Church as the Body of Christ
- [35:27] - Task vs. Relationship
- [36:17] - The Foundation of Love
- [37:21] - Eternal Life Defined
- [38:30] - Upward, Inward, Outward Relationships
- [39:44] - Jesus' Model of Relationships
- [41:20] - The Importance of Solitude and Prayer
- [42:16] - Feeding the 5000: Inward and Outward
- [43:27] - Jesus' Need for Solitude
- [45:10] - Jesus' Time of Trial
- [47:52] - The Church as God's Family
- [49:27] - The Power of Upward Relationships
- [50:51] - The Invitation to Know God
- [52:26] - Reflection Questions
- [55:13] - Practical Steps for Growth
- [01:00:15] - The Importance of Inward Relationships
- [01:01:49] - Jesus' Care for Inward Relationships
- [01:03:24] - The Role of Small Groups
- [01:06:28] - Vulnerability and Confession
- [01:09:02] - Set Free: A Step Towards Healing
- [01:13:18] - The Importance of Community
- [01:15:59] - The Call to Outward Relationships
- [01:19:07] - The Great Commission
- [01:22:19] - Food and Clothing Drive
- [01:26:34] - Church Renewal International Weekend
- [01:31:06] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 17:3 - "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."
2. Luke 6:12-16 - Jesus prays on the mountain and chooses the twelve apostles.
3. Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission.

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the three types of relationships modeled by Jesus as discussed in the sermon? How do these relationships contribute to a balanced Christian life? [38:30]

2. How did Jesus demonstrate the importance of upward relationships in His life, according to the sermon? [39:44]

3. What practical steps were suggested in the sermon to deepen our relationships within the church community? [55:13]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of inward relationships in personal growth and accountability? [47:52]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that a lack of an upward relationship with God can lead to a powerless life? How does this relate to John 15:5? [49:27]

2. How does the sermon interpret the Great Commission in terms of outward relationships, and what challenges might believers face in fulfilling this call? [01:19:07]

3. What does the sermon imply about the significance of vulnerability in inward relationships, and how does this reflect Jesus' relationship with His disciples? [47:52]

4. How does the sermon connect the concept of eternal life in John 17:3 with the importance of knowing God personally? [37:21]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current relationship with God. Are there specific areas where you feel disconnected or powerless? What steps can you take this week to strengthen your upward relationship with God? [49:27]

2. Consider your inward relationships within the church or your close community. Are you allowing yourself to be vulnerable and known by others? What practical steps can you take to deepen these relationships? [47:52]

3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of stepping out of comfort zones to engage in outward relationships. Identify one person or group outside your immediate circle that you can reach out to this week. How will you do it? [01:19:07]

4. How can you participate in the church's initiatives, such as the Hearing God seminar or community service, to grow in your faith and relationships? What specific action will you take to get involved? [55:13]

5. Reflect on the sermon’s call to live a life marked by love. What is one specific way you can demonstrate this love in your daily interactions this week? [36:17]

6. The sermon discusses the importance of prayer and community support during times of grief and conflict. How can you be a source of support for someone in your community who is currently facing a difficult time? [25:14]

7. How does the sermon challenge your understanding of the Great Commission? What is one practical step you can take to share the love and truth of Christ with others this month? [01:19:07]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: The Power of Communal Prayer and Support
In times of grief and conflict, the strength of a community is revealed through prayer and mutual support. When one member of the body suffers, the entire community feels the impact, highlighting the interconnectedness of our lives. This shared experience calls us to lift each other up, offering presence and prayer as a source of comfort and strength. The act of praying together not only supports those in need but also unites the community in a shared purpose and love. [25:14]

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community is currently in need of support? How can you actively offer your presence and prayers to them today?

Day 2: The Foundation of Upward Relationships
Our relationship with God is the cornerstone of a fulfilling Christian life. Without this upward connection, we risk living a life devoid of power and direction. Jesus exemplified a life of prayer and dependence on the Father, demonstrating that our strength and guidance come from this divine relationship. By prioritizing our upward relationship with God, we align ourselves with His purpose and mission for our lives. [49:27]

"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" (1 Chronicles 16:11, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with God and seek His guidance in your daily life?

Day 3: The Significance of Inward Relationships
Inward relationships within the church and among close friends are vital for personal growth and accountability. Jesus invested deeply in His disciples, creating a space for vulnerability and mutual edification. These relationships encourage us to grow in love and holiness, providing support and challenge as we journey together in faith. Being known and knowing others within the church fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. [47:52]

"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: Who in your church community can you reach out to today to offer encouragement or seek accountability in your spiritual journey?

Day 4: Embracing Outward Relationships and the Great Commission
The call to outward relationships challenges us to step beyond our comfort zones and engage with the world. By sharing the love and truth of Christ, we fulfill the Great Commission and reflect God's love to others. This outward focus requires action, inviting us to serve and love those outside our immediate circles, thereby living out our purpose as followers of Christ. [01:19:07]

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one person or group outside your usual circle whom you can reach out to this week. How can you share Christ's love with them in a practical way?

Day 5: Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth
Engaging in church activities such as seminars, small groups, and community service provides practical ways to deepen our relationships and grow in faith. These opportunities equip us for ministry and foster a sense of belonging within the church community. By participating in these activities, we are better prepared to live out our faith and fulfill our purpose as members of the body of Christ. [55:13]

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)

Reflection: What church activity or group can you commit to joining this week to enhance your spiritual growth and sense of community?

Quotes

1) "We are blessed with what we have here. And I'm very grateful for you guys and the contributions that you give to making this. This church feel like a family for me. So, thank you for that. And thank you to the many of you that I don't get to thank personally. What you do matters. Each part of the body matters. It matters to me. It matters to the rest of us in here. We all like to be able to just show up and have a nice place to sit and all that stuff, but it matters most, and most importantly to God. That's what he's called us to. He said, the church, ephesians 310 is his body, through which he was going to reveal the manifold wisdom of God, not just in the earthly realms, but even in spiritual and heavenly places. Amazing." [34:35] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "If we could be really good at one thing, if you could get one thing right, pursuing that would be the right, would be the right focus of your life. But there's other relationships that matter, and that's what we're going to be talking about today. In fact, we're going to go right back to a sub point I had last week. I talked about the inward, sorry, the upward, the inward and the outward relationships that we are, that we are supposed to have within the church. And Jesus modeled that. And that's where we're going to start today. We're going to go back to that. And I didn't come up with those, those terms. I actually took them from Mike Breen. He's written a lot, so I might not be presenting them in the same way he did, but I love the idea because it makes it clear sometimes, sometimes for lack of clarity, we just kind of, okay, love God, love people." [37:21] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "Jesus did say this would be the thing that you'd be known for, not your perfection and your ability to accomplish great things, because he could have said that's what you'd be known for, your ability to accomplish great things. I'm going to empower you to do that. He does say, we will do great things, but that's not what you're going to be known for. What we're called to be experts in is not perfection. It's love. That's what we're called to be experts in. You will be known by your love. And so it's important for us to know that love scripturally, because it matters what the Bible says and what Jesus modeled is a three dimensional or a three directional type of relationships that we're supposed to be pouring into love. First one upward, then inward. Inward, just meaning my family, my church family, my friends, I need those intimate relationships where I'm. Where I am known and I am able to know others." [38:30] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "Three kinds of relationships. Prioritize being given to the relationship with God. But then you see him pouring his life into and doing life with, allowing himself to be known and knowing these twelve at a different level than all the crowds. But yet he had margin. There was space. He still had room in his life to then give to the crowds. He had something for the crowds, too, in all three directions. Okay, so church is God's family. It's a family of God. I'm gonna keep emphasizing that because we belong to each other, we belong to the church, we belong to God. But when I say that, sometimes it feels cringy because it feels institutional. It's not supposed to be like that. It's supposed to be family, right? Me and my kids, I think of them and I'm like, oh, we belong to each other. I never feel cringey on that. It's family. We're family. We belong to each other." [47:52] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "If you are missing the upward, probably the word that will define your life is powerless. You're disconnected from the power source. I mean, that's. John talks about that. I'll get to that one in a moment. Jesus modeled. Truly, truly. I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself unless he sees the Father doing it. For whatever the father does, the Son does. Also, Jesus modeled that our doing in this life comes first out of the upward relationship with God. There is that directional. So that's where our power source comes from. And I don't like I use the word powerless, but I hesitated on it only because I'm really trying to get this thing idea of relationships entrenched in us. When we think about our faith and when we think about church and when we think about God's mission, and powerless doesn't really lead to relationships." [49:27] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "We don't have time to get into that, but believe in him. But we love him and we obey him, but it all comes from that center on him. He saves us, he redeems us, he empowers us. He will be the one that allows you to get to know him, but he won't force you through the door. He will invite you into a relationship with him. So let's do some reflection. We have three reflection times today. First one, is it up there? These are the questions I want you just ask yourself if you want to write it down. You can. Or write down your answers, or you can just think about it. They're written in the personal. Do I know Jesus? If you do not, today is the day you can give your life to him. You don't know how you can talk to me or talk to any one of our ministers here afterwards. Do you hear God through Bible and prayer? Do you make time for this? Am I living in the power of the Holy Spirit?" [52:26] (91 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "We need each other. It's biblical. Confess your sins to one another and be healed. We talked about that last week. So Jesus prioritized the twelve. He totally did. Well, what's he doing with the twelve? That's different than what he did out here? I mean, he taught the crowds, but he didn't have one on one conversations. He walked with the twelve. He would set them up for bizarre, like life lessons. Sometimes that would trip them up and ask them questions. And he got into their I lives and they were able to ask him close questions and they, they got to know him and he knew them. Like, I mean, he's God, he already knows them, but they were known and they got to know each other, right. It's pretty powerful. But then what do we see as he goes into a deeper trial? He takes from the twelve, he has three. He takes the three aside. Then on the cross, what's he doing? He's taking care of another inward relationship, his mom. He takes out of the three, John, one of his best friends, and he says, john, take care of my mom." [01:01:08] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "We are called to something greater. We are called to be a part of his family. This is the family he called church ecclesia. This called out assembly, his family gathering, that he was going to use a bunch of broken people, us, to display the manifold wisdom of God on the earth, in the heavenly realms and to the spiritual beings. There was something he was going to show them through us and the way we lived that they could not see without it. They were going to see his brilliance. And only God could do what he's doing. So you might feel safe and comfortable if you avoid this one, and you can live that way. But I would argue that you will fail to fulfill the purpose for which you are created. And I think even if you feel safe, that leaves a hole inside that gnaws at you, that makes you want to drown your evenings with media. Or not think about it, because you don't want to think about what I might have to do. You just want to escape that. So don't let's engage it." [01:17:17] (73 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?