Empowered by Faith: Building Relationships in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the transformative power of faith and the importance of relationships in our spiritual journey. We began by lifting our voices in worship, acknowledging that Jesus is the center of everything. We recognized that nothing in this world can truly fulfill us except for Him. As we celebrated our church's eighth anniversary, we reflected on the growth and blessings we've experienced as a community. We also emphasized the significance of relationships, both with God and with each other, as a means to grow and become who God has called us to be.
We explored the theme of using our voices to build one another up, drawing from the Apostle Paul's letters to the Thessalonians. Paul exemplified how to nurture relationships by encouraging, comforting, and urging others to live lives worthy of God. We were reminded that our words have the power to strengthen and uplift those around us, and that God calls us to be encouragers, comforters, and strengtheners in our communities.
We also discussed the importance of not relying solely on human relationships for fulfillment, but rather finding our ultimate source of strength and identity in Jesus. This perspective allows us to engage in relationships with a healthy balance, where we can give and receive support without placing unrealistic expectations on others.
As we move forward, we are encouraged to be intentional in our relationships, to seek out community, and to use our voices to speak life into those around us. Whether through small groups or personal interactions, we are called to be a source of encouragement and strength, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus in all that we do.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith Over Feelings: Worship and live by faith, not by sight. Trust in God's plan even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Our faith should transcend our current feelings and situations, anchoring us in the truth of God's promises. [00:00]
- The Power of Words: Our words have the power to build up or tear down. Like the Apostle Paul, we are called to use our voices to encourage, comfort, and strengthen others. This requires intentionality and a heart aligned with God's love. [36:53]
- Community and Growth: Relationships are essential for spiritual growth. Being part of a community allows us to support and be supported, reflecting the family-like bonds Paul described with the Thessalonians. Engage in community to experience the fullness of God's design for relationships. [41:26]
- God as the While relationships are vital, they should not replace our dependence on God. Jesus is the ultimate source of our identity and strength. By prioritizing our relationship with Him, we can engage in human relationships with a healthy perspective. [56:57]
- Encouragement as a Ministry: Encouragement is a powerful ministry that can transform lives. By speaking life and truth into others, we water the seeds of potential God has planted in them. This act of love and faith can lead to profound growth and change. [01:04:08]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Worship and Faith
- [02:15] - Jesus, Our Center
- [04:00] - God's Rescue Plan
- [06:45] - Living by Faith
- [09:20] - Replacing Lies with Truth
- [12:00] - God's Building Plans
- [15:30] - Church Anniversary Celebration
- [18:00] - Introduction to "All the Feels" Series
- [21:45] - Importance of Community
- [25:00] - Invitation to Next Steps
- [28:30] - Power of Relationships
- [32:00] - My Voice: Power of Words
- [36:53] - Apostle Paul's Example
- [41:26] - Vertical and Horizontal Relationships
- [45:00] - Encouragement, Comfort, and Strength
- [50:00] - Using Words to Build Up
- [56:57] - Encouragement as Water for Seeds
- [01:04:08] - Comfort and Strength in Community
- [01:13:39] - Hearing God's Voice
- [01:16:52] - Invitation to Faith in Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12
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Observation Questions:
1. How does the Apostle Paul describe his relationship with the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12? What familial roles does he use to illustrate his connection with them? [41:26]
2. In the sermon, what specific actions does Paul take to nurture the Thessalonians, and how are these actions described? [36:53]
3. What are the three key ways Paul uses his voice to build up the Thessalonians, as mentioned in the sermon? [56:57]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of Jesus in our relationships and identity? [41:26]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of encouragement, comfort, and urging in his relationship with the Thessalonians? How might these actions contribute to spiritual growth? [56:57]
2. The sermon mentions that our words have the power to build up or tear down. How does this align with Paul's teachings in 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12? [36:53]
3. How does the sermon suggest balancing our dependence on human relationships with our ultimate reliance on Jesus? What might be the consequences of not maintaining this balance? [41:26]
4. In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to be intentional in their relationships? How does this relate to the concept of community and growth? [41:26]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent conversation where you used your words to either build someone up or tear them down. What was the outcome, and how might you approach similar situations differently in the future? [36:53]
2. Identify a relationship in your life where you can be more intentional about offering encouragement, comfort, or strength. What specific steps can you take this week to nurture that relationship? [56:57]
3. Consider your current community or small group involvement. How can you contribute to the growth and support of others within that community? What role do you see yourself playing? [41:26]
4. The sermon emphasizes finding our identity and strength in Jesus rather than solely in human relationships. Is there a relationship in your life where you might be placing unrealistic expectations? How can you shift your focus back to Jesus? [41:26]
5. Think of a person in your life who might need encouragement or comfort. What specific words or actions can you offer them this week to reflect the love and grace of Jesus? [01:04:08]
6. How can you practice being an encourager in your daily interactions, especially with those who may not share your faith? What impact do you hope to have on them? [56:57]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt encouraged or strengthened by someone else's words. How did that experience affect you, and how can you replicate that impact in someone else's life? [01:04:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Anchored in God's Promises
Faith is not merely a feeling but a steadfast trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. It calls us to live by faith and not by sight, anchoring ourselves in the truth of God's word. This kind of faith transcends our current emotions and situations, providing a solid foundation in times of uncertainty. By trusting in God's plan, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing that He is in control and His promises are true. [00:00]
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to trust God's promises more deeply? How can you actively choose faith over feelings in this situation today?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of Words
Words hold immense power; they can either build up or tear down. Like the Apostle Paul, we are called to use our voices to encourage, comfort, and strengthen others. This requires intentionality and a heart aligned with God's love. By speaking life and truth into those around us, we can be a source of encouragement and strength, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus. Our words can nurture relationships and foster a community of support and growth. [36:53]
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone who needs encouragement today. How can you use your words to build them up and reflect God's love?
Day 3: Community as a Catalyst for Growth
Relationships are essential for spiritual growth, providing a space for support and encouragement. Being part of a community allows us to experience the family-like bonds described by Paul with the Thessalonians. Engaging in community helps us to grow and become who God has called us to be. It is through these relationships that we can experience the fullness of God's design, supporting and being supported in our spiritual journey. [41:26]
"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: How can you be more intentional in seeking out community this week? What steps can you take to engage more deeply with those around you?
Day 4: Jesus as Our Ultimate Source
While relationships are vital, they should not replace our dependence on God. Jesus is the ultimate source of our identity and strength. By prioritizing our relationship with Him, we can engage in human relationships with a healthy perspective, free from unrealistic expectations. This allows us to give and receive support in a balanced way, finding our ultimate fulfillment in Christ alone. [56:57]
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." (John 15:4, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize your relationship with Jesus today? How can this shift in focus impact your interactions with others?
Day 5: Encouragement as a Ministry
Encouragement is a powerful ministry that can transform lives. By speaking life and truth into others, we water the seeds of potential God has planted in them. This act of love and faith can lead to profound growth and change, both in the encourager and the one being encouraged. As we move forward, let us be intentional in using our voices to speak life into those around us, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus in all that we do. [01:04:08]
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you encourage today? What specific words or actions can you use to help them see their God-given potential?
Quotes
"I want you to worship beyond what it feels like in the moment you're standing in right now. I want you to worship by faith and not by sight. Come on, let's put it into practice. My faith is above what it feels like. My eyes are above what it looks like. God, I see you and I bless you, King Jesus. Jesus, you are the center point of all of it. You are faithful, God. This world is not enough. I am not enough. We are not enough. There is nothing in this world that can truly meet the needs of our heart and save us and set us free." [00:29:43] (33 seconds)
"There's a few different kinds of people that inspire me. There's the kind of people you get around and they do things that you could never, ever do. And you're inspired by it. You're like, whoa, I could never preach like that person. Or I could never preach like T .D. Jakes. Or I could never, maybe whatever it is for you. Or I could never play baseball like that person. Or I could never, whatever the story is. They're like, oh my goodness, they're so amazing. And then there's this, like you get around that kind of person and you leave the room and you're like, you kind of feel smaller." [01:11:47] (35 seconds)
"Thank you, God, that you are the architect and builder of our lives. Thank you, God, that your voice is powerful. Your voice is the only voice that we need to hear. We stop and we pause and we listen for your voice. And now I just want you to take a moment in the presence of God and just think of somebody in your orbit that God is calling you right now. I believe God's going to give you a name or a face. Somebody that he wants you to speak encouragement, comfort, and strength to this week." [01:15:37] (27 seconds)
"How can I be present with you as you're going through this tough time? Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. And if today you'd say, yes, God, that is my desire. I'm going to use my voice to speak to those people in my life. Just before God, just say, yes, God, I'll use my voice in Jesus name, in Jesus. Thank you, God. We're going to change gears here before we move on in our service. This is a moment that we give every week for people who are far from God in the room today, are far from God, watching from home." [01:16:27] (35 seconds)
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