Strength in Unity: The Power of Relationships
Summary
### Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound importance of relationships in our lives, both earthly and eternal. We began by acknowledging that while we all desire to grow stronger and better in our walk with Christ, we often find ourselves isolated due to various circumstances. However, God designed us to live in community, not in isolation. Relationships are the cornerstone of our existence, impacting our quality of life and even our eternal destiny. The people we surround ourselves with can either uplift us or bring us down, making it crucial to choose our relationships wisely.
We delved into the idea that the enemy seeks to disrupt our relationships because he knows that we are stronger together. He aims to create friction and division in our families, friendships, and church communities to weaken us. Yet, the Bible teaches that a three-stranded cord is not easily broken, emphasizing the strength found in unity with God and others.
Jesus highlighted the significance of relationships in Matthew 18:20, where He promised His presence when two or three gather in His name. This underscores the transformative power of community. Real life change happens in the context of relationships, where we allow others to sharpen us, even if it means facing uncomfortable truths.
We also addressed common excuses for avoiding deeper connections, such as past hurts, personality traits, and fear. While these reasons are valid, they should not keep us from experiencing the richness of community. Ecclesiastes 4:8 warns against the loneliness and endless toil that come from isolation, urging us to seek meaningful relationships instead.
Finally, we discussed the importance of being intentional about our relationships. Whether through joining a connect group or simply making time for friends, we must prioritize building a supportive network. This intentionality not only enriches our lives but also prepares us for the inevitable challenges that life brings.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Relationships: Relationships are foundational to our lives, both on earth and in heaven. The quality of our relationships significantly impacts our well-being and spiritual growth. Surrounding ourselves with the right people can either uplift us or bring us down, making it crucial to choose our relationships wisely. [01:34]
2. The Enemy's Strategy: The enemy seeks to disrupt our relationships because he knows we are stronger together. He aims to create friction and division in our families, friendships, and church communities to weaken us. However, the Bible teaches that a three-stranded cord is not easily broken, emphasizing the strength found in unity with God and others. [02:20]
3. Intentional Community: Jesus highlighted the significance of relationships in Matthew 18:20, where He promised His presence when two or three gather in His name. This underscores the transformative power of community. Real life change happens in the context of relationships, where we allow others to sharpen us, even if it means facing uncomfortable truths. [04:43]
4. Overcoming Excuses: Common excuses for avoiding deeper connections include past hurts, personality traits, and fear. While these reasons are valid, they should not keep us from experiencing the richness of community. Ecclesiastes 4:8 warns against the loneliness and endless toil that come from isolation, urging us to seek meaningful relationships instead. [09:24]
5. Building a Supportive Network: Being intentional about our relationships is crucial. Whether through joining a connect group or simply making time for friends, we must prioritize building a supportive network. This intentionality not only enriches our lives but also prepares us for the inevitable challenges that life brings. [18:27]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - No More Excuses
[01:34] - The Power of Relationships
[02:20] - The Enemy's Strategy
[03:05] - Net Worth and Network
[04:00] - The Three-Stranded Cord
[04:43] - Intentional Community
[05:23] - Iron Sharpens Iron
[06:55] - The Importance of Intentionality
[08:11] - Overcoming Excuses
[09:24] - Ecclesiastes 4:8
[10:39] - The Illusion of Wealth
[11:53] - Four Reasons for Resistance
[12:43] - The Exception to the Rule
[13:16] - Personality and Comfort Zones
[14:27] - The Need for People
[15:07] - Fear and Hesitation
[15:54] - Overcoming Irrational Fears
[16:34] - The Fig Leaf Syndrome
[17:16] - Past Experiences and Hurt
[18:27] - The Busyness Excuse
[19:10] - Making Time for What Matters
[19:56] - Jesus' Example
[20:41] - Balancing Life and Priorities
[21:16] - The Need for Connection
[22:29] - The Illusion of Social Media
[23:49] - The Church as a Community
[24:19] - The Capacity for Relationships
[25:15] - Building Meaningful Connections
[26:11] - The Importance of Being Known
[27:01] - The Role of the Church
[27:24] - Romans 12:5
[28:14] - The Four Dimensions of Life
[29:12] - The Arena: Public Life
[30:15] - The Mask: Hidden Life
[31:40] - The Need for Accountability
[32:32] - The Importance of Vulnerability
[33:18] - The Story of Moses
[34:14] - The Role of Friends
[35:10] - Confession and Healing
[36:07] - The Importance of Same-Sex Friendships
[37:12] - Blind Spots and Honesty
[38:09] - The Role of True Friends
[39:37] - Potential and Future
[40:05] - The Body of Christ
[41:01] - The Importance of Connection
[41:57] - The Need for Each Other
[42:32] - Proverbs 18:24
[43:10] - Intimacy and Trust
[44:16] - Finding Your Circle
[44:47] - The Need for Jesus
[45:12] - Prayer for Salvation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 18:20 - "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
2. Ecclesiastes 4:8 - "There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. 'For whom am I toiling,' he asked, 'and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?' This too is meaningless—a miserable business!"
3. Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, why does the enemy seek to disrupt our relationships? ([02:20])
2. What does Jesus promise in Matthew 18:20 about gathering in His name? ([04:43])
3. How does Ecclesiastes 4:8 describe the consequences of isolation? ([09:24])
4. What metaphor is used in Proverbs 27:17 to describe the impact of relationships on personal growth? ([05:23])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize that "real life change happens in the context of relationships"? How does this align with the message in Matthew 18:20? ([04:43])
2. How can the concept of a "three-stranded cord" from the sermon be applied to strengthen our relationships? ([04:00])
3. What are some common excuses people use to avoid deeper connections, and how does the sermon suggest overcoming them? ([08:11])
4. How does the sermon interpret the warning in Ecclesiastes 4:8 about the loneliness and endless toil that come from isolation? ([09:24])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current relationships. Are there any that you feel are not uplifting you? How can you address this to ensure you are surrounded by positive influences? ([01:34])
2. The sermon mentions that the enemy tries to create friction in our relationships. Have you experienced this in your life? How did you handle it, and what could you do differently next time? ([02:20])
3. Jesus promises His presence when two or three gather in His name. How can you be more intentional about creating opportunities for such gatherings in your life? ([04:43])
4. Think about a time when you avoided deeper connections due to past hurts or fear. What steps can you take to overcome these barriers and seek meaningful relationships? ([08:11])
5. The sermon encourages being intentional about our relationships. What practical steps can you take this week to build or strengthen your supportive network? ([18:27])
6. How can you apply the principle of "iron sharpens iron" in your friendships? Identify one friend with whom you can have a candid conversation to help each other grow. ([05:23])
7. Reflect on the busyness in your life. Are there activities that are preventing you from building meaningful relationships? What changes can you make to prioritize these connections? ([18:27])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Power of Relationships
Description: Relationships are foundational to our lives, both on earth and in heaven. The quality of our relationships significantly impacts our well-being and spiritual growth. Surrounding ourselves with the right people can either uplift us or bring us down, making it crucial to choose our relationships wisely. The Bible emphasizes the importance of community and the strength that comes from unity. When we are intentional about our relationships, we create a supportive network that helps us grow spiritually and emotionally. [01:34]
Bible passage: "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life that has significantly impacted your spiritual growth. How can you nurture and invest more in this relationship today?
### Day 2: The Enemy's Strategy
Description: The enemy seeks to disrupt our relationships because he knows we are stronger together. He aims to create friction and division in our families, friendships, and church communities to weaken us. However, the Bible teaches that a three-stranded cord is not easily broken, emphasizing the strength found in unity with God and others. Recognizing this strategy helps us to be vigilant and proactive in maintaining and strengthening our relationships, ensuring that we are not easily swayed by the enemy's tactics. [02:20]
Bible passage: "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world." (1 Peter 5:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a relationship where you sense the enemy might be trying to create division. What steps can you take today to strengthen and protect this relationship?
### Day 3: Intentional Community
Description: Jesus highlighted the significance of relationships in Matthew 18:20, where He promised His presence when two or three gather in His name. This underscores the transformative power of community. Real life change happens in the context of relationships, where we allow others to sharpen us, even if it means facing uncomfortable truths. Being part of an intentional community means actively seeking out and participating in relationships that challenge and grow us spiritually. [04:43]
Bible passage: "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 community that challenges and encourages you in your faith? If not, what steps can you take to become more involved in such a community?
### Day 4: Overcoming Excuses
Description: Common excuses for avoiding deeper connections include past hurts, personality traits, and fear. While these reasons are valid, they should not keep us from experiencing the richness of community. Ecclesiastes 4:8 warns against the loneliness and endless toil that come from isolation, urging us to seek meaningful relationships instead. Overcoming these excuses requires intentional effort and a willingness to be vulnerable, trusting that God will provide the strength and grace needed to build and maintain healthy relationships. [09:24]
Bible passage: "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one excuse you have used to avoid deeper connections? How can you take a step today to overcome this excuse and seek meaningful relationships?
### Day 5: Building a Supportive Network
Description: Being intentional about our relationships is crucial. Whether through joining a connect group or simply making time for friends, we must prioritize building a supportive network. This intentionality not only enriches our lives but also prepares us for the inevitable challenges that life brings. A supportive network provides encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging, helping us to navigate life's ups and downs with grace and resilience. [18:27]
Bible passage: "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles." (Acts 2:42-43, ESV)
Reflection: Who are the key people in your supportive network? How can you intentionally invest in these relationships this week to strengthen your support system?
Quotes
1. "The quality of the life that you and I lead here on earth is going to be determined and impacted by the people that you have in your life. The people that you run with. They're going to impact you positively or they're going to impact you negatively. Our life here on earth is dependent upon but even our life in heaven is dependent upon relationships because it's not what you know, it's who you know. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? That determines your eternity. So in the grand scheme of things, relationships are everything." [01:34] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Because your relationships, your friendships will make or break you. And they will bring you great sorrow or they can bring you great joy. And I heard someone say it this way one time, that our net worth, our total value, our net worth is determined by our network. Your net worth, your value is determined by the people that you have in your life, in your circle, because we all say, oh, I have friends. But do they really know you? Are you really close to your friends? Because who's in your circle matters." [03:05] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So no doubt, relationships aren't easy. They're not always the easiest to navigate, but they're worth the work. And here's what I'm challenging you to do today. Put in the work. Make the effort to have the relationships that you need in your life to become the man or woman of God that you're called to be because relationships are important. Jesus even said it in Matthew 18, 20. He said, For where two or three gather together as my followers, I'm there among them. He said, When you get together with other believers, I'm going to show up and I'm going to do something cool." [04:43] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When's the last time you let someone sharpen you? When's the last time you've let someone say something to you that you didn't like? Say something to you that you needed to hear, but you didn't want to hear it. Because we say it all the time. Iron sharpens iron. But you know what happens when iron sharpens iron? You rub each other the wrong way. There's friction, there's heat, and there's sparks. And you've got to have people in your life. You've got to have people in your life." [05:23] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You don't know you need people until you need people. And the time to find out that you need people is not when you need them. You need to start building your people base right now. So suck it up and push past all your hesitations and join a group. Get to know your people. Third reason I think that people resist joining a connect group is just plain old fear. I'm not going. I'm not going to do it because I'm afraid. And listen, I get it. But again, I admit. I'm not a going person. And I have a struggle walking up to a group where I don't know anybody." [14:27] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And we want to control that narrative. And what we end up doing is building. We're building walls. And walls may protect you from bad things, but also walls keep good things out. Here's another fear that we allow to stop us, our past experiences. Some of us have been burned, honestly, in past relationships, even past church friendships. You've been hurt. You've been wounded. But can I tell you, as long as there are people in this room, you have a 100% chance of getting hurt. Because hurt people hurt people. And there's hurt people in this room." [17:16] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "And if you lived in the 90s when I did, we found that in a show called Cheers. It was a bar. I didn't go to bars then and I don't go to bars now. But everybody went to Cheers. That was the name of the bar. Why? Because not for the food. Not so much for the drink. They went there because their friends were there. When they walked in the door, people were glad they were there. When they walked in the door, people made them feel like they mattered. They talked to them. They conversed. They did life together. They shared struggles together." [21:16] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "And you approve. But we need somebody to know our names. And so I asked our team if they would get this together. And I want you to read the words and listen to it. And play it loud. I love to hear this. This is the thing. Powerful. Powerful lyrics. And sadly, it's about a bar and not a church. I think that's what God intended the church to be. A place where people can go and they know your name and they love us and you matter and they're glad that you walked in the door." [22:29] (78 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "And I'm going to say something that's going to ruffle some feathers. I'm going to say it anyway. When tragedy hits your life, and it will, people get mad, the church wasn't there for me. My family member died, and nobody was there for me. My friend was in the hospital, and nobody came to check on him because we don't know you. You sitting in a seat on a Sunday morning doesn't mean anybody's there for you. It doesn't mean everybody knows you. It just means you were in attendance. You know how you become a part of the family is when you sit on the stool, like in that, everybody's glad you came, just like cheers." [25:15] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "And I need people that'll protect me. James 5, 16, therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 2 Corinthians 4, 2 in the message version says, we refuse to wear masks and play games. Rather, we keep everything we do and stay out in the open. In other words, we're not gonna hide it. My real friends, I don't have to hide stuff. You need people that really know you, church. Otherwise, you're not gonna get over what you need to get over." [34:14] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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