Strengthening Faith Through Community and Relationships
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embark on a two-week series titled "Better and Stronger," focusing on the importance of relationships and community in our spiritual journey. Life is more enjoyable and fulfilling when shared with others, and this principle extends to our faith. Jesus emphasized the power of gathering together, stating that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is present among them. This special presence of God manifests uniquely in community, whether in church, connect groups, or casual gatherings.
At High Point, we believe in the power of connect groups to foster these essential relationships. These groups provide a space for fellowship, prayer, and mutual support, helping us grow spiritually and emotionally. Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, connect groups offer a balanced environment where everyone can learn and grow together.
The right relationships are crucial for our spiritual growth and overall well-being. They spur us on towards good deeds and help us navigate life's challenges. The Bible repeatedly highlights the importance of community, from the creation of Eve for Adam to the teachings of Solomon and the example of the early church in Acts. These stories remind us that we are not meant to do life alone; we are part of the body of Christ, each with a unique role to play.
However, it's not just about having relationships but having the right ones. The right people can propel us towards our God-given potential, while the wrong ones can lead us astray. Therefore, it's essential to surround ourselves with people who uplift us, challenge us, and help us grow in our faith.
In 1 Samuel 14, we see the power of the right relationships through the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer. Despite the challenges and fears, Jonathan's armor bearer stood by him, heart and soul, demonstrating the kind of unwavering support we all need. This story illustrates that the right people help us navigate obstacles, overcome weak faith, and stay committed to our God-given missions.
As we conclude, I encourage you to seek out these vital relationships. Don't be a spectator in your spiritual journey. Engage, connect, and grow with others. Visit the connect group tent and find your circle. Let's do life together and experience the fullness of God's blessings.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Community: Jesus emphasized that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is present among them. This special presence of God manifests uniquely in community, whether in church, connect groups, or casual gatherings. Being part of a community allows us to experience God's power and presence in a way that we cannot achieve alone. [03:05]
2. The Importance of the Right Relationships: The right relationships are crucial for our spiritual growth and overall well-being. They spur us on towards good deeds and help us navigate life's challenges. The Bible repeatedly highlights the importance of community, from the creation of Eve for Adam to the teachings of Solomon and the example of the early church in Acts. [08:44]
3. Navigating Life's Obstacles: The right people help us navigate the slippery slopes of temptation and the thorny obstacles that life throws our way. They see what we don't see and are willing to tell us, helping us avoid pitfalls and stay on the right path. [21:43]
4. Overcoming Weak Faith: We all experience moments of weak faith, but the right people can help us overcome these periods of doubt. They stand with us, pray with us, and encourage us to keep believing in God's promises, even when we feel uncertain. [26:04]
5. Unwavering Support: The right people are fully committed to being with us, heart and soul. They stand by us through thick and thin, offering unwavering support and encouragement. This kind of commitment is essential for navigating life's challenges and fulfilling our God-given missions. [28:59]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [00:59] - Life is More Fun with People
3. [01:40] - The Importance of the Right People
4. [02:29] - Church and Community
5. [03:05] - The Power of Gathering Together
6. [03:55] - Building Relationships at High Point
7. [04:28] - Introverts and Extroverts in Connect Groups
8. [05:07] - The Joy of Being Part of the Church
9. [05:58] - Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
10. [06:32] - The Missing Ingredient: Right Relationships
11. [07:25] - The Body of Christ
12. [08:04] - The Creation of Eve
13. [08:44] - The Wisdom of Solomon
14. [09:26] - The Power of Unity
15. [09:56] - The Influence of Relationships
16. [10:29] - Evaluating Your Closest Friends
17. [11:10] - The Impact of Work Relationships
18. [11:53] - Positive vs. Negative Influences
19. [12:33] - Vultures and Hummingbirds
20. [13:14] - The Influence of Marital Relationships
21. [14:27] - Casual Christians and True Believers
22. [15:24] - The Power of Influence
23. [16:01] - The Impact of Long-Term Relationships
24. [16:48] - The Role of Friends in Our Lives
25. [17:06] - Surgeons vs. Butchers
26. [17:38] - The Importance of the Right Gatherings
27. [18:13] - The Story of Jonathan and His Armor Bearer
28. [18:59] - Complicated Relationships
29. [19:37] - Feeling Cheated in Life
30. [20:12] - Turning Points in Life
31. [20:50] - The Right Relationships Take Effort
32. [21:19] - Navigating Obstacles and Temptations
33. [21:43] - The Slippery Slopes of Temptation
34. [22:19] - The Value of True Friends
35. [22:46] - The Need for Awareness
36. [23:07] - The Danger of Isolation
37. [23:35] - The Importance of Encouragement
38. [23:56] - The Loneliness in Crowds
39. [24:26] - Seeking Wise Counsel
40. [24:53] - Overcoming Weak and Wavering Faith
41. [25:23] - The Ups and Downs of Faith
42. [25:40] - Handling Life's Challenges
43. [26:04] - Jonathan's Boldness and Uncertainty
44. [26:34] - Finding People Who Hear from God
45. [27:00] - The Need for Support
46. [27:30] - The Weight of Hidden Struggles
47. [28:00] - The Commitment of True Friends
48. [28:34] - Jonathan's Armor Bearer
49. [28:59] - Heart and Soul Commitment
50. [29:21] - The Power of Agreement
51. [29:56] - Facing Life's Tragedies
52. [30:34] - The Need for Honest Friends
53. [31:01] - The Right People as the Missing Ingredient
54. [31:32] - The Birth of High Point Church
55. [32:14] - The Danger of Wrong Advice
56. [32:48] - The Impact of Negative Leaders
57. [33:20] - The Need for Supportive Leaders
58. [33:54] - The Story of Moses
59. [34:20] - The Role of Aaron and Hur
60. [34:49] - The Need for Support in Life
61. [35:15] - The Danger of Isolation
62. [35:52] - The Example of the Early Church
63. [36:23] - The Call to Community
64. [37:00] - The Importance of Connect Groups
65. [37:38] - The Need for Community
66. [38:20] - The Power of the Right People
67. [38:55] - The Call to Action
68. [39:29] - Overcoming Past Hurts
69. [39:56] - Dealing with Annoying People
70. [40:30] - The Need for Self-Awareness
71. [41:08] - The Call to Connect
72. [41:51] - Are You Ready to Ride?
73. [42:21] - Prayer for Right Relationships
74. [43:03] - Invitation to 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 4:9-10 - "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."
3. 1 Samuel 14:6-7 - "Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, 'Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.' 'Do all that you have in mind,' his armor-bearer said. 'Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.'"
### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 18:20, what special promise does Jesus make about His presence when believers gather together? [03:05]
2. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, what are the benefits mentioned of having a companion? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on community? [08:44]
3. What was Jonathan’s initial attitude towards confronting the Philistines in 1 Samuel 14:6, and how did his armor-bearer respond? [26:04]
4. How does the sermon describe the impact of having the right relationships in our lives? [09:56]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise in Matthew 18:20 about Jesus' presence in gatherings influence the way we view community and connect groups? [03:05]
2. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 speaks about the importance of having someone to help us up when we fall. How does this principle apply to our spiritual and emotional lives? [08:44]
3. Jonathan’s armor-bearer showed unwavering support in 1 Samuel 14:7. What does this teach us about the kind of relationships we should seek in our spiritual journey? [26:04]
4. The sermon mentions that the right people can help us navigate life's obstacles and temptations. How can we identify and cultivate these right relationships in our lives? [21:43]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current relationships. Are there people in your life who consistently point you towards God and help you grow spiritually? How can you strengthen these relationships? [09:56]
2. Think about a time when you felt spiritually or emotionally weak. Did you have someone to support you? How did their support impact your situation? [26:04]
3. The sermon encourages us to step out of our comfort zones and engage in connect groups. What are some practical steps you can take this week to get involved in a connect group or build stronger community ties? [05:58]
4. Jonathan’s armor-bearer was committed to being with him heart and soul. Do you have someone in your life who offers this level of support? If not, how can you seek out such relationships? [28:59]
5. The sermon highlights the importance of having the right people to help us navigate temptations and obstacles. Identify one area of your life where you face challenges. How can you seek support from your community to overcome these challenges? [21:43]
6. Reflect on the influence of your closest friends. Are they helping you grow closer to God or pulling you away? What changes might you need to make in your relationships to ensure they are positively impacting your spiritual journey? [10:29]
7. The sermon mentions the danger of isolation and the importance of community. How can you be more intentional about reaching out to others and building meaningful connections within your church or community? [35:15]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Community
Description: Jesus emphasized that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is present among them. This special presence of God manifests uniquely in community, whether in church, connect groups, or casual gatherings. Being part of a community allows us to experience God's power and presence in a way that we cannot achieve alone. When we gather with others who share our faith, we create an environment where God’s presence is felt more profoundly, and His power is more evident. This communal experience is vital for our spiritual growth and well-being. [03:05]
Matthew 18:20 (ESV): "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt God's presence more strongly in a group setting than when you were alone. How can you make gathering with other believers a more regular part of your life?
Day 2: The Importance of the Right Relationships
Description: The right relationships are crucial for our spiritual growth and overall well-being. They spur us on towards good deeds and help us navigate life's challenges. The Bible repeatedly highlights the importance of community, from the creation of Eve for Adam to the teachings of Solomon and the example of the early church in Acts. These stories remind us that we are not meant to do life alone; we are part of the body of Christ, each with a unique role to play. Surrounding ourselves with the right people can propel us towards our God-given potential, while the wrong ones can lead us astray. [08:44]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "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!"
Reflection: Evaluate your closest relationships. Are they helping you grow spiritually and emotionally? What steps can you take to foster more positive, faith-building relationships?
Day 3: Navigating Life's Obstacles
Description: The right people help us navigate the slippery slopes of temptation and the thorny obstacles that life throws our way. They see what we don't see and are willing to tell us, helping us avoid pitfalls and stay on the right path. Having friends who are willing to speak truth into our lives, even when it’s uncomfortable, is invaluable. These relationships act as a safeguard, providing wisdom and guidance that can help us make better decisions and avoid unnecessary hardships. [21:43]
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Reflection: Think of a friend who has helped you avoid a significant mistake. How can you be that kind of friend to someone else today?
Day 4: Overcoming Weak Faith
Description: We all experience moments of weak faith, but the right people can help us overcome these periods of doubt. They stand with us, pray with us, and encourage us to keep believing in God's promises, even when we feel uncertain. Having a support system that lifts us up in prayer and offers encouragement can make a significant difference in our spiritual journey. These relationships provide the strength and reassurance we need to persevere through challenging times. [26:04]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Identify a moment when your faith was weak, and someone helped you through it. How can you offer similar support to someone in your community who might be struggling?
Day 5: Unwavering Support
Description: The right people are fully committed to being with us, heart and soul. They stand by us through thick and thin, offering unwavering support and encouragement. This kind of commitment is essential for navigating life's challenges and fulfilling our God-given missions. The story of Jonathan and his armor bearer in 1 Samuel 14 illustrates the power of such relationships. Despite the challenges and fears, Jonathan's armor bearer stood by him, demonstrating the kind of unwavering support we all need. [28:59]
1 Samuel 14:7 (ESV): "And his armor-bearer said to him, 'Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a person who has shown you unwavering support. How can you express your gratitude to them today, and how can you be that kind of support to someone else?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Life is more fun with people. Life is more fun when we have people to do life with." [00:59] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Because half the fun of the rides is who you ride the rides with. Because who you have in your life, the right people beside you, can make a big difference." [01:40] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I'm not going to let my mind get filled with the what-ifs and rob me of the thrill of the journey along the way. I'm not going to show up to the park and refuse to participate." [02:29] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Because the right relationships will spur us on towards good deeds. They'll spur us on towards the things of God, and they'll encourage us. You'll never do all the things you want to do. You'll never do all the things that God wants you to do without the right people in your life." [07:25] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When the right people gather for the right reasons, God's there and the right things start to happen. Because wherever two people gather together in his name, He says I'm going to be there. And I want him here." [17:38] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Because nothing kills the joy of being part of this church quicker than sitting in the seat on a Sunday morning and going home after church and never meeting people that you go to church with. Because you're not going to have any buy-in. You're going to miss out on all the benefits of what it's like to be a part of the body of Christ." [05:07] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The right people help us navigate obstacles and temptations. When things come across our path that don't need to be there. That could trip us up. When temptations show up. That could cause us to slide back into something. That maybe God delivered us from. The right friends help keep you on track." [21:19] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The right people help us overcome weak and wavering faith. many of you ever been to a Major League Baseball game. One of the things that I love about going to the ball games. Is every game I've been to. They always do the wave. And everybody. And you jump up and down. And you're like. It's so much fun. But how many of you know that ain't fun in real life." [24:53] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you're afraid I'm going to stand with you. When you act stupid I'm going to correct you. When you feel like God's not with you. When you feel like God's spoken to you. I'm going to support you. When you don't know what to do. I'm going to be your sounding board. And when you pray. I'm going to pray with you." [29:21] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Because when the right people gather together for the right reasons. God shows up and the right things start happening. But the biggest need I see in the church world today is we need community. We go to church but we don't connect." [37:38] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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