Transforming Relationships Through Expectation and Vulnerability
Summary
Taking a step beyond mere faith into expectation can transform our spiritual atmosphere. When we engage our faith with the expectation that God is actively present and desires to reach us, we open ourselves to His transformative love. God, like a good father, wants to embrace us, affirm us, and speak destiny over our lives. We are called to pursue Him wholeheartedly, offering not just the leftovers of our lives but our full selves, because He is worthy of all our praise. In this pursuit, we find shelter, hope, and strength in Him.
As we embark on a new series on relationships, it's crucial to recognize the importance of community. Our relationships act as mirrors, reflecting who we are and who we are becoming. Proverbs 27 reminds us that the friends we choose reveal our true selves. Just as a mirror shows us our physical appearance, our relationships reveal our inner state. We need to be intentional about the people we surround ourselves with, as they shape our destiny.
Busyness and masks are two common barriers to forming meaningful relationships. We often claim to be too busy to invest in relationships, but the truth is, we have a relationship problem, not a busyness problem. The right relationships can help us manage our time and resources more effectively. Additionally, we tend to wear masks, showing only the parts of ourselves that we want others to see. However, the most fulfilling relationships are those where we can be our true selves and still be loved.
We need four types of relationships in our lives: peers, big brothers and sisters, spiritual fathers and mothers, and those we serve. Peers remind us that we are not alone in our struggles. Big brothers and sisters, who are a step ahead, can stir us towards love and good deeds. Spiritual fathers and mothers provide long-term, consistent guidance. Lastly, serving others helps us grow by lifting them to their next level.
In this journey, we must be willing to let down our masks and allow others into our lives. It's a process that may take time, but with God's help, we can build the right relationships that will lead us to a content and fulfilled life.
Key Takeaways:
1. Expectation Transforms Faith: Moving from mere faith to expectation invites God's active presence into our lives. This shift allows us to experience His love and affirmation, as He desires to embrace us and speak destiny over us. Engaging our faith with expectation can change the spiritual atmosphere around us. [31:40]
2. Relationships Reflect Our True Selves: Our relationships act as mirrors, revealing who we are and who we are becoming. Proverbs 27 teaches that the friends we choose reflect our true character. Just as a mirror shows our physical appearance, our relationships reveal our inner state and shape our destiny. [39:56]
3. Busyness vs. Relationship Problem: We often claim busyness as a barrier to relationships, but it's actually a relationship problem. The right relationships can help us manage our time and resources more effectively. By prioritizing meaningful connections, we can overcome the illusion of busyness. [47:00]
4. The Power of Vulnerability: Wearing masks in relationships limits our growth. The most fulfilling relationships are those where we can be our true selves and still be loved. Vulnerability allows us to experience genuine connection and growth, as others see beyond our masks and accept us. [52:19]
5. Four Essential Relationships: We need peers, big brothers and sisters, spiritual fathers and mothers, and those we serve. Each type of relationship plays a crucial role in our spiritual journey, providing support, guidance, and opportunities for growth. Serving others also helps us grow by lifting them to their next level. [01:08:22]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[31:40] - Introduction to "All the Feels" Series
[39:56] - The Relationship Mirror
[42:51] - The Importance of Community
[43:46] - Overcoming Busyness
[45:30] - The Illusion of Contentment
[47:00] - Relationship vs. Busyness Problem
[48:26] - Personal Story: Wedding Party
[50:17] - The Masks We Wear
[52:19] - Vulnerability in Relationships
[53:43] - The Role of Peers
[55:57] - Celebrating Small Group Leaders
[57:17] - Big Brothers and Sisters
[58:12] - Spiritual Fathers and Mothers
[01:08:22] - Serving Others
[01:11:33] - Responding to God's Call
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Proverbs 27:19 - "As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart."
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."
3. John 15:15 - "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, how does moving from faith to expectation change our spiritual atmosphere? [31:40]
2. What does Proverbs 27:19 suggest about the role of relationships in reflecting our true selves? [39:56]
3. How does the sermon describe the difference between a busyness problem and a relationship problem? [47:00]
4. What are the four types of relationships mentioned in the sermon that we need in our lives? [01:08:22]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the expectation of God's active presence in our lives influence our daily actions and decisions? [31:40]
2. In what ways do our relationships act as mirrors, and how can this understanding impact our choices in friendships? [39:56]
3. How can vulnerability in relationships lead to personal growth and deeper connections, according to the sermon? [52:19]
4. What role do spiritual fathers and mothers play in our spiritual journey, and why is their guidance considered essential? [01:02:58]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current relationships. Are there any that you feel are not reflecting your true self? How can you address this? [39:56]
2. Consider the concept of moving from faith to expectation. What is one area of your life where you can begin to expect God's active presence? [31:40]
3. Identify a "mask" you might be wearing in your relationships. What steps can you take to let down this mask and be more authentic? [52:19]
4. Think about your current level of busyness. How can you prioritize relationships to help manage your time and resources more effectively? [47:00]
5. Who are the peers, big brothers and sisters, spiritual fathers and mothers, and those you serve in your life? How can you strengthen these relationships? [01:08:22]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt truly seen and loved despite your imperfections. How can you create that environment for others in your community? [52:19]
7. What is one practical step you can take this week to serve someone and help them reach their next level? [01:08:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Expectation Invites God's Presence
When we move beyond mere faith into expectation, we invite God's active presence into our lives. This shift allows us to experience His transformative love and affirmation, as He desires to embrace us and speak destiny over us. By engaging our faith with expectation, we change the spiritual atmosphere around us, opening ourselves to the fullness of His love and guidance. This expectation is not about demanding outcomes but about trusting that God is present and working in our lives. [31:40]
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life can you shift from mere faith to expectation, trusting that God is actively present and working?
Day 2: Relationships as Mirrors
Our relationships act as mirrors, revealing who we are and who we are becoming. Proverbs 27 teaches that the friends we choose reflect our true character. Just as a mirror shows our physical appearance, our relationships reveal our inner state and shape our destiny. Being intentional about the people we surround ourselves with is crucial, as they influence our growth and spiritual journey. By choosing relationships that reflect God's love and truth, we align ourselves with His purpose for our lives. [39:56]
"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." (Proverbs 13:20 ESV)
Reflection: Consider your closest relationships. How do they reflect your inner state and influence your spiritual growth?
Day 3: Overcoming the Illusion of Busyness
We often claim busyness as a barrier to relationships, but it's actually a relationship problem. The right relationships can help us manage our time and resources more effectively. By prioritizing meaningful connections, we can overcome the illusion of busyness and find balance in our lives. It's about recognizing that investing in relationships is not a distraction but a vital part of our spiritual journey. When we make time for the right people, we find that our lives become more manageable and fulfilling. [47:00]
"Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind." (Ecclesiastes 4:6 ESV)
Reflection: What is one relationship you can prioritize this week to help manage your time and resources more effectively?
Day 4: The Power of Vulnerability
Wearing masks in relationships limits our growth. The most fulfilling relationships are those where we can be our true selves and still be loved. Vulnerability allows us to experience genuine connection and growth, as others see beyond our masks and accept us. By letting down our masks, we invite others into our lives and create space for authentic relationships that nurture our spiritual journey. It's a process that requires courage and trust, but with God's help, we can build connections that lead to a content and fulfilled life. [52:19]
"Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." (Ephesians 4:25 ESV)
Reflection: What mask are you wearing in your relationships, and how can you begin to let it down to allow for genuine connection?
Day 5: Four Essential Relationships
We need peers, big brothers and sisters, spiritual fathers and mothers, and those we serve. Each type of relationship plays a crucial role in our spiritual journey, providing support, guidance, and opportunities for growth. Peers remind us that we are not alone in our struggles, while big brothers and sisters encourage us towards love and good deeds. Spiritual fathers and mothers offer long-term guidance, and serving others helps us grow by lifting them to their next level. By cultivating these relationships, we create a supportive community that nurtures our spiritual growth. [01:08:22]
"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: Which of the four essential relationships do you need to cultivate more in your life, and what steps can you take to do so this week?
Quotes
"Your relationships are a mirror to your destiny and to who you're becoming. You ever had one of those times where you wish that you had a mirror? Because eventually you found out that things were not good. I remember. That season that is not to be named, but when we did church online for, I think, 73 weeks, legitimately the toughest season of all of our lives, of course." [00:40:58] (26 seconds)
"And we tell ourselves it's the other way around. We say, well, I'm busy as a result of my over busy -ness. I don't have the right relationships. Couldn't put them in. my life in this season, not going to happen. As a result, we might not be content. And the Bible flips it all around and says, you actually don't have a busyness problem. You got a relationship problem." [00:47:00] (17 seconds)
"You see, iron sharpens iron. You're not going to be able to deal with your busyness problem until you have the right people in your life. They will help lead you. I'm telling you, your efficiency and your effectiveness is tied less to your toil and your working harder and more to do I have the right people in my life to help lead me to become a wiser steward of my life and my time and my finances. We don't have a busyness problem. We got a relationship problem." [00:47:10] (26 seconds)
"There are others that are going through the situation and season that you're going through. And you tell yourself that I'm the only insecure one. Look at how put together they are. Or you tell yourself their marriage is great and our marriage isn't. Or you tell yourself their kids listen when they talk to them and my kids don't listen to me. When I talk to them, whatever you tell yourself. And the reality is this. The best relationship will be the one where the mask comes down and you know that you're still loved. This is how God models it to us in relationship." [00:52:40] (30 seconds)
"Number one, we all, and this is the one that most of us have. Number one is peers. It's peers. It's people that are in the same stage of life, similar place in life to you. You need to have peers. And you need to have peers so that you know that you're not the only one. You need to have peers. You need to have peers to know that you're not the only one that has that challenge, that overwhelmed feeling from time to time. You need to have peers that you let see behind the mask." [00:53:43] (29 seconds)
"Big brothers and big sisters. Big brothers and big sisters. That's your small group leaders that we just had stand up. Someone who's a step or two ahead of you on the road. Hebrews 12 24 says it this way. Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. So a big brother big sister it's just someone who is able to see when you're flat and is willing to stir you up when you're in that place." [00:57:17] (26 seconds)
"You see, we don't elevate to the next level in the kingdom only by having people lifting us. Part of you getting to the next level in your spiritual walk is having others. that you're lifting to their next level. Matthew 20, 28 says it this way, the son of man, Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve. So part of the way that we actually grow and become more like Jesus is not just how do I get to my next level? It's to look up and down the row. It's to look across your small group and think I might not have it all together, but I'm gonna serve somebody." [01:09:22] (34 seconds)
"The relationship mirror. In the same way that that mirror is gonna look for whatever's on your face or whatever's on the outside of you that's a little bit off, your relationships in this next 11 months of 2025 are gonna define where you get to and what's going on on the inside of you. Let's stand together and just allow God's word to soak into our hearts." [01:10:16] (25 seconds)
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