Unfiltered: The Power and Purpose of Relationships

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound impact of relationships in our lives, emphasizing that we are not meant to journey through life alone. From the very beginning, God designed us to live in community, highlighting that even with God in the picture, it was not good for man to be alone. This underscores the importance of relationships, not just with God, but with others around us. We are embarking on a three-week series titled "Unfiltered," focusing on the significance of relationships and how they shape our lives.

We delved into the concept of "But God" moments, where divine intervention can transform our circumstances, whether it be salvation, healing, or financial breakthrough. We were reminded that we are not alone in our prayers for loved ones who have yet to encounter God. Our church community stands together, believing for generational change and the salvation of families.

The sermon also touched on the importance of interdependence in relationships, as opposed to living independently or codependently. Interdependence allows us to give and receive help, reflecting the perfect unity seen in the Godhead. We were encouraged to engage in smaller groups to foster deeper connections and to be open to the people God places in our lives as potential answers to our prayers.

Furthermore, we discussed how healthy relationships mature our souls, teaching us patience, kindness, and forgiveness. Relationships are a journey, much like assembling furniture from Ikea, where we are given the pieces and asked to build something meaningful. With Jesus at the center, His word and His way can bring health to our relationships, no matter the starting point.

Finally, we were reminded that our relationships should point others to Jesus. By loving one another in a way that reflects God's love, we can be a testament to the world of His reality and grace. As we continue this series, let's open our hearts to what God wants to mature in us and strive for relational health that glorifies Him.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of "But God" Moments: In our lives, there are circumstances that seem insurmountable, but God can intervene and bring transformation. Whether it's salvation, healing, or financial breakthrough, we are reminded that we are not alone in our prayers for loved ones. Our church community stands together, believing for generational change and the salvation of families. [49:06]

2. Interdependence in Relationships: God designed us to live in community, emphasizing the importance of interdependence rather than independence or codependence. Interdependence allows us to give and receive help, reflecting the perfect unity seen in the Godhead. Engaging in smaller groups fosters deeper connections and opens us to the people God places in our lives as potential answers to our prayers. [56:22]

3. Maturing Through Relationships: Healthy relationships mature our souls, teaching us patience, kindness, and forgiveness. Relationships are a journey, much like assembling furniture, where we are given the pieces and asked to build something meaningful. With Jesus at the center, His word and His way can bring health to our relationships, no matter the starting point. [01:11:41]

4. Relationships as a Testament to God's Love: Our relationships should point others to Jesus. By loving one another in a way that reflects God's love, we can be a testament to the world of His reality and grace. Our church is called to love in such a way that it speaks to our city of a God who is alive and loves them. [01:14:55]

5. Opening Our Hearts to God's Work: As we continue this series, let's open our hearts to what God wants to mature in us. We are encouraged to seek relational health that glorifies Him, allowing His word and His way to bring restoration and growth in our relationships. [01:19:02]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [49:06] - The Power of "But God" Moments
- [51:26] - Home Renovation and Relationships
- [52:32] - Genesis and the Need for Community
- [55:00] - The Importance of Groups
- [56:22] - Interdependence in Relationships
- [01:02:48] - Overcoming Hurt in Relationships
- [01:03:53] - The Ikea Analogy
- [01:04:54] - Building Meaningful Relationships
- [01:05:48] - Jesus' Command to Love
- [01:08:17] - Learning Through Relationship Challenges
- [01:10:04] - Restoration in Relationships
- [01:11:41] - Maturing Through Relationships
- [01:14:55] - Relationships as a Testament to God's Love
- [01:19:02] - Opening Our Hearts to God's Work

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Unfiltered - The Significance of Relationships

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 2:18 - "The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'"
2. John 15:9-17 - "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love..."
3. Colossians 3:12-15 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience..."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Genesis 2:18 reveal about God's design for human relationships? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on community? [52:32]

2. In John 15:9-17, what command does Jesus give regarding love and friendship? How does this passage connect to the idea of relationships pointing others to Jesus? [01:05:48]

3. According to Colossians 3:12-15, what virtues are we encouraged to clothe ourselves with, and how do these virtues contribute to relational health? [01:10:04]

4. The sermon mentioned "But God" moments. What are some examples given, and how do these moments demonstrate God's intervention in our relationships? [49:06]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of interdependence, as discussed in the sermon, differ from independence and codependence? Why is interdependence important in our relationships? [56:22]

2. The sermon used the analogy of assembling Ikea furniture to describe relationships. What does this analogy suggest about the effort and patience required in building meaningful relationships? [01:04:54]

3. In what ways do healthy relationships mature our souls, according to the sermon? How does this process of maturation reflect the teachings in Colossians 3:12-15? [01:11:41]

4. How can our relationships serve as a testament to God's love, as mentioned in the sermon? What practical steps can we take to ensure our relationships reflect this? [01:14:55]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a "But God" moment in your life. How did this experience change your perspective on relationships and God's role in them? [49:06]

2. Consider your current relationships. Are there areas where you are living independently or codependently rather than interdependently? What changes can you make to foster healthier interdependence? [56:22]

3. Think about a relationship in your life that requires patience and effort, much like assembling Ikea furniture. What practical steps can you take this week to invest in and nurture this relationship? [01:04:54]

4. Identify a specific virtue from Colossians 3:12-15 that you struggle with in your relationships. What is one actionable step you can take this week to cultivate this virtue? [01:10:04]

5. How can you intentionally point others to Jesus through your relationships? Consider one relationship where you can demonstrate God's love more clearly this week. [01:14:55]

6. Reflect on a past hurt in a relationship. How can you allow the Holy Spirit to soften your heart and open yourself to healing and restoration? [01:02:48]

7. What is one practical way you can engage with your church community or small group to build deeper connections and support one another in prayer and life? [55:00]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Interventions in Life's Challenges
In life, there are moments when circumstances seem overwhelming and insurmountable. These are the times when divine intervention, often referred to as "But God" moments, can bring about profound transformation. Whether it is through salvation, healing, or financial breakthrough, these moments remind us that we are not alone in our struggles. Our prayers for loved ones and personal challenges are heard, and we are part of a community that stands together, believing for generational change and the salvation of families. These moments are a testament to God's power and love, showing us that He is actively involved in our lives and capable of changing our circumstances in ways we might not expect. [49:06]

Genesis 50:20 (ESV): "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life that feels overwhelming. How can you invite God into this situation and trust Him for a "But God" moment?

Day 2: Embracing Interdependence in Community
God designed us to live in community, emphasizing the importance of interdependence rather than independence or codependence. Interdependence allows us to give and receive help, reflecting the perfect unity seen in the Godhead. Engaging in smaller groups fosters deeper connections and opens us to the people God places in our lives as potential answers to our prayers. By embracing interdependence, we acknowledge that we are stronger together and that our relationships can be a source of strength and support. This approach encourages us to be vulnerable and open, allowing others to speak into our lives and help us grow in our faith journey. [56:22]

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: Consider a relationship where you can practice interdependence. How can you both give and receive support in this relationship today?

Day 3: Growth Through Relational Challenges
Healthy relationships mature our souls, teaching us patience, kindness, and forgiveness. Much like assembling furniture, relationships require effort and intentionality to build something meaningful. With Jesus at the center, His word and His way can bring health to our relationships, no matter the starting point. As we navigate the complexities of relationships, we learn valuable lessons that shape our character and deepen our faith. These experiences teach us to extend grace and love, even in challenging situations, and to rely on God's guidance to nurture and sustain our connections with others. [01:11:41]

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Reflection: Identify a relational challenge you are currently facing. How can you apply patience, kindness, or forgiveness to this situation today?

Day 4: Reflecting God's Love Through Relationships
Our relationships should point others to Jesus, reflecting God's love in a way that is evident to the world. By loving one another authentically and selflessly, we become a testament to God's reality and grace. Our church community is called to love in such a way that it speaks to our city of a God who is alive and loves them. This love is not just for those within our community but extends to everyone we encounter, demonstrating the transformative power of God's love in our lives. [01:14:55]

John 13:34-35 (ESV): "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Reflection: Think of someone outside your immediate circle who needs to experience God's love. How can you show them love in a tangible way today?

Day 5: Opening Our Hearts to God's Transformative Work
As we continue to explore the significance of relationships, we are encouraged to open our hearts to what God wants to mature in us. Seeking relational health that glorifies Him involves allowing His word and His way to bring restoration and growth in our relationships. This process requires us to be receptive to God's work in our lives, trusting that He is shaping us into the people He has called us to be. By surrendering our relationships to Him, we invite His transformative power to bring healing and renewal, ultimately leading us to deeper connections with others and a closer walk with Him. [01:19:02]

Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Reflection: Reflect on an area in your relationships where you need God's transformative work. How can you invite Him to bring growth and healing in this area today?

Quotes

"God has designed us to live in relationships that are interdependent see we can live independently we can live interdependently or we can live codependently interdependence is trying to meet all my needs by myself you ever met the self -made man I'm a self -made man I've built this amazing business I met this guy not here at our church at a different church met this guy who runs a development company and he was so quick to tell me how much he built up and how much he'd done and how amazing his story had been and in the back of my mind I'm thinking but everything you built is with the material God gave you." [00:57:25] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"God wants to teach us so much in the context of relationship. Colossians 3 verse 12 to 15 says this, therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another. If any of you have grievance against someone, forgive as the Lord has forgiven you. And all of these virtues, over all of these virtues, put on love, which binds them together in perfect unity." [01:08:00] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Do you know that God wants to use healthy relationships to mature our soul? I love 1 Corinthians 13. Love is patient. Love is kind. Does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud. It does not dishonor others. It is not self -seeking. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It always protects. Always trusts. Always hopes. And always perseveres." [01:12:13] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"God wants to use, life, look at me. God wants to use our church. Not to go out with placards. May I say it? Not to march across the bridge, but to love one another in such a way that it speaks to our world that there is a God who is alive and a God who is real and a God who loves and a God who feels alive. And God forgives that he can take such different people and knit us together as a family where we are one together." [01:15:46] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Open your heart and say, God, what do you want to mature in me? What do you want to grow in me? And God, would I have such relational health that wherever I go, it points people to Jesus? Can I have such relational health that wherever I go, people can't help but see a God who has redeemed a broken person and let them do relationship healthfully. God, let them see that." [01:19:02] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?