REAL-LIFE RELATIONSHIPS

Following Jesus will transform how you

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to other people.

Perseverance

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life-giving community.

Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.

15Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many.

16And make sure that there isn’t any immoral or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for a single meal.

17For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, even though he sought it with tears, because he didn’t find any opportunity for repentance. —Hebrews 12:14–17 (CSB)

GRACE-BASED RELATIONSHIPS

Christian community

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on grace-based relationships.

Grace-based relationships pursue…

WHAT:

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spiritual investment in others…

WHO:

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of who or when…

WHY: to visibly

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the glory of God’s grace.

THE STRATEGY:

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to any “thing” in need of our attention.

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the weary struggler unable to continue.
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can weaken a heart that was once strong.

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the root of bitterness undermining grace.
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can stain a heart that was once pure.

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the worldly person unwilling to repent.
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can mislead a heart that’s now sincere.

It’s Your Move…

DISCUSS:

  1. How would you describe your relationships with others Christians. What about broadly in the life of our church?

  2. Why do you think these relationships require such effort? What sort of things make this difficult to achieve?

  3. How have Christian relationships helped you see the glory of God? How have they hindered you ability to see the same?

  4. How would you describe bitterness and it’s affect on people? What kind of trouble has it caused in your life or others? Discuss how Christians should address this problem.

  5. What all do we learn from Esau about the problem of a worldly spirit? How should we address this when we see it?

  6. What fears or hesitation keep you from pursuing these kind of relationships? How can we address that and promote a culture of grace?

APPLY:

  1. Is there someone you’re avoiding or any resentment in your heart? Pray for that person right now and ask God to help you resolve that root. Consider setting up a call or visit.

  2. Identify someone in church you’ve never spoken to before. Make an effort next Sunday to encourage them in their faith.

  3. Who do you know that is struggling right now? Is it failure? Is it resentment? It is worldliness or something else? Send a relevant text or email with a Scripture and a prayer.

  4. Examine your heart for any spirit of irreverence. Write down the things that come to mind. Share this list with a trusted believer who will commit to pray and help you fight it.