RELATIONSHIPS
Keeping a Solid Foundation
February 20, 2022
1 Timothy 5-6:3
Normalizing relationships with
.
Exhortation
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
With each of you we were like a father with his child, holding your hand, whispering encouragement, showing you step-by-step how to live well before God, who called us into his own kingdom, into this delightful life.
Ephesians 4:15
…but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—
1 Thessalonians 2:7
But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.
Creating
and discomfort to encourage growth and discourage immaturity.
1 Corinthians 4:14
I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.
1 Corinthians 5:4-5
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.
1 Corinthians 11:22b
What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.
Importance of knowing our true
, sustenance and security for life.
Luke 2:36-37
36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Keys to Healthy Relationships
Normalizing necessary
Realistic
Age
1 Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
Wise, Fool or Evil
Proverbs 1:5
A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
Proverbs 12:15-16
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But he who heeds counsel is wise.
16 A fool’s wrath is known at once,
But a prudent man covers shame.
Matthew 7:6
“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
Time
1 Timothy 5:22, 24-25
22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.
24 Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. 25 Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.
All involved need to accept
Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Loving deeply is never easy
John 15:12-13
12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
Life Group Homework
Relationships
February 20, 2022
Getting to Know You
- How many of your high school friends do you still keep in touch with?
Going Deeper
- What are some of the challenges to both giving and receiving exhortation?
(share scriptures and your own thoughts) How have you learned to engage in this practice with people you are close to?
- What are the potential cost if we do not encourage growth and change, referred to as “necessary endings?” (Titus 3:9-11; Proverbs 1:20-33)
- Vulnerability was one of the keys to healthy relationships. Look at 1 Timothy 5:17-6:2 and discuss how Paul seeks to ensure a safe environment for vulnerability to happen. (other scriptures Proverbs 11:13; 16:28; Colossians 3:12-17)