Habits #3: Connect Relationally
3/13/22 – Week 3
Connect Relationally
Galatians 5:13-26; Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
Connect Relationally: “The habit of experiencing life change by engaging in authentic relationships.
2 Barriers We Experience Relating To ‘Connect Relationally’:
1. It takes up our unobligated time
2. We’re uncomfortable interacting with new people
We were designed for connection
“To Connect”: When you’re consistently meeting with a group of people who are committed to seeking Jesus and practicing the “One-Anothers” together.
“One-Anothers” of Scripture:
“Love one another…” ~John 13:34
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” ~Romans 12:10
“Serve one another humbly in love.” ~Galatians 5:13
“…Bearing with one another in love” ~Ephesians 4:2
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for each other.” ~James 5:16
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” ~1 Thessalonians 5:11
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” ~Galatians 5:13-14
1. When we connect, we’re being obedient to God.
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. ~John 17:20-23
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. ~Galatians 5:16-17
2. When we connect, we begin to value what God values.
2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ~Ephesians 4:2-6
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. ~Hebrews 10:24-25
10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. ~1 Thessalonians 5:10-11
Jesus died so that we could all be together in His presence
For that reason, we need to practice!
What we value will ultimately determine what we do.
What are we valuing above being together?
3. When we connect, we bear fruit
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. ~Galatians 5:22-26
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. ~Proverbs 27:17
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 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. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. ~Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
4. When we connect, we have support
Question #1: Do you need an Ecclesiastes 4 friend, or are you now called to BE an Ecclesiastes 4 friend?
Question #2: What barrier, misplaced value, or fear is holding you back from Connecting Relationally in the Church?