Improving Relationships among Friends/Family

 

2002061

Topic # 8053

 

Introduction:

A.         Series finale.  Hope it’s been beneficial for you.  Have enjoyed preaching it.

1.       Improving relationships w/brethren; in marriage; & in the home discussed up to this point.

B.         Began series w/Eph. 5:1.  Being an imitator of God.

1.       Think of how we have been directed to be “conformed to the image of Christ.”  (Rom. 8:29)

2.       Be like Jesus!  This will go along way in building relationships – b/c a person like this will stand out in a world full of selfish; unfriendly; and ungodly people.

C.         What about the relationships w/those we come into contact in the world?  Those not in the church?

1.       Might include friends; family; co-workers; ANYONE who we are around on a regular basis.

2.       Is there a way we can make it better?

3.       Can we improve or maintain the relationships w/o compromising our Christian values?

4.       What if they don’t care for us because of our Christianity?

D.         Here are some things to remember:

 

I.  Not everyone will like you.

A.          Don’t try to please everyone & wind up compromising your value system!

1.       Remember, you are a Christian!

a)        but wait,…shouldn’t people like me b/c I am trying to follow Christ?

b)        Answer:  Not necessarily.

2.       1 Peter 4:1-5

a)        world always looked down on those who try to serve God.

b)        Cain/Abel – Gen. 4; Heb. 11:4

c)         Serving God causes ripples/waves that cause others to be uncomfortable.

B.          The behavior of the Christian constitutes a condemnation of their unrighteousness.

C.          Consider your behavior.  This should apply to all of us:

1.      you don’t drink.  They do.

2.      You don’t lie.  They do.

3.      You don’t use filthy language.  They do.

4.      You are honest.  They compromise the truth when the going gets tough.

5.      You strive to be morally pure.  They don’t consider it to be important.  Everyone does it.

6.      You worship regularly – it makes them uncomfortable to see that Jesus is first in your life.

7.      You give unflinching obedience – they only obey when it is convenient.

D.          Must face the fact that some are uncomfortable around us because we are what they ought to be and are not.

1.      Our behavior is a condemnation of their disobedience – no wonder they don’t always like us.

 

II.  Remember:  We must live w/a spirit of humility.  Rom. 12:16b-c.

A.     There is to be no fanfare w/our Christianity.  No grasping for glory!

1.      No need for a formal announcement of our presence! 

2.      Why?  Christian life speaks loudly & clearly when lived correctly!

3.      This can be one of the most powerful ways to influence a family member or friends around you!

4.      Each one of us can be a living testimony for Jesus!

B.     Mt. 5:13 – we are the salt of the earth & like salt we are to work quietly!

1.      It is through our righteous influence that we can play a positive role for Christ.

2.      We can save by example as well as precepts!  See 1 Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:7

3.      1 Pet. 3:1-6.  What does Peter tell women married to unbelievers?

a)     conclusion:  unbelieving can be converted – just through one’s influence for good!

C.    The one who is arrogant about His righteousness sets himself up for failure.  Crash & burn.

1.      world is just waiting for the moment you “slip up.”

2.      I thought you were a Christian…

3.      There’s just a bunch of hypocrites in that church…

 

III.  Remember:  we are the light of the world.  Mt. 5:14-16

A.     How can this statement be true of me?

1.      Can others tell something different about me?  Warm?  Friendly?  Godly?

2.      Look to Gal. 3:26-27.  Clothe yourself in Christ.

a)     literally – to array oneself.

b)     Of that in which any person or thing is inherently fixed; implanted; or with which it is intimately connected.  (Thayer)

B.     Through our sharing of the gospel.

1.      Mt. 5:13-14 – consider the order of emphasis.

a)         5:13 – 1st great result of being a Christian & having Christian character is that we are the salt of the earth.

b)         This tells me what I AM.

2.      5:14 – 2nd great result of being a Christian is I am the light of the world.  This tells me what I DO.

3.      Our lives first must speak (influence must be good) which will give us an opportunity to speak!

 

IV.  Some practical suggestions for improving relationships.

A.     Remember Eph. 5:1 – imitate God.  God’s kind of person will:

B.     Rom. 12:18 – be at peace with all men.

1.      go to great lengths – note what Paul says here.

2.      No compromise – but don’t go around looking for a fight!

C.    Gal. 6:10 – do good to all.

1.      look for opportunities!  God presents them to us all the time so that we may glorify Him!  So that others may see Him living in us!

2.      Be willing to go out of your way.  Show that you care!

D.    Js. 1:19-20 – be a good listener!

1.      Quick to hear.  Slow to speak. 

2.      We have two ears and one tongue so that we would listen more and talk less.  – Diogenes

3.      slow to wrath:  how many around us scared to approach us b/c we might “blow our top?”  See also Eph. 4:31-32.

E.     Eph. 4:29 – watch what you say.

1.      See also 5:4.  Col. 4:5-6.  Conduct yourself with wisdom.  Speech be with grace.  THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!

2.      seek to build others up with your speech – not tear them down!  Rom. 14:19.  Can’t say anything good – don’t say it at all!

F.     Phil. 2:15 – strive to be blameless; innocent; and above reproach.

1.      Eph. 5:3 – not a hint…

G.    1 John 1:8-10 – admit it when you have fallen short; sinned; messed up.

1.      Don’t try to cover it up.  Hide it.

2.      Don’t lie.  Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not.

a)         this is what the world does.  When we do this, it’s why they claim “they’re no different from us.”

3.      Don’t make self out to be perfect.  We’re not.  All sin.  But, the difference is that the Christian has hope because he has forgiveness in Christ.

4.      Think of what David said – Psa. 69:5; 73:21-24.

 

Conclusion:

A.       If we are a Christian – it is not self that lives – but Christ lives in us.  Gal. 2:20.  Is Christ seen in you?

B.       In spite of the reproach of the world – one who is a Christian will continue to set the example & remain faithful.

1.      Yes…the world will look at this as being “holier than thou” and take it as a condemnation.  But this must not deter the child of God.

2.      Remember…not everyone liked Jesus.  They plotted against and put Him to death.  Did He provoke them, or just exhibit godliness?

C.      We now appeal to those outside Christ.

1.      Does the behavior of those in Christ and their quiet example condemn you? 

2.      If so, why not use this as an opportunity to get your life right?

D.      Where will you be on judgment?

E.       I N V I T A T I O N