Improving Relationships among Friends

Introduction:
We began this series talking about being an imitator of God. (Eph. 5:1) Being like God/Jesus will go along way in building relationships because a person like this will stand out in the world! What about the relationships with those we come in contact with in the world, those not in the church? Is there a way we can make it better? Can we improve or maintain the relationships without compromising our Christian values? What if they don’t care for us because of our Christianity? Here are some things to remember:

I. Not everyone will _______ you! Don’t try to __________ everyone and compromise your values!
    A. Remember, you are a Christian! See 1 Peter 4:1-5.
        1. The world has always looked down on those who try to serve God.
        2. Think of _______ & ________ in Gen. 4; Heb. 11:4.
    B. The _____________ of the Christian constitutes a condemnation of their unrighteousness.
    C. Consider your behavior. Drink? No, but they do. Lie? No, but they do. Use filthy language? No. Etc.
    D. Some will be uncomfortable because we are what they ________ to be and are not.

II. We must live with a spirit of __________________! Rom. 12:16b-c
    A. There is to be no ________ with our Christianity!
        1. The Christian life speaks _______ & ______ when lived properly! Each can be a living testimony for Jesus!
    B. Mt. 5:13—we are the _______ of the earth. Work quietly!
        1. We save by ________ as well as precepts! See 1 Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:7; 1 Pet. 3:1-6
        2. Unbelieving can be converted through influence for good!
    C. The one who is ___________ sets himself up for ____________!

III. We are the ___________ of the world. Mt. 5:14-16
    A. How can this be true of me? Can they see something different?
    B. Gal. 3:26-27—___________ yourself in Christ.
        1. Literally, to ____________ oneself.
    C. Through our __________ of the gospel!
        1. Mt. 5:13—salt—this tells me _______ I am.
        2. Mt. 5:14—light—this tells me what I ________.
    D. Our lives must first speak which will give an opportunity to speak.

IV. Practical suggestions for improving relationships.
    A. Rom. 12:18—Be at __________ with all men.
    B. Gal. 6:20—do __________ to all.
    C. Js. 1:19-20—be a good _______________.
    D. Eph. 4:29—watch what you ___________.
        1. Col. 4:5-6—conduct yourself with _____________. Let your speech be with __________!
        2. See also Rom. 14:19—build others up by your speech—don’t tear them down!
    E. Phil. 2:15—strive to be _______________; innocent; and above ________________!
        1. Eph. 5:3—not a __________!
    F. 1 John 1:8-10—admit it when you have fallen short; ____________; messed up!
        1. Don’t try to cover it up; lie—this is what the world does! We all sin!
        2. Consider David’s writing—Psa. 69:5; 73:21-24.

Conclusion:
A. It is not self that lives—but ___________ lives within us! Gal. 2:20! Is He seen in you?
B. Does the behavior of those in Christ & their quiet example condemn you? Where will you be on judgment?



Improving Relationships among Friends Introduction: We began this series talking about being an imitator of God. (Eph. 5:1) Being like God/Jesus will go along way in building relationships because a person like this will stand out in the world! What about the relationships with those we come in contact with in the world, those not in the church? Is there a way we can make it better? Can we improve or maintain the relationships without compromising our Christian values? What if they don’t care for us because of our Christianity? Here are some things to remember: I. Not everyone will _______ you! Don’t try to __________ everyone and compromise your values! A. Remember, you are a Christian! See 1 Peter 4:1-5. 1. The world has always looked down on those who try to serve God. 2. Think of _______ & ________ in Gen. 4; Heb. 11:4. B. The _____________ of the Christian constitutes a condemnation of their unrighteousness. C. Consider your behavior. Drink? No, but they do. Lie? No, but they do. Use filthy language? No. Etc. D. Some will be uncomfortable because we are what they ________ to be and are not. II. We must live with a spirit of __________________! Rom. 12:16b-c A. There is to be no ________ with our Christianity! 1. The Christian life speaks _______ & ______ when lived properly! Each can be a living testimony for Jesus! B. Mt. 5:13—we are the _______ of the earth. Work quietly! 1. We save by ________ as well as precepts! See 1 Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:7; 1 Pet. 3:1-6 2. Unbelieving can be converted through influence for good! C. The one who is ___________ sets himself up for ____________! III. We are the ___________ of the world. Mt. 5:14-16 A. How can this be true of me? Can they see something different? B. Gal. 3:26-27—___________ yourself in Christ. 1. Literally, to ____________ oneself. C. Through our __________ of the gospel! 1. Mt. 5:13—salt—this tells me _______ I am. 2. Mt. 5:14—light—this tells me what I ________. D. Our lives must first speak which will give an opportunity to speak. IV. Practical suggestions for improving relationships. A. Rom. 12:18—Be at __________ with all men. B. Gal. 6:20—do __________ to all. C. Js. 1:19-20—be a good _______________. D. Eph. 4:29—watch what you ___________. 1. Col. 4:5-6—conduct yourself with _____________. Let your speech be with __________! 2. See also Rom. 14:19—build others up by your speech—don’t tear them down! E. Phil. 2:15—strive to be _______________; innocent; and above ________________! 1. Eph. 5:3—not a __________! F. 1 John 1:8-10—admit it when you have fallen short; ____________; messed up! 1. Don’t try to cover it up; lie—this is what the world does! We all sin! 2. Consider David’s writing—Psa. 69:5; 73:21-24. Conclusion: A. It is not self that lives—but ___________ lives within us! Gal. 2:20! Is He seen in you? B. Does the behavior of those in Christ & their quiet example condemn you? Where will you be on judgment?