January 29, 2017

Transformational Relationships

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: Vision & Values Scripture: 1 Samuel 18–23

Vision & Values
Transformational Relationships
1 Samuel 18-23

(To download and print blank sermon notes to complete while you listen, click HERE.)

“Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” (Genesis 2:18)

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)

God has designed us so that we must have relationships to grow into all that He desires us to be.

4 Levels of Relationships

1. The Checkout level: Initial friendships

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2)

2. The Choice level: Social friendships

Choose to spend time with – mutual interests

3. The Companionship level: Close friendships

Often born out of adversity or a shared need

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)

“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” (John 11:5)

4. The Change level: Intimate friendships

“And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:” (Luke 6:13)

5 Characteristics of Transformational Relationships

1. Commitment born out of Love (18:1-3)

  • Spoken (18:3)
  • Proven (19:1-6) – Not just words, but actions
  • Sacrificial (20:30-33)

2. Belief in one another (18:4)

A friend often sees something in us that we might not see in ourselves

“Your best friend helps bring out the very best that is in you.” Henry Ford

3. Confrontation (20:1-4)

Often one of the most difficult things to do and to do well

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:5–6)

4. Honest Emotions (20:41)

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)

5. Encouragement (23:15-18)

A friend is one who comes in when the whole world has gone out

Q: How can I develop these types of relationships?

A: By becoming that type of a Person

“A man who has friends must himself be friendly.” (Proverbs 18:24a, NKJV)

No matter how great your human relationships, there will always be an emptiness, a void in your life if you do not develop a relationship with God!

The deepest, most powerful relationship you can ever have is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ

Making It Personal

What is my current relationship with God through Jesus Christ? What can I do to deepen that relationship?

As I think about my current relationships with others, who do I have in my life at the “Change Level”? What can I do to develop these relationships?

Which characteristic of transformational relationships do I most need to increase in my life? With God’s enabling grace, what can I do to develop this characteristic more fully in my life?

other sermons in this series

Feb 19

2017

Missional Lifestyle

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Matthew 9:35–38 Series: Vision & Values

Feb 12

2017

Radical Obedience

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: 2 Kings 5 Series: Vision & Values

Feb 5

2017

Christ-Centered Families

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Genesis 2:18–24 Series: Vision & Values