1997-04-23 - Four Relationships We Need
The Small Groups Series, Part 1
All scripture today is from the Living Bible.
- We Need Models that Inspire Us.
- Jesus said in John 13:15 I have given you an example to follow: do as I have done to you.
- Paul said in Philippians 3:17 Dear brothers, pattern your lives after mine, and notice who else lives up to my example.
- Who are you following? Who are the models in your life?
- We Need Mentors to Advise Us
- Proverbs 19:20 Get all the advice you can and be wise the rest of your life.
- Proverbs 15:22 Plans go wrong with too few counselors; many counselors bring success.
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How to benefit from a mentor:
- a: Ask Questions - Proverbs 20:5 Though good advice lies deep within a counselor's heart, the wise man will draw it out.
- b:Accept Feedback - Ecclesiastes 7:5 It is better to be criticized by a wise man than to be praised by a fool!
- Proverbs 25:12 It is a badge of honor to accept valid criticism.
- We Need Partners that Assist Us
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one, for the results can be much better. If one falls, the other pulls him up; but if a man falls when he is alone, he's in trouble.
- Romans 12:4-5 Just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of it, and it takes every one of us to make it complete, for we each have different work to do. So we belong to each other, and each needs all the others.
- We Need Friends that Support Us. True friends give the following:
- Emotional Support - Proverbs 17:17 A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
- Intellectual Support - Proverbs 17:17 Be with wise men and become wise. Be with evil men and become evil.
- Spiritual Support - Hebrews 10:24 In response to all he has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good.
- 2 Corinthians 6:15 And what harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a Christian be a partner with one who doesn't believe?
- 1 Corinthians 15:33 Don't be fooled by those who say such things. If you listen to them you will start acting like them.
And of course our most important relationship is that wonderful personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Romans 5:11 Now we rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God-all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done in dying for our sins-making us friends of God.
Dear Father, Help us to be models, mentors, partners and supportive friends. Help us accept inspiration from others, advice, and constructive criticism. Help us both accept and give emotional, intellectual and spiritual support to and from others. Mostly Father we thank you for the greatest relationship that you have made available to us, your Son Jesus Christ. In His Name we pray, Amen.