The influence of the world’s values has brought us individualism, entitlement, and an avoidance of commitment – especially confrontational commitment. The church desperately needs to display a return to the foundations of community and relational investment that carries the hallmark characteristic of being committed to one another.
Conclusion:
- A Disciple loves others
- A Disciple prays for others
- A Disciple is invested in what is happening to others
- A Disciple cares about intergenerational commitment
- A Disciple writes to encourage others
- A Disciple doesn’t only write, they mentor in person
- A Disciple knows your name
Application:
(1) Be intentional (2) to do the work (3) of relational investment
- I am confident in my relationships at church?
- I feel connected to people of all ages in my church?
- I am mentored by someone older, and I mentor someone younger?
- Do you help others feel that they belong?
- How devoted are you to the person sitting across from you?
- Who is your mentor? Who are you mentoring?
“Creating meaningful relationships within the church can’t be simply about encouragement and positivity. Meaningful relationships often arise out of difficult disagreements along our journey together. Part of being vulnerable is sticking around long enough to work them out.”
Philippians 2:25-26
“But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.”
Galatians 4:19-20
“My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!”
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8; 11-12
“Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.”
1 Timothy 1:2
“To Timothy my true son in the faith…”
Titus 1:4
“To Titus, my true son in our common faith…”
1 Peter 5:13
“She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.”
1 Peter 5:12
“With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.”
Hebrews 13:22
“Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.”
Romans 1:11-12
“I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”
1 Thessalonians 3:2
“We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.”
2 Corinthians 7:6
“But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.”
1 John 3:16
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”
1 Peter 4:8-11
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”