the Keys to

Happiness

 

Week 2 – Partnership in a Lonely World

 

 

I. The Foundation for Friendship

           

            Question:  Upon what foundation are lasting relationships built?

           

            Scriptures:  Ephesians 4:1-6, Exodus 33:11, Phil. 2:1-2, Rom. 15:5-6       

           

            All human beings were created by God with a deep need for love and relationship – with Him and with each other.  People can try to find love and friendship in many ways, but God’s word tells us that true relationship with others starts with the right foundation provided by the Holy Spirit, our walk with God and our unity of purpose.  Think about how many different types of people there are in the church, then make a list of the attitudes and beliefs we hold in common.

 

II. The Perfect Friend

           

            Question:  What can we discover about friendship from the life of Jesus?

           

            Scriptures:  Matt. 11:19, John 13:1-17, Luke 22:31-34, Mark 10:21          

 

Jesus Christ is the best friend anyone has ever had.  He didn’t just say he loved others, people could see it (John 11:36).  Think about the life of Christ and make a list of some characteristics of his love.  How did he love his disciples?  How did he love outsiders?   How has he shown love to you in your life?  When you compare this list with your life and relationships, what areas most need to be worked on?  Imitate Jesus this week!

 

III. Daringly Different

           

            Question: How are Christian relationships different from those in the world?

           

            Scriptures: John 13:34-35, II Tim. 3:1-5, John 15:13, Phil. 2:3-5

           

The world looks for love in all the wrong places… and with all the wrong methods!  People learn to use things like sex, wealth, beauty, lies and selfishness to get others to love and accept them.  The Lord has taught us that the way to get love is to first be a giver.  The simple, but challenging plan is for us to imitate the attitude and example of Jesus.  Make a list of ways you can “lay down your life” to love and serve others this week.

 

 

 

IV. All Kinds of Friends

           

            Question:  How diverse is your circle of friendships?

           

            Scriptures:  Matt. 5:47, James 2:1-9, Rom. 12:16, I Cor. 12:14-26

           

The Lord who created billions of people has never made two of them exactly the same! And into His kingdom of “all nations,” God has placed a wide and wild variety of people.  While our worldly tendency is often to associate only with people who look, think and act like us, God wants us to enjoy love and connection outside our comfort zone.  Make a decision this week to build closer friendship with people different from you.

 

V. Make Every Effort

           

            Question:  Which relationships in your life need strengthening and healing?

           

            Scriptures:  Matt. 5:21-24, Eph. 4:3, 25-27, Col. 3:12-15, James 5:16       

           

Because we are all sinners, we will always be prone to offend (and be offended by) other people. In worldly relationships, mistakes and hurt feelings often mean the end of close friendships. When disciples let such feelings go unresolved, the Bible says Satan gets a foothold.  Think about any people you now “hold at a distance” in your life.  Make a plan today to reconcile, mend and strengthen your weakest relationships.

 

VI. Bonding Experiences

           

            Question:  Have you built partnership by working together with others?

           

            Scriptures:  Phil. 1:3-8, 4:3, Heb. 10:32-34, Luke 22:28-30, Philemon 1,2, 24        

           

While we are all “one in the Spirit” with every other saved Christian, we must work to deepen our friendships through shared experiences.  Closeness does not come through mere talking, it develops as we work, serve and suffer together as “fellow-soldiers” of Christ.  The scriptures teach that we all have work to do in building up the Body of Christ.  What people or groups are you “plugged-in” with in the Charlotte church?  How is your part of the work going?

 

 

VII. Friendship for the Long Haul

           

            Question:  Are you building relationships that will last a lifetime?

           

            Scriptures:  Prov. 17:17, 18:24, Rom. 16:3-4, II Tim. 1:2-5, Acts 20:31-38

           

We live in a world where people are always on the move.  People jump from town to town, job to job, friendship to friendship.  And even though disciples too can be on the move, God wants us to treasure and nurture our friendships over the years He gives us on earth.  Think about the short list of your very closest friends.  Have you kept close to them over time?  What can you do this month to renew and deepen the bonds of love and partnership?