October 5, 2008

“The Big Picture”

Today’s Theme: We were Created to Rely on Each Other

I. Three Natural Relationship Styles

Style 1 – Independence.

Example: The Recluse or Hermit

Point: This style encourages disengagement from others.

1 Corinthians 12:21 – “The eye can never say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you.’ The head can’t say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you.’”

Style 2 – Co-dependence.

Example: The Battered Woman Syndrome

Point: This style encourages enmeshment with others.

Psalm 146:3 – “Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there.”

Style 3 – Inter-dependence.

Romans 12:5 – “So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.”

Point: This style encourages balance with others.

Example: The Triune God

Application: This is God’s hope for the church…healthy reliance within relationships.

II. The Benefits of Reliance

Benefit 1 – I know I have a family.

Hebrew 10:25 – “Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

Point: Community is God’s answer to loneliness.

Benefit 2 – I know I have security.

Philippians 2:4 – “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Point: Community is God’s answer to defeat.

Benefit 3 – I know I have support.

Ecclesiastes 4:10 – “If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Point: Community is God’s answer to fatigue and despair.

Benefit 4 – I know I have encouragement.

1Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.”

Point: Community is God’s answer to fear.

All-Church Challenge

A Note from Pastor Kirk: A Fasting period is used to intentionally connect us with God as we seek his will. The denial of food with the subsequent hunger pangs, remind us to be in prayer. Liquids should be consumed during the fast. And fasting should not be done if medical conditions prohibit it.

For Discussion and Meditation…

1. What is the difference between independence, co-dependence, and inter-dependence? Which do you most easily adopt as your relationship style?

2. What benefit of belonging to God’s family is most meaningful to you? How has it changed your life?

3. Why participate in the challenge to Fast? Will you?

4. Throughout the 40 Days, practice this Common Prayer:

“God, show us your will and we will follow it. Show us your love and we will share it. Show us your grace and we will offer it. For we want to be like Jesus in every way. Holy Spirit, transform us to be like our Savior. In his name we pray. Amen”

The “40 Days of Community” Series

** All Scripture passages are from the New Revised Standard Version unless otherwise noted.
** All emphasis in Scripture and Quotes has been added.

© Rev. Dr. Kirk A. McCormick, all rights reserved.

Updated October 4, 2008