SERMON..## THIS WILL TRANSFORM RELATIONSHIP YOU HAVE - NO KIDDING..## Ephesians 5:21 says, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ,” but I think there is some misunderstanding about what it means to submit to each other. If we misunderstand what Paul is saying here, and what God is asking of us, I worry we might resist the idea of submission. On the other hand, if we correctly understand godly submission, I believe it can influence and transform every relationship in our lives. Here are seven things I think we must do in order to submit to one another. 1. CARRY EACH OTHERS BURDENS. Burdens can be failures, anxieties, fears, sins, temptations and so much more. Galatians 6:1-2 says that if a brother is caught in sin, those who “live by the Spirit” should “restore that person gently.” This requires more than just a simple rebuke. This requires walking with a person through their trial, mourning with them as they mourn, celebrating as they celebrate. Judgement is easy. Friendship is hard. Carry each other’s burdens, and you will (as Paul says in Galatians) “fulfill the law of Christ.” 2. CHALLENGE EACH OTHER. Hebrews 10:24 says it best. “Consider how we might spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” I love that word consider. It’s as if Paul is inviting us to get creative. Think of ways you can inspire and motivate each other. This will look different for each person and each relationship. But consider how you might help your kids and parents and co-workers grow into who they were made to be in Christ. 3. SPEAK TRUTH IN LOVE TO EACH OTHERS. Proverbs 27:6 says, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” In other words, your true friends will be the ones who tell you the truth. The key here is that truth happens within the context of relationship. Often, we think we see the “truth” about a person, but we don’t see the whole circumstance because we aren’t in relationship with them. Submitting to a person involves both getting close enough to see the whole picture, and being willing to speak the truth we see. 4. SHARPEN EACH OTHERS. Often, we sharpen each other simply by being in relationship and staying in relationship. The people who drive you crazy at work, who rub you the wrong way at church, and the child who gives you the most grief—they’re sharpening you (and you’re sharpening them). Stay in relationship with people, even when it’s hard. Look to Jesus for strength and wisdom. This is submission. 5. ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER. For some of you, encouragement comes really naturally. Perhaps “words of encouragement” is one of your love languages (how you give or receive), like I discussed the other day. For others of you, giving or receiving encouragement feels uncomfortable and unnatural. Either way, keep encouragement simple. Less is more. A simple, “You’re doing a great job,” or, “I really appreciate you,” can go a long way. 6. DONT ENVY EACH OTHER. Nothing will steal your joy more quickly than envying other people. Not only does it prevent you from enjoying what is really good about your own life and circumstance, but it causes you to fantasize about their life and circumstance, and, the truth is, your fantasy is likely untrue. Most of the time, you just don’t know the details. Nobody’s life is perfect. Don’t waste your time with comparison and envy. Instead of envy, practice celebration and love. 7. CONFESS YOUR FAULTS. James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Did you catch that? Confess, that you might be healed. Confession is hard, but confession is healing. Do you have people in your life who you feel safe to share your secrets with? If not, find these people (godly people), confess to them and ask them to pray for you, that you might be healed.
Posted on: Tue, 04 Mar 2014 13:38:12 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015