There is a strong correlation between spiritual progress in
one’s life and one’s relationships. Pastor
Andy Stanley speaks about establishing intentional relationships. He reminds us that when we apply for a job,
because we need the money and we seek a certain vocation, we choose to invest
in the relationships with whom we work.
When we pursue an education to gain knowledge and open doors of
opportunity, we form relationships with fellow students and instructors. When we move to a new neighborhood, because
we like the house, we choose to meet and get to know our new neighbors. Why then would we not seek intentional
relationships within the realm of church?
Why would we only respond to those who seek us out first? Why are we not more intentional about joining
groups for the purpose of making spiritual progress?
Read Acts 2:42-47.
1.
How did
the believers show intentionality in becoming a community?
2.
How well do you think these Christians knew each
other?
Significant relationships require some transparency. Yet, we live in a culture that is very much
image oriented. We can be whoever we are on facebook! To get real, we have to allow others to know
what is beneath the surface. When people
come in for counseling there is a predominant belief that everyone else in the church
has it together except themselves. This
is simply not true. We are all human and
we all struggle! Only God has it all
together!
Read James 5:16.
3.
If we are
forgiven by confessing our sins to God through Jesus, our High Priest, why does
this verse admonish us to confess our sins to each other?
4.
Why do you think it is healing to open up to
another trusted individual, whom you admire in the faith, and confess your
sins?
5.
Can you name someone who knows your struggles
and can pray for you with a real knowledge of your life?
Read Romans 15:7.
6.
Give an example of when you felt accepted by
someone?
7.
Explain what it means to accept someone.
Read Romans 15:5.
8.
Who gets
the glory when we are real with each other, work through difficulties, become
transparent with each other, confess our sins to each other and pray for each
other?
9.
After working through this study have you become
more convinced that it is necessary for your spiritual progress to be
intentional about establishing and nurturing relationships? What specific step will you take as a result
of what you learned?
