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Four Deepening Relationships Everyone Needs

Deeper, part 2 of 2
While we all need corporate relationships (which we covered in the first message of the series) we also need individual relationships to grow. But what kind of relationships do we need and who do we need them with if we are going to grow? In this message, we will look at four deepening relationships that everyone who wants to grow in their faith needs to have in place. Some of them are relationships you expect, others might be relationships that surprise you. We will look at each relationship and describe how each will help you grow and help others grow individually one on one.

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Your “Fave Four” Relational Calling Plan

I) I NEED ___MODELS___ TO LOOK UP TO. (Example: Paul)

“Imitate me, then, just as I imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1, TEV)

* How to find and benefit from quality role models:

i) Imitate their ___LIFESTYLE HABITS___.

“Dear brothers, pattern your lives after mine, and notice who else lives up to my example.” (Philippians 3:17, LB)

ii) Observe their ___SPIRITUAL RESULTS___.

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7, NIV)

iii) Learn their ___SECRETS TO SUCCESS___.

“Though good advice lies deep within a counselor’s heart, the wise man will draw it out.” (Proverbs 20:5, LB)

II) I NEED ___PARTNERS___ TO LIVE NEXT TO. (Example: Barnabas in Acts)

“Joseph…called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” (Acts 4:36-37, NIV)

“When [Paul] came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles.” (Acts 9:26-27a, NIV)

“Some… were teaching… ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.’ This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp…debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed.. to go up to Jerusalem about this question.” (Acts 15:1-2, NIV)

* REMEMBER: Partners are never ___PERFECT___.

“Barnabas. wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul didn’t like the idea at all since John had deserted them in Pamphylia. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated.” (Acts 15:37-39a, LB)

III) I NEED ___PUPILS___ TO LIVE THROUGH. (Example: Timothy in 1&2 Timothy)

“From Paul… to Timothy, my true son in the faith.” (1 Timothy 1:1-2a, TEV)

“From Paul… to Timothy, my dear son.” (2 Timothy 1:1-2)

“Everything that you have heard me teach in public you should in turn entrust to reliable men, who will be able to pass it on to others.” (2 Timothy 2:2, JB)

“Don’t let anyone think little of you because you are young. Be their ideal; let them follow the way you teach and live; be a pattern for them in your love, your faith, and your clean thoughts.” (1 Timothy 4:12, LB)

* REMEMBER: Pupils often __GIVE BACK__ more than they take in.

“Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled up with joy.” (2 Timothy 1:4, NIV)

IV) I NEED A ___LORD___ TO LIVE FOR. (The Only Example: Jesus)

PAUL: “No one stood by me the first time I defended myself… but the Lord stayed with me and gave me the strength… and I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. And the Lord will rescue me from all evil, and take me safely into His heavenly Kingdom.” (2Timothy 4:16-18, NIV)

TO TIMOTHY: “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:1, NIV)

JESUS: “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying your heavy loads, and I will give you rest…. learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest… the load I will put on you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, TEV)