Oct 20, 2016
Episode 48 Experiencing God’s grace in relationships
What is the greatest challenge that we face in our lives? While
there may be many answers to that question, I would say that
perhaps the greatest challenge that most of us face has to do with
relationships. Why should that be so? How can we know God’s grace
in every relationship? We often struggle with close relationships
in our family. We often are challenged in relationships with our
brothers and sisters in Christ. We are challenged in our
relationships in our jobs. And certainly nations are challenged as
men strive to be at peace with one another. We want to concentrate
today on our relationships as brothers and sisters in Christ that
we may see clearly God’s chosen way for growth.
• Why are relationships such a challenge?
o The effects of sin (in our person and in the world)
o Selfishness (James 4:1-6)
o Not seeing others through God’s eyes (His care for every
person)
• The foundation of success is death to self
o Accomplished at Calvary for the human race
o Begun in experience when we are baptized into His
death
o Continued as we abide in Christ (daily relationship)
• Recognize that God’s grace comes to me through others (Eph.
4:7, Acts 4:33, 20:32)
o He uses men to proclaim the gospel to us
o He uses men to care for us and meet our needs
o He uses men to instruct us in the way of righteousness
• Recognize that God uses each of us to minister to others
o God makes us a channel of His love and care to others
o Selfishness is driven from us as we give ourselves to labor
in the lives of others
o The cost of laboring is very real (laying down our
lives)
• At the heart of discipleship is the question of
accountability
o Am I willing to be accountable to God for the grace coming
to me through others?
o Am I willing to be accountable for the grace God has given
me for others?
o Accountability is very critical for change and growth
• In His sovereignty God has chosen to:
o Work all things in Christ Jesus
o Work in and through men
o Hold us accountable in every relationship (receiving and
giving)
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley
Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com