Relationships In The Body

Introduction:

• When you became a Christian you became a child of God, a part of God’s body which is the church. Eph. 1:22-23

• We ought to get acquainted the members of Christ’s body. Eph. 2:19

• As Christians we understand the importance of having a good relationship with God and our brethren. Matthew 22:37-40

We’re Adopted Children…

• Through faith in Christ!– Right to become children of God. John 1:12,13,17– Our obeying results in the “new birth.”

1 Peter 1:22-23; John 6:63; Romans 10:17– Adopted upon baptism, when we’re born again.

Galatians 3:26-27; Philippians 1:27; John 3:5

We’re Adopted Children…• How great is His love that we should be called

His children.– We have the unsearchable riches of Christ.

Ephesians 3:8-10; Hebrews 2:11

• Why are these facts so wonderful?– Consider our previous estrangement from God.

Ephesians 2:12– In Christ we have great blessing and responsibility.

Ephesians 2:10, 19; Romans 8:16-18

Relationships in the Body• A New Commandment. Jn. 13:34-35; 1 Jn. 3:23

• Christ as the example 1 John 4:19– We keep God’s commands to show our love

towards him. 1 John 5:2-3– We must imitate this or we’ll never truly know God.

1 John 4:8– How do we apply this in our relationships?

1 John 4:21; Galatians 5:14-15; 1 Jn. 3:14-15

Relationships in the Body• A New Commandment. Continued…

– Action Oriented Relationship• “As I have loved you” John 13:34• Love is something you do! 1 John 3:16-18

–Love is more than just talk!

– Love Through Communication 1 Cor. 14:1,3

• Love too, must be shown by our speech. Col. 4:6; Eph. 4:29; 1 Cor. 16:14

Relationships in the Body

• Let’s make sure that we are developing the right kinds of relationships in Christ’s body, the church. Acts 2:42

• When we do these things, our fellowship in the church will flourish!– “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly,

since love covers a multitude of sins.”

1 Peter 4:8 ESV– “Let us therefore follow after the things which

make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Romans 14:19 KJV

How To Get Into Christ’s Body, the Church

• Listen to God’s word, the truth – Romans 10:17; John 8:32

• Believe the gospel truth - Acts 16:31

• Repent of (change from) sinful living – Luke 13:3

• Confess your faith in Jesus – Acts 8:37

• Be baptized (immersed) in water to wash away your sins – Acts 22:16; 2:38