INTRODUCTION:
A. One of the most practical lessons for Christians is that of how Christ and His
word is to guide us in all relationships
B. When one submits to the authority of Christ, as a Baptized, penitent believer,
he is taught that he no longer "runs his own life" but has been bought with a price by
Christ and belongs to Him 1Cor 6:19,20
C. Paul points out in 2Cor 10:5 that we are to bring into captivity every thought to
the obedience of Christ
D. We need to see clearly that we cannot maintain the proper relationship to
Christ without proper conduct in all the relationships of life. You can't have one without
the other
DISCUSSION:
I. MOST RELATIONSHIPS EXIST APART FROM THE FACT THAT YOU ARE A
CHRISTIAN
A. When one is born into this world physically he immediately has some
relationships
1. Home: family relationships - parents, brothers, sisters
2. Government: civil - becomes a citizen
B. Later the individual may enter voluntarily into other relationships
1. Economic: business - farming, store, factory, etc
2. Social: community - neighbors, schools, etc
3. Marriage: husband, wife, father, mother, children, etc
C. All of these can and do exist and one not be a Christian
II. BECOMING A CHRISTIAN FORMS A NEW RELATIONSHIP AND ALL OTHERS
ARE REGULATED BY THIS NEW RELATIONSHIP TO CHRIST
A. When one is "in Christ" he is a "new creature" 2Cor 5:17
1. This "inness" effects all things of your life -- some things have to
be "out"
2. Our relationship to Christ and other Christians is a primary thing -- "a
first" -- and we must guard it against disruption Matt 6:33; 1Jhn 1:6-10; Eph 4:1-6
B. Civil relationship "Government"
1. To be respected by the Christian and recognized as a minister of
God Rom 13:1-6
2. Its purpose - punishment of evildoers and praise of them that do
well 1Pet 2:13,14
C. Economic relationship - Business
1. We are to work to supply our needs 1Thess 4:11,12;
1Tim 5:8; Eph 4:28; 2Thess 3:10-12
2. Principles of Christ to be recognized
a .Servants to render service as to Christ and not as
to man Eph 6:5-8; Col 3:22-25
b. Masters to treat servants right Eph 6:9; Col 4:1
D. Social relationship - Community
1. Relationship in general 1Pet 2:12; Col 4:5
2. Principles of Christ
a. Who is my neighbor Lk 10:25-37
b. Don't show respect because of outward appearance Jas 2:1-12
c. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor Rom 13:10
E. Family relationship - Home - teachings of Christ regulate our family
life and show us the way to true happiness in this relationships.
1. Husband - wife Eph 5:22-33; Col 3:18,19; 1Pet 3:1-7
2. Parent - child Eph 6:4; Col 3:21; 2Cor 12:14
3. Child - parent Eph 6:1-3; Col 3:20; 1Tim 5:4,8,16
F. Religious relationship - Church - congregation
1. Imitate the humility, meekness and gentleness of Christ Phil 2:5-11;
2Cor 10:1
2. Consider one another always Heb 10:24; Phil 2:1-4
3. Honor one another Rom 2:10
4. Teach, admonish, restore one another Eph 5:18,19; Col 3:16;
Gal 6:1
5. Each of us to do our part to build up the body of Christ Eph 4:14-16;
1Cor 12:14-27
III. FAILURE TO FUNCTION IN THESE RELATIONSHIPS AS DIRECTED, AFFECTS
OUR RELATIONSHIP TO CHRIST
A. We respect Government for conscience sake Rom 13:5
B. In work we must work as the servant of Christ, doing the will of
God from the heart Eph 6:6 see also Tit 2:10
C. We influence others in the community Matt 5:13-16
D. Denied the faith, if family relationship not right 1Tim 5:8 "Provide
involves more than just financial support" prayers can be hindered by husband's
treatment of his wife 1Pet 3:7
E. Can't love God and hate brother 1Jhn 4:20,21
IV. WE NEED TO RESPECT PRIORITIES IN RELATIONSHIPS & ALWAYS PUT FIRST
THINGS FIRST - RELATIONSHIP TO CHRIST IS ABOVE ALL OTHER
RELATIONSHIPS
A. Matt 6:19-34 discusses the relationship of spiritual things to the
matter of making a living. God recognizes need to make a living v.32;
Yet, there are priorities v.33
B. Can't put family above Christ - He is first Matt 10:37
C. God is higher than governments Acts 4:19; 5:29
D. God through Christ has authority over church Col 1:18
CONCLUSION:
A. Just as necessary to please God in home, in business, in civil affairs, and
social contacts as in the church.
B. If relationship in these is not right he is not a Christian no matter how faithful in
the work and worship of the church
C. A Christian's life embraces every relationship 24 hours a day
Outline arranged by Jerry L. henderson