“Understanding”
Genesis 1-3
Sermon Series: “Building Blocks of Healthy Relationships”
Introduction: We need to understand something in order to really make it work. Relationships are a crucial part of life so it is essential that we understand them from God’s perspective. That is what we are going to attempt to do in this series. The Bible is not primarily a book of principles. It is primarily a revelation of who God who is and how He sent His Son to restore us to Him. However, it does have a lot to say about principles regarding healthy relationships. Relationships are a big emphasis in the Bible. We are created for relationships with God and others. We are created to love Him and people. Jesus summarized all the commandments in those two commands. God is all-wise, and we need to apply His wisdom to every area of life, particularly something as important as relationships. Theology is practically applicable so let’s understand relationships from God’s perspective. This message is foundational to the rest of the series. So, here is Relationship Theology 101.
1. The foundation of our relationships is the reality that God is eternally in relationship with Himself (1:26). I am referring to the doctrine of the Trinity, and this is one of the practical implications of this doctrine. It is implied here at the beginning of the Bible and made explicit throughout the New Testament.
2. We are created for relationships with God and others. It is a God-given need and desire. Why do I believe this?
A. We are made in the image of God so we reflect His relational nature (1:26-27).
B. We have a soul (2:7).
C. Adam was lonely, even in the midst of a perfect paradise, without a companion (2:18).
D. The Lord came down into the garden to have fellowship with the first couple (3:8).
3. Relationships are broken through sin (3:1-14). This is one of the consequences of the fall. We live in a broken world. Broken people produce broken relationships. This includes our relationships with God and each other. Broken relationships are characterized by shame, guilt, hiding, fear, blame, excuses, victimization, and self-justification. We need to realize that these things sabotage relationships.
4. Healthy relationships then are defined by intimacy, openness, authenticity, responsibility, acceptance, peace, and wholeness (2:25).
5. We can find life, renewal, and restoration through the work of Jesus. He makes the broken whole (3:20-24, 4:1, 25). Jesus died to forgive us our sins and restore us to God. Out of the wholeness that produces, we are then able to truly relate to others in a godly way.
Conclusion-Applications: The primary purpose of this message is to lay a foundation of understanding on which the rest of the messages in this series can build. However, I do not think it would be right to close without making some applications.
1. Trust Jesus so that you can have the relationship with God you are created and designed for. Live out of and work on that relationship.
2. If you are dealing with loneliness, realize that the Lord is always there for you and draw close to Him.
3. Work on being a whole person first. In other words, look in the mirror and work on being the person you want to be in a relationship with.
4. Realize that every relationship is comprised of sinners so give and receive grace.
5. Stop hiding and pretending and repent of sin continually.
