RELIGION vs. RELATIONSHIP
Text: Exodus 33 The Measure of a Meaningful Relationship
Two determining factors to measure a meaningful relationship:
Factor One: The value we attribute to the relationship
Factor Two: The manner in which we express our valuation of the relationship
God’s Initiative in Relating to Us
Factor One: God highly values a relationship with us
Factor two: The manner (ways) that He demonstrated His value of us: He was pleased to crush His Son in order to make the relationship possible He took the initiative to birth us into a new relationship with Himself
He grants us repentance
He grants us faith to believe He sealed us as His own through the gift of His indwelling Spirit
How do you feel about God?
Factor One: The value we place on a relationship with God
How do you feel about God?
Indifferent Suspicious Affection Love Hate
Highly esteem Honor Consuming passion Apathy
What is your valuation of a relationship with God?
Is there anything or anyone in your life more important than God?
Factor two: How do we express our valuation of the
relationship?
How we express ourselves ALWAYS reflects the TRUTH of how we value the relationship.
Your manner ALWAYS reflects your valuation
Factor two: The way we express our valuation of the
relationship
We demonstrate that we value the relationship with God
in three ways:
We believe that He loves us and wants a relationship with us.
We trust Him completely, and trust that His will is best.
We follow the example of Jesus by being obedient to the Father
“If you love me you will keep MY commands” (John 14:15)
RELIGION VS. RELATIONSHIP
RELIGION says
What are the commands
Rules Prohibitions
Proscribed behaviors
What the church has taught me that I am supposed to do or not do.
RELATIONSHIP says How shall I live to demonstrate my complete TRUST in Him?
Learn from Him
Follow His example
Faithfully act on His teachings
I am compelled by my love for Christ to follow His teachings and live my life for His glory.
RELIGION is performance based behavior
Goal: Behavior Modification
RELATIONSHIP is an interpersonal walk with God
Goal: To become a friend of God