We cannot live without others n Genesis 2

We cannot live without others n Genesis 2: 18 -20 (NKJV) 18 And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him. ” 19 Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name.

We cannot live without others n Genesis 2: 18 -20 (NKJV) 20 So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.

We cannot live without others n Men often deny their need and think they are better alone.

We cannot live without others Men often deny their need and think they are better alone. n Relationships however are complex and need to be maintained. n

We cannot live without others n God often uses human relationships to show He works with us.

We cannot live without others God often uses human relationships to show He works with us. n We are the “bride of Christ. ” (Eph 5: 30 -32; Rev 21: 2, 9) n

We cannot live without others n Ephesians 5: 30 -32 (NKJV) - For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31“For this reason a man shall 31 leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. ” 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

We cannot live without others n Revelation 21: 2 (NKJV) - Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

We cannot live without others n Revelation 21: 9 (NKJV) - Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show “ you the bride, the Lamb’s wife. ”

We cannot live without others n What is the nature of this relationship? How should others relationships be handled in light of this one?

We are the “body of Christ” n Man must listen and seek. (Heb 11: 6)

We are the “body of Christ” n Hebrews 11: 6 (NKJV) - But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

We are the “body of Christ” n Man must get out of himself and look to another.

We are the “body of Christ” Man must get out of himself and look to another. n Our God has promised to respond to those who “seek Him. ” n

We are the “body of Christ” Man must get out of himself and look to another. n Our God has promised to respond to those who “seek Him. ” n God through David often instructed the people about this. (1 Chron 16: 10 -11) n

We are the “body of Christ” n 1 Chronicles 16: 10 -11 (NKJV) - Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord! 11 Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!

How do we work with God? n What does God want of me? He wants me to be like Him. (Hos 2: 19 -20)

How do we work with God? n Hosea 2: 19 -20 (NKJV) - “I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy; 20 I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the Lord.

How do we work with God? n Over and over God tells me that He wants my heart. (Micah 6: 8)

How do we work with God? n Micah 6: 8 (NKJV) - He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

How do we work with God? n n There are opposites of these things. God “abhors” them. (Prov 6: 16 -19)

How do we work with God? n Proverbs 6: 16 -19 (NKJV) - These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

How do we work with God? n God expects man to build a heart based on His written word.

How do we work with God? n God expects man to build a heart based on His written word. – This is a major test of our relationship to God. Many think affirming the relationship in words is all that is needed. (Jn 8: 31 -32)

How do we work with God? n John 8: 31 -32 (NKJV) - Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ”

How do we work with God? n This word would develop character within a man. He will act on principle and not on a inward whim.

How do we work with God? n What we learn here will be the basis of any good relationship.

How do we work with God? What we learn here will be the basis of any good relationship. n God’s covenant with man can be liked to the seriousness of our marriage covenant. God will not share us! (2 Cor 11: 1 -4) n n

How do we work with God? n 2 Corinthians 11: 1 -4 (NKJV) - Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly— and indeed you do bear with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

How do we work with God? n 2 Corinthians 11: 1 -4 (NKJV) 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted —you may well put up with it!

How do we work with God? n God expects to hear from us in worship.

How do we work with God? God expects to hear from us in worship. n Why do I come before God? (Psa 42: 1 -2) n

How do we work with God? n Psalm 42: 1 -2 (NKJV) - As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?

How do we work with God? n This special focus on God allows us to be molded into His image.

How do we work with God? This special focus on God allows us to be molded into His image. n What happens if I stop worshipping? n

How do we work with God? This special focus on God allows us to be molded into His image. n What happens if I stop worshipping? n What happens to any relationship that is not maintained? (1 Cor 11: 27 -30) n

How do we work with God? n 1 Corinthians 11: 27 -30 (NKJV) Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body

How do we work with God? n 1 Corinthians 11: 27 -30 (NKJV) - For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.

Satan’s use of relationships n The most powerful weapon in Satan’s arsenal is relationships. (Mt 10: 21 -22; Jn 9: 22)

Satan’s use of relationships n Matthew 10: 21 -22 (NKJV) - “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

Satan’s use of relationships n John 9: 22 (NKJV) - His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put of the synagogue

Satan’s use of relationships n “These are my family/friends/church member and I will not go against them. ”

Satan’s use of relationships “These are my family/friends/church member and I will not go against them. ” n Consider the actions of Korah against Moses and Aaron. (Num 16: 1 -3) n

Satan’s use of relationships n Numbers 16: 2 -3 (NKJV) - and they rose up before Moses with some of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation, representatives of the congregation, men of renown. 3 They gathered together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, “You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord? ”

Satan’s use of relationships n Korah appears to be appealing to a proper issue of principle. (Num 16: 3)

Satan’s use of relationships Korah appears to be appealing to a proper issue of principle. (Num 16: 3) n That mask will disappear when someone asks hard questions. Those who have been “trained” in this relationship know better than to ever do that. n

Satan’s use of relationships Korah appears to be appealing to a proper issue of principle. (Num 16: 3) n That mask will disappear when someone asks hard questions. Those who have been “trained” in this relationship know better than to ever do that. n I have seen that a “bad report” of another is easily believed by those whose loyalty is to a human relationship. (Prov 18: 8; 26: 21) n

Satan’s use of relationships n Proverbs 18: 6 (NKJV) - A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows.

Satan’s use of relationships n Proverbs 26: 21 (NKJV) - As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

Satan’s use of relationships n Once anger is kindled then they will fight to the end for their “just cause. ” (Prov 18: 19)

Satan’s use of relationships n Proverbs 18: 19 (NKJV) - A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Satan’s use of relationships n What does a spiritual man do? (Prov 11: 13)

Satan’s use of relationships n Proverbs 11: 13 (NKJV) - A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.

Satan’s use of relationships n What did Korah fail to consider?

Satan’s use of relationships What did Korah fail to consider? n What did God think of Moses? (Num 12: 3; Mt 5: 5) n

Satan’s use of relationships n Numbers 12: 3 (NKJV) - (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth. )

Satan’s use of relationships n Matthew 5: 5 (NKJV) - Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

Satan’s use of relationships n Why was Korah able to succeed in these false charges?

Satan’s use of relationships Why was Korah able to succeed in these false charges? n Because men in authority are easy targets. (2 Pt 2: 10 -11, Jude 8 -11) n

Satan’s use of relationships n Jude 1: 8 -11 (NKJV) - Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. …

Satan’s use of relationships n 10 But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.

Satan’s use of relationships n Because he operated behind the scenes until he had a faction.

Satan’s use of relationships n Moses never had a fair hearing among Korah's followers.

Satan’s use of relationships Moses never had a fair hearing among Korah's followers. n He made it an issue of being “left out. ” This approach some call "common sense. " (2 Pt 2: 19) n

Satan’s use of relationships n 2 Peter 2: 19 (NKJV) - While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.

Satan’s use of relationships n The root of the issue was: "Who should be priest before God? " (Num 16: 9 -10)

Satan’s use of relationships n Numbers 16: 9 -10 (NKJV) - Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the work of the tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the congregation to serve them; 10 and that He has brought you near to Himself, you and all your brethren, the sons of Levi, with you? And are you seeking the priesthood also?

Satan’s use of relationships n How does a spiritual person handle being "left out? " (Phil 2: 3 -4)

Satan’s use of relationships n Philippians 2: 3 -4 (KJV) - Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships n Once moved by a false loyalty to a relationship men find it difficult to escape it.

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships Once moved by a false loyalty to a relationship men find it difficult to escape it. n What did Korah’s followers do? n

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships Once moved by a false loyalty to a relationship men find it difficult to escape it. n What did Korah’s followers do? n The leaders died. (Num 16: 28 -35) n

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships n Numbers 16: 28 -35 (NKJV) - And Moses said: “By this you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these works, for I have not done them of my own will. 29 If these men die naturally like all men, or if they are visited by the common fate of all men, then the Lord has not sent me.

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships n 30 But if the Lord creates a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the pit, then you will understand that these men have rejected the Lord. ” 31 Now it came to pass, as he finished speaking all these words, that the ground split apart under them,

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships n 32 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with Korah, with all their goods. 33 So they and all those with them went down alive into the pit; the earth closed over them, and they perished from among the assembly. 34 Then all Israel who were around them fled at their cry, for they said, “Lest the earth swallow us up also!”

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships n 35 And a fire came out from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering incense.

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships n Did the people learn from this?

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships Did the people learn from this? n NO! n

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships n I cannot grasp the power that Satan had over these people. (Num 16: 41, 44)

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships n Numbers 16: 41 (NKJV) - On the next day all the congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, saying, “You have killed the people of the Lord. ”

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships n Numbers 16: 44 -45 (NKJV) - And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 45 “Get away from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. ” And they fell on their faces.

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships n I have seen men with good reputations get away with outrageous conduct. How can these be among the people of God?

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships n Some because of connections to papers, colleges, etc get a free pass.

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships Some because of connections to papers, colleges, etc get a free pass. n Others will excuse anything done by an elder or a preacher. n

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships Some because of connections to papers, colleges, etc get a free pass. n Others will excuse anything done by an elder or a preacher. n Consider how Paul used this wrong sense of loyalty against his opponents. (Acts 23: 6 -9) n

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships n Acts 23: 6 through Acts 23: 9 (NKJV) 6 But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!”

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships n 7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. 8 For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships n 9 Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees’ party arose and protested, saying, “We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God. ”

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships n This is a loyalty that is true in denominationalism today.

The constant temptation towards wrong relationships This is a loyalty that is true in denominationalism today. n We can falsely have this kind of thinking towards a local church. n

There is a proper place for good relationships among Christians n When God is first we will pursue only those things that help us go to heaven.

There is a proper place for good relationships among Christians When God is first we will pursue only those things that help us go to heaven. n Ask Peter about Paul’s love for him. (Gal 2: 11 -13) n

There is a proper place for good relationships among Christians n Galatians 2: 11 -13 (NKJV) - Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.

There is a proper place for good relationships among Christians n 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.

There is a proper place for good relationships among Christians When God is first we will pursue only those things that help us go to heaven. n Ask Peter about Paul’s love for him. (Gal 2: 11 -13) n Are you a real friend and brother? n

There is a proper place for good relationships among Christians n Our needs of love will be met by those who love God. (1 Cor 13: 4 -7)

There is a proper place for good relationships among Christians n 1 Corinthians 13: 4 -7 (NKJV) - Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

There is a proper place for good relationships among Christians n God will test us.

There is a proper place for good relationships among Christians God will test us. n Will you pass the test? n