10/24/04

Intro: Ch.1:27 “stand fast…”=spiritual autonomy

“striving together”=spiritual interdependency

I.DEFINITION: a healthy relationship to other

bel. in a local church with a view to assist &

encourage weaker bel. and co-operate in

outreach.   Eph.4:13, 16

 

II.USE CAUTION THAT INTERDEPENDENCY IS

NOT-

1) Needing others in order to choose righteousness

2) Emotional dependency on other’s obedience

3) Requiring constant personal affirmation

 

III. INTERDEPENDENCY ALLOWS WEAKER

BROTHERS & SISTERS TO BE ENCOURAGED

BY THE LIFE OF AUTONOMOUS BELIEVERS.

I Tim.4:12,  Rom. 15:1-2

  >Encouragement is NOT dependency!

  > Seeing Christianity lived out is a powerfully

attractive force.

 

IV. A PORTION OF INTERDEPENDENCY RELATES

TO THE PASTOR, TEACHER & EVANGELIST.

Eph.4:11-12

1) Pastors help develop autonomy as well as

interdependency in others.

  Sound scriptural teaching helps build the lives

of those who want to grow in Christ.

 

V. THE PRACTICE OF HEALTHY INTERDEPENDENCY

IN A LOCAL CHURCH INCLUDES:

1) Positive attitude for gospel- 1:27

2) Genuine humility- 2:5-7, -no competition; mind

your own business; look for solutions, not advantage

3) Refuse to give place to neg. thinking- 2:14, 4:8

4) Seek sacrificial service for others- 2:17