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A Proper Relationship With God Introduction: A lot of people talk about having a “relationship with God.” But what does that mean? Some view it like one’s relationship with their girlfriend. One’s relationship is based totally on their feelings. They speak of accepting Christ but not necessarily His Law. Yet to accept Christ one must accept His Law, 1 Corinthians 9.14. Denominations generally do not think much about authority and Christ’s Law. Even some brethren do not understand accepting Christ means accepting His authority and what that really means. They may view it as: Rules and Regulations vs. Relationship. Let us first understand our relationship with God. I) Have A Relationship With God Is Important A) Galatians3.29 “belong to Christ” NASV B) 1 Corinthians 15.20 “those who are in Christ at His coming” II) One Who Has A Relationship With God Must: A) Know who God is 1. Philippians 3.7 “I may know Him” 2. 2 Thessalonians 1.7-9 “those who do not know Him” B) Must be in fellowship with God 1. 1 Corinthians 1.9 “called into His fellowship” 2. Obviously one cannot be out of fellowship with God and have a proper relationship with Him C) Love God and be loved by God 1. Romans 8.28 “to those who love God, called according to His purpose” 2. God loved Abraham, Moses, David, Paul, etc. because they all loved Him D) Be a friend of God 1. James 2.23 Abraham was a friend of God 2. He believe in and trusted God E) Be a child of God 1. John 1.12 “as many as receive Him... children of God” 2. Romans 8.16 “children of God” F) Be a disciple of Christ 1. Matthew 28.18 explains what it means to be a disciple 2. Disciples follow and teach Christ III) How Does One Become All Of The Above? A) How does one know God? 1. In order to know God one must “keep His commandments” 1 John2.3-5 2. There are a lot of liars out there because they speak of their relationship with God but they are not keeping His word. B) How does one get into fellowship with God? 1. One must accept the teachings of Christ and His apostles, 1 John 1.3 2. Then one must “walk in the light” 1 John 1.5-7 3. One cannot live in sin and speak of having a proper relationship with God. Will not happen for God will not fellowship sin and darkness. C) How does one love God? 1. One must keep His commandments, John 14.15 2. 1 John 5.3 “this is the love of God... we keep His commandments” 3. Not just about feelings 4. We must obey God even when we do not feel good about it. 5. Our feelings change and they can mislead us. D) How does one become a friend of God? 1. A friend does what God commands, John 14.15 2. He listens to and talks with God 3. He stand with God and does not forsake Him. E) How does one become a child of God? 1. One becomes a child of God by faith, Galatians 3.26 2. By faith... by being baptized into Christ, Galatians 3.27 3. One must accept Christ as Savior and Lord, Acts 2.38 4. One must obey His word, Hebrews 5.9 F) How does one become a disciple of Christ? 1. We must abide in His word, John8.31 “hold to my teaching” NIV 2. Love one another, John 13.35 Conclusion: Must have the proper attitude, Matthew 22.37; and love the word of God, Pslams 119.37. We must understand God’s grace and how it works in conjunction with our obedience. |