“Relationships With Sharpening Purpose.”

Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17

“Relationships With Sharpening Purpose.”

The Marlboro Man & The Millennial Man  I don’t need others  I don’t feel confident in “how” to develop “I don’t need others” is the sin of pride “I can’t do it, so I won’t try” is the sin of unbelief Both responses are missing the BIG points  You “NEED” others and “their” impact on you  Others “NEED” you and “your” impact on them The Body of Christ: designed/purposed to help grow us to maturity.  Individually—”Every man must bear his own burden” Gal. 6:5  Corporately—”Bearing one-another’s burdens” Gal 6:2

 The way of life is the way of the cross; an afflicted, but yet glorious way. Those who walk in it are never solitary. The Keeper of Israel, with a wakeful eye of fatherly love and faithfulness, ever attends them. Angels are commissioned to bear up their trembling steps. To them has it been promised, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee.” Their very tears are noted in the book of remembrance. Principalities and powers in heavenly places are interested about them; and at their departing hour, in whatever painful condition, they are surrounded by heavenly companions, ready to carry them to Abraham’s bosom, where the Lord is gone to prepare a place for them; so that, chequered as may be our course by sufferings and privations here, happy nevertheless are we if we have the God of Jacob for our help and our hope be in the Lord our God.  from “The Shunammite” in Elisha by F.W. Krummacher  In the Body of Christ we are to... ~~

Characteristics of a Sharpening Friend: Terry & Ken  TRUST---keeping confidence—so we can be open about our struggles or challenges  TRANSPARENCY—anything and everything is always okay  ACCEPTANCE—no judging or looking down on each other—we’re both frail in our flesh  ENTHUSIASM—encourager!  REJOICING/WEEPING—Celebrate successes/pick each other up when we fail  EARNEST PRAYER---for each other’s growth, endurance, wisdom, discernment  SELFLESS DESIRE---for the other’s best  VULNERABILITY—I will suffer, if necessary for his welfare  INVESTMENT—of time, energy, and money  DEPENDABILITY—always there—anytime

Characteristics of a Sharpening Friend: Greg  Honesty & openness—sharing imperfections, vulnerable  Effort and time to talk and/or get together  Listening without fixing  Biblical anchor to everything

Characteristics of a Sharpening Friend: Joe  Encouraging – He builds me up in Christ  Biblical – He points me to pertinent Scriptures  Transparent – He willingly reveals his own struggles  Risky – He puts his own reputation or even our friendship on the line for my spiritual good  Faithful – He sticks by me and the Lord

Characteristics of a Sharpening Friend: Kidner  Constancy  Candor  Counsel  Tact

Be a surrendered man! Be a “body of Christ” man!  Others need you  You need others Caution: Proverbs 18:24—Kidner

Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17