TEXT: Genesis 3; John 3 There are two types of relationships described in Scripture. They are:

I. Fear Based Relationships A. Typified in Adam’s experience 1. Shame (Gen 3:7) 2. Separation (3:8) 3. Fear (3:10 4. Guilt (3:11) 5. Blame (3:13)

B. Developed in our own lives 1. At birth we know neither love nor fear 2. Two things cause us to move toward fear based relationships a. Our own sin (Is 53:6; Rom 3:23) b. The sins of others (Rom 1: As a result our lives quickly become controlled by fear (Heb 2:14-15)

C. Summary of fear based relationships 1. Everyone erects barriers with others 2. Everyone creates a shell to protect their feelings 3. No trust 4. No communication

II. Love based relationships A. Typified in Christ’s experience (John 3:16) 1. Because of His work we are made a part of God’s family 2. God’s family shows us what our families can be (John 13:34-35; Col 3:18-21) 3. Physical and spiritual growth happen best within a loving family which focuses on loving one another

B. Love is developed in our own lives 1. Because of Christ’s work (1 John 4:18) 2. Because of deliverance from slavery (John 8:33-36) 3. Because of the work of God’s power in our lives (1 Cor 2:9; Rom 5:5) 4. In order that we may be complete (mature/finished) (2 Cor 13:11)

C. So, love based relationships are those in which 1. Barriers have been replaced by acceptance 2. Shells have been replaced by openness 3. Trust is a characteristic of relationships 4. Communication is direct