The Biggest Problem in Your Relationships . . .
is YOU. That’s what Dr. Paul Tripp shared with us in this morning’s chapel, the first of five talks he is giving as part of our Marriage, Family, and Community Conference. He talked to us about the way sin shrinks our world down to the size of our own life, so that all that becomes important to us is the here and now, me and mine, material and physical, my wants, and needs, and my rights and positions. When we are engulfed in that mindset, focused solely on ourselves, we are unable to see that we are created for something much larger than ourselves, that we are meant to live for the kingdom!
Dr. Tripp read from 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (the bolded phrase is the key point he brought out) For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
We need to know both the diagnosis–our problem is US–and the cure–the gospel of Jesus Christ that rescues us from ourselves. The gospel frees us so that we are able to live for Him and for His kingdom in community with others. (Tomorrow’s topic is “Your Walk with God is a Community Project”)
A few questions for further thought:
1. In what ways have you seen your own desires, needs, or agenda overwhelm your interactions with others?
2. How have you seen sin shrink your world down to the size of your life?
3. How specifically can you encourage yourself and others to look to the cross for rescue?
Published on 18 Feb 2008 by Christiana Fitzpatrick at 2:58 pm.
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