AMA A TODOS CAMINA CON POCOS | SERIE: VIVIENDO COMO JESUS | RUAKH

Living Like Jesus: The Challenge and Purpose

The Difficulty of Living as Jesus Did

• The speaker poses a reflective question, asking the audience if they live like Jesus, acknowledging the difficulty of this endeavor.

• A quote is referenced that suggests Christianity has been tried and found to be challenging rather than lacking in substance.

• The speaker mentions biblical passages indicating that many strive for salvation but face challenges along the way.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

• Emphasizes that living like Jesus is impossible without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, highlighting its essential role in a believer's life.

• Despite difficulties, Christianity provides purpose, joy, peace, love, and meaning to life.

Encouragement Through Faith

• The speaker encourages prayer for those mentioned earlier in their talk, reinforcing faith in God's will regarding life and death.

• Introduces a practical topic about friendship selection based on teachings from personal experience and parental advice.

Choosing Friends Wisely

• Reflecting on parental wisdom about choosing friends rather than letting them choose you; emphasizes personal agency in friendships.

• Discusses how generational improvement involves building upon good teachings from parents while also recognizing gaps in knowledge.

Defining True Friendship

• Questions how to discern true friends versus acquaintances; stresses the importance of understanding what constitutes genuine friendship.

• Highlights societal misuse of the term "friend," emphasizing its significance compared to family ties which are not chosen.

Biblical Principles on Friendship

• Mentions John 15 as a reference point for understanding how Jesus chose His friends and what criteria He used.

• Suggestion that applying these biblical principles may lead individuals to reevaluate their current friendships.

Commitment Beyond Culture

• Defines friendship as transcending cultural or familial obligations; emphasizes that true commitment comes from one's word rather than legal ties.

• Calls for a revival of valuing one’s word within friendships; acknowledges generational neglect regarding this principle.

Intentional Relationships

• Concludes with an assertion that while Jesus was loving towards all, He was intentional about His close relationships.

Jesus and the Intentionality of Friendship

The Nature of Jesus' Friendships

• Jesus did not choose his friends based on economic status, legal standing, or denominational affiliation. Instead, he selected them with great intention.

• The message emphasizes that Christians are called to love everyone but should be selective about their close friendships. This is encapsulated in the phrase "Love all, walk with few."

Contextualizing Jesus' Teachings

• In John 15:9 and onwards, Jesus speaks to his disciples after significant events like the Last Supper and Judas's betrayal. He highlights the depth of his love for them.

• Despite loving everyone, Jesus did not walk with everyone; he had a select group of close companions among his disciples. This distinction is crucial for understanding Christian relationships.

The Challenge of Betrayal

• The presence of Judas in Jesus' circle serves as a lesson that even wise choices in friendships can lead to betrayal. However, this experience can deepen one's capacity for love and forgiveness.

• When faced with betrayal, believers can find strength through scripture to forgive and maintain their integrity before God. This process helps perfect one’s faith and love over time.

Conditions of Friendship with Christ

• Jesus states that true friendship with him comes with conditions: obedience to his commandments is essential for being recognized as his friend (John 15:14). This relationship requires active participation from believers.

• The notion that God's blessings come with conditions challenges contemporary interpretations of grace; it underscores the importance of living according to divine principles while seeking friendship with Christ.

Building Meaningful Relationships

• Establishing deep connections takes time; even Jesus took three years before calling his disciples "friends." This illustrates the gradual nature of building trust and intimacy in relationships.

• The example set by Jesus encourages believers to cultivate meaningful friendships rather than superficial ones based solely on common interests or circumstances (e.g., children’s ages). Understanding this dynamic is vital for spiritual growth and community building within faith contexts.

Understanding the Importance of Friendships in Spiritual Growth

The Divine Trust and Friendship with Jesus

• The speaker reflects on God's trust in humanity, questioning what God sees in us that warrants such trust. This highlights a profound relationship between God and individuals.

• Emphasizes that friendship with Jesus is intentional and not assumed. Many relationships are superficial, lacking the depth required for true spiritual growth.

• Discusses how the people we associate with can significantly impact our lives, including our marriages, ministries, and personal habits. Positive influences encourage growth while negative ones can hinder it.

Choosing Friends Wisely

• Warns against friendships that may seem supportive but are actually detrimental. Some individuals may appear friendly but harbor ill intentions behind your back.

• Stresses the importance of being intentional when choosing friends, echoing the idea that one should love everyone but walk closely with only a few trusted individuals.

The Nature of Male vs. Female Friendships

• Notes differences in how men and women form friendships; men often bond over shared activities or interests quickly, while women tend to seek deeper connections based on mutual understanding.

• Clarifies that there is a distinction between getting along with someone and being true friends. True friendship requires more than just surface-level interactions.

Spiritual Decisions in Relationships

• Highlights that relationship decisions are spiritual choices requiring discernment. Encourages prayerful consideration when forming friendships.

• References Luke 6 where Jesus prayed all night before selecting his twelve disciples, illustrating the need for divine guidance in choosing close companions.

Prayer for Friendships

• Points out that many pray for various aspects of life but neglect to pray specifically for their friendships. Urges listeners to seek God's wisdom regarding their social circles.

• Reinforces the idea that true friendship goes beyond casual interactions; it requires prayerful discernment about who to include in one's inner circle for meaningful support and encouragement.

Understanding the Nature of the Crowd and True Friendship

The Concept of the Crowd

• The speaker reflects on how many individuals in the church were once part of the crowd, seeking material blessings rather than a relationship with God.

• Emphasizes that Jesus was not swayed by public applause or popularity; he understood that true followers are those who seek a genuine connection with Him.

Caution Against False Friends

• Warns about those who celebrate your successes but may also revel in your failures; true friends support you through both good and bad times.

• Discusses how Jesus had a smaller circle of close disciples, highlighting that not everyone deserves equal access to one's life.

The Importance of Selective Relationships

• Illustrates that even among his 12 disciples, Jesus had three—Peter, James, and John—whom he trusted most deeply.

• Stresses that giving access to everyone is not favoritism but wisdom; one must discern whom to trust with personal matters.

Teaching Children About Friendships

• Encourages parents to teach their children about selective friendships, emphasizing it's unrealistic to have numerous close friends.

• Highlights the importance of having a few trustworthy friends who can provide emotional support and prayer.

Trust and Vulnerability in Relationships

• Shares personal experiences regarding trust within friendships and warns against sharing too much information too freely.

• Advises young people to choose partners wisely, underscoring qualities like attractiveness, godliness, and parental approval as essential criteria for selecting a spouse.

Understanding Trust and Friendship in Relationships

The Importance of Selective Trust

• Jesus was cautious about sharing the secrets of the kingdom, indicating that not everyone is equipped to understand personal pain. This suggests a need for discernment in whom we confide.

• Sharing trauma with unqualified individuals can lead to misunderstanding and judgment, highlighting the importance of choosing confidants wisely.

Defining True Friendship

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of trust in relationships, questioning who we allow into our emotional lives. True friendship requires mutual commitment and understanding.

• Casual friendships are insufficient; true friends provide correction and accountability, which fosters growth within relationships.

• A covenant relationship is necessary for deep connections. The example from John 6 illustrates that following Jesus requires a conscious decision to commit.

Accountability Within Community

• The church community should actively support each other during difficult times rather than allowing members to drift away unnoticed.

• Personal salvation is important but should not isolate individuals from communal responsibility; active engagement in each other's lives is crucial.

Building Meaningful Connections

• Friendships should be based on shared direction rather than mere emotional connections. This involves aligning values and goals within relationships.

• Not all family members may be trustworthy; some friendships can offer more reliable support due to shared commitments and faithfulness.

Direction Over Emotion in Friendships

• Genuine friendships are built on shared purpose rather than superficial interests or backgrounds. It’s essential to choose friends based on life direction instead of emotional ties alone.

• Jesus’ call for friendship came with an expectation of following Him towards sacrifice and ministry, emphasizing that true companionship aligns with a common mission.

Engaging in Ministry Together

• Reflecting on social gatherings, there’s a call to incorporate discussions about ministry into everyday interactions with friends, promoting spiritual growth alongside leisure activities.

• Prioritizing God’s work over worldly pleasures during social events can strengthen community bonds and encourage collective action towards fulfilling God's purpose.

Opening a Ministry: A Call to Action

The Importance of Commitment

• The speaker challenges the congregation to consider opening a ministry together, emphasizing the need for commitment against spiritual adversities.

• Questions are posed about the last time friends discussed their spiritual direction and service in the community, highlighting a lack of meaningful conversations among peers.

Conversations that Matter

• The speaker urges discussions around personal finances, marriage health, and how homes can be used for God's glory, stressing that without direction, emotional connections lose purpose.

• Emphasizes the desire for deeper conversations at home about God’s kingdom and community transformation rather than superficial interactions focused on pleasure.

Evaluating Friendships

• Asks if friendships are merely for enjoyment or if they lead towards a purposeful direction; encourages reflection on the nature of these relationships.

• Discusses how many people seek distractions due to exhaustion but warns that true friends should challenge one another beyond surface-level happiness.

Choosing Friends Wisely

Direction Over Emotion

• Highlights Jesus' choice of friends based on their potential to endure suffering for God's kingdom rather than mere emotional connections.

• Stresses that not all relationships are meant to last forever; some may only serve specific purposes during certain life stages.

Understanding True Friendship

• Encourages careful evaluation of friendships based on trust and shared passion for ministry rather than just camaraderie.

• Suggests letting go of relationships that do not contribute positively to one's spiritual journey or growth.

The Value of Meaningful Connections

Relationships Based on Purpose

• Reflecting on past friendships from seminary and youth pastor experiences, acknowledging that some connections were temporary while others remain significant.

• Reinforces the idea that Christians should choose relationships based on calling and direction rather than convenience or proximity.

Building Supportive Networks

• Advocates loving everyone but walking closely with few who genuinely sharpen and uplift each other spiritually.

• Shares a personal story illustrating deep friendship where mutual responsibility is acknowledged, showcasing how such bonds can provide security and support in times of need.

Conversations That Shape Our Lives

Engaging in Serious Discussions

• Describes an enriching conversation with friends about parenting philosophies which aligned closely with his own values as a parent.

• Concludes by affirming the importance of having serious discussions within friendships while also enjoying light-hearted moments.

Understanding the Importance of Relationships

The Role of Prayer and Support in Friendships

• Discusses the appropriateness of praying for others, emphasizing that it should not be limited to church settings but can occur in everyday life.

• Highlights the importance of reaching out to friends and family during emergencies, illustrating this with a personal story about needing help after a flight cancellation.

• Shares an experience where a family member was unable to assist due to prior commitments, contrasting this with friends who readily offered support.

The Value of True Friendship

• Reflects on the beauty of having friends who prioritize helping each other, especially in times of need or crisis.

• Encourages building friendships that are supportive and willing to invest time and resources into one another's lives.

Choosing Relationships Wisely

• Introduces criteria for selecting relationships based on spiritual direction and maturity, urging listeners to evaluate their friendships critically.

• Questions whether friends encourage spiritual growth or merely engage in superficial conversations about sports or other topics.

Spiritual Growth Through Relationships

• Emphasizes that stagnation in personal growth may stem from surrounding oneself with unmotivated individuals rather than solely from personal effort.

• Challenges listeners to consider their role in fostering growth within their friendships; if they are spiritually mature, they should actively encourage others.

The Impact of Influential Friendships

• Discusses how true friends sharpen one's faith and convictions, likening it to iron sharpening iron.

• Warns against friendships that lead one away from Godly principles, highlighting the importance of accountability among peers.

Stop Associating with Gossipers

The Impact of Negative Relationships

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of avoiding relationships with gossipy individuals who cannot control their speech, as they can negatively influence one's mindset.

• A personal anecdote is shared about confronting a friend who constantly discussed work-related stress, highlighting the need for conversations that uplift rather than dwell on problems.

• The speaker encourages focusing discussions on positive aspects of life, such as family and faith, rather than solely on work issues.

Recognizing Priorities in Life

• The speaker reflects on how his friend's identity was overly tied to work, leading to neglect in family and ministry responsibilities.

• He stresses that being filled with the Holy Spirit enables one to address uncomfortable topics directly without fear.

Youth and Responsibility

• The speaker discusses common pitfalls among young people in their twenties, particularly the tendency to seek breaks instead of committing fully to God's work.

• He argues that sabbaticals are more suited for older individuals; younger people should focus on balance and dedication rather than convenience.

Building Supportive Friendships

• Emphasizes the necessity of surrounding oneself with friends who provide genuine support and accountability rather than those who only offer convenience.

• Highlights that many young people use religious language to justify their desire for breaks when what they truly need is commitment and sacrifice.

The Importance of Accepting Correction

Handling Feedback from Friends

• Discusses how accepting correction from friends is crucial for personal growth; good friends will point out unhealthy habits or behaviors.

• Stresses that defensiveness against feedback hinders growth; learning to listen is essential for improvement.

Understanding True Friendship

• Acknowledges that true friends will challenge each other constructively; receiving advice from loved ones can lead to better decision-making.

Choosing Relationships Wisely

Aligning with Godly Values

• Concludes by urging listeners to choose relationships based on prayerful consideration and alignment with God's kingdom values.

• Questions whether friendships foster a healthy fear of God or merely revolve around worldly pleasures, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discussions.

The Importance of Meaningful Conversations

Engaging in Deeper Discussions

• Emphasizes the need for conversations that go beyond trivial topics, suggesting discussions about faith and personal experiences can be more impactful.

• Highlights the potential within individuals to either challenge negative influences or align with them, stressing the importance of being proactive in spiritual matters.

Sacrifice and Friendship

• Discusses the essence of true friendship as one that involves sacrifice, encouraging individuals to express love even when it may lead to temporary discomfort.

• Urges church leaders to set an example by guiding their groups on how to choose friendships wisely and maintain a God-fearing attitude.

Discernment in Relationships

• Calls for discernment in choosing friends who have access to one's personal life, emphasizing the significance of aligning with those who share similar values and goals.

• Requests divine guidance for making wise choices in friendships throughout different life stages, aiming for connections that support spiritual growth.

Unity and Purpose

• Expresses a desire for unity among believers under a common purpose, advocating for relationships that contribute positively towards expanding God's kingdom.

• Encourages planning time for ministry while also enjoying life's pleasures, highlighting the balance between joy and responsibility within community engagement.

Commitment to Giving

• Concludes with a prayer for generosity among church members, urging them not only to give but also to recognize their commitment as part of their faith journey.