Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:15-20
Trusting Each Other
Intro.
1. Trust is the sign of a mature, thoughtful, confident and secure relationship (cf. marriage, Prov 31:11).
2. Someone was spreading rumors and lies about Paul throughout the church in Corinth. 2 Cor 10:10-11; 11:7, 16-21
3. It had reached a point that some of the Corinthians no longer trusted Paul; they were timid to “open their hearts” to the apostle, 2 Cor 6:11-13; 7:2-4.
I. OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST ENGENDERS COMPLETE TRUST, 2 Tim 1:12; Rom 8:37-39; cf. 1 Pet 4:19.
A. We Trust Jesus because He Always Speaks the Truth, Jno 14:6.
1. Likewise, trust among Christians must be based on unwavering integrity, 2 Cor 1:15-20.
2. Speak truth to spread trust! Eph 4:25
B. We Trust Jesus because He Always Acts in our Best Interests.
1. He always loves, 1 Jno 4:7-11.
2. An atmosphere of trust grows out of humbly serving one another, not boastfully demanding our due, Phil 2:1-4.
* Truth and Love: without these trust will never exist!
II. THINGS THAT PROMOTE AND HINDER TRUST AMONG US.
A. Our Commonality in Christ Ought to Engender Trust between One Another, Gal 3:28; 1 Cor 1:9-10, 13.
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Trust is Promoted by Our… |
Trust is Harmed by… |
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Common faith, Titus 1:4 |
Going beyond the faith, 1 Cor 4:6; 1 Jno 2:19 |
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Common mind, Phil 2:19-21 |
Self-seeking, Phil 2:21; Js 3:14-16 |
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Common service, Phil 2:22; Col 3:24 |
Serving selfish interests, Phil 2:21 |
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Common citizenship, Phil 3:20 |
Worldliness, 1 Jno 2:15 |
III. THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH TRUST. Col 3:12-15
-Where there is trust, the following will be present.
-Make application to friendship; the church; marriage.
A. Communication. No trust--no communication (Eph 4:25, 31).
B. Unity of Action (work together). No trust--no work (Amos 3:3).
C. Friendship. No trust--no friendship (Eph 4:32; Phil 2:4).
D. Showing Compassion and Mercy. No trust--no forgiveness (Col 3:13; Matt 18:21-22).
E. Peace. No trust--no peace (Col 3:15).
Conclusion
1. Trust generates and galvanizes confidence in one another that is crucial to working together and being successful in our relationships:
a. With God in Christ (Matt 11:28-30; Gal 3:26-29) – Psa 34:8; 2:12.
b. The church (1 Cor 12:25-27).
c. The home (Eph 5:33).
2. Strengthen our trust as we rejoice in our common faith and the love of Christ that has been shown to each of us.