September 27 – October 3, 2008

THE POWER OF GODLY RELATIONSHIPS

In this lesson, you will learn both how to have godly relationships and the need for godly relationships.

I. Peter answers the question on how to have godly relationships – Act 2:38-47.

A. Repent – change your mind, heart, attitude, and life. Acts 2:38 – “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

1. Be baptized – outward, visible act of faith showing you believe and confess Jesus crucified, buried, and raised from the dead. (Three thousand people were baptized and added to the church in one day.)

2. You shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

3. Be saved from the perverse generation.

B. They continued steadfastly in:

1. Doctrine – teaching the Word of God.

2. Fellowship – developing relationships.

3. Prayer – praying for God’s will to be done.

C. They met in the temple and from house to house.

D. Had a fivefold vision of:

1. Worship

2. Prayer.

3. Word.

4. Fellowship.

5. Evangelism.

II. Why we need godly relationships – Proverbs 17:17, 27:5-6.

A. Encouragement.

B. Support – help.

C. Input.

D. Accountability.

E. Love and acceptance.

F. Interaction.

G. Connection/connectedness.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• Do you have godly relationships?
• Share how you are both giving and receiving in these relationships.
• What is your plan to expand your circle of godly relationships?

BE A DOER OF THE WORD

This week pray about expanding your circle of godly friends and invite someone to your home or out for coffee or a meal. Find out about their life and pray for any needs they may have.

SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSE: Acts 2:46 – “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.”