Relational Health // The Art of Being Unordinary [Part 6 of 8]

HOW OUR FEARS RUIN RELATIONSHIPS? Genesis 3:6-19

• MY FEAR OF EXPOSURE MAKES ME

“Lord God called to the man and said to him, ‘Where are you? And he said… ‘I was afraid because I was naked, and I hid myself.’” Gen.  3:9-10 (ESV)

Phase 1:  SHAME

“They suddenly felt shame at their nakedness” vs.  7a (NLT)

Phase 2: COVER UP

“They sewed fig leaves to cover up themselves.” vs. 7b (NLT)

Phase 3: DISTANCE FROM GOD  

“they hid from the Lord God among the trees.” vs. 8 (NLT)

• MY FEAR OF DISAPPROVAL MAKES ME .

“God asked, ‘have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?’ The man answered, ‘the women you put here with me-She gave me some fruit from the tree and I ate it.’”  Gen. 3:11-12 (NIV)

THE ANTIDOTE:

“Wherever God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out all fear.” It is punishment that makes a person fear…”  John 4:18 (NCV) 

HOW DO I LEARN TO LIVE IN GOD’S LOVE?

• EVERYDAY SURRENDER TO GOD 

Surrender your heart to God, turn to him in prayer, and give up your sins— even those you do in secret.  Then you won’t be ashamed; you will be confident and fearless.  Then you’ll rest safe and secure, filled with hope and emptied of worry!” Job 11:13-15, 18 (CEV) 

• EVERYDAY I

• I’M completely accepted 

 “He (Jesus) made us acceptable to God.” 

Titus 3:7b (CEV)

• I’M unconditionally loved  

 “My (God) unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.”

Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)

• I’M totally forgiven 

 “There is NO condemnation for those in Christ Jesus!”  

Rom. 8:1(NIV)

• EVERYDAY I CHOOSE TO MYSELF

“…accept one another just as Christ accepted you…” 

Rom. 15:7 (NASB)

“Love never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, never gives up.