Effective Communication in Relationships
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
January 17, 2007
Mike Matijevich

Intro:
Paul has 7 challenges that he deals with in this book…
1st he cuts thru all the problems to #1 issue RELATIONSHIPS.
#1 Problem he deals with in relationships is COMMUNICATION. (What do you think it is?)

* Let's go to the word & see what it says @ COMMUNICATION in relationships.
We will see some principles here… Prayer
1 Cor. 2:1-5
(v5) as our statement of the day…
- Paul's dealings factions/ fighting's / when he came…
Tells them when he came - he wanted them to see the power of God at work.
See how these principles and use them in all relationships…
- Your marriage, co-workers, church, family… (v5) "…not in man's wisdom, but power"

Wouldn't that be a good thing? (If we could just succeed at this issue of communication)

I. PAUL COMMUNICATED TO THEM THROUGH THE OVERFLOW OF HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST (2:1-5)
A. Tells them - when he came to them the most important relationship he had was the one with Christ.
1. When you communicate with people you do it from the overflow of your heart.
Note: Why some don't talk about God- NOTHING going on in there.
I.e. A grandparent… about their grandkids
A sports fan… about their team
A cook… etc. comes form the overflow of their heart.
See what Jesus said:
Mt 12:34-37 Jesus telling the Pharisees…
* You & I communicate from the heart- when you are honest.
I.e. My confession of Jesus as savior 12-19-68… JUSTIFIED or CONDEMNED (deny Him)
* Paul when he came to Corinth he had ONE THING on his mind- Jesus Christ (no other reason)

* Remember the 1st lesson 1 Cor. 1 the one true relationship is with God! (he is now practicing / preaching)
*** So we have to decide what is the most important relationship to us - because out of it- (flows).

* Beware of corrupted communication- talking out of both sides of your mouth …
"I love God, but I am going to do what I know to be wrong".
- Making decisions without consulting with the word- "Well I feel_____________".
- Or contradicting the word. God said NO- but you felt…
- Selfishness & pride keeps us from good communication.

Remember the WOG must be our absolute standard for relationships/ & in communication.
Context relationships- not my mind with your mind but my mind in total agreement with God's mind.

II. YOUR RELATIONSHIP PROBLEM HAS NO HUMAN SOLUTION 2:6-16
A. Context = division in the church / "perfect = spiritual people (2:6)
1. (2 Tim 3:16-17) So we can be equipped/ not problem free
- We get straightened out when we apply the word (cp 1 Cor 2:15) = "perfect" ones (v6)
* How do I operate perfectly? When I run according to manufacturer made it to run.
2. So we have to be spiritual / perfect so as to communicate properly. (Not carnally)
Note: How do we get out of these messes?
- By spending time in WOG
- By relinquishing control & not seeking our own self-interests.
* Cp. 3:1-2 (why some still have problem relationships--- not grown up) do you have growth?
(magnets same pole repels)
* Cp. James 4:1-3 We have wars because we are defending our OWN interests (instead of God's)

B. How do we get out of those problem relationships? (2:6b)
1. Not the wisdom of asking someone down here- we can't solve your problem (God)
* I don't have a secret to relationship- only these principles- Christ's MIND.
*Spiritual people will be the only ones that can find a solution to the problem- Not carnal ones.
- Hard part is NOT the other person- it is YOU! (relax) not the fault here!!!
- May be a genuine problem.
* You or I cannot control the other person! ( I can't fix in 30 minutes a problem that gone on 18 years)
* You can CONTROL you actions, feelings, and attitudes!
* Some are just MAD at God- remember AUTHORITY = the Umbrella.
* You can only control you!

III. YOUR ONLY TRUE SOLUTION COMES FROM GOD (2:7-10a)

A. Truth that at one time was hidden is now revealed clearly because of Jesus death burial & resurrection; therefore we are to live accordingly.
1. God's truth is our only absolute authority- Paul is pointing these people from the relationship "problem" to the real problem CARNALITY!
2. Most problems as described people are really the symptoms. CARNALITY.
* Fix that & God will fix your relationships.
Paul quoting… 1 Cor 2:9-10
Deu 29:29 "The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law."
* God reveals truth to His children -so they know how to live.
- In the OT they about God, but Jesus made us able to know God personally.
* We have COMPLETE light today- great responsibility great actions.
* Thus these Corinthians should be having these problems since the truth of Jesus has been given to them internally.
* Paul is saying the problem is NOT relationships but their walk with God!
* You are not living by the word but by your won standards.

B. 2:10-11 God has revealed His truth to us--- this is REVEALTION!
1. God has chosen to reveal His truth not hidden it from us.