Work on God-Given Covenant Relationships

Ecclesiastes 4:4-12

God created and saved us for work in a community of faith.  This includes the local church and family, and then branches out to believers in our community as well.  Sadly, too many people prioritize work at their "work" instead of working on their God-given relationships.  Let us meditate on, and discuss three jobs we must do to build relationships and God-given community.  Keep in mind that wisdom literature uses the structure of "this is better than that."  This does not make God's idea optional for us.  He is calling us to wisdom so we do what is better.  In cross-references we find strong, clear commands and principles to work on our relationships more than we work on our jobs, service, skills, occupations, crafts, or hobbies.

I.   Lift each other up when falls take place (v. 9).  

     A.  Spiritual people must "restore" each other with meekness and reverence. Gal. 6:1

             What approaches to an erring believer are not spiritual, nor successful in helping?

     B.  A husband must be lifting up his wife in preparation for a presentation to God.  

              What are some methods we see in Christ and the church?  Ephesians 5:25-30.

     C.  Paul set an example of "encouraging hearts to be knit together."  Colossians 2:1-2a

     D.  Lifting up those who have fallen morally, spiritually, or emotionally is a contrast to the

              competitive, critical spirit found in the word "envy" in Eccl. 4:4.  "Qinah" means envy, 

              rivalry, animosity, anger, and jealousy.  Discuss "unity" or harmony in Philippians 4:1-3 

              and Philippians 2:1-4.  Discuss the cooperation vs. competitive spirit in the home of 

              the "virtuous wife" in Proverbs 31:10-31.

II.   Keep each other warm because dark, cold times are part of life (Eccl. 4:10-11).  

      A.  Lukewarm hearts and service is distasteful to God.  Revelation 3:15-16  

              How can we help each other stay on fire spiritually; like healing, hot springs?

              How can we be like tasty, cool water which refreshes each other? 

              What is evidence of being lukewarm in our own hearts or service?

      B.  Being zealous is vital if we are going to help keep each other warm.  Discuss this topic 

               from Romans 10:2;  I Corinthians 14:12;  II Cor. 9:2;  Colossians 4:13;  Titus 2:14

      C.  Warming up each other is the contrast to the cold, calloused people in Eccl. 4:5-8.

                In what ways are lazy sloths cold to others?  What do they covet?  II Thess. 3:10-13

                In what ways are "work-a-holics" cold?  What do they covet?

                In what ways are content people balanced with work and relationships?  

                    Discuss I Timothy 6:6, and even apply it to contentment with the people in your 

                             family and church family.

III.  Defend each other from the attacks of the enemy (Eccl. 4:12).

• Read and discuss the methods of solving relationship problems in Colossians 3:12-17.

• How does each piece of armor in Ephesians 6:10-18 help you defend others who 

               are under attack?

• "A three-fold cord is not easily broken."  This means "the more the merrier" as we stand

               shoulder to shoulder in God-given community / family against enemies of God.  

               God is NOT the 3rd string of the 3-fold cord.  This picture does help us to elevate our

                view of each other as believers.  When you view family and church family members

                as covenant-relationships ordained & called by God together, how does that impact

                they way you talk to and treat each other?   What does this do to your faithfulness?

Lift up each other to overcome a competitive, critical spirit.

Warm up each other because it is easy to become cold and calloused.

Stand up with each other against the wicked one as covenant companions.