Transparency Works

Sermon From April 5, 2020

There are times when instruction needs to intersect with real felt needs. What does it look like if Jesus influenced our actions and our relationships?

Looking at Romans 12:2 and selected passages, Pastor Dan Brenton continues our series on relationships. It's very easy to conform ourselves during normal, busy times. But to be "transformed" is something that we can't do on our own. That is an action that happens only by God's work.

Our words can do great good or great damage. There is nothing more evident to where our heart is than how our speech is influenced by the world. To tame our tongue is a transformative work that only God can do through Jesus Christ.

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Sermon Outline: Transparency Works

Romans 12:2

What were your original dreams for your family?

We live out of an I rather than a We.

When dreams for our families are challenged:

• we give up on our dreams

• we get out and find a new dream

• we grab hold of God’s dream

Communication is one of the greatest gifts God has given us.

5 Levels of Communication

• Level one = Cliché

• Level two = Fact

• Level three = Opinion

• Level four = Emotion

• Level five = Transparency

Why does communication get difficult?

Proverbs 18:21

James 3:5-8

Our Objective: Create a safe place to share who we are.

James 1:19

Listen Carefully

• Give focused attention

• Avoid trying to fix a person

• Feel what the other person is feeling

• Don’t react

• Summarize what you are hearing

Express Clearly

• Think before you speak

• Ask when would be a good time

• Share your heart

• Beware! Anger sabotages vulnerability

• Pay attention to your body language

1Peter 3:9