Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:15-20

Trusting Each Other

Intro.

1. Trust is the sign of a mature, thoughtful, confident and secure relationship (cf. marriage, Prov 31:11).

2. Someone was spreading rumors and lies about Paul throughout the church in Corinth. 2 Cor 10:10-11; 11:7, 16-21

3. It had reached a point that some of the Corinthians no longer trusted Paul; they were timid to “open their hearts” to the apostle, 2 Cor 6:11-13; 7:2-4.

I. OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST ENGENDERS COMPLETE TRUST, 2 Tim 1:12; Rom 8:37-39; cf. 1 Pet 4:19.

A. We Trust Jesus because He Always Speaks the Truth, Jno 14:6.

1. Likewise, trust among Christians must be based on unwavering integrity, 2 Cor 1:15-20.

2. Speak truth to spread trust! Eph 4:25

B. We Trust Jesus because He Always Acts in our Best Interests.

1. He always loves, 1 Jno 4:7-11.

2. An atmosphere of trust grows out of humbly serving one another, not boastfully demanding our due, Phil 2:1-4.

* Truth and Love: without these trust will never exist!

II. THINGS THAT PROMOTE AND HINDER TRUST AMONG US.

A. Our Commonality in Christ Ought to Engender Trust between One Another, Gal 3:28; 1 Cor 1:9-10, 13.

Trust is Promoted by Our…

Trust is Harmed by…

Common faith, Titus 1:4

Going beyond the faith, 1 Cor 4:6; 1 Jno 2:19

Common mind, Phil 2:19-21

Self-seeking, Phil 2:21; Js 3:14-16

Common service, Phil 2:22; Col 3:24

Serving selfish interests, Phil 2:21

Common citizenship, Phil 3:20

Worldliness, 1 Jno 2:15

III. THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH TRUST. Col 3:12-15

-Where there is trust, the following will be present.

-Make application to friendship; the church; marriage.

A. Communication. No trust--no communication (Eph 4:25, 31).

B. Unity of Action (work together). No trust--no work (Amos 3:3).

C. Friendship. No trust--no friendship (Eph 4:32; Phil 2:4).

D. Showing Compassion and Mercy. No trust--no forgiveness (Col 3:13; Matt 18:21-22).

E. Peace. No trust--no peace (Col 3:15).

Conclusion

1. Trust generates and galvanizes confidence in one another that is crucial to working together and being successful in our relationships:

a. With God in Christ (Matt 11:28-30; Gal 3:26-29) – Psa 34:8; 2:12.

b. The church (1 Cor 12:25-27).

c. The home (Eph 5:33).

2. Strengthen our trust as we rejoice in our common faith and the love of Christ that has been shown to each of us.