The Insufficiency of Isolation
Genesis 2.15-24
What I want us to see today from Scripture are three things:
a) when we live in isolation we are living in violation of our created purpose which is to be seen, known and loved.
b) isolation is the place where our negative self talk dominates the dialogue
c) in isolation we cannot live out the “one another’s” of Scripture
1. We were not created to live in isolation, Genesis 2.15-24
“No lie is more often believed than the lie that we can know God without someone else knowing us.” -Larry Crabb
God himself exists in community, He formed us to need community and the Bible assume community.
“People just aren’t drawn to me.”
"If people know how badly I had screwed up, they would run.”
“I just don’t fit in.”
“If people knew the thoughts I am capable of thinking they would evict me from their lives.”
“I’ve always been kind of a loner and I like it that way.”
“People don’t care about what I’m going through.”
“Nobody really gets me.”
“People don’t need to hear about my problems.”
2. We often choose isolation, 1 Kings 19:1-4
“In each of my friends there is something that only some other friend can fully bring out. By myself I am not large enough to call the whole man into activity; I want other lights than my own to show all his facets.” -C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves
-1 John 1:7
3. Sometimes isolation is forced upon us
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing
honor.”
“Live in harmony with one another.”
“Bear one another’s burdens and and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
“Comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace. And the God
of peace will be with you.”
“Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love
serve one another.”
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.”
“Confess your sins, one to another and prayer for one another that you may be healed.”
Mental worship…
What messages do you expect to hear?
Where and how do you live out the “one another’s” of Scripture?
Who’s burden are you helping to bear right now?
How do you prioritize your need for community?
Which is your greatest need right now: fellowship (relational) or blood (theological)?