Raising the Bar for Relationships
Lily Baptist Church – Tarrant, Alabama
2026 Vision: “All Things New”
Declaration: “I’m becoming who God wants me to be.”
Scripture Focus (NKJV)
Malachi 2:10–16
“Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously with one another By profaning the covenant of the fathers? Judah has dealt treacherously, And an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem, For Judah has profaned The Lord’s holy institution which He loves: He has married the daughter of a foreign god. May the Lord cut off from the tents of Jacob The man who does this, being awake and aware, Yet who brings an offering to the Lord of hosts! And this is the second thing you do: You cover the altar of the Lord with tears, With weeping and crying; So He does not regard the offering anymore, Nor receive it with goodwill from your hands. Yet you say, ‘For what reason?’ Because the Lord has been witness Between you and the wife of your youth, With whom you have dealt treacherously; Yet she is your companion And your wife by covenant. But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit, And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth. ‘For the Lord God of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one’s garment with violence,’ Says the Lord of hosts. ‘Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously.'”
Series Review
In the book of Malachi, God examines the hearts of His people and calls them to a higher standard. Rather than accepting casual faith, God challenges His people to raise the bar in every area of life.
So far we have explored:
- Part 1: Raising the Bar for Worship
- Part 2: Raising the Bar for Covenant
- Part 3: Raising the Bar for Relationships
This week’s message reminds us that our relationship with God is reflected in the way we treat other people. God cares not only about our worship but also about our marriages, friendships, families, and church relationships.
Sermon Point 1: Raise the Bar for Covenant Relationships
Key Scripture
“Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us?… Judah has profaned the Lord’s holy institution which He loves…”
Malachi 2:10-11 (NKJV)
Lesson
God created relationships, and He especially values marriage. Marriage is not simply a human institution—it is God’s holy institution.
From the very beginning, God established marriage between one man and one woman as a covenant relationship designed to glorify Him.
Supporting Scriptures
“And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.'”
Genesis 2:18 (NKJV)
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
Genesis 2:24 (NKJV)
God warned Israel against forming intimate relationships that would pull them away from Him.
“Nor shall you make marriages with them… For they will turn your sons away from following Me, to serve other gods.”
Deuteronomy 7:3-4 (NKJV)
Life Application
Our closest relationships influence our spiritual direction.
Whether it is:
- Marriage
- Dating
- Friendships
- Workplace relationships
The people closest to us can either strengthen our walk with Christ or slowly pull us away from Him.
Think About It
- Who has the greatest influence over my spiritual life?
- Do my closest relationships encourage me toward Christ or away from Him?
- Am I choosing relationships based on God’s standards or my own desires?
Weekly Challenge
Prayerfully evaluate your closest relationships. Ask God whether each relationship is helping you grow spiritually. If necessary, begin raising the standard by surrounding yourself with people who encourage your faith.
Sermon Point 2: Raise the Bar in How You Treat Others
Key Scripture
“Because the Lord has been witness Between you and the wife of your youth, With whom you have dealt treacherously…”
Malachi 2:13-14 (NKJV)
Lesson
God not only cares who we choose; He also cares how we treat them.
Malachi describes people acting “treacherously” toward their spouses through deception, betrayal, selfishness, and disrespect.
God sees:
- Hidden motives
- Broken promises
- Manipulation
- Abuse
- Disrespect
- Unfaithfulness
Nothing escapes His notice.
Supporting Scriptures
“Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding… that your prayers may not be hindered.”
I Peter 3:7 (NKJV)
“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar… First be reconciled to your brother…”
Matthew 5:23-24 (NKJV)
Healthy relationships are marked by:
- Honor
- Respect
- Forgiveness
- Encouragement
- Restoration
- Love
- Support
God desires these qualities in our homes and throughout His church.
Think About It
- Do I consistently build people up or tear them down?
- Is there anyone I need to forgive?
- Have my words encouraged healing or caused hurt?
Weekly Challenge
This week intentionally encourage someone in your family, church, or workplace. Restore a relationship where possible, and refuse to let bitterness become a barrier to your worship.
Sermon Point 3: Raise the Bar by Pursuing Godly Relationships
Key Scripture
“He seeks godly offspring… Therefore take heed to your spirit…”
Malachi 2:15-16 (NKJV)
Lesson
God’s desire is not simply that relationships survive—but that they produce something that honors Him.
Healthy, God-centered relationships produce:
- Godly families
- Spiritual maturity
- Unity
- Christlike character
- Strong churches
- A faithful witness to the next generation
Our relationships should point people toward Christ.
Godly Relationships Require Alignment
Just as a chiropractor makes careful adjustments to restore proper alignment, God often works through examination, difficult conversations, repentance, patience, and healing to restore broken relationships.
Supporting Scriptures
“These six things the Lord hates… And one who sows discord among brethren.”
Proverbs 6:16-19 (NKJV)
“…that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.”
I Corinthians 12:23-26 (NKJV)
God hates:
- Division
- Discord
- Schisms
- Relationships that destroy unity
Instead, He calls His people to honor one another and care for one another as members of one body.
Think About It
- Does my attitude create unity or division?
- Am I helping strengthen relationships within the church?
- What adjustment does God want to make in my heart?
Weekly Challenge
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you “take heed to your spirit.” Seek reconciliation where needed, guard against gossip and division, and become a source of peace and unity within your family and your church.
Key Takeaways
God calls us to raise the bar by:
- Choosing relationships that strengthen our faith.
- Treating people with honor, love, and integrity.
- Building relationships that glorify Christ and produce spiritual fruit.
- Guarding our hearts against division and bitterness.
- Examining our own spirit and allowing God to align our hearts with His will.
Personal Reflection
Take time this week to pray through these questions:
- Which of my relationships most encourages my walk with Christ?
- Is there a relationship that needs healing or reconciliation?
- Have I allowed worldly standards to influence my relationships?
- What area of my attitude needs God’s adjustment?
- How can my relationships become a greater testimony of God’s love?
Prayer
Father, thank You for creating us for relationships—with You and with one another. Help us to honor You in our marriages, friendships, families, and church relationships. Search our hearts, reveal areas where we have lowered Your standard, and give us the courage to make the adjustments You desire. Let our relationships reflect Your love, produce godly fruit, and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.