The Myth of Rules Versus Relationship | Spiritual Formation with Brian Delamont (Ep. 210)

Are you naturally a rule-follower, or do you tend to balk at rules? Brian Delamont joins co-hosts Keane and Heather for a conversation about how God’s commands are given in the context of relationship and for our flourishing.

We’d love to hear from you! podcast@teachbeyond.org
Podcast Website: https://teachbeyond.org/podcast
Learn about TeachBeyond: https://teachbeyond.org/

• “We’re created by God to be flourishing and to be in relationship with Him. If we go back to God’s original creation, if we go to the garden, in His perfect design God gives us guardrails.” - Brian
• “There’s a difference between blind or obligatory compliance and truly joyful obedience.” - Heather
• Genesis 2:16-17
• Deuteronomy 5:32-33
• “We become the rulemakers rather than actually living in the good things that God has for us.” - Brian
• Romans 2:1
• “If in following the commands that God has given us, we are portraying a life that is boring or [...] condemning of others, then we’re not actually perpetuating the reality of who God is and our relationship with Him.” - Heather
• Romans 2:14
• “God’s kindness is intended to lead us to repentance. Do we show that to other people, or do we show contempt for the way that God shows kindness to those people compared to how He shows kindness to us?” - Keane
• Titus 2:11-13
• “We do say ‘no’ to some things because by saying ‘no’ to those things, it helps us to live the way that God wants us to live right here, right now, in this present age. Yet, we also know we are waiting for more.” - Brian
• “God is calling me deeper into knowing Him, and part of knowing Him is obeying Him.” - Heather
• Luke 11:37-46
• John 14:15-18
• “Jesus is asking the Father to send the very power and insight and discernment and understanding we need to keep His commands by sending His Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us into all truth.” - Brian
• “What is actually so distinct about the rules that God gives [...] is that they are about relationship.” - Heather
• “We’re not just made to follow these rules; these rules were made in order to help us.” - Keane
• Galatians 5:22-23
• Deuteronomy 6:4-9
• “What He wants us to do is what He knows is for our good, and that is to be infused with His Word.” - Brian
• Deuteronomy 5:12-13

February Reflection: How do I see God when I think about rule-following - disappointment or lenience? How do I see myself in relationship to God - earning God’s favor or leaning on His grace?

What’s changing our lives:

• Keane: Using more features of Obsidian
• Heather: Hosting hygge activities
• Brian: Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard

Weekly Spotlight: Non-teaching roles

We’d love to hear from you! podcast@teachbeyond.org
Podcast Website: https://teachbeyond.org/podcast
Learn about TeachBeyond: https://teachbeyond.org/