The Progression of Relationship | Stephen Chandler | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

The Progression of Relationship

Stephen Chandler

Union Church • Apr 28, 2025 • 44 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message, Pastor Stephen Chandler explores how believers grow into a thriving relationship with God by understanding the distinct roles of the Trinity and the triune nature of humanity. Because we are created spirit, soul, and body in the image of God, salvation touches every dimension of our lives—our spirit has been saved, our soul is being saved through daily sanctification, and our body will be saved in eternity. Believers are called to progress from serving God the Father as willing bondservants to embracing adoption as co-heirs with Jesus and walking in daily intimate friendship with the Holy Spirit.

Themes

The Trinity and CreationTriune Nature of ManSurrender and ServanthoodSonship and InheritanceFriendship with the Holy SpiritWater Baptism

Pastor's Points

1.

1. I volunteered to be a servant (Relationship with God the Father)

2.

2. Jesus makes me a son and an heir (Relationship with God the Son)

3.

3. I have a friend that is closer than any other (Relationship with the Holy Spirit)

Key Points

1.
1. I volunteered to be a servant (Relationship with God the Father).
2.
2. Jesus makes me a son and an heir (Relationship with God the Son).
3.
3. I have a friend that is closer than any other (Relationship with the Holy Spirit).
4.
Jesus modeled baptism for believers to follow, demonstrating that obedience to the Father matters far more than public perception or opinion.
5.
The Trinity operates in total unity, from creation to Jesus' baptism and throughout the believer's spiritual journey.
6.
Humans are triune beings created in God's image, consisting of spirit, soul (mind, will, and emotions), and body.
7.
Salvation is past, present, and future: our spirit has been saved at conversion, our soul is being saved through sanctification, and our body will be saved in eternity.
8.
True relationship with God the Father begins by choosing to be a bondservant who yields ownership of every life decision to Him.

Sermon Moments

“Jesus didn't just tell us what to do; He gave us footsteps to follow in by being baptized Himself.”

“When Jesus was baptized, He wasn't concerned with public opinion, but only with showing total submission to the Father.”

“Walking with the Holy Spirit requires moving with sensitivity, like balancing a dove on your shoulder so you can hear His still, small voice.”

“Salvation is three-fold: our spirit has been saved, our soul is being saved, and our body will be saved.”

“You cannot lose a salvation you did not earn; righteousness is a gift received through Christ's work on the cross.”

“A bondservant is someone who voluntarily yields their freedom to belong to a loving Master who paid their price.”

“As co-heirs with Christ, we never need to walk through life begging or paralyzed by fear—God will not leave us hanging.”

“You cannot walk in friendship with God until you step into sonship through Jesus, and you cannot walk in sonship until you yield to God as a servant.”

This Week

Publicly declare your faith and align with Christ's burial and resurrection by being water baptized.

Surrender your ambitions and daily choices to God as a willing bondservant bought with a price.

Combat fear and insecurity by affirming your identity as an adopted child and co-heir with Christ.

Seek God wholeheartedly through prayer and Scripture to discern His specific calling on your life, career, and relationships.

Yield your soul—your mind, will, and emotions—to the daily process of sanctification.

Submit major life decisions to wise counsel and spiritual leadership within your local church family.

Practice sensitivity to the Holy Spirit each day, walking carefully to hear His still, small voice guiding your steps.

Remember This

True spiritual maturity is a progression of relationship where we yield to God the Father as willing servants, receive adoption and authority through Jesus the Son, and walk in daily guidance and friendship with the Holy Spirit.

A Challenge for You

If you have never submitted your life to God, give Him all of you today; if you haven't been water baptized, take that next step; and if you haven't been filled with the Holy Spirit, seek His power and presence so you can fulfill the call of God on your life.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.