Lesson 1 - The Importance And Beauty Of Relationships

One Another 1

Lesson 1 - The Importance And Beauty Of Relationships Going through a spiritual dry spell? Check out your relationships with others...family, neighbors, fellow Christians. A rich treasure is found in relationships. Is our relationship with God affected by our relationship with others? Read the following passages and comment. 1. James 3:8-10 2. I Peter 3:7 3. I John 4:20-21 * You cannot do people wrong and be right with God Just how valuable are our relationships with people? 4. What is the only thing God said was not good in the beginning (Gen. 2:18)? 5. What does Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 say about companionships? 6. Proverbs 17:17 teaches two things about friendships. What are they? 7. What are some other benefits to establishing friendships with people? * We must learn to value other human beings as God does...especially our brothers in Christ. 2

* We must learn that second greatest commandment - Love you neighbor as yourself. In the church we come into a fellowship, family, community, brotherhood, a one another relationship, where mutual participation is expected and required...not just by men, but by God. No Christian at large concept is advocated in Scripture, if avoidable. The need for local church affiliation should become very apparent in this study. One Another - this expression (or one similar) is found almost 60 times in the New Testament We will examine many of these one anothers in this class, but before we begin here are a few points that need to be emphasized: 1. Each and every saint is obligated by God to one another. These are not expectations of a select few. Total involvement is the ideal. 2. The command comes to ME first...meaning it is not contingent upon a favorable response from another. 3. All should be directed toward all Christians everywhere, but most often will be seen in local congregation activities. 4. They are not restricted to assembly times...much of our duty to God is performed individually and at times outside the services. Lesson 2 - Consider One Another (Hebrews 10:23-25) Considering one another is a must if we are going to apply the other one anothers in the rest of this study. 3

1. What does it mean to consider one another? Conclusion 2. In verse 24, what is the purpose of doing so? 3. Why is this so important? Love for one another encompasses all of these. We must develop and maintain a body mindset...everyone is joined together in Christ. This is true mutual edification...everyone doing their part to contribute to the promotion of the whole group...everyone one anothering...everyone beginning with themselves first...and everyone to everyone else. 4. What other things will result from a conscious effort to do this? 5. What do you make of Paul s naming so many Christians in Romans 16:1-15? Is Paul considering others? 6. How is it good to mention all these good people by name? 7. What did Paul say was a constant concern or consideration (II Corinthians 11:28)? 8. In II Timothy 1:3-5, what exemplifies the consideration Christians ought to have for one another? 9. In verse 4, Paul indicates what is accomplished by this...what is it? 10. Give suggestions as to how you might better fulfill this commandment...to consider one another? 11. In what ways does this become difficult and what are ways we can improve? 4 21

5. Why do we constantly need this? 6. What is prevented and assured by continual attention to edifying (II Peter 1:10-11)? Lesson 3 - Love One Another (I Peter 1:22) This one another encompasses all the other one anothers. Explain how that is the case? 7. What are we urged to do in I Corinthians 15:58? 8. Is this is a good work (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 6:10) for us to involve ourselves? * What are the means of encouragement found in these passages: 9. Ephesians 4:29 10. I Peter 4:9 11. Philippians 1:14; Matthew 5:16; I Peter 3:1-2 12. Hebrews 10:25 13. James 5:16 1. If you think that you are already loving others, what do we learn from I Thessalonians 3:12? 2. From I Thess. 4:9-10, we are once more urged to increase in love of one another. How is it we are taught of God to do so? 3. In II Thessalonians 1:3, love of each other in Christ is to abound. Does it seem we ever max out in love? 4. What else ought to typify this love (I Peter 4:8)? 5. What is the lesson of Romans 13:8? 6. Read these passages and comment: I John 3:11,23; 4:7,11-12 7. How is the world to identify us as followers of Jesus Christ (John 13:34-35)? 14. Psalm 119: 89-93 8. Give some examples of visibly what outsiders see as love of each other that they connect with us being genuine Christians? 9. To what extent ought love to be the motivation in things we do (I Corinthians 16:14)? 20 5

10. Reminder: Love must be shown to everyone, without exception and it starts with ME first...not dependent upon the subject being lovable. Lesson 4 - Members Of One Another (Romans 12:5) Though maybe not obvious, this truth teaches us a lot about our behavior to the others in the body of Christ. Because we are members one of another: 1. No individual Christian is less needed than another (I Corinthians 12:21-24a; also Ephesians 4:16). What does this cause me to never think about another? What does it tell me about my own sense of worth? 12. When was the last time I conceded to another, though I did not feel I had to? 13. Did Jesus have to submit? Did the apostles? Early Christians? Why not you and me? 14. The problems that would be solved and sometimes even avoided in congregations, if this mutual submission was practiced 15. Notice Philippians 2:3-4 again. Comment. 16. Determine to obey Christ in this matter. Pray for strength to submit. 2. No one member is more important (12:15-18). How or why can this be true? 3. All work together harmoniously; there is no strife between members (12:24-25). What is the good in minimizing discord in the church? 4. Empathy should come naturally (12:26; also Hebrews 13:3). In your opinion, which is more difficult...to genuinely rejoice with them that rejoice? Or, weep with them that weep? * This one another helps us understand the need for amputation of a diseased member in extreme circumstances (I Cor. 5:6). 5.. Am I helping other members grow and be mature in Christ? Why should that be a concern of mine? 6 Lesson 16 - Edify One Another (Romans 14:19) The idea: encourage, build courage, exhort, motivate forward. 1. What else is mentioned in this regard (I Thessalonians 5:11)? 2. How is it pictured in Hebrews 12:12? 3. Who is foremost responsible for encouraging me? Is it solely the preacher s job? the bishops? 4. Is there a place for mutual edification? 19

1. What does I Peter 5:5 say will enable you to do this? 2. Will this approach to life make you wise in the eyes of the world? Where does the willing-to-yield wisdom come from (James 3:17)? 3. List some of the difficult areas to apply this. 4. Is anyone exempted from this commandment of the Lord? 6. Do I look for opportunities to care for others in the Lord who are hurting or weak? 7. Do I seek to see the potential use and value of others in the body? * A potential danger...new members not being assimilated into the group. Explain how or why this can happen. We need to incorporate new members into the membership as soon and as easily as possible...make them feel at home. 5. What if this opens you up to abuse, misuse or people taking advantage of you? 6. What if it causes you to sometimes go along with something you deem inexpedient? * Soul Searching Questions: 7. Do I respect and honor all other members (or do I feel more important)? 8. How do I react when someone disagrees with me? Threatened? Insulted? Defensive? 9. Do I insist on my way usually? 10. How often have I admitted to others I was wrong? Do I have to be right always to feel comfortable? 11. Do I ever share my weaknesses with others? 18 Lesson 5 - Kindly Affectionate To One Another (Romans 12:10a) The idea: devotion, loyalty, warmth, protection, security, emotional, tender affection. Brotherly love is a family sort of care. Beginning in Acts, Christians are called brothers 230 times approx. But, it is more important that we mean it, than we say it. 1. How are we told to love in I Peter 3:8? 2. What are some of the other things mentioned in this verse associated with loving as brothers? 3. What can be assumed from the admonition of Hebrews 13:1? 4. II Peter 1:7 urges its addition to our character. 5. What makes this difficult? 6. What is a key to success (Ephesians 4:32)? 7

7. We are to love as brothers do (as a physical family does). Describe such and make the application to the brethren in Christ. 8. How does the fear of rejection pose a problem? 9. What about the fear of of being abused or of someone taking advantage of me? 10. What might be said to be the difference between love and brotherly love? 5. How does all this harmonize with Galatians 6:5? 6. I serve you...you serve me...but it starts with me...and should be shown to all...without exception. Lesson 14 - Forgiving One Another (Colossians 3:13) 1. What is the motivating factor in forgiving others (Ephesians 4:32)? 2. Is this optional? Lesson 6 - Honor One Another (Romans 12:10b) We honor sports stars, entertainment figures, government leaders etc. How is it shown? Much of it is flattery and that is not what God is expecting of us. What is the difference? Key: preferring or giving preference to one another (12:10). It is not as sometimes erroneously concluded, that it means we ought to prefer to be with Christians over non-christians. Although, that is probably true. 3. If you are the offender, what should you do (Matthew 5:23-24)? 4. If I am the offended, what should you do (Matthew 18:15-17)? 5. How long do I have to keep doing this (Matthew 18:21-22)? 6. What must also characterize my forgiveness (Matthew 18:35)? 1. What is involved in preferring someone to yourself? 2. How does it feel when everyone is honored by each one honoring every other? 3. How does this apply to marriage? 8 7. Do I need to forget the forgiven wrong? If so, how do I do that? Lesson 15 - Submit To One Another (Ephesians 5:21) Definition: To yield to another...their advice or will. 17

* Find the helpful hints in these passages... 4. How did Jesus exemplify this (John 13:3-17)? 5. Philippians 2:1-8 6. Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 2:20 7. Matthew 25:40 8. What words are used to describe the service of Onesiphorus in II Timothy 1:16-18? 9. See this as a one-way street...give no concern to payback. Lesson 13 - Bear One Another s Burdens (Galatians 6:1-2) 5. What else do we learn about His example in Philippians 2:3-8? 6. When was the last time you did something to promote someone else? 7. When did you last plan to make someone else look good? 8. What do you think most gets in the way of our doing this? 9. What did Abraham do in Genesis 13:6-9 that illustrates this mindset well? 10. Reminder: I prefer you...you prefer me...but it starts with me...regardless. Not to be confused with bear with one another already studied. 1. What is the burden primarily under consideration in the context of Gal. 6:1-2? 2. What is meant by beware lest you also be tempted in the passage? Lesson 7 - Be Of The Same Mind Toward One Another (Romans 12:16; 15:5-6) Division is a tool of Satan...both internal and external damage results...both immediate and everlasting consequences follow. Unity is what God wants. 3. What two one anothers are found in James 5:16-20? Do you see the connection with Galatians 6:1-2? 4. What other burdens ought we to help other Christians to bear? 16 1. Why was Jesus concerned about unity (John 17:21)? 2. Did the first Christians have this oneness (Acts 2:46; 4:32)? 9

3. How about the Corinthian congregation (I Cor. 1:10-11)? 4. How does God regard one who sows discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19)? 5. What is a key to possessing this like-mindedness (Romans 12:16)? 6. Ask yourself, do I want to this? Am I doing my part to accomplish it? 7. Is this possible? 8. How will it be accomplished? 3. How does seeing our own weaknesses help? 4. Is this a God-given obligation? 5. Read Colossians 3:12-13 and comment. 6. Recall the story of ungrateful servant (Matthew 18:23-35). How does it illustrate this? 7. The key is forgiveness. T or F? 8. How does I Corinthians 12:25 word it? 9. Is it something I can concede on? If so, consider doing so. 10. Is it trivial or a matter of grave importance? Pray for wisdom to distinguish. 11. What ought we NOT do if it is to be done? 12. Remember division of this sort is sinful, carnal, spiritually immature. Working for unity is a sign of spiritual maturity and a fruit of the Spirit 13. Read Psalm 133 and comment. Lessons 12 - Serve One Another (Galatians 5:13) We all serve somebody...the Lord or the devil. Serve God, righteousness and others leads to salvation OR Serve Devil, sin, and self leading to destruction. Everyone wants to be first violin, but without the second there is no harmony 1. What do we learn from Jesus that applies here (Mark 10:42-45)? 2. What incident recorded in John 13 well illustrates this principle? 14. Reminder: All this begins with me and should be applied to everyone else. 10 3. The key is absolute UNselfishness. T or F? 4. Will our life be typically one of reaching OUT or drawing IN? 15

3. What does Peter say the greeting is to demonstrate (I Peter 5:14)? 4. Why do you think God encourages this? 5. Is it psychologically of benefit? Maybe. 6. Does it promote family closeness, since we are brothers and sisters in Christ? 7. Does it demonstrate oneness? Notice right hand of fellowship (Galatians 2:9); laid hands on those sent out (Acts 13:3); withheld if no oneness (II John 10-11). 8. Should we do this today? Why? 9. Why do you think the Holy Spirit has to take space in the Bible reminding us of what seems to go without saying? Lesson 11 - Bearing With One Another (Ephesians 4:2) Lesson 8 - Accept Or Receive One Another (Romans 15:7) We must recognize each other fully as Christians, giving full fellowship to those who we sometimes have differences with in some ways. It is the avoidance of cliques and parties within the church. 1. How is this principle stated negatively in Romans 14:13? * Problem areas: 2. I Corinthians 11:17-22 3. Galatians 2:11-13 4. Romans 14:1-15:2 5. James 2:1-9 * We must judge sometimes, but never hastily, without Scripture, uncharitably, to defame character, to promote self. A Dutch proverb: A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains. The idea: tolerant, patient compassionate, long suffering. 1. In I Peter 3:8, what all is mentioned in this connection? 2. As we get to know each other more intimately, weaknesses, idiosyncrasies, and character peculiarities, cause us to think we are the only sane one in the bunch. How are we to deal with that? 14 6. How do we decide what is a matter of fellowship and what isn t? We can enjoy fellowship with a brother if that fellowship does not 1) involve me in a wrong practice 2) commit me to unscriptural doctrine 3) constitute an endorsement of his or her error. 7. Are you strong spiritually? One evidence is you ability to bear with the weak. T or F? 11

8. What are some other areas where we might begin to show favoritism or partiality and let it block our full fellowship with another? 9. Is a lack of this sinful? 10. Do feelings have to change toward another before this can be done? 11. Can we choose receive those of weak faith? 12. Jesus says mercy will be shown to those who show. 13. How does mercy play a part in this? * Reminder: All this begins with you Lesson 9 - Admonish One Another (Romans 15:14) We are to exhort, verbally warn and instruct with a view to correcting one another. It is an obligation, even though we may feel uneasy about doing so. It is true love, though tough at times. 1. How frequently ought it to be done (Hebrews 3:13)? 2. Where is one place it should always take place (Hebrews 10:25)? 3. Why does Paul say you can mutually do this (Romans 15:14)? 12 4. Making your own standard the standard...even if you are right is a mistake. Why? 5. Overly criticizing is a mistake. Why? 6. Being divisive, and quarrelsome...especially in areas of personal judgment and conscience (II Timothy 2:24-26; Romans 14:5) is a mistake. Why? 7. Name some ways to best do this? 8. Where will patience be necessary? 9. What ought to be the ultimate goal? 10. From these verse, what is one way we can do this? (Colossians 3:16 & Ephesians 5:19) 11. Reminder: All are to be involved in this, not just the bishops or preacher. Lesson 10 - Greet One Another (Romans 16:16; I Corinthians 16:20; II Cor. 13:12) 1. Notice all the greetings in Romans 16. Why are they named? 2 What is meant by holy kiss in verse 16? What is the point and emphasis? 13