ONE ANOTHER
“What is our role and responsibility to one another as
Christians in the family of God?”
[Gk. “agape” – means to intelligently, intentionally will the best for
another – Dr. T. Miethe, The Compact Dictionary of
Doctrinal Words, p. 131.].
What
is one description of what love does not do (vs.
10)?
[A “neighbor” could be any person in the
world, but seems to specifically be anyone whom you have personal contact with
(Lk.
What
are some practical and specific ways in which you can fulfill this
responsibility?
Jn. 13:34, 35 What
new commandment (and, therefore, a
responsibility) did Christ give to His disciples (and to us as well, according to Matt. 28:20)?
To
what degree or extent are we to love one another?
[Christ loved them by protecting them
(Jn.
What will all people
know if we fulfill this responsibility?
Based on the above
qualification, do you think that people know that you are a
disciple/pupil/follower of Christ?
How do you know (on what basis)?
Heb.
Upon realizing what the word “consider” means, do
you think that you have been fulfilling this responsibility?
If so, specifically, how have you been doing so?
If not, why not?
How do you plan to start to do so, specifically?
Heb.
[Gk. “ekklesia” –
means church or called out ones. It’s
another word for believers or Christians, as seen in Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19;
Col. 4:15; Philemon 1:2 – Dr. T. Miethe, The
Compact Dictionary of Doctrinal Words, p. 59. A church does not have to have a pastor/elder
in order to be a church, Acts
Why
should we, all the more, encourage them not to forsake their assembling
together with us (along with their loving
and doing of good deeds)? See 1 Cor.
Can you think of any
Christians right now, who have forsaken getting together with you at your Bible
study/church, and who aren’t attending any other church/Christian group?
If so, what are you
planning on doing since judgment day is drawing near?
For what end in view
should we be bearing/putting up with the doctrinally uninformed Christian’s
wrong ideas/beliefs regarding what a Christian may or may not do (vs. 2)?
Who demonstrated
visibly this responsibility of not just pleasing Himself, but did God’s will?
How (vs. 3; 2 Cor.
Do you just think
about pleasing yourself most of the time, if not all the time? Why?
What are some
specific ways you can please other weaker Christians who differ from you as to
what they think is morally wrong and who have personal contact with you in your
church/Bible study group?
When will you start doing this?
[“To be of the same mind” is a plea for both the
strong and weak Christians (in their knowledge of Scripture) to not just please
themselves but to please each other for the other’s good and edification.].
[“According to Christ Jesus” means according to His
example as demonstrated in verse 3, as He didn’t please Himself but did God the
Father’s will.].
Why should both
strong and weak Christians be of the same mind?
Are you able to
control yourself, refrain from saying or doing nasty things, and even
appreciate those Christians who differ from you in how they view a holy life is
to be lived?
What can you do, so
that you are able to (Eph.
Rom.
15:7; 14:1-3 What is our responsibility toward
those Christians who differ from us in what they believe is morally right or
wrong to do (but which things are not
specifically stated in the Bible as being necessarily right or wrong)?
How
are we to accept one another into fellowship?
How are we not to
accept the weak-in-faith Christian (one
who doesn’t know the Bible very well, especially related to our inheritance or
freedom in Christ, and the doctrine of grace and law)?
Do you pass judgment
on the opinions of Christians who think that it is morally wrong for a
Christian to do a certain thing, even though it doesn’t specifically say that
it is morally wrong in the Bible? Why?
How and when will
you correct this sin?
[“To not judge” is to not be negatively
critical with or condemn. Here, “an obstacle or a stumbling block” is used
metaphorically to convey the thought of a trap to cause a person to fall into
sin.].
[The strong Christian (scripturally
knowledgeable) is regarded as placing a stumbling block when he does not desist
from what becomes an occasion of stumbling for the weaker Christian (less
knowledgeable). What is condemned is the inconsiderateness that discards the
spiritual interests of the weak.].
Why should we not
judge our fellow-Christians’ differences of opinions as to how they want to
live a holy life, in areas that aren’t specifically stated as right or wrong (vs. 10)?
Do you ever go ahead
and do something in the presence of another Christian (who thinks that what you are doing is morally wrong) regardless of
his/her beliefs? Why?
What should you do
in this situation?
What are some
examples of things that some Christians think are morally wrong for the
Christians to do, but for which the Bible does not so state it as being morally
wrong?
Rom.
How are we to do this?
Do you ever give
preferential treatment to Christians who are wealthy, intelligent,
good-looking, athletic, positionally important, etc. over those Christians who
are lowly or lacking in areas that most people hold in high regard, and why?
How will you change your
relations to the so-called “less fortunate” Christian, now that you know what
the Bible says?
[This passage is not dealing with discipleship
training standards, qualifications, or relationships, but with associating with
Christians in general.]
Phil. 2:2-4 What
is our responsibility?
[This passage is dealing with the
importance/value of other people rather than with their skills,
abilities/talents, gifts, intellect, etc.].
How
are we to carry this responsibility out?
Is
this hard for you to do? Why?
What
is the only way that it can be done (Rom.
12:2; Phil. 2:5-8; Gal.
Do
you think that it would help to meditate on these verses daily? Why?
Then
what do we need to do (Col. 3:12)?
Will
you? Why (Phil.
Jas. 5:8, 9 What are we not to do,
and why?
[The expectation of the coming Lord and Judge should have a transforming
effect in the lives of those grumblers and eliminate their complaining against
one another. To ‘complain’ is a
half-suppressed groan or murmur of impatience and harsh judgment, not uttered
aloud or freely. They are to patiently
tolerate the offenses given to them by other Christians.].
Do
you ever inwardly groan or murmur at the injustices done to you by other
Christians, and why?
How can you keep
from being guilty of this sin, and instead have an attitude of patience and
love (vss. 10, 11; Gal.
1 Jn.
Is
your love that sacrificial?
What
do you think that it will take to be that way?
Heb. 3:12, 13 What is our responsibility
here?
How often, and why?
What sin is it (vs.
12)?
How often do you encourage Christians in their
spiritual lives so as to keep them from an evil, unbelieving heart?
How
can you encourage a Christian in this area?
Gal. 6:2 What
is our responsibility to one another?
What are we doing when accomplishing this
responsibility (see also Gal.
[To “bear” means to carry, shoulder, or
help lighten. It applies to
every type of oppressing affliction, difficulty, or grief that is capable of
being shared by the brotherhood; but does not refer to responsibilities (which
cannot and should not be transferred, Gal. 6:5).].
What and when was
the last time you helped carry another Christian’s burden?
Why did you do so?
If you haven’t done
so for quite a while, why has that been so?
How can you be more
aware of other Christian’s burdens?
How does a Christian
develop this kind of concern for his/her fellow Christians?
Rom.
[“Devoted” means tenderly
affectioned. The context of this tender
affection must refer particularly to the love exercised within the fellowship
of the church as a family relationship.].
Are you devoted (kindly affectioned) to anyone or any
group of Christians to the extent of being as close to them as in close family
ties? Why?
[“To give preference to one another in honor” means to
put them ahead of myself, as in Phil. 2:3, and to do so because I greatly value
them.].
Give an example of
when you have done this, and why?
1 Thes. 5:9-11 What two responsibilities are ours?
Why?
What does it mean to build up another believer?
Are you building up other
Christians by teaching them the truths of the Bible and their application to
everyday life, by helping them grow through correcting, reproving, rebuking,
encouraging, admonishing, comforting, serving, training/equipping them to live
a Christ-like life? If so, when,
and how?
Is it wrong to
remind Christians to do something they are already doing (vs. 11)? Why?
What
are some specific ways of doing this?
When
do things that are clean (right to use,
e.g., different kinds of foods) become evil?
Is there anything
morally questionable that you do that you know offends another Christian in
any of the fellowship groups that you are a part of?
If
so, do you refrain from participating in it (or
them), especially when you know that the Christian
who would be offended by it is around you? Why?
1 Pet. 5:5 What
are all Christians to clothe themselves with?
Why?
Would you say that you are proud or humble, and why?
How
does a person develop humility as a part of his/her character (Eph.
Col. 3:16 What are your two
responsibilities to other Christians?
How
(or by what means)?
Are you teaching and
admonishing other Christians (warning and
urging them to fulfill their Christian duties / obligations) with psalms (scriptural psalms set to music), hymns (words of praise to God), and spiritual
songs (songs with Christian themes other
than praise)?
When, where, and to whom have you fulfilled these responsibilities recently?
What preparation
work is needed on your part in order to have this kind of wisdom to teach and
admonish others?
Col. 3:12, 13 What two responsibilities
are ours here?
How
are we to do this (heart preparation, vs.
12)?
From
where (or Whom)
do we get these qualities (Gal.
If
you have a complaint against anyone, what should you do, and how?
When was the last
time you exercised this responsibility, and what was
your complaint (no need to mention who it
was with, though)?
Eph. 4:1-3 What
are we to show one another, and how?
[“Forbearance” is patient restraint.].
Why
should we do this?
Why
preserve the unity (vss. 11-13)?
Can
there be diversity in unity (1 Cor.
How
does diversity help accomplish God’s ultimate goal?
Are
splits among Christians ever right (1
Cor.
When,
and why (Acts
Eph.
[“tender-hearted”
means to have compassion, warm sympathy, pity, and understanding.].
What
are some specific ways to express these qualities to other Christians?
Do you find it hard
to be this way when someone does you wrong?
How can you maintain
a forgiving attitude?
Eph.
Why?
Are
you doing this? If so, how often?
Gal. 5:13, 14 What
is our responsibility as stated here?
Through what attitude?
Do you ever find
yourself doing something for someone, but with a complaining attitude or
half-heartedly instead of through love?
How can we be
motivated by love to serve others?
[Think of someone right now who needs help whom you
could serve in some way, and then do it through love.].
1 Pet.
How should we employ it?
What
do you think your (spiritual or special)
gift(s) is (or are), and why?
How
can you find out?
How
often are you employing your gift(s),
and in what capacity?
Where,
when, and to whom?
Jas. 5:14-16 What
is the responsibility of the sick Christian who has sinned against some other
Christian?
Why
should the sick Christians do this?
[Sometimes (not all the time) the reason
a Christian becomes ill is because of sin in his life, so that he would deal
with it and get right with both his fellow man and God.].
Has this ever
happened to you?
What did you do when
you realized that the reason you were ill was because of a sin you had
committed against another person, and for which you never confessed and
repented of it (changed your thinking so
as to turn away from)?
1 Pet. 4:9 What responsibility
should we do without complaint?
What
are some specific ways that a person can be hospitable?
Would
you consider yourself a hospitable person? Why?
When
was the last time that you invited a new person over for dinner or just to
relax and get acquainted with you?
When
will the next time be?
Eph.
[To be “subject” is to be willing to co-operate
in humility with fellow Christians whose authority you are presently under in a
particular ministry or task (e.g., a choir member under the choir director, a
youth leader under the youth director, or a deacon under the pastor) – Dr. H.
Kent, Ephesians, p. 98.].
How
are we to be subject to (co-operating
with) one another?
[“In the fear of Christ” means with a conscious regard for His clearly
revealed will, every member of the body should be willing to recognize the
rights, needs, and wishes of the others.].
Do
you find it hard to subject yourself to other Christians who are placed over you? Why?
[This passage is not dealing with the seeming unsubmissiveness of a
Christian who is called by God to a different ministry than the one he may have
started in. Rather, it is dealing with an unsubmissiveness or uncooperativeness
with those whose authority he/she is under and is working beside in a group
effort, such as in a choir or an evangelistic team outreach.].
How
can you have a submissive (cooperative)
attitude (vs. 18)?
1 Pet. 4:8 What are we
responsible to keep fervent (sincere,
strong, and lasting) in, and why?
[To
“cover” means to “forgive” (Psa. 32:1; 85:2).].
How
fervent is your love for other Christians?
How
does a Christian develop a fervent love for others?
Can
you easily forgive the sins others have committed against you? Why?
1 Thes.
Is
your love increasing and abounding for other Christians and for all people? If not, what can you do to cause it to
grow?
What are some
specific things you can do for someone that would indicate that your love is
increasing for him/her (for a Christian
and non-Christian)?
Col. 3:9, 10 What are we not to do to
one another?
Why?
[The “old self” (the former non-Christian you) no
longer has you in bondage to itself so that you have to lie any more. Because you have the “new self” (the
Christian you) operated by the new nature and the Holy Spirit, you are free to
obey God and cease lying.].
How often do you
lie, and why do you do so?
What will it take to cause you to cease this sin?
[Remember that deliberate exaggeration or making
statements or promises that you don’t really mean is lying, even if your intent
is to make someone feel good.].
Gal. 5:25, 26 Why should we not become
boastful?
[Boastfulness challenges competition and
anger to which the stronger-natured Christian responds in kind, while those who
are weaker-natured are moved to envy (ill-will that hates the possessor of
whose qualities it covets).].
Do you think that
you are ever proud or boastful? Why?
Does the
boastfulness in your life cause other Christians to become angry with you,
motivate them to compete with you, or become envious of you?
How can you tell or
find out what reaction different Christians have to the boastfulness or pride
in your life?
What is it, in or
about your life that you are boastful of (abilities,
possessions, position, looks, intelligence, etc.)?
Why (realizing that all you have or are comes
from God – 1 Cor. 4:7)?
1 Thes. 5:12-15 What are we told to do with one another (vss. 13, 15)?
How
are you doing this?
[“Peace”
means harmonious relationships.].
Does being at peace
with one another mean that you have to agree with everything someone else says
or does; do everything the same way; or that you should compromise your
convictions just to not stir up trouble (vs.
14; Acts 15:36-41; Matt. 16:21-23; 15:12-14, 1 Cor. 12:4-7)?
Why does it not mean
the above (Rom. 12:4-8)?
To what extent
should we be at peace with all people (Rom.
Will your attempts
at being at peace with all men mean that you will have peace (Jn.
Did Christ come to
bring peace on earth (Lk.
Who produces peace
in and through us (Gal.
So, to be at peace
with all people, as far as it depends on you, what should you do (Eph.
1 Cor. 12:18-29 What
responsibility should Christians (members
of the body of Christ) have for one another (vs. 25)?
[“Division” is used here in the sense of
schism, which commonly included the idea of alienation of feeling, or the idea
of not needing the other members who differ from you (especially, when you
think that you are more important, right, or needed more than the other members
of the body of Christ). It is not saying
that to leave one’s present location or channel of ministry is wrong or even
considered a division (as the term is used here) if one is using his/her gifts
where and how God wants him/her to elsewhere (Acts 6:2-4; Rom. 12:4-8; Acts
15:36-41).].
Do you have the same
care for Christians in your church/group whose spiritual gifts or ministries
may differ from yours, and why?
[The context is dealing with the people in your local
church or group and not being prejudiced because of differing gifts or ministry
functions. It is not dealing with or
addressing the training of disciples where extra attention, time, and energy is
legitimately to be devoted.].
1 Thes. 4:13-18 What is our responsibility (vs. 18)?
What
is so comforting about these words (this
message)?
Have you ever shared
these words with someone who has had a Christian in their family die, or a
close friend who died?
If so, how did the
person respond?
If not, what kept
you from comforting them with this good news?
Jas.
Why?
[We cannot help forming opinions of each
other, but we can avoid negative, destructive criticism or sharp and needless
verbal condemnation of others because their outlook is different from our
own. He is not saying that we should
eliminate constructive criticism, nor to avoid all judgment about the character
and abilities of others (Jn.
[To speak evil against another Christian
is to not love him, and to not love him is to judge the law (James 2:8) or
think that you are above the law so as not to have to obey it. And to do this is to set yourself
up as God and Judge.].
Do you ever speak
against (destructively condemn for
self-centered reasons) other Christians? Why?
[There are legitimate times, however, to speak
negatively about other Christians, for example: Acts 5:1-11; 15:36-39; 1 Tim.
1:18-20; 2 Tim. 1:15; 2:16-18; 4:9-11; 3 Jn. 1:5-11.].
1 Jn. 4:7 What is our
responsibility to one another, and why?
What does having this love tell you about your
relationship to God?
[“Agape” love is a fruit of God’s
Spirit, and is, therefore, supernaturally produced. It is unconditional in its nature toward the
one loved. It is an attitude of seeking
the other person’s best welfare in accordance with God’s values and truths, and
follows through with the corresponding actions that that attitude prompts. It is not an emotion or feeling
necessarily.].
Is this the kind of
love that you have for others?
If not, how can it
be yours (Gal.