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Session 6

Fellowship

Living as members of one another

Introduction

Believers gathered together as the body of Christ

Christians are neither higher nor lower than other people. Someone has said, "The ground is level at the foot of the cross." And all Christians have the privilege of being intimate members of God's family.

You are to learn from others and to encourage one another. There is a certain chemistry that takes place as Christians get together to build each other up. This cannot be accomplished if you are isolated from other Christians. Read Hebrews 10:24-25.

Hebrews 10:24-25ESV

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Ephesians 4:16ESV

from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

God desires that every believer be a functioning member of a local church -- a local "body" or "family" of believers. Let's look at several passages that show our relationship to one another.

Members of One Another

Romans 12:5ESV

so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

The New Testament states that Christians are "members of one another." Paul used an illustration to get this point across -- the human body. What is the similarity between the "human body" and "Christ's body -- the Church" according to 1 Corinthians 12:14-27?

1 Corinthians 12:14-27ESV

For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Read Romans 12 and Ephesians 4 where Paul describes the functioning body of Christ:

1. Can an individual Christian function effectively by himself? Why or why not?

If a speck of dust blows into your eye, you instinctively rub it with your finger. Is a debate necessary to get your finger to help your eye? Should any member of Christ's body say, "I don't need you" to another member? Why or why not?

2. Should any member of Christ's body feel more important than another member of Christ's body? Does any Christian have exclusive rights to God's grace?

How should you think of yourself in light of:

Romans 12:3

Romans 12:3ESV

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

Ephesians 4:2

Ephesians 4:2ESV

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Though one person may have a more responsible position, in God's sight even the person who may go unnoticed is just as important and necessary in the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:12ESV

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.

3. Christians should work hard at keeping the unity of the Spirit in the body of Christ. "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts" (1 Corinthians 12:12). What does Paul communicate to us in 1 Corinthians 1:10?

1 Corinthians 1:10ESV

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

Most biblical references to the functioning body of Christ focus on local churches. Why does God want us to be a functioning member of a local church?

What does the comparison between the "human body" and "Christ's body -- the Church" mean to you?

Romans 12:10ESV

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

This exhortation introduces another analogy to illustrate the functioning church. It is the family unit. The concept of the family adds a dimension of warmth, concern and loyalty. The term "brotherly love" refers to the love that should exist within family units. Applied to the church, it refers to the love God wants us Christians to have for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. We are the family of God! The word "brothers" is distinctly a "family term." When it refers to Christians, it means "fellow believers." It means we have all been "born again" into God's forever family.

To "be devoted" refers to the mutual love of parents and children and husbands and wives. Christians are to be just as devoted to each other as are the individual members of a close-knit family unit. We are indeed "blood brothers," for in Christ "we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins" (Ephesians 1:7). Christians begin as infants in Christ and go through stages of development. In our immaturity we can fall into patterns of self-centered behavior, but as we mature spiritually in Christ, our lives will reflect His nature.

Ephesians 1:7ESV

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

Philippians 2:3-4ESV

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

What are we exhorted to do? (Philippians 2:3-4)

God loves you right now as much as He ever will. Our thoughts and actions may grieve Him, but His love and goodness toward us never change. What would be His desires for you concerning the following attitudes and actions toward other members of your "Christian family" and why?

Self-examination -- attitudes and actions toward your Christian family:

1. Do I spend most of my time thinking about myself rather than others?

2. Do I spend time praying for myself or others?

3. Am I forgiving toward others?

4. Or am I basically angry and resentful?

5. When I am hurt, do I withdraw or do I continue to be involved with other people?

6. Do I fear rejection or do I reach out to others?

7. Do I humbly consider others better than myself?

8. Do I look to the interests of others?

Honor One Another

Romans 12:10ESV

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

The example is given of an excellent musician -- a pianist extraordinary, who desires to help other people "look and sound good" -- especially when he accompanies them. He is admired not so much for his musicianship but for his honoring others above himself. He always makes sure his volume does not compete with the vocalist. His music enhances the other's presentation rather than detracts from it. He assists the singer in hitting difficult notes and even covers up a person's mistakes. He is always excited and satisfied when a vocalist he has accompanied is honored by others for a job well done. He is an example to us. Every Christian should strive to make other believers "look and sound good." Every Christian should rejoice when others achieve, when others are honored, when others are successful. When this happens, the body of Christ will function beautifully and mature and grow in Christ.

Proverbs 27:17ESV

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

John 13:1-17ESV

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" Jesus answered him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand." Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me." Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" Jesus said to him, "The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you." For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, "Not all of you are clean." When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them."

Christ set the example in honoring others above Himself.

How did Jesus honor His disciples? (John 13:1-17)

How could you sincerely honor someone else this week?

Be of the Same Mind

Romans 15:5ESV

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,

Satan's strategy involves destroying unity among Christians. He is the author of confusion, insensitivity and false doctrine. In the Bible we discover the power whereby Satan's strategy can be defeated. It's the power of "one-mindedness" in the body of Christ. In Christ's prayer to the Father in John 17, He made a request -- that His disciples might experience unity and oneness. What did Jesus pray? (John 17:11)

John 17:11ESV

And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.

What did Jesus pray? (John 17:11)

It is a visible unity -- a oneness -- that reveals the essence of the Gospel. And that essence comprises the fact "that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:19). Christ was indeed God in the flesh. He was (and is) one with the Father.

2 Corinthians 5:19ESV

that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

John 20:30-31ESV

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

If unity is destroyed in Christ's body, then the most powerful means of communication to lost men that Christ was God is destroyed. When that message is obliterated or even blurred, man is doomed to eternal despair.

Can man come to know God apart from coming to know Christ (John 20:30-31)?

Explain your answer:

How does disunity among believers destroy the communication of the gospel message?

The ingredient in the church that convinces non-Christians that Jesus was God is unity -- being of "the same mind with one another." This represents a miracle because men everywhere tend toward disunity. When non-Christians see true unity and true oneness, their hearts cry out to be part of that kind of love.

Romans 15:7ESV

Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

In at least three areas Christians have historically violated the injunction "accept one another" by judging one another (legalism), in showing partiality (prejudice), and by not being reconciled to one another (bitterness).

1. Judging One Another

Romans 14:1ESV

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.

To sit in false judgment on other Christians is a violation of the exhortation to accept one another.

Romans 14:3ESV

Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.

Romans 14:20-21ESV

Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.

Romans 15:1ESV

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Judging one another:

What are we reminded to do in Romans 14:3?

Why are we not to judge each other in areas that are not specified as sin?

What does Paul write to the strong in faith? (Romans 14:20-21, 15:1)

If we are mature Christians, we will be sensitive toward our brothers and sisters in Christ who are not as strong as we are. We will be careful to do nothing that would cause them to stumble and fall into sin. If these two attitudes are working at the same time in a local family of believers, unity will emerge.

2. Showing Partiality

Romans 12:16ESV

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

James 2:9ESV

But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

James 2:9 states, "If you show favoritism, you sin." Prejudice, favoritism and discrimination in the body of Christ violate the law of God. Furthermore, they violate the nature of the functioning body of Christ. We are all one. Every member is important -- rich or poor, young or old, weak or strong, and no matter of what race! If we show favoritism, we also destroy the unity, harmony and oneness in the body of Christ which Christ and Paul both prayed for and commanded.

3. Not Being Reconciled to One Another

Read Ephesians 2:11-22. Cultural, racial, national and religious barriers are broken down when people are brought near to God by the blood of Christ. There is peace between peoples that formerly were enemies when they are both members of the body of Christ. All believers have the same access to God the Father because the same Spirit dwells in them. Together we are being constructed into a spiritual temple of God.

Ephesians 2:11-22ESV

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands -- remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:15-16ESV

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Not being reconciled to one another:

Is there a relationship in your life which still needs the walls knocked down? How can that be done?

Verse 19 "... you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household..." Does this truth affect the life of your church? How?

Does this truth affect your personal life? How?

As maturing disciples what should be our concern about the whole body around the world? (Ephesians 4:15,16)

Admonish One Another

Romans 15:14ESV

I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.

To confront a Christian about his sin is difficult. However, it is a great sign of love to be willing to risk rejection. And if admonishment is done in the right spirit, with the right motive, using an appropriate method, the person who is not living a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ usually senses the risk you are taking. Though that person may have difficulty acknowledging it at that moment, down deep he really knows.

Romans 15:14 identifies the basis for being competent to instruct (or admonish) one another:

Luke 6:41-42ESV

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.

Fill in the basis for being competent to admonish:

1. Be "full of ______" (i.e., living a holy, Christlike life). Christians who are sensitive about their walk with God are capable -- and responsible -- to admonish other Christians. This is not "judging others." But we need to "clean up our own act" before we try to help someone else "clean up" his/her act. (Luke 6:41,42)

2. Be "filled with all ______." In order to admonish another, we need an adequate knowledge of God's Word. Admonishment must be based upon God's specific will -- not on what we think other Christians should or should not be doing.

There are helpful guidelines in scripture treating the concept of admonishment. Admonishment must be:

Acts 20:31ESV

Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.

1 Corinthians 4:14ESV

I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children.

Guidelines for Admonishment

  • 1. Done with concern and love (Acts 20:31). Speak the truth in love.
  • 2. Personal. That does not mean there is never general admonishment. When a particular Christian has a particular problem, it is better to make exhortation a private matter.
  • 3. Persistent if it is to be effective.
  • 4. Done with pure motives. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn (admonish) you, as my dear children" (1 Corinthians 4:14).
  • 5. A natural outgrowth of proper body function. There are two types of admonishment -- preventive and corrective. We are to warn each other to stay away from sin (preventive counseling). Preventive counseling should be consistent in the church as the body of Christ functions as a group.

Colossians 3:16ESV

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Matthew 18:16-18ESV

But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Galatians 6:1ESV

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

See Colossians 3:16 and Matthew 18:16-18. Underline the guidelines you need to remember.

Do you need to admonish someone(s)?

What is the reminder in Galatians 6:1?

Submit to One Another

Ephesians 5:21ESV

submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

The word "submit" is used in relationships of one Christian with another. We are to submit to one another in the fear of God. The concept of "submission" is used by biblical writers to describe a variety of Christian relationships. Young men are to submit to older men. All members of Christ's body are to submit to the authority of their leaders. Servants are to submit to masters. Children are to submit to parents. Christians are to submit to leaders in government. Wives are to submit to husbands.

Christians who are in positions of authority must also function with a submissive attitude. Husbands are directed to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Fathers are to deal sensitively with their children. Elders are commissioned to be "servants." Masters are to treat their servants fairly.

Ephesians 5:21-6:9ESV

submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

Read Ephesians 5:21-6:9. How might Paul's instructions be misused apart from the context of these verses?

Mutual submission even by those who are in authority, is a distinctive concept made possible by Christ. Christ brought a whole new approach to functional relationships between people. In the world there is no "mutual submission." Man basically operates out of selfish motives. He has little or no interest in helping others reach their goals -- except when it might benefit himself.

Philippians 2:5-11ESV

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

How did Christ demonstrate submission? (Philippians 2:5-11)

How did Christ demonstrate submission?

What was His attitude?

In Christ, believers have the potential to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." Even those who have positions of authority -- elders, husbands, masters (in our day, employers) -- are to relate to others with an attitude of submission.

Explain the concept "mutual submission" in your own words. Give examples.

Serve One Another

Galatians 5:13ESV

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Being a servant implies practical involvement in doing good to all men (Mark 10:35-45), especially to fellow believers (Galatians 6:10). God is glorified as non-believers see our servanthood demonstrated in good works (Matthew 5:16) which help to meet people's spiritual, physical, mental and social needs (Matthew 25:31-45).

Mark 10:35-45ESV

And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Galatians 6:10ESV

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Matthew 5:16ESV

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 25:31-45ESV

"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.'"

In "serving one another in love" we find true freedom in Christ. Our deepest needs are met in legitimate ways. We are not used by one another. We are not put on a performance standard. Our relationship with others can be truly satisfying. This is true freedom! As unbelievers we are "prisoners of ______" (Galatians 3:22). But in Christ we are set ______ (Galatians 5:1).

Galatians 3:22ESV

But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

Galatians 5:1ESV

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Fill in from Galatians 3:22 and Galatians 5:1:

As unbelievers we are "prisoners of ______" (Galatians 3:22).

But in Christ we are set ______ (Galatians 5:1).

Titus 2:11-14ESV

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

James 1:13-14ESV

Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

"Freedom in Christ" Does Not Mean

  • 1. Freedom to sin. To have this attitude is to misuse, abuse and misunderstand the grace of God. Read Titus 2:11-14.
  • 2. Freedom from the temptation to sin. Read James 1:13,14.
  • 3. Freedom from servanthood. Rather than using others to indulge our sinful nature, we are to "serve one another in love." The Christian who wants to experience true freedom in Christ must live in total commitment to Christ. Being a "servant to Christ" also involves serving other members of the body. Turning our lives over to Christ also means turning our lives over to each other. Our responsibility to one another is greater because we are members of the family of God.

Galatians 5:22ESV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

How do you "serve one another in love"? This can be evaluated by how you are reflecting "the fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22) in your relationships:

1. Do you express Christian love to others?

2. Is there evidence of joy in your life?

3. Is there peace and unity with others?

4. Are you showing patience with others?

5. Are you kind in your actions and attitudes?

6. By your acts are you demonstrating goodness?

7. Are you faithful to others?

8. Do you demonstrate gentleness with others?

9. Do you control yourself in conversations and general life style?

Referring back to 1 Corinthians 12:14-27, where we learned that we all contribute value to one united body, read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. You could also take a Spiritual Gift Survey that can point out some of the greater strengths and talents that God has given you that can be used to honor and glorify Him. This doesn't limit you to only serving in the ways you're good at or comfortable in. You can also work on serving and growing in an area out of your comfort zone. Some examples of gifts, services, and activities are exhortation, hospitality, giving, wisdom, and administration to name a few.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11ESV

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

1 Corinthians 12:14-27ESV

For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

After taking the Spiritual Gift Survey, write down your result and seek guidance through prayer of how you could use that gift to serve.

Bear With & Encourage

Bear With One Another

Ephesians 4:2ESV

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

The word "bear" in Ephesians means to be tolerant toward Christians: to bear with them; to patiently endure their idiosyncrasies and weaknesses; to have a forgiving spirit toward others who may sin against us.

Colossians 3:12-13ESV

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

What are we to clothe ourselves with? (Colossians 3:12-13)

What are we to clothe ourselves with?

Why are we to forgive?

When we are tempted to be impatient with one another, we need to think about Christ and His attitude toward us. This was Paul's secret. The Lord's longsuffering and patience toward him marked his life (1 Timothy 1:15-17) and gave him unusual tolerance toward others. Seeing himself as the worst of sinners and experiencing God's love and patience in saving him caused Paul to respond to others with the love and patience of Christ.

1 Timothy 1:15-17ESV

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 4:1-3ESV

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

As people of God whom He has called, what is His desire for us stated in Ephesians 4:1-3?

Bearing with one another and having a forgiving spirit are synonymous concepts. Some Christians carry grudges for years. This is out of character for a follower of Jesus Christ. How ungrateful for a Christian to hold a grudge against a fellow believer when Christ has cancelled our own debt of sin.

Patience, forbearance and forgiveness are not automatic actions that follow conversion to Christ. These involve deliberate acts of the will. Every person who has an unforgiving spirit chooses to do so. If you choose to forgive, this is a process to follow:

Ephesians 4:32ESV

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

1 John 1:9ESV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The Forgiveness Process

  • 1. Ask God to reveal any sins in your life.
  • 2. List your sins on a piece of paper. Be completely honest; this is just between you and God.
  • 3. Remember that resentment, hatred, and bitterness are sins. Read Ephesians 4:32. You may have been hurt at some time in your life. Unforgiven hurt can set us up to become slaves of resentment, hatred, and bitterness. We tend to hold on to the wrongs done to us by others which will ultimately poison all our relationships. The only way to be free of this bondage is to forgive (by an act of the will, release the offending person). Since Christ was willing to forgive our offences, who are we to refuse to forgive those who have offended us? What is to be gained by clinging to our hurt and bitterness? Are you willing to obey?
  • 4. List people who have offended you. If you have anyone to forgive, write (for each person): Lord, I choose to forgive (name of person) for (what that person did to hurt me) even though it made me feel (painful memories or feelings).
  • 5. After completing your list, write over it the promise of 1 John 1:9.
  • 6. Thank God for the forgiveness He provided for you through what Christ did on the cross.
  • 7. Tear up the list and throw it away.

Encourage One Another

1 Thessalonians 5:11ESV

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Christians are to build up and edify one another. No one Christian can build up all other believers in a local church. God's design is that every Christian be a functioning part of the body of Christ; that every Christian contribute to the process.

Paul commended the Thessalonian Christians for their concern and love for one another. They had learned the importance of mutual encouragement, exhortation and comfort. He knew the primary means for mutual encouragement -- God's truth!

1 Thessalonians 2:13ESV

And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

Matthew 24:35ESV

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Encouraging one another:

Why is God's Word the primary means Christians are to use to "encourage one another" and "build one another up"? (Matthew 24:35)

What are some Scriptures that have especially encouraged you recently?

Scripture is so important in building up others in the body of Christ. As we learn God's Word, then we will be ready to share the Word with others who are in special need of encouragement. How can we encourage one another with Scripture if we are not familiar with Scriptures? Our need is to study the Bible -- not only for personal growth, but also to assist others in their growth.

How does the discipling of others encourage them?

In what wrong way could God's word be used which would discourage another person?

Have you been encouraged by another Christian recently? How?

Who could you encourage this week and how?

Summary

In the "body of Christ," the church, every member contributes to its success (becoming all that God desires it to be).

God Desires His Church to Be a Group of People Who Are

  • Members of one another
  • Devoted to one another
  • Honoring one another
  • Of the same mind with another
  • Accepting of one another
  • Admonishing one another
  • Submitting to one another
  • Serving one another
  • Bearing with one another
  • Forgiving one another
  • Encouraging one another

Which of these "one anothers" is God impressing on you to make changes in your life or to take action?

Before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed for His disciples, then He prayed for all believers:

John 17:20-23ESV

"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me."

Why is Jesus praying for unity (oneness) in John 17?

In light of Jesus' prayer, what is His purpose and desire for you as a member of a local family of believers?

Suggested Reading

  • Building Up One Another by Gene Getz