We Are Not to Bite and Devour One Another (Am I My Brother’s Keeper?) Lesson 10

Brief Review Today represents our tenth installment in this series of lessons in which we are answering the question, “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?” We have already come to discover at just the half way point in this series that we are indeed commanded by God to be our brother’s keeper! God expects for us to: Provide for one another’s needs (physical, emotional and spiritual) Protect one another from the schemes of the evil one Promote the growth of our mutual faith

We Are Our Brother’s Keeper Because… We are to love one another We are to be at peace with one another We are to give preference to one another in honor We are not to judge one another We are to edify one another We are to receive one another We are to admonish one another We are to show the same care for one another We are to serve one another

We Are Not to Bite and Devour One Another The Causes of Biting and Devouring The Catalysts of Biting and Devouring The Cessation of Biting and Devouring Galatians (5:14,15) is our main text for today: “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another.”

Some General Truths The problem of biting and devouring one another stems from the heart. (Matthew 12:34) We must be careful to remember that life and death are in the power of the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21) We should never underestimate the dangers that the tongue poses. (James 3:5,6)

The Causes of Biting and Devouring Callousness- “I don’t care about your needs.” (Luke 5:29-32) Competiveness- “I have to be considered the best and most important.” (Luke 9:46-48; III John 1:9,10) Criticalness- “I have to put you in your place.” (Philippians 2:14)

The Catalysts of Biting and Devouring Lies and Deceit (Prov. 25:18; Eph. 4:25) Backbiting (Proverbs 25:23; Romans 1:30) Talebearing (Proverbs 18:8) Cursing (Romans 3:13,14) Whisperings (Romans 1:29; II Cor. 12:20) Gossip (I Timothy 5:13) Strife and Contentions (I Timothy 6:2-5) Slander and False Accusations (II Tim. 3:3) Psalm (52:1-5) speaks to what these things can do!

The Cessation of Biting and Devouring We must determine in our hearts that we will not allow any corrupt communication to proceed from our mouth. (Eph. 4:29) We must be motivated by the fact that we will have to give an account for every idle word we speak. (Matthew 12:36,37) We must learn to “THINK” before we speak: T (Is it truthful?) H (Is it helpful?) I (Is it inspiring?) N (Is it necessary?) K (Is it kind?)