1. “One Another” Many admonitions and commands in the New Testament require an attitude or activity of us toward God. But some of them require certain attitudes or activities toward Do you have any idea how many “one another” passages there are in the New Testament? If I counted correctly, in the NASV there are some 103 “one another” passages in the N.T. And “no” we’re not going to cover them all in this lesson! But I would like us to consider a couple of them to better understand our overall commitment to “one another” in Christ.

2. “One Another” Perhaps the most obvious category of “one another” passages pertains to loving one another, John 13:34. It was a “new command”- cf. Lev.19:17-18; it was new in scope, depth & breadth, Luke 10:25-37. It was to be “as I have loved you,” cf.15:12.  Sacrificially, Rom.5:6-7; John 15:13  Wholly, Eph.5:25-29  Sufficient for Service, John 13:1-17

3. “One Another” Ephesians 4:25-32 provides a second category, “for we are members of one another.” This requires a certain code of conduct based upon the right attitudes and emotions:  Lay aside falsehood and speak truth to one another- control of the tongue, v.25  Be angry, but do not sin- control of emotions, vv.26-27  Don’t steal, but share- control of desire for things, v.28  No unwholesome words, but those which edify- control of intent, v.29  Put away negatives, v.31  Be positive toward one another, v.32  So that the Holy Spirit is not grieved! v.30

4. “One Another” Hebrews 10:24-25 gives us the last category we’ll have time to consider- building up one another. We are supposed to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, v.24.  While we may not like it, the word translated as stimulate actually includes the idea of sharp contention- and is so rendered in Acts 15:39.  This means that stimulation may include a pointed poke if gentle and positive persuasion hasn’t worked!  But we are supposed to spend contemplative time thinking (“consider”) about, and then stimulating one another to love and good deeds. How?  To begin with, encouraging one another through mutual presence- worshipping together, v.25. But there are other ways. Let me suggest a few…

5. “One Another” Consider these as ways to stimulate and encourage one another to love and good works: (adapted from an article entitled “Yes You Can” by Don Truex) Entertain a group of members in your home in order to cultivate better friendships and relationships. Take a personal interest in and responsibility for the peace, harmony and growth of the church family. Invite a friend or family member to Bible study and Worship. Countless people are sincerely searching for truth and would cherish and accept your interest in them.

6. “One Another” Consider these as ways to stimulate and encourage one another to love and good works: (adapted from an article entitled “Yes You Can” by Don Truex) Take an active interest in the visitors to our services. Greet them with warmth and friendliness. Talk to them, Sit with them, encourage them. Never allow them to merely be lost in a sea of humanity and thus leave feeling that their presence is not important and valued. Through a card, visit, or call, encourage those members who are absent from our assemblies. Absenteeism is a symptom of a deeper need which must be addressed immediately. Write a note of appreciation to someone who has truly influenced your spiritual life.

7. “One Another” Consider these as ways to stimulate and encourage one another to love and good works: (adapted from an article entitled “Yes You Can” by Don Truex) Forgive someone who has set himself to be your enemy. Ask God to help you rise above anger, revenge and ill- will. Pray for that enemy and do him good. Always conduct yourself as a Christian in both word and action. Do something thoughtful for a sick or homebound person. What better way can one illustrate love for those less fortunate than ourselves? Make a special effort to show hospitality to someone who has lost a loved one or is struggling with some grave personal challenge. Pray every day for the saints and the Kingdom of God on earth.

8. “One Another” These are excellent suggestions Bro. Truex has made- and there are other ways some of you have already found to stimulate and encourage one another. Great! While there are many one another passages- and I encourage you to study them all, remember what we’ve learned today: First and foremost, Jesus taught us to love one another sacrificially, wholly, and sufficiently to serve. Then remember too that we are members of one another- family. So we should control our tongues, emotions, and desires in order to put away the negatives, and be positive toward and with each other. Finally, we’re supposed to be stimulating and encouraging one another to love and good deeds. If we will pay attention to these “one another” passages and practice them, it will help our congregation, and each member of it, to be pleasing to God and a joy to us.