Hebrews 10:24-25
Introduction:
1. Christianity truly is a “one another” religion.
2. We begin with a broad outline of these great passages in the NT.
3. The aim of this series is that we be “knit together” (Colossians 2:19).
Discussion:
I. Their Prevalence in The New Testament
A. At least 65 one another commands/exhortations in the NT.
B. These promote proper attitudes which produce proper treatment.
C. Some are positive directives while others are negative restrictions.
II. Broad Categories
A. We will break them into five broad categories.
1. Peace/unity/harmony: at least 18X (Mark 9:50; Romans 15:5).
2. Love: at least 17X (John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:7, 11-12)
3. Exhortation/edification: at least 17X (Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25)
4. Service: at least 8X (John 13:14; Romans 12:10; Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 4:10)
5. Ethical/moral concerns: at least 5 (Colossians 3:9; 1 John 1:7)
B. Some will overlap, but this gives a thematic sense of the verses.
III. Members of One Another
A. Despite the different emphases in these passages, they all teach us to be “members of one another” (Romans 12:5; Ephesians 4:25).
B. Member= “limb, any part of the body” (Mounce)
C. The term used describes the depth of our interconnection in the body of Christ.
Conclusion:
1. In a rugged individualist culture such as in the western world, it may be more difficult to embrace the community element of Christianity.
2. However, as is seen in the large number of “one another” passages, we must embrace our interconnection in Christ.
3. We demonstrate our love for Him in our love for one another (John 13:34-35; Matthew 25:31-46).