• johned@aibi.ph

Encourage One Another!

By John Edmiston

One-Another Bible Study Part One

The commands in the Bible that use the phrase "one another" can only be carried out in the context of active, regular Christian fellowship. These commands show us that we need each other and cannot be "solo Christians". This study will focus on two of those commands "encourage each other" and "bear one another's burdens".

What practical applications can you find for each of the Bible verses below?

(1 Thessalonians 3:2 NIV) We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

(1 Thessalonians 4:18 NIV) Therefore encourage each other with these words.

(1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV) Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

(Philemon 1:7 NIV) Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

(Hebrews 3:13 NIV) But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

(Hebrews 10:25 NIV) Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

(Matthew 11:28-30 NIV) "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. {29} Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. {30} For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

(Galatians 6:2 NIV) Carry each other's burd`ens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

2. List five creative ways you can encourage others.

3. The Bible distinguishes between a "burden" (Galatians 6:2) which is a load to heavy too carry alone and a "load"(lit. knapsack) which each is expected to bear by himself/herself. (Galatians 6:5). How does this distinction help us to be discerning in how we help others.

4. List five creative ways you can bear one another's burdens.

This bible study may be freely photocopied for use in your church/ministry or for personal study.

This article may be freely reproduced for non-profit ministry purposes but may not be sold in any way. For permission to use articles in your ministry, e-mail the editor, John Edmiston at johned@aibi.ph.