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.