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By amberbruce
The gospel is the heart of Christianity. It is the power of God to those who are being saved (1 Cor 1:18). When we look at the One Anothers within their context, we often see the gospel behind the command. The gospel is given as the motivation and the means for obedience – the why and the how go hand-in-hand with the what. We do it because we have life in Christ. We do it in the confidence that his righteousness has purchased for us.
Throughout the four weeks of the “How Do We Influence Our World?” series, follow along with us as we look at some of the “One Another” commands and find the gospel within them.
[15] And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. [16] Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
(James 5:15-16 ESV)
Two major elements of a GROW Group meeting are accountability and prayer. When we confess our sins, we can have confidence they will be forgiven because of the blood of Christ (Eph 1:7; 1 John 1:9). Because of that confidence (v. 15), we can confess our sins to one another. When we do that, we bring the sin out of hiding into the light and it begins to lose its power over us. The sin becomes light as we awake from our sin-induced slumber and Christ shines on us (Eph 5:13-14).
Our motivation to pray for one another is the great power that the prayer of a righteous person has. We know that in ourselves we are not righteous, but in Christ we are clothed in righteousness (Rom 5:19; Phil 3:9). We can have confidence because of Christ’s work on our behalf to pray with power for one another (Hebrews 4:16).
By his death Jesus bought for us the right to become sons of God (John 1:12) with the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 4:6). By the Spirit’s enabling, we can become better at constant repentance and daily prayer. Because of Christ’s blood that was shed for us, we can be forgiven (Ephesians 1:7) every time we dismiss prayer and walk in sin. We can confess our hard-heartedness and faithlessness and fully expect God to keep his promise to forgive us and cleanse us (1 John 1:9) again and again.
By amberbruce
The gospel is the heart of Christianity. It is the power of God to those who are being saved (1 Cor 1:18). When we look at the One Anothers within their context, we often see the gospel behind the command. The gospel is given as the motivation and the means for obedience – the why and the how go hand-in-hand with the what. We do it because we have life in Christ. We do it in the confidence that his righteousness has purchased for us.
Throughout the four weeks of the “How Do We Influence Our World?” series, follow along with us as we look at some of the “One Another” commands and find the gospel within them.
[23] For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, [24] and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” [25] In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” [26] For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
[27] Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. [28] Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. …
[33] So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another—
1 Cor 11:23-27,33
At Bethel we practice communion as a whole body four times a year, and the rest of the time we practice communion in our GROW Groups. It is a time to come together to eat a feast symbolizing the fellowship and unity we have with one another and with God in Christ. In New Testament times, this was an actual feast where the local church came together to eat dinner. The problem in the Corinthian church was that the rich Christians were segregating themselves from the poor during the feast. While there was a literal famine going on in the city, the rich were gorging themselves and the poor were starving. Even among Christians. When we partake of the body and blood of Christ, we proclaim that he died for our sins and we have a part in him. We also proclaim that you are part of me and I am part of you, for we are each part of Christ. Therefore, let each of us look to one another’s interests and consider one another before ourselves (Phil 2:3-4) rather than putting ourselves first.
By his death Jesus bought for us the right to become sons of God (John 1:12) with the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 4:6). By the Spirit’s enabling, we can become better at putting others first. Because of Christ’s blood that was shed for us, we can be forgiven (Ephesians 1:7) every time we think of ourselves before others. We can confess our selfishness and greed and fully expect God to keep his promise to forgive us and cleanse us (1 John 1:9) again and again.
By amberbruce
The gospel is the heart of Christianity. It is the power of God to those who are being saved (1 Cor 1:18). When we look at the One Anothers within their context, we often see the gospel behind the command. The gospel is given as the motivation and the means for obedience – the why and the how go hand-in-hand with the what. We do it because we have life in Christ. We do it in the confidence that his righteousness has purchased for us.
Throughout the four weeks of the “How Do We Influence Our World?” series, follow along with us as we look at some of the “One Another” commands and find the gospel within them.
[14] I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. [15] But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God [16] to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. [17] In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God.
(Romans 15:14-17 ESV)
Paul has instructed the Roman church boldly although he knows they are capable of instructing one another. Why? Because of the grace of God given to him in Christ Jesus. He places no confidence in his great learning (Acts 26:24; Phil 3:4), his vast knowledge, or his own merit as a teacher. Yet he is very bold and even proud of his work for God because he has acted in the power that comes from the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We likewise are able to instruct one another, not with embarrassment or apologies or vague statements about “some people see it this way…”, but with confidence in the grace we have through Christ. Not with self-confidence or pride or smugness, but with the humility that comes from knowing my own knowledge and learning and accomplishments are rubbish (Phil 3:8) yet God has chosen me in Christ and empowered me with the Holy Spirit and given me a job to do because of the grace that is in Christ.
[16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
(Colossians 3:16 ESV)
The “word of Christ” refers to the teaching about Christ as well as the words of Christ. In other words, the “word of Christ” is everything that is now written down in the four Gospels. What Jesus taught, what Jesus did, how Jesus died, that Jesus rose again and ascended into heaven – let those things dwell in you richly. From that, you will be able to teach and admonish your members in all wisdom. And you’ll be able to do it joyfully and thankfully because you will be constantly thinking about the love and grace of God that are revealed in Christ Jesus.
By his death Jesus bought for us the right to become sons of God (John 1:12) with the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 4:6). By the Spirit’s enabling, we can become better at teaching and admonishing. Because of Christ’s blood that was shed for us, we can be forgiven (Ephesians 1:7) every time we miss a teaching opportunity, or grasp at one in pride. We can confess our feelings of inadequacy and our feelings of superiority and fully expect God to keep his promise to forgive us and cleanse us (1 John 1:9) again and again.
By amberbruce
The gospel is the heart of Christianity. It is the power of God to those who are being saved (1 Cor 1:18). When we look at the One Anothers within their context, we often see the gospel behind the command. The gospel is given as the motivation and the means for obedience – the why and the how go hand-in-hand with the what. We do it because we have life in Christ. We do it in the confidence that his righteousness has purchased for us.
Throughout the four weeks of the “How Do We Influence Our World?” series, follow along with us as we look at some of the “One Another” commands and find the gospel within them.
[19] Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, [20] by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, [21] and since we have a great priest over the house of God, …[24] … let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, [25] not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
(Hebrews 10:19-21,24-25 ESV)
Let’s think about ways to stir one another up to love and good works. Let’s keep meeting together. Let’s encourage one another more and more as each day brings us closer to the Day that Christ will return and fulfill every promise. We want to be found doing what he called us to do – and we want our members to be found doing the same. Not out of fear. Not placing confidence in our own efforts. Instead, having confidence in the blood of Jesus that enables us to stand already in the presence of the Holy God (Hebrews 10:19) and will one day bring us there forever.
By his death Jesus bought for us the right to become sons of God (John 1:12) with the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 4:6). By the Spirit’s enabling, we can stir up one another to love and good works. Because of Christ’s blood that was shed for us, we can be forgiven (Ephesians 1:7) every time we distract our fellow-believers from their true purpose (Ephesians 2:10). We can confess our focus on temporal things and fully expect God to keep his promise to forgive us and cleanse us (1 John 1:9) again and again.
By amberbruce
The gospel is the heart of Christianity. It is the power of God to those who are being saved (1 Cor 1:18). When we look at the One Anothers within their context, we often see the gospel behind the command. The gospel is given as the motivation and the means for obedience – the why and the how go hand-in-hand with the what. We do it because we have life in Christ. We do it in the confidence that his righteousness has purchased for us.
Throughout the four weeks of the “How Do We Influence Our World?” series, follow along with us as we look at some of the “One Another” commands and find the gospel within them.
[12] Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. [13] But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. [14] For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.
(Hebrews 3:12-14 ESV)
The motivation to obey the command in verse 13 is given in verse 14: because we have come to share in Christ. We have a share in the Son of God, who rules the universe from his throne. We have a share in his righteousness so we can stand blameless before God. We have a share in his sonship, so we can call the Almighty God our Father. On and on it goes: all the blessings that we have in Christ because of his death and resurrection. Because of that, exhort one another to keep a soft heart that believes the promises of Christ and does not believe the deceitful promises of sin.
By his death Jesus bought for us the right to become sons of God (John 1:12) with the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 4:6). By the Spirit’s enabling, we can become better at exhorting others to stay soft and avoid sin. Because of Christ’s blood that was shed for us, we can be forgiven (Ephesians 1:7) every time we let our brothers and sisters harden their hearts toward God and listen to the deceitfulness of sin. We can confess our tendencies to people-please or avoid conflict and fully expect God to keep his promise to forgive us and cleanse us (1 John 1:9) again and again.
By amberbruce
The gospel is the heart of Christianity. It is the power of God to those who are being saved (1 Cor 1:18). When we look at the One Anothers within their context, we often see the gospel behind the command. The gospel is given as the motivation and the means for obedience – the why and the how go hand-in-hand with the what. We do it because we have life in Christ. We do it in the confidence that his righteousness has purchased for us.
Throughout the four weeks of the “How Do We Influence Our World?” series, follow along with us as we look at some of the “One Another” commands and find the gospel within them.
[9] For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, [10] who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. [11] Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
(1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 ESV)
Whatever trial your members are going through, encourage them with the gospel: God has not destined them for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Whether we live or die, we live with Christ. That’s ultimate. Our circumstances change: rich or poor, sick or well, with family or alone. But through it all we live with Christ and will live with Christ through eternity. Encourage one another and build one another up with the gospel.
By his death Jesus bought for us the right to become sons of God (John 1:12) with the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 4:6). By the Spirit’s enabling, we can become better at building up and encouraging others. Because of Christ’s blood that was shed for us, we can be forgiven (Ephesians 1:7) every time we tear down or discourage. We can confess the ways we’ve sinned with our words and fully expect God to keep his promise to forgive us and cleanse us (1 John 1:9) again and again.
By amberbruce
The gospel is the heart of Christianity. It is the power of God to those who are being saved (1 Cor 1:18). When we look at the One Anothers within their context, we often see the gospel behind the command. The gospel is given as the motivation and the means for obedience – the why and the how go hand-in-hand with the what. We do it because we have life in Christ. We do it in the confidence that his righteousness has purchased for us.
Throughout the four weeks of the “How Do We Influence Our World?” series, follow along with us as we look at some of the “One Another” commands and find the gospel within them.
Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. 2 Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME.” … Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.
Rom 15:1-3,7 (NASB)
There is a lot of talk about “acceptance” and “tolerance” that can sound loving and important, but Jesus Christ demonstrated true acceptance when he died on the cross bearing our sins. He accepted us, with all our sins and weaknesses, without comprising his own integrity. And it cost him his life.
When we accept one another, it will cost us something. We may bear the reproaches of those outside our group when we allow ourselves to be identified with some of the members in our GROW group. It may cost our reputations or our egos – or it may cost more. But Christ has paved the way, showing us how it is done and how valuable these group members are. He also kept this command for us so that we can stand blameless before God, confident in Christ’s atoning work on our behalf.
By his death Jesus bought for us the right to become sons of God (John 1:12) with the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 4:6). By the Spirit’s enabling, we can grow in acceptance of one another. Because of Christ’s blood that was shed for us, we can be forgiven (Ephesians 1:7) every time we fail to bear one another’s weaknesses. We can confess our tendency to please ourselves and fully expect God to keep his promise to forgive us and cleanse us (1 John 1:9) again and again.
By amberbruce
The gospel is the heart of Christianity. It is the power of God to those who are being saved (1 Cor 1:18). When we look at the One Anothers within their context, we often see the gospel behind the command. The gospel is given as the motivation and the means for obedience – the why and the how go hand-in-hand with the what. We do it because we have life in Christ. We do it in the confidence that his righteousness has purchased for us.
Throughout the four weeks of the “How Do We Influence Our World?” series, follow along with us as we look at some of the “One Another” commands and find the gospel within them.
The command to “love one another” is by far the most frequent in the New Testament, occurring 15 times. This is the foundation for our relationships with other Christians. Whenever we are following any of the other commands, we are following this one; and whenever we are breaking any of the other commands, we are also breaking this one. Jesus’ disciple John was passionate about this – 10 of the 15 commands are found in his books! Twice he gives us the ultimate reason for the command:
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
(John 15:12-13 ESV)
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
(1 John 4:10-11 ESV)
God has given us this command because He is love and we are to know Him and be like Him (1 John 4:8-21). If we love one another so radically that we are willing to lay down our lives for one another, it will be a small thing to overlook an offense, or share our possessions, or spend our time helping one another.
By his death on the cross Jesus set the example of how to love, and kept the command to love in our place. Romans 5:19 teaches, “by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.” And Philippians 3:9 reminds us that when we are found in Christ, we have a righteousness from God that comes from faith – not our own ability to obey.
Not only that, but by his death Jesus bought for us the right to become sons of God (John 1:12) with the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 4:6). The chief among the fruit of the Spirit is love. By the Spirit’s enabling, we can grow in love for one another. Because of Christ’s blood that was shed for us, we can be forgiven (Ephesians 1:7) every time we fail to love. We can confess our lack of love and fully expect God to keep his promise to forgive us and cleanse us (1 John 1:9) again and again.
By amberbruce
As followers of Christ, we have been graciously called out of the kingdom of darkness into God’s kingdom of light. Once we arrive, we begin to learn that there are new ways of relating, which many affectionately call the One Anothers.
That’s because these Biblical commands show the best way to act toward one another as God’s people – i.e., love one another, pray for one another, build up one another, and so forth. A small group of Christians, like a GROW Group, is the best context for obeying most of these commands.
The gospel is the heart of Christianity. It is the power of God to those who are being saved (1 Cor 1:18). When we look at the One Anothers within their context, we often see the gospel behind the command. The gospel is given as the motivation and the means for obedience – the why and the how go hand-in-hand with the what. We do it because we have life in Christ and in the confidence that his righteousness has purchased for us.
Throughout the four weeks of the “How Do We Influence Our World?” series, follow along as we look at some of the “One Another” commands and find the gospel within them.
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