The Art of Being the Body: The One Anothers in Scripture

If the church is:

• The people of God throughout all time

²⁵…as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, ²⁶that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, ²⁷so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:25b-27, ESV)

• A group for a unique purpose

To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours… (I Corinthians 1:2, ESV)

• Comprised of “ ”

⁴For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, ⁵so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. (Romans 12:4-5, ESV)

Then we will fulfill our redemptive purposes when we relate in positive ways to the brothers and sisters God has put in our life.  

“One Another” – allelon (reciprocity, mutually)

1. one another.

It is by Jesus.

Our love for one another gives to our .

³⁴A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. ³⁵By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34-35, ESV)

We should love .

Our love should lead to .

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. (I Peter 4:8, ESV)

2. Live in with one another.

Unity/harmony is both a and a .

⁵May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus ⁶that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁷Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:5-7, ESV)

…clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (I Peter 5:5)

Pursue .

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (II Corinthians 13:11, ESV)

3. one another.

⁹Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace… (I Peter 4:9-10, ESV)

4. one another’s .

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2, ESV)

5. one another.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (I Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)

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)

²⁴And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, ²⁵not 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 10:24-25, ESV

6. to one another.

Therefore, confess your sins one to 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 5:16, ESV)

Corrective One Anothers:

• Do not pass judgment on one another. (Romans 14:13)
• Do not lie to one another. (Colossians 3:9)
• Do not bite, devour, consume, provoke, and envy one another. (Galatians 5:15, 26)
• Do not grumble against one another. (James 5:9)