Let Us Consider One Another
[ M-158, March, 1994 ]
Dr. Russell K. Tardo
I. Let Us Consider One Another
As members of a New Testament assembly, we have responsibilities to one another within the body.
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. [Heb. 10:24]
1Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. 2The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. 3The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.... 11By this I know that thou favorest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me. [Ps. 41:1-3, 11]
25That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. [1 Cor. 12:25-26]
7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. [1 Jo. 4:7-8]
A. Our Attitude Toward Others:
Believers are to love and consider one another, with a loving, watchful concern for the welfare of one another. In order to do this successfully, one must avoid the snare of self-centeredness, particularly during times of trial, persecution, and affliction. The key to having peace in one’s heart while going through trials is to get one’s mind off self and the problem and begin praying for others in the body and their needs. Commit your own problem to God, believe Him, and then turn your attention and concentration on the needs of another. Doing this will bring victory.
38...Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the market places, 39And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: 40Which devour widows houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. [Mark 12:38-40]
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. [1 Jo. 4:11]
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. [John 13:35]
9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another. [Rom. 12:9-10]
2Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
[Phil. 2:2-4]
14What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. [James 2:14-17]
10And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? 11He answereth and said unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
[Lk. 3:10-11]
B. Encourage One Another:
Believers are to provoke one another, i.e., provoke here meaning to stimulate, to encourage. Don’t provoke others to anger, but provoke or encourage them to good works.
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: [Heb. 10:24]
C. Be Faithful to the Christian Assembly:
Believers are admonished to be faithful to their church and fellow believers. Believers are to be faithful in their attendance and encourage others to do likewise. The great sin of apostasy is often preceded by irregular and then inattendance at church, plus inconsistencies in many other areas of life.
25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. 26For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.... 29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. [Heb. 10:25-27, 29-31]
Saints, these scriptures carry a very sober warning.
