Questions From Genesis (Part 5)
The question from Genesis being dealt with in last week or: "Am I My Brother’s Keeper?" The answer set forth in the Word is, "Yes." In fact, in the New Testament, we find at least 30 "one another" passages (20 encouragements and 10 prohibitions). Already, we have noticed six of these; number 7 is next. [These were originally published in Great Old Testament Questions from the 2003 Bellview lectures and reappear here with permission (and minor edits).]
7. Christians have an obligation "to admonish one another" (Rom. 15:14). To some this may seem like a negative precept, but its effects are positive. If we were traveling on a road in which the bridge ahead of us had been washed away, would we not desire to be warned? If we are headed for spiritual disaster, we should likewise appreciate the one who is bold enough to say something. Most people dislike confrontation; it is easier for them to be silent. As Solomon wrote: "Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend…" (Pro. 27:5-6). We would be wise to listen to just criticism—regardless of the source. "A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent" (Pro. 15:5). Admonitions should be offered in the proper spirit—as kindly as we know how to give them, but remaining quiet when a warning would have averted sorrow will not endear us to anyone.
8. It only stands to reason that brethren would "salute" or "greet one another" (Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20). Salute and greet are from the same Greek word. This command may seem the most obvious of all, but the Holy Spirit through Paul makes the point repeatedly. Part of the reason may be that prejudice would prevent some brethren from wanting to publicly associate with others, based on race, wealth, appearance, or social standing (as previously discussed). A brother in Christ, however, takes precedence over all others to whom we may have grown close—by virtue of His blood. Spiritual bonds are stronger and more permanent than physical ones; our Lord said, "For whosoever shall do the will of My Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother" (Mat. 12:50). Brethren should never be ashamed to "greet one another."
9. Members of the body of Christ should have the same care for one another (1 Cor. 12:25). Paul uses the analogy of the physical body to make a point about Christ’s spiritual body, the church. If a member of our physical body is ailing (a broken arm or a pulled hamstring, for example), the other members of the body are concerned and do whatever they can to compensate for the duration….