The New Testament, in 1st Corinthians 16:20, teaches us to “greet one another.” (Do not fail to speak or be kind and friendly to each other.)

In what appears to be a parallel passage, Romans 16:16, we are told to “salute one another.”

And in both cases (“greet” and “salute”) the Greek verbs are identical.

Spelled “aspazomai,” the word means “to draw to oneself!” To keep “close” by one’s side! It is thought by scholars that “aspazomai” is derived from “spao,” a root verb often meaning “to draw (one’s sword).” A sword which is always “by one’s side,” if you’re a soldier anyway. And we are … “Onward Christian soldiers!”

The word might thus carry the idea of “hugging” one another, “kissing” (on the cheek) one another, which was a prevalent custom in Paul’s day. In our time this would be equivalent to something like “shaking hands” with one another.

So, several of Paul’s Epistles close with the admonition … “All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.”

In other words …

We should let our common bond in Christ overrule any petty little “personal differences” we might have between each other. ALL THE BELIEVERS SALUTE YOU!

Neither should we ever feel “superior” to another Christian, refusing to associate with him or her. (“Speaking” to him is the “least” one can do, in terms of Christian love.)

And since the verb in today’s Text is an imperative … this Christian “friendliness, civility, comradery” is more important than we might initially think! After all, it is one of the stark commands of the Bible!

Wow!

This “one another” activity we can all “practice” next Lord’s Day!

Go to Church … and speak to everyone.

Begin with that person who is sometimes neglected, too!

And the one with whom you last “disagreed” on some minor issue, greet him or her first!

And never leave out the Preacher, of course.

Jesus adds this. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, IF YE HAVE LOVE ONE TO ANOTHER.” John 13:35, surely “love” at least leads to “greeting” one another!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

Today’s word has grown into disuse.

“Exhort” one another.

I believe the current, most-often-used synonym may be “encourage” one another.

Our Bible Text is Hebrews 3:13. There, succinctly, we are commanded to “exhort one another daily.”

Wow!

Not only are we told what to do, but how often to do so!

First, let’s dissect the word, the verb, “exhort.”

In Greek it is spelled “parakaleo.” With the prefix “para” meaning “alongside.” and the base word, “kaleo,” meaning “I call.” So, a paraclete (the noun form of parakaleo that Jesus “coined”) means … “someone who comes along side you, as a matter of habit, and walks with you and helps you and strengthens you and motivates you and (of course) encourages you!” He or she is summoned, “called” to do this, as a part of the exercise of their Christian faith!

By the way, “paracletos” is the noun Jesus used for the divine “Holy Spirit,” translated “Comforter” in our King James Bibles.

Furthermore, even that word “comforter” is interesting. God the Holy Spirit “comforts” us (daily, hourly, incessantly) … with “comfort” being derived from Latin. It means “with courage.” (with “fortis,” with “fortitude, resolve, determination”)!

Yes … to each other … our Brothers and Sisters in Christ … we are “called” to invest time with them (alongside them) and to “exhort” them every way possible to continue living for Jesus!

So much of the Bible is “hortatory,” the expositors say. The online “Free Dictionary” says “hortatory” means “marked or filled with strong urging,” inciting someone to do the right thing, or continue doing a good thing!

Since God’s Holy Spirit, living within each Believer, is The Comforter, The Paraclete … surely He will influence us, impact us, to (likewise) be “exhorters, comforters” to those with whom we worship. Our Christian friends!

And the (“adverb” in English”) translated “daily” actually utilizes three Greek words! “Kata hekastos hemera,” meaning “according to every day.” Every single day (as the need exists) … encourage that weaker saint of God!

What a thought!

What a duty!

What a life-changing charge!

And yet, what a privilege.

Now, the whole verse Hebrews 3:13. “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

Yes, apparently daily exhortation can help keep us form falling into those pesky little “sins” that so hamper the lives of us Christian.

Exhortation keeps us “soft” hearted!

Sin does the very reverse.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

Today’s verb is very interesting.

Maybe even a little “risky,” too!

Paul is suggesting that we become proficient at “admonishing” one another, Christian to Christian!

Colossians 3:16 provides the warrant for such an idea. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and ADMONISHING one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

The Greek word used here for “admonishing” is a participle. That basically means it is a verb serving as an adjective. Like this: “As God’s Word ‘dwells’ in us … ‘copiously inhabiting our hearts and minds’ … then let us be an “admonishing” people.

So, technically, “admonishing” is NOT an imperative, not a stark command. Not here. It is more a suggestion, an ideal, a perfect scenario.

But still … what does it mean, “admonishing?”

The Greek is “noutheteo.”

It’s a compound word, linking “nous” (the human “mind”) and a form of “tithemi” (a verb meaning “to put, to place, to set”) … thus “to put someone in mind” of a certain truth … or a more Biblical pattern of life.

To remind them, however, with some sternness, if need be.

In fact, in 4 of the word’s 8 appearances in the New Testament (King James Version) it is translated “to warn” someone! Then the other 4 times it is rendered “to admonish.” (In Latin, “monere” means “to advise” someone! The prefix “ad” means “to, toward” them as well, face-to-face!”)

Now, here are the 4 “warning” verses:

Paul, in Acts 20:31, said to a group of Ephesian Christians: “Remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not TO WARN (“noutheteo”) every one night and day with tears.”

Then to the Corinthians, Paul (as their Pastor) communicated: “I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I WARN (“noutheteo”)  you.” 1st Corinthians 4:14

Then to the Colossians, different than our Text, too. “Whom (our Lord) we preach, WARNING (“noutheteo”)every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” Colossians 1:28

Then, to the Thessalonians! “Now we exhort you, brethren, WARN (“noutheteo”) warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” 1st Thessalonians 5:14

Wow, to 4 different congregations! (The Ephesians, the Corinthians, the Colossians and the Thessalonians too!) Paul taught this “admonishing one another” idea everywhere he went, apparently.

And what a strong verb this is!

” … teaching and ADMONISHING one another ….”

“Keep people in mind” … of certain facets of Bible Truth!

And if you see that Christian man or woman begin to “drift,” to “err,” ADMONISH him! WARN her of the dangers that likely are ahead!

Seriously remind them of the pitfalls of drifting from the Lord.

By the way, “admonish” them carefully.

Not like you are “better” than they are, more holy, or superior!

Caution them meekly, having an humble, lowly spirit.

Like Galatians 6:1 teaches us. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one … in the SPIRIT OF MEEKNESS; CONSIDERING THYSELF, LEST THOU ALSO BE TEMPTED.” Galatians 6:1

Love them enough … to warn them!

Our very DUTY one to another!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

I have found another “double” verse, showing us what we’re to do “one to another.”

Remember Hebrews 10:24? “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” Both “consider” and “provoke” (in a good sense, to incite to faithful living for the Lord).

Now today Colossians 3:16. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing ONE ANOTHER in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Obviously, “teaching” and “admonishing!”)

This Text will occupy more than a single day of our time!

(By the way, Colossians 3:16, see that reference? Have you ever thought of studying the 3:16 passages of the Bible? Third chapter, sixteenth verse … most of the Books of Scripture have such a text! The crowning thought likely being John 3:16, of course. But there are others! I will say no more. Let eager minds enquire!)

First, let me show you this. Colossians 3:16 has a “companion” verse(s), both being from the pen of the Apostle Paul. They are “parallel” It’s Ephesians 5:18-21. “Be ye FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”

Now look.

In Ephesians I am to be filled with the “Holy Spirit!” Then … I will joyfully serve the Lord!

In Colossians I am to be filled with the “Word of Christ” (the Word of God, the Bible, the Scriptures)! Then … I will joyfully serve the Lord!

The point is … “Holy Spirit” and “Word of God” are equated in these two Texts! (Made equal!)

I strongly suspect, actually I believe … to be filled with the “Word” either is (or will eventually become) synonymous with being filled with the “Spirit!”

That’s a fact, an insight, well worth remembering!

But now back to our Text, our “one another,” instructions for today. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; TEACHING and ADMONISHING one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

First, “teach” one another!

Then, tomorrow, “admonish” one another.

“Teaching one another … in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

The Greek verb “to teach” is “didasko,” meaning “to instruct” others. It is apparently developed from the root verb “dao,” meaning “to learn.”

Teaching one another! Helping another to learn!

Every growing Christian knows something I do not know, something you do not know! Hence, in that sense, he or she can be my teacher! Oh, to have a “learning spirit!”

Even of our Lord (the Very Son of God) Luke writes: “And Jesus INCREASED IN WISDOM and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52

A Learner!

Jesus, again: “Though he were a Son, yet LEARNED he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” Hebrews 5:8-9

Every Christian is to be willing “to teach” a younger (in Christ) Brother or Sister the things of God! “Teaching one another.”

But look at the verse once again.

This is not always traditional teaching! Not with a classroom and chalkboard and lectern! “Teaching one another … in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

I think it means teaching “by our lifestyles!”

By “living for Jesus” … as examples to all those who are around us!

By singing.

By testifying.

By being faithful.

And, ladies and gentlemen, that is something every Child of God can do!

Yes, people are watching!

TEACH them well.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

This one goes contrary to today’s contemporary mindset.

Where most folks look out for “number one,” themselves!

Galatians 5:13, in part, commands us Christians to: “By love serve one another.”

Five short words in English.

Uncharacteristically, six words in Greek!

Everything (nearly) hinges on the verb “to serve.”

Since we already know the “one another” phrase means “fellow Believers in Jesus.” It’s “allos,” meaning “others of like kind.” Those with whom we have so much in common, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

And since we too know that “love” here is “agape.” An unselfish, giving attitude that always considers the welfare of the recipient above that of the donor! Unselfish love! Even sacrificial love! The kind of love the New Testament most often uses of God, when the Lord Himself “loves.”

“By love serve one another.”

Then we must define “to serve.”

We are “servants” one to another, by divine command!

Because here “douleuo” is an imperative!

We MUST serve one another, if Christianity is going “to work” anyway.

Here’s “douleuo” defined: “to be a slave!”

Or, “to be in bondage!”

Here it is willing bondage, of course. A debt I owe to my fellow Christians!

A voluntary (based on the giver’s heart’s desire) meeting of the other person’s needs!

In Greek, “doulos” (the noun form of our word) means “slave.”

Paul has used here (under the Holy Spirit’s Guidance) a very strong verb!

It’s only found 25 times in the whole New Testament!

The first occurrence, is back when Jesus said: “Ye cannot serve (“douleuo”) God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

Its last occurrence, Titus 3:3, where our old lives apart from Christ were characterized: “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving (“douleuo”) divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.”

Wow!

What a far cry from today’s simple verse: “By love serve one another.”

Serving others in God’s “family,” because we love Jesus so much!

And consequently, we love them, all the “one another” folks at Church!

And love, “agape” love … ALWAYS “serves” those it adores!

Think of a (needy, in some way) Brother or Sister in Christ today … and DO something for him or her. In the spirit of Christian service!

“And so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

— Dr. Mike Bagwell