“Other” One Anothers • 08.17.25
Jack Flaherty   -   August 19, 2025

One Anothers Study

“Other” One Anothers

Following all that Christ has commanded

  1. The engulfing  assignment
  2. The empowering  Authority
  3. The encouraging  assurance

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Good morning! My name is Jack Flaherty and I serve as one of the pastors here at Harvest. It is a privilege to be able to open the Word of God with you this morning. Today is our last week of this topical series on the One Anothers. Next week we begin a verse-by-verse series through 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Looking forward to that! Though we do enjoy the normal diet of going verse by verse through a book, I hope you’d agree that this has been a sweet topical series.

 

Something I think Frasier and Nick have fleshed out really well is that living out these relational commands can only happen through the transforming work of God. They are gospel imperatives flowing from gospel indicatives. They are only possible for those who by God’s grace have seen their sinful failings and the one means of salvation offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So lets remember that this is a not simply a to-do list. Rather, this is a reminder of what Jesus has done and how his authority and power and presence informs the type of life all who have truly encountered Him ought to live.

 

Turn to Matthew 28:16-20. Ushers would love to get you a copy of Scriptures if needed. Now I know Nick and Frasier were in John, but they cheated with one anothers from John on their list. We don’t today. In fact, as the title suggests, this list is a bit miscellaneous. “Other.” For most of us, that’s the term where stuff goes to die and hide. Misc budget, “duties to be assigned” at work, kids toys without a place, students clothes * homework. But for all of us the best descriptor might be junk drawer. When we see “other” & look at a seemingly random assortment of commands we might be tempted to toss them in the spiritual junk drawer & only rummage through when we think we need it. But these are NOT junk-drawer commands. First, we could fit them into unity/humility/love categories. Second, these commands represent the very parts of our lives where we show either our most dependence on the Lord or most pride in our own abilities. These aren’t random strings, but vital threads woven together into one Christ-centered pattern of life. They are the assignment of the church, given under the authority of the risen Christ, and sustained by the assurance of God’s faithful presence so that we might bring Him glory and make disciples of all nations. These exemplify a true follower of Jesus Christ.

 

Hopefully you’ve made it to Matthew. This passage will help frame up our study. Let’s read Matthew 28:16-20 16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

 

Jesus has gone to the cross, risen from the grave, spent 40 days equipping his disciples/followers. And now he is ready to ascend into heaven where he will remain until he returns to rule and reign on earth. But first he leaves this commission. His followers are those who make more followers by going, baptizing and teaching to observe ALL that He has commanded. This word “observed” means to guard or keep or maintain. That means the commands Jesus gave about how we treat one another are not optional—they are the heartbeat of being a disciple-making-disciple. Following ALL that Christ has commanded is our aim as we open our hearts to the Scriptures. My prayer is that we may we leave with greater understanding of what we are commanded to follow, with a greater desire to follow, and with greater encouragement that, though imperfectly, if we are truly a follower of Christ He will help us live this out.

 

With that here is the first step in following all Christ has commanded…

  1. Understand the engulfing assignment

The meat of the GC is this sentence in v19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing…and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Jesus is standing talking to his followers who are not flawless people. We see some in v17 hesitant in front of the resurrected Savior. All that means is God intends to use imperfect to participate in carrying out his perfect plan. That includes you and me. It’s not just perfect super Christians who are called to this task of being and making disciples, it’s any true worshipper of Jesus.

 

Making disciples is the main action with going, baptizing, and teaching as the supporting actions. A true disciple makes more disciples—going to people to share the gospel, baptizing them into the church, and then teaching them what Jesus said it means to follow Him from the Bible. But disciple making isn’t just teaching others, its also living out or observing the very things we teach. And guess what is a part of ALL that Jesus has commanded us to observe and teach to others? The one anothers! This is part of being a living display of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations!

 

So the assignment is to be a reproducing Jesus follower who lives for Christ and shares all about Christ with others as an overflow of what Jesus Christ has done. And this assignment necessarily sweeps over our whole lives! It takes over! It engulfs us! If Jesus has truly called us to follow Him, there is no area of life left untouched. And while we can’t literally learn ALL Christ has commanded today, as I said before these “Other” One Anothers are some key areas supporting what we’ve already studied and showing what a life engulfed by Jesus looks like. So what all is included in these others? Here is the list of Other One Anothers:

  • Don’t pass judgement & don’t put a stumbling block in a one another’s way (Rom 14:13)
  • Greet one another with a kiss (Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 16:20; 2 Cor 13:2)
  • Husbands and wives, don’t deprive one another of physical intimacy (1 Cor 7:5)
  • Bear one another’s burdens (Gal 6:2)
  • Speak the truth to one another (Eph 4:25)
  • Don’t lie to one another (Col 3:9)
  • Comfort one another about the resurrection (1 Thess 4:18)
  • Encourage and build up one another awaiting Christ’s return (1 Thess 5:11)
  • Stir each other up to love and good works (Heb 10:24)
  • Confess to and pray for one another (James 5:16)
  • Show hospitality to one another (1 Pet 4:9)
  • Teach and admonish one another through singing (Col 3:16)

This is a lot! It’s a mosaic of Christ’s love in action. Lest we leave it at a super high view, I want to get a bit more granular. If you really wanna slow down check out 31 Ways to Be a “One-Another” Christian by Stuart scott. Without lingering on any too long, and with trying to group a couple at a time, let’s quick unpack of some of the details of these commands that make up the engulfing assignment of being a follower of Christ.

The first is Rom 14:13 13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.

A verse earlier we are warned we will give account to God for the judgements we make.  And as it moves on in 14:19 and into Rom 15 we are told to do what brings peace and unity like we already heard about from many one anothers. A lot of this Is related to matters of conscience, things where we are allowed to disagree. Part of observing all Christ commands is NOT to pass judgement where Christ doesn’t, nor lay unnecessary stumbling blocks where Christ doesn’t. Stand for truth but hold the gray areas loosely. Without going further, a question to consider is what are the majors I need to major on and what are the minor things I need to chill about?

 

The second is Gal 6:2  Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Christians ought never to go through things alone! This is a call to pursue those hurting in the body. In  it v5 warns we each carry our own load, so don’t remove it completely. Rather coming along side each other and lighten the load.  Question to ask is how are you helping in trials? When talking and something comes up don’t just say “Ill pray for you” but stop in the moment to pray, and pray later, and text as a follow up. If the need is tangible, meet it. Round up troops to clean or cook or transport kids or cover costs. PTL for those who have done this so well in our body! Another question is can you list those going through trials? If not, get to know people. If you are trying to set a new land speed record to get to your car, stop and care and be cared for. Get into a SG which we desire to be primary, not the only, but primary way we carry out the one another’s practically. Bearing and sharing burdens is part of following all Jesus commanded.

 

Third I’ve grouped three related to speaking truth. Eph 4:25 25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Also Col 3:9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices. Also, Col 3:16  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. Lying cannot characterize a believer. It may be hard sometimes to tell the truth but it’s harder to justify a lie. It messes with the unity Christ died for! Question, are there any convos you lied and need to confess and repent? Now on the flip side, followers of Jesus are truth tellers like Jesus—each of these verses in context speak about looking to Christ who is head of our lives. Challenged, consider are my conversations rich with Jesus and His Word? I am thankful the songs we sing are. Corporate singing is a commanded means of teaching and admonishing. So listen. AND SING! OPEN YOUR MOUTH! “Its not my thing” you’re right, its Jesus thing so do it! Or “Its not my song” you’re right! It ain’t for you anyways! And teaching to music gets stuck. How much garbage we have locked up that goes to music! Wouldn’t it be good to have more truth in our minds? Don’t have to make it weird, we sing random stuff all the time. So speak & sing truth, it’s part of following what Jesus commands.

Fourth section also combines three again. In context, these three commands about our speech are anchored in the return of Jesus. 1 Thess 4:18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. Also 1 Thess 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Also Heb 10:24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. The context of both Thessalonians passages shows those discourage thinking they missed out on Jesus. Instead of reaching for  “everything will be ok” “its fine” “time will heal” “it could be worse” or even “God is sovereign” the comfort of “these words” are the previous reminders of promises of God! Believers can be discouraged by things in the world and need reminded of the Word! Hebrews 10 also encouraging saints to help each other persevere in light of gospel truth. Stir up here is “positive provocation” regarding our faith. And v25 says we stir each other up by getting together. Hard to speak into each other lives if not together. So make it a habit to be with God’s people, & all the more as each day is nearer Christ’s return. Who are those that are in the periphery of this church? Go find them. Are you the periphery person? Don’t reject followers of Jesus trying to pull you in as they are being faithful to observe all Christ commanded. All of us, allow yourself to be provoked positively in the faith from the Word. When discouraged and needing encouragement, turn to the promises God and the resurrection hope we have!

 

Maybe going a bit beyond the context but encourage others with truth about God at work! Pastor Chris walked us through that a bit yesterday morning. Also last week a couple I talked to for five minutes shot me an encouragement. So say “thank you, I love you, I see you.” Kids/students share with your parents the good. Speak to ways God is moving in them OR share a thing He’s been teaching you. TESTIMONIES NEXT WEEK. And again, encourage related to things you see from the Word! And pray for these types of encouragers in your lives. Parents pray this for your kids. Husbands for your wives and wives for your husbands. Friends for your besties. SG members for those you are doing life with. Pastors for our church members and vice versa. It’s a part of following what Christ commanded

 

Next comes from James 5:16 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. This can be a tricky verse. Regardless a couple things to chew on. First, I am consistent to confess sin, especially to those whom it has impacted?  This isn’t share it with everyone but its more than just to the Lord. Is there any unconfessed sin you need to bring into the light and deal with before God and others? That’s part of following Christ!  Second, consider am I the type of person who might be considered righteous and am I faithful to pray for others when they bring things to me? Both of these things involve vulnerability. Being honest about sin and vulnerable in communication to God with others is hard. But that openness is a part of following Christ.

 

Speaking of openness, how about this next grouping. 1 Pet 4:9 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. And Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 16:20; 2 Cor 13:2 Greet one another with a holy kiss. First hospitality is a big deal in the Bible. Its required of elders, its required of widows who make the distribution list in Acts, and now Peter says its for all Christians. Some excuses are lack of knowledge this is even a command, some is that we may lack love, some if we are too busy using our time and resources for us (even good things like events, and meetings, and dates, and traveling). Are you opening your home for others? Are you sharing resources with others? Are you doing any or all of this for the name of Jesus? What is the next step for you to take open up and do so without grumbling? Kids and students welcome new friends to play and share your space. Adults, take someone out for ice cream, go to driving range or splash pad, OR have one person/family into your home for games. While is still nice use your outside space at home or apartment for a hang. If you can’t remember the last time, the next time ought to be soon. It’s part of following what Jesus commands.

 

How about this kissing? Well it was the affectionate greeting of people in the mediterranean culture. Still is in many places today. The key is here a holy kiss. Nothing sexual or inappropriate at all. I think that challenge for us is twofold. First, the principle here is clearly to give warm appropriate greeting to brothers and sisters in Christ. How are you doing living that out? Are you actually excited to be with other Christians? With three passages, not to mention 1 Thess 5:26 which is not a “one another” and 1 Pt 5:14 which was mentioned in our love week this matters to God! Second is the practice. What are the specifics? Though I think we ought not totally dismiss holy kiss as wholly contextual I am not suggesting that’s how we start saying hi on Sunday morning. But I do think there is something about growing in our vulnerability and openness to others. Do not push someone’s boundaries but pray and practice being warmer in your greetings because it’s a part of following Jesus commands we see repeatedly in the Bible.

 

This final one is a reminder that Jesus commands even reach into marriage, rightly so as it depicts the intimacy of Christ and the church. 1 Cor 7:5 5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. Intimacy is a gift to marriages. It’s meant to be in the context of faithfulness and love. This is NOT optional in marriage. To deprive means to defraud, steal, or rob. There is a duty here each spouse to the other. Only exception is to have more prayer time. Barring extenuating circumstances witholding sex from your spouse isn’t a preference thing, its sin. Now, be careful of the abuses. Intimacy is not a bargaining tool nor a weapon nor a selfish means of self-gratification. Nor is it the only means of marital intimacy. But were commanded not to neglect any means of growing more vulnerable and intimate with our spouse. If a struggle here, pray for your spouse and pursue all the other avenues of winning their heart. Out do in showing honor. Both may need to practice James 5:16 and confess. Counseling, etc. But don’t excuse it. It flows from a life following all Christ has commanded.

 

This is a challenging list of things for Christ’s followers. And this is only a portion of the engulfing assignment we are to understand, observe, and teach. But everyone at should have at least one way to grow.  Just read Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy. You might know that name from football on NBC. More importantly, he stands for integrity and leading in a way that honors God. The thing he repeats in his book is as he coach he told players to leave no miscellaneous stuff undone. On the field, in the weight room, with injury recovery yes. But also treatment of friends, spouses, kids, media, service opps, and faith. All lead to success or failure. I think this is the Christlike attitude we are called to, to display the gospel to the watching world. If there are things you’ve never been taught, now you know. If you’ve heard and need to grow, keep laboring with all Christ’s strength at work in you as the supreme commander of the universe!

Which brings us to the second step in following all Christ has commanded is…

  1. Obey the empowering Authority

Though we jumped to the meat in v19-20 we must not forget Matthew 28:18 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Jesus is the King and these are his royal decrees. He has all the authority to make these commands of those who follow him. Grounding the commission in his authority results in both an encouraging reminder of his empowering and also a warning of the requirement of obedience.

 

First, the empowering encouragement. For those who are following Jesus we are relieved of being sent in our own authority. In the one another commands Paul, Peter, James here speak not with their own authority but with delegated authority of God. We too as we teach others to obey all God have commanded do so under God’s authoritative word. You don’t need to make up new stuff, figure it out on your own. Also, this type of living flows from union with Christ. As he takes over our lives he produces the obedience and help us in teaching obedience rightly.

 

But in the same breath, this take over means fruit of this union is not optional. Here lies the warning: the one with all authority expects obedience of his commands. We cannot skip over some commands, or parts of some commands. If he is in charge, we do what he says. Again, this is in the context of a loving relationship as those whom He has brought out of slavery to sin. Its freeing and the fruit is so worth it! This doesn’t mean were perfect day one or that obedience comes easily, but the process of becoming more like Jesus day by day, sanctification, will be evidence is Christ’s authority is truly at work in us.

 

Jesus lived all of this out not just as an example but in order to empower us to the obedience his authority requires. Let’s work through each of these looking at the Other One Another’s accomplished by Christ First the encouragement of  “one another” not fulfilled by sheer effort but by the God who reconciled us to himself through Christ. We will pair each of these accomplishments of Jesus with the reminder that the commands are the overflow of Christ’s work for us and in us using the framework of “You only have to ___ as much as Christ ____ for you.”

 

  • Christ took the judgement we deserved, is the cornerstone of the faith, and is a stumbling block only for those who reject him (Rom 14:131 Peter 2:23; 1Pt 2:7-8)

1 Pt 2:23 when he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. ///  and in v7-8 he is the  living stone rejected by men a cornerstone chosen and precious, “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” for those who have rejected him.

“You only have to cause others to stumble in your judgements as much as Christ has caused you to stumble.”which means if you’re a Christian Jesus didn’t make you stumble and you aren’t allowed to make others do it either! Judgements are those in line with the Bible!

 

  • Christ bore our burdens by fulfilling the law (Galatians 6:2 → Isaiah 53:4; Matt 5:17).

Isa 53:4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; with his wounds we are healed.

“You only have to bear burdens as much as Christ has borne yours.”

  • Christ is the embodiment of truth and never lies and thus teaches us in truth (Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9, 16 → Matt 11:29; John 8:32; 14:6 1 Pt 2:22).

Matt 11:29 take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls // John 8:32; 14:6 He is the truth who sets you free  // 1 Pt 2:22 never sinned and never deceived

“You only have to speak truth, teach, and admonish as much as Christ has spoken true teaching and warning to you.”And in case you think Jesus didn’t sing, he does at the last supper and don’t forget that Zeph 3:17 says he sings over those whom he saves!

 

  • Christ comforts us with resurrection hope (1 Thessalonians 4:18 → John 11:25–26).

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.

“You only have to comfort as much as Christ has comforted you with resurrection hope.” 

 

  • Christ encourages and builds us up as we await his promised return (1 Thessalonians 5:11 → Matt 16:18; Eph 4:15-16).

Matt 16:18 I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it and he will return // Eph 4:15-16 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together and makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

“You only have to encourage and build up as much as Christ has built you up.” 

 

  • Christ positively provokes us to love and good works by His example (Hebrews 10:24 → John 13:14–15).

14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you

“You only have to positively provoke others to love as much as Christ has stirred your heart.”

 

  • Christ prays for us and hears our confessions (James 5:15-16 →John 17; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 1:9).

Heb 7:25 he always lives to make intercession for them.// 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

“You only have to forgive & pray for other as much as Christ has forgiven and prays for you.”

 

  • Christ shows eternal hospitality, preparing a place for us (1 Peter 4:9 → Isaiah 56:6-7; John 14:2).

Isa 56:6-7 he welcomes those who join themselves to Mim, hold fast to the cov, & pray/worship him// John 14 Jesus tells us he goes to prepare a place for us & will come again to bring us there.

“You only have to be hospitable as much as Christ has offered hospitality to you.” 

 

  • Christ welcomed us when we were outsiders (Romans 16:16 → Romans 15:7).

Rom 15:7-8 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. even while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

“You only have to welcome as much as Christ has welcomed you.”

  • Christ desires and pursues his bride, the Church (1 Cor 7:5 → Isaiah 62:1-5; Eph 5:25-33; Rev 19:1-10).

Isa 62 talks about coming to redeem his crown jewel, to take delight in her marry 5 For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. Not to mention marriage as the picture in Eph 4 and Rev 19 as the consummation of the picture

“You only need to pursue intimacy with your spouse as much as Christ pursues intimacy with his bride the church.” which Jesus prays to be one as even as the Triune God is one.

 

Jesus lived all of this out not just as an example but in order to empower us to the obedience his authority requires. The one with all authority is who we follow. We follow his example in response to what he’s done for us and we abide in him knowing we cannot do it without him. He will produce in us what he commands from us if we are in Christ.

 

Which brings the final step from the great commission in following all Christ has commanded is…

  1. Trust the encouraging assurance

Lets go back one more time to the passage we’re using a framework. And focus even more of the bookends of v16-17, 20. Matthew 28:16-20 16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

 

We mentioned briefly the first two verses. Followers who have some doubts, like all of us. Then the words of Jesus burst upon the scene in order to help. Specifically the final words “I am with you always.” Jesus doesn’t just empower us and stand back as he sends us. He goes with us Himself! God empowers and completes it AND He is the faithful one right new to us until the end of the age, until the day of Christ! What an encouragement! What an assurance we can trust!

Want to share with you another passage which speaks to this same idea. It will be a bit of a sneak peak into our next series as it comes from Thessalonains. It also was the theme verse for our students summer camp a couple weeks back. 1 Thess 5:23-24 23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

 

For context, this is the second of two wish prayers in the letter, both dealing with sanctification, or growing in being more like Jesus. In fact 1 Thess 4:3 says that’s God’s will. If its Gods will for his people it will happen! Then the rest of ch 4 is a bunch of commands. The beginning of five increases. And finally in 5:16-22 there is something like 8 imperatives in 6 verses! That gets overwhelming. I gotta do all that?! Maybe that’s how you feel. Well that’s why Paul prays this prayer. He doesn’t negate the necessity of obedience. Rather he cuts the tension saying the genesis or source of your sanctification is God, the goal or scope of your sanctification is Godly blamelessness, and the guarantee is that God himself will sure do this.

 

In Christ, God views you as blameless, He will keep his own blameless until the coming of Christ, and in the in-between while we are trying to life this life as faithful followers of ALL Christ has commanded, he will himself as the God of peace completely sanctify every part of us, junk drawer and all. He is faithful, he will surely do it.

 

These one another commands describe the shape of the blameless life of a follower of Christ. Christians,  consider the details that you might be trying to keep back and know Jesus will get them all! So surrender now! And do it together. These commands are not for isolate Christians but for a Christ-shaped people whose life together is a foretaste of the kingdom. The “one another” commands are not side notes to the mission—they are the mission lived out until the nations come and see the glory of our King. Non-Christians, let this be a persuasion that these isn’t a list of commands that we got to figure out in our own strength. In fact its impossible. Instead, we are to surrender to the God of peace, who is with us to the end of the age and is faithful to make and keep us until he comes back. He is faithful and will surely do it!

 

So as we leave, don’t think of the “one anothers” as a junk drawer of random instructions—scattered pieces with no purpose. Rather think of these as a mosaic. Each command—truth-telling, burden-bearing, praying, encouraging, welcoming, pursuing—may look small or ordinary on its own. But together, fitted by the hand of the Master, they form a breathtaking portrait of Christ for the world to see. And here’s the assurance: the Artist Himself is not finished yet. He gives the assignment, He holds the authority, and He gives us the assurance that he is faithful and will surely help us until the day of Christ. As we leave this place, remember the assignment, obey the Authority and trust the assurance–the King goes with you as you follow his Son Jesus in all that he commanded.

 

Pray.