Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.
–Hebrews 10:24–25
God has ordered us to make disciples. That’s the only reason we’ve been left here on earth. How do we do that? Paul shared his method of ministry in Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” Paul said we are to be teaching one another the Word of God.
When we think of teaching, we think of standing up in front of a Sunday school class or small group. But in this verse, Paul was not talking about teaching a class. Notice the phrase “one another”–this refers to the ministry of sharing God’s Word with our fellow Christians to help them grow in their faith.
Suppose a friend told you they were contemplating a divorce. Would you know which Bible verses to share with them? Or suppose your child or grandchild said, “I’m getting ready to graduate, but I don’t have any direction in my life.” Would you know where to turn in Scripture to help them discover God’s will? Suppose somebody came to you in debt over their head. Could you share a few biblical principles about how to manage our finances?
Let me give you an assignment that will help you fulfill your ministry mandate to teach God’s Word. Start by making a list of the top five issues you think the people around you are struggling with, such as marriage problems, depression, anger, finances, or knowing God’s will. Then choose one issue on your list and spend a week studying that subject in the Bible. Let’s say you choose finances. An easy way to study what the Bible says about finances is to use a topical Bible. If you look up finances in a topical Bible, you’ll see verses that deal with various aspects of finances–debt, saving, earning, giving, and so on. But whether you use a topical Bible or an online search, make a list of key verses on your topic. Then develop four or five principles that come from those verses. For example, on the subject of finances, God says we’re not to go into debt unnecessarily, we’re to pay our bills on time, we’re to tithe, and we’re to save a portion of our income for future needs. Finally, memorize a couple of the key verses on that topic.
If you follow these steps for all five issues on your list, then you’ll have something positive to share with fellow Christians who need strength and encouragement from God’s Word.
