WTTV - Part 16 One-Anothering One Another

Sermon Introduction

What do you mean "we Kimosabi"?

Tony Evans Book of Illustrations: Stories, Quotes, and Anecdotes from More Than 30 Years of Preaching and Public Speaking Trials, Endurance During

THERE is a story about the Lone Ranger. He and his sidekick, Tonto, are crossing the plains. All of a sudden, a group of Indians attack from the south. Tonto says, “What do we do, Kimosabi?” He says, “Well, we should go to the north.” So they go north to run from the Indians but then shortly run into another group of Indians positioned on a northern ridge, prepared to attack also. Tonto says, “Kimosabi, what do we do now?” The Lone Ranger says, “Well, we should go west.”

They hit the western ridge only to find a group of Indians there too. Tonto says, “Well, what do we do now, Kimosabi?” The Lone Ranger says, “Well, we can only go east. That’s all that’s left.” The problem was that another group of Indians were positioned to attack from the east. They were surrounded! The Indians were slowly closing in on them from all sides. The Lone Ranger looked at Tonto and asked, “What do we do now, Tonto? These are your people.” Tonto replied, “What do you mean we, Kimosabi?”

It’s easy to jump ship when the going gets tough

It is easy to jump ship when the going get tough.

The primary path of victory requires that we not jump ship on one another.

Ha-foke-ba

Scripture ()

Colossians 3:12–17 TLV

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves in tender compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience— bearing with one another and forgiving each other, if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord pardoned you, so also you must pardon others. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfect harmony. Let the shalom of Messiah rule in your hearts—to this shalom you were surely called in one body. Also be thankful. Let the word of Messiah dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Sermon Introduction

It was January 25, 98 C.E. a new Roman Emperor took the throne. His name was Trajan. According to historical sources he was loved by the senators of Rome and gave them more empowerment than previous Roman Emperors. He was an excellent administrator and benevolent leader even setting up a special trust fund to help the poor children of the empire. It was a new system called "alimenta." We get our word alimony from this word and idea. He also was keenly aware of how foreign religions could subvert his Empire and undermine his authority. So, he issued laws to terminate the practice of any religion he deemed a threat to his empire.

The one religion that posed the greatest threat to the mighty Empire of Rome was a infinite movement born in the cradle of Jerusalem. A Jewish movement that proclaim a resurrected Messiah and Lord who ruled over all things. Trajan persecuted these followers of Yeshua ruthlessly.

We know how horrible these persecutions were because of the volume of extra-biblical documents. One of those documents came from a man that knew Cepha and was known by Cepha and was a disciple of John the write of the 4th Gospel.

We know how horrible these persecutions were because of the volume of extra-biblical documents. One of those documents came from a man that knew Cepha and was known by Cepha and was a disciple of John the write of the 4th Gospel.

He was arrested because he was part of this messianic Jewish movement and considered a threat to the Empire of Rome. He was taken from Antioch to Rome by an escort of ten soldiers. Ignatius wrote about this and said, "I am fighting wild beasts from Syria to Rome, through land and sea, by night and day, bound to ten leopards—which is a company of soldiers—who when well treated become worse. By their mistreatment I become more of a disciple, but “not for that reason am I justified.”

He was arrested because he was part of this messianic Jewish movement and considered a threat to the Empire of Rome. He was taken from Antioch to Rome by an escort of ten soldiers. Ignatius wrote about this and said, "I am fighting wild beasts from Syria to Rome, through land and sea, by night and day, bound to ten leopards—which is a company of soldiers—who when well treated become worse. By their mistreatment I become more of a disciple, but “not for that reason am I justified.”

When leaders and disciples begged him to flee, to just apostatize and renounce his faith to spare his life, he said, "I know what is to my advantage; now I begin to be a disciple. Fire and cross, and packs of wild beasts, the wrenching of bones, the mangling of limbs, the grinding of my whole body, evil punishments of the devil—let these come upon me, only that I may attain Jesus Christ.

Historical sources record that in Rome he was thrown to the beasts in the Flavian amphitheatre in Rome in the second half of the reign of the Emperor Trajan (98–117 a.d.).

What was their primary activity that was so subversive to the Empire of Rome?

On a fixed day, they were accustomed to meet before dawn, and to recite a hymn antiphonally to Messiah, as to a god, and to bind themselves by an oath . . . . After the conclusion of this ceremony it was their custom to depart and meet again to take food; but it was ordinary and harmless food. - Pliny the Younger

Do you realize what their primary activity was that caused such a great persecution? Do you see here the primary activity that was considered such a threat to the almight powerful empire of Rome?

They were one-anothering one another. You know we have something like 55 plus one another commands in the Brit Chadashah. For believers we have a set of commands that could be called the one-anothering commands. These believers were a threat to the greatest empire on the planet because of how well they one-anothered one another.

If Pliny was writing a letter today about the primary activity of believers I think it would probably say this:

Sometimes they go to a place they call a church or a synagogue when it is at their convenience at a time of their liking. They refuse to go to any religious meeting that is before dawn because that is inconvenient for them. They sit in rows. Sometimes they sing music, sometimes they say liturgy, many of them just stand around and don't participate at all. They listen to a sermon, they are very non-committal and refuse to bind themselves to an oath of any kind of loyalty because they value individual freedom so highly and then they get in their vehicles and go home.

We think the primary activity of the body of the Messiah is to sit in rows and focus on me. Like the theme song to Cheers, "We want to go to a place where everyone knows, your name."

We talk about a place for me when we should be talking about a people one-anothering. What most believers don't understand is that is an identity crises. This is the way the old man, old identity operated. The new identity in the Messiah is very different.

The very essence of the Body of the Messiah is not a place or any one person. The essence of the Body of the Messiah is people one-anothering one another. If all you have done is come to a place to sit in rows there is no way you are fully experiencing God's victory in your life.

The primary activity that leads to victory is one-anothering one another.

How do we one-another one another?

Look into God's mirror to one-another one another.

Colossians 3 TLV

Therefore, if you have been raised up with Messiah, keep seeking the things above—where Messiah is, sitting at the right hand of God. Focus your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Messiah in God. When Messiah, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him, in glory! Therefore, put to death what is earthly in you—sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed—for that is idolatry. Because of such things God’s wrath is coming upon the sons of disobedience. At one time you also walked in these ways, when you used to live in these ways. But now, set them all aside—anger, rage, malice, slander, and foul language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another. After all, you have taken off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self that is being renewed in knowledge, according to the image of the One who created him. Here there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, savage, slave and free; but Messiah is all, and in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves in tender compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience— bearing with one another and forgiving each other, if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord pardoned you, so also you must pardon others. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfect harmony. Let the shalom of Messiah rule in your hearts—to this shalom you were surely called in one body. Also be thankful. Let the word of Messiah dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not become harsh toward them. Children, obey your parents in every respect, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged. Slaves, obey your human masters in every respect—not just within your master’s sight as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it from the soul, as for the Lord and not for people. For you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as a reward. It is to the Lord Messiah you are giving service. For the one doing wrong will be paid back for what he did wrong, and there is no favoritism.

Colossians 3:12–14 TLV

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves in tender compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience— bearing with one another and forgiving each other, if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord pardoned you, so also you must pardon others. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfect harmony.

Colossians 3:12 TLV

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves in tender compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience—

Colossians 3:12–13 TLV

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves in tender compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience— bearing with one another and forgiving each other, if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord pardoned you, so also you must pardon others.

What are we supposed to see in God’s mirror?

Explain: An answer lies along the path of John Bunyan’s famous Pilgrim’s Progress. The second part of this grand narrative where the family follows their father. Late on their journey, Bunyan’s pilgrims discover a wonderful mirror. There is nothing unusual about the front of the glass. However, on the back of the galss appears an image of the "Prince of Pilgrims, Yeshua the Messiah.” Everyone who looks in the glass’ face sees an ordinary reflection that includes the blemishes and scars that always accompany our old humanity and identity. Yet anyone who observes these same persons from the reverse side of the mirror sees the image of the Son of God superimposed on the person on the other side of the glass their new identity.

You should see new titles being written over you.

Late on their journey, Bunyan’s pilgrims discover a wonderful mirror. There is nothing unusual about the front of the glass. However, on the back of the mirror appears an image of the crucified Lord Jesus. Everyone who looks in the mirror’s face sees an ordinary reflection that includes the blemishes and scars that always accompany our humanity. Yet anyone who observes these same persons from the reverse side of the mirror sees only the glory of the Son of God.

An answer lies along the path of John Bunyan’s famous travelers in the children’s version of Pilgrim’s Progress

You should see one another as a hand selected people.

You should see one another as a specially treated people.

You should see one another as God’s favorite

You should see Messiah’s grace through the glass of offense.

You should see mutual self-giving love binding us togeter.

Bryan Chapell, Holiness by Grace : Delighting in the Joy That Is Our Strength (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2001), 8.

Illustrate why this image is so important: Simon in

Illustrate why this image is so important

The Timothy Keller Sermon Archive Removing Idols of the Heart

You remember in Luke 7, Jesus was in the home of Simon, a respectable pillar of the community, and when he was there a woman of ill-repute came in and began to kiss Jesus’ feet and anoint them, and Simon thought to himself, “If this man knew the kind of woman she was, he wouldn’t be doing this.” Or he probably also thought this, although it’s not listed in the text, “If this man does know what kind of woman this is and he’s letting her kiss his feet, what’s going on here?”

You remember in , Yeshua was in the home of Simon, a respectable pillar of the community, and when he was there a woman of ill-repute came in and began to kiss Yeshua’s feet and anoint them, and Simon thought to himself, “If this man knew the kind of woman she was, he wouldn’t be doing this.” I bet he thought doesn’t he know her titles: hooker, sinner, home-wrecker, gold-digger, satan’s daughter, worthless, unwelcome

Timothy J. Keller, The Timothy Keller Sermon Archive (New York City: Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 2013).

Yeshua turns to Simon, perceiving his heart, and he says, “Let me tell you a story.” Whenever Yeshua says, “Let me tell you a story,” you’re in for trouble. He has you in a corner, all right. He says, “Simon, there were two debtors. A single man had two debtors, and one debtor owed the man 50 denarii …” I still don’t know exactly what that is in shekel yet, but I’ll find out. “… and the other debtor owed the man 500. He forgave both.” He said, “Simon, which of the two will love him more?”

Simon said, “Well, the one who was forgiven 500 denarii.” Then he turned to Simon and said, “Simon, listen. Ever since I got here she has been kissing my feet. She loves me, Simon. You don’t,” and then he said, “Because she was forgiven much, she loves much.” The last line of the little parable is, “… he who has been forgiven little loves little.” Here is what he was saying: “The difference between you and her, Simon, is not that you are more moral and she is less, or that somehow, because we’ve changed our standards, she is more moral because she is more honest or authentic or something like that and you’re a hypocrite or a stuffed shirt. That’s not the point.

Simon said, “Well, the one who was forgiven 500 denarii.” Then he turned to Simon and said, “Simon, listen. Ever since I got here she has been kissing my feet. She loves me, Simon. You don’t,” and then he said, “Because she was forgiven much, she loves much.” The last line of the little parable is, “… he who has been forgiven little loves little.” -

Here is what he was saying: “The difference between you and her, Simon, is not that you are more moral and she is less, or that somehow, because we’ve changed our standards, she is more moral because she is more honest or authentic or something like that and you’re a hypocrite or a stuffed shirt. That’s not the point.

She has more love and joy in her life toward me because her repentance is deeper, because she looked in the glass and saw how hideous her image was. She knows the size of her debt because she saw herself honestly. And when I flipped the glass over and showed her how I saw her because of her faith in me. I showed her, Simon, in the reflection that she is hand-picked by a bride-groom with a pure heart and not a sex-slave to men who pick her for their pleasure, I showed her that I treat her as a precious vessel, a holy vessel not a worthless piece of trash, I showed her that my father has put his robe on her, his ring on her hand and slaughtered the fattened calf for her. ”

She has more love and joy in her life toward me because her repentance is deeper, because she knows the size of her debt.” Because of her repentance being deeper and deeper her joy and her love are getting greater and greater, because the dynamic was unleashed in her heart.

Simon, you look in the mirror and you see the glory of your reflection and refuse to acknowledge the blemishes lying in plain sight. That is why you don’t love me deeply and you can’t love her either.

Simon, her love is deep and wide because her repentance started when she looked in the Glass and saw her image, all the blemishes, all the sin, all the things you so quickly pointed out but Simon she trusted me and now I have shown her how I see her and now because she sees herself in me her joy and her love are getting greater and greater, because she sees through the other side of the glass.

Timothy J. Keller, The Timothy Keller Sermon Archive (New York City: Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 2013).

Apply: Look in the mirror and turn the mirror around for one another.

If you looked at the idols of your heart, the alarm of your mouth, and the serpent status problems you are looking at one side of the mirror.

Now you need to turn the mirror around and see your new identity.

You can’t stop there either you have to do this with one another. Show you how this has changed my life:

Lauren: you are not the village idiot.

Freeman: you are not god-forsaken.

Transition:

Sing to heal one-another one another.

Colossians 3:15–16 TLV

Let the shalom of Messiah rule in your hearts—to this shalom you were surely called in one body. Also be thankful. Let the word of Messiah dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Sing a song to one-another one another.

Why do we sing to one another? It is nice to know (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_y9F5St4j0)

Sing to one another about the unity of the Spirit and bond of peace.

A choice: Let peace rule

The reason: One Body

The evidence: Thankful

Sing to one another about the Messiah.

A choice: Let Messiah’s Word

Sing a song from the treasury of Messiah’s words.

The reason: Admonishing/Teaching One Another

The evidence: Gratitude

Illustrate: We need more singing over one another.

Meagan Morrow was just a young teenager with a gift for worship and music when we met her 17 years ago. Now, she is one of the leaders on the TIRR Memorial Herman music therapy recovery team. She took her passion for music and worship and got a degree in neurology and now she is helping people who had neurological damage from things like strokes learn how to speak again. You can google her and find her videos all over the internet.

Science is always just catching up to the Bible: the bible has for centuries said that singing is powerful for the human makeup: physically and spiritually.

Apply: When do you sing with somebody?

Encourage: Eve Woodard to me

Heal: Me to Woman at Hospital

Table: Children

Tragedy: Lauren over Me

Our primary activity is to one-another one another by looking in the mirror God to see one another correctly and that we do it by singing songs to heal one another.

Make Yeshua great to one-another one another.

Colossians 3:17 TLV

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

How do we do this?

Speak and do things in a way that Honor Him as your Lord

Honor Him as your Lord

Give Him the Glory - Let Him Get the Testimony

Illustration: the kid with their parents credit card

My parents never gave me their credit card as a teen for obvious reasons.

I had some friends that their parents did give them a credit card.

Application: Make Yeshua look great to one another.

Learn how to speak wookie (pull out book).

This should be the one place in the city of Houston where our primary activity is working hard to honor Yeshua to one-another one another.

Conclusion

Have you heard the old story about the reluctant Civil War soldier? He couldn’t decide which side to fight for. So he went into battle wearing the dark blue pants of the Union army and the gray coat of the Confederates. Of course, when the confused young man showed up for battle, shots came at him from both directions.

As believers, we suffer from an identity crises the old man that wants a place for me, a row to sit in for me. The new identity we have as followers of relies, runs, operations, functions is motivated by one-another one another.

Yes, as a community we will go wide and one day we will have any even larger building and campuses but it will all be for the purpose of us one-another one another, it will be about families, doing relationships together so we can see the full restoration and salvation of our people Israel.

One of the greatest testimonies to the Jewish community is a community of people committed to one-another one another especially when it is not easy, even when it is hard, especially through tragedy but always in every gathering it is evident that we are people convinced that the primary activity of the Body of the Messiah is to one-another one another.