28 Aug W4 | Accountabililty
REFERENCE BIBLE VERSES
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV | Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Proverbs 27:9 ESV | Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel
OBJECTIVE
To learn the importance of being accountable to one another and how it helps us in our journey with Christ.
CONTENT
IMPORTANCE OF ACCOUNTABILITY
- Christianity is not merely a “me and God” religion. As we are united with Christ through faith, the Bible teaches that we are part of His body, the church, and “members one of another” (Romans 12:5). Being accountable to one another is part of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
- It is our duty as believers to take responsibility for each other to admonish and lead each other to the right path in the Spirit of Meekness, and while taking care of ourselves, so that we also do not fall into temptation, help to bear each other's burdens. (Galatians 6:1-2).
- Accountability is not meant to be a one-way street. All believers are individually accountable to God and are also accountable to one another, helping to bear burdens (Galatians 6:1–2) and growing in holiness (Hebrews 10:24). Corporate accountability is a function of a healthy Christian community. It exists to make us more vigilant about the command to give account to God for our spiritual lives.
ACCOUNTABILITY IN OUR JOURNEY
- Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 ESV
- God designed us to have the needs of accountability in our walk in this world. We need each other to break free from all hurts, bad habits, and obstacles in our lives. So, if we are serious about breaking free from sin and living consistently in Christ, we need will each other’s support.
- Everyone is tempted by sin. We will never reach a point in our spiritual lives where we are not tempted. In fact, the more mature we become in our faith, the more Satan will put us on his hit list. When we confess to those we trust, we recognize that sin exists and needs to be dealt with. That gives us a sense of responsibility to deal with it immediately and to be accountable for our confession to others.
- It’s never fun to have our sins pointed out, but we need to recognize the importance of reproof from those who love us, “Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.” (Proverbs 25:12 ESV). We need to appreciate what strong words from our neighbors that come from God’s love can do for our faith, lives, and relationships: Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel (Proverbs 27:9 ESV).
- Walking in Christ and being His disciple is not easy, but God gives the Holy Spirit and also fellow believers around us. To be able to help each other through temptation and sin, be faithful to commitments with God, help stop bad habits, start good habits and most importantly to grow more like Christ.
REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Describe a simple, concrete step to begin being accountable to others?
- Have you ever confessed your sins or shared your temptations with a fellow believer? How has that helped you?
REFERENCES