Online Sermons
Lesson #17 - Sharpening One Another
Series: The One-Another WayLESSON #17 – SHARPENING ONE ANOTHER
IT IS NOT GOOD FOR MAN TO DWELL ALONE
These words come from the story of creation (Gen.2:18). When God saw Adam, He said, “I will make a helper fit for him.”
Many of us are blessed with cherished mates who travel through life with us as candid counselors, helping us along the way.
' PROVERBS 27:17 (
Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Using a metallurgical image, Solomon offers good advice: one piece of iron works to sharpen another piece of iron.
When I was a teenager I worked for an older man, who owned a meat distribution business.
When Otto made hamburger and sausage he continually sharpened his knife as he cut the meat to feed into the grinder.
It was the most vivid picture of “iron sharpening iron” that I've ever seen.
The Hebrew text of this Old Testament proverb is even more specific - - one man sharpens the face of another.
All of us have some friends who seldom offer any criticism (Prov.18:24) - - perhaps to a fault, they accept us for who we are.
But how valuable it is to have a friend who sharpens our edge and helps to hone our character.
These friends serving as unofficial MENTORS and TRAINERS, sense that improvements are needed - - we can become better.
Being swift to hear and slow to speak (Js.1:19) doesn’t mean we turn a blind eye to coaching one another.
Do you agree or disagree? Personal and spiritual growth is A COMMUNAL AFFAIR!
~ Is two better than one? - cf. Eccl.4:9-12
~ Can any of us reach our maximum potential without a true friend who speaks frankly to us?
- Where would David have ended up were it not for Nathan (2Sam.12:1-15)?
- Where would Peter have ended up were it not for Paul (Gal.2:11-14)?
WHAT'S NEEDED FOR IRON TO SHARPEN IRON?
(1) Mutual cooperation is vital.
~ The one who offers advice and guidance must be brave enough to speak the truth in love (Eph.4:15 & 25).
~ The receiver must be humble enough to assess the rebuke or admonition (Eph.5:21/i.e., to be subject to one another).
- Helpful and well-intended words will accomplish little if they are met with haughtiness or a headstrong resistance.
(2) Timing, tact and temperament are keys in helping to hone others.
~ Bitter (Ps.64:3) and/or poisonous words (Ps.140:3) are neither needed nor wanted!
~ On the other hand, loving and constructive criticism can bring refinement, helping us grow!
- Ps.141:5 / Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; It is oil upon my head...
- Prov.16:13 / Lighteous lips are the delight of kings, and he who speaks right is loved.
- Prov.20:30 / Stripes that wound scour away evil, and strokes reach the innermost parts.
- Prov.25:11 / Like apples of gold in settings of sliver is a word spoken in right circumstances.
~ Mt.18:15 / If your brother sins, go and reprove him in private (i.e., between you and him alone).
- Col.4:6 / Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt...
- Gal.6:1 / ...You who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness...
P On Deck? Leading One Another
