One Another Living-Teach One Another

1. The Call to Teach is Universal

The responsibility to “teach and admonish one another” is given to all believers, not just pastors or formal teachers. Your life, lived in Christ, is a constant lesson for those around you, making every believer a teacher.

2. Peace is the Umpire

The peace of God must “rule” (act as an umpire or referee) in your heart. This supernatural peace, which surpasses understanding, is the foundation for effective teaching. A lack of true peace indicates a life out of sync with God’s will, which affects the ability to build unity.

3. Thanksgiving Fuels Peace

There is a direct peace/thanksgiving cycle. Expressing gratitude “in everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) restores peace, even in trials. The most powerful lessons are taught through the testimony of a grateful heart that has found peace after struggle.

4. God’s Word Must Be Home

You cannot teach what you do not know. The Word of Christ must “dwell in you richly”—meaning it should be familiar and comfortable, like home. This requires consistent studying, meditating, and memorizing so that you are equipped to teach the Gospel and admonish others in truth.

5. Singing is a Teaching Tool

Worship through “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” is a command to teach. Music is a uniquely powerful way to plant theology in the heart and mind, building deep believers through shared, congregational worship.

6. Everything is a Mission Field

The ultimate takeaway is to “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). This elevates every activity—work, home, recreation, and relationships—into a mission field. Living entirely for Christ is the most complete and powerful form of teaching.

Icebreaker

What is one essential skill or piece of knowledge that someone has taught you that you still use today?

Introduction and Hope

Scripture References

• Lamentations 3:21-24, Colossians 3:15-17

Summary

The study begins with a word of hope from Lamentations, focusing on the Lord’s mercies being new every morning and His compassion being limitless and unfailing. This hope is offered to those who are hurting. The main text, Colossians 3:15-17, is introduced, which is the basis for the series on “One Another Living” and the call for believers to teach one another. Teaching is considered one of the most crucial and yet undervalued jobs in society, and it is a responsibility for all believers, including parents to their children.

Discussion Questions

1. How does the reminder that the Lord’s mercies are “new every morning” impact your perspective on a challenging day?
2. The text suggests that few roles are as essential and overlooked as that of a teacher. What are some ways we can better value those who teach, both formally and informally?
3. Why do you think Paul gives the responsibility to “teach and admonish one another” to all believers, not just pastors or formal teachers?

Application Questions

1. What is one specific way you can “take solace in a great God of compassion, and find hope in Him” this week?
2. Considering your personal and family life, what is one area where you are explicitly responsible for teaching another person (e.g., a child, a mentee, a friend)?

Teach With Peaceful Lives

Scripture References

• Colossians 3:15, Isaiah 32:17, Philippians 4:6-7, Jonah 1:5, Romans 14:19

Summary

The first truth for teaching is to “Teach With Peaceful Lives”. The word “rule” in Colossians 3:15 is an athletic reference meaning umpire, referee, or judge, indicating that the peace of God should be the deciding factor in our hearts and relationships. This peace is a supernatural peace within, a fruit of the Spirit, that isn’t swayed by external circumstances like persecution, sickness, or financial ruin. It surpasses all understanding. Peace is a byproduct of doing God’s will. However, false peace is possible—as seen when Jonah slept in the storm while running from God—but for a believer, true peace is linked to being in God’s will. True peace leads to unity in the body of Christ and helps our teaching build bridges, not walls.

Discussion Questions

1. Paul uses the peace of God as an “umpire” or “referee” in our hearts. How can you determine if the peace you feel is the “peace of God” or a “false peace” that stems from ignoring a conviction?
2. The text states that the peace of God “surpasses all understanding” in times of suffering like loss or persecution. When have you experienced the peace of God in a way that defied your external circumstances?
3. How does a lack of peace in a person’s life affect their ability to effectively teach or “edify another”?

Application Questions

1. Identify one area of your life or a relationship where you need to allow the peace of God to “rule” and act as an umpire this week.
2. Romans 14:19 tells us to “pursue the things which make for peace”. What is one “thing” you can pursue this week to promote peace and unity in your local church body?

Teach With Thankful Hearts

Scripture References

• Colossians 3:15, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 32:3-5

Summary

The second truth is to “Teach With Thankful Hearts”. Paul directly ties peace and thanksgiving in Colossians 3:15 and Philippians 4:6-7, establishing the great peace /thanksgiving cycle. Peace leads to thanksgiving, and thanksgiving leads back to peace. The story of Corrie ten Boom and her sister Betsie illustrates this, as they thanked God even for the fleas in their barracks, which ultimately gave them peace and freedom to minister. The example of King David after his sin with Bathsheba shows that being out of God’s will leads to distress (“bones grew old,” “groaning”) , but confession leads to forgiveness and peace, which is expressed through praise and thanksgiving. The best lessons are taught through this cycle.

Discussion Questions

1. Discuss the “peace/thanksgiving cycle”: how can giving thanks, even in difficult circumstances, lead to an internal peace that “surpasses all understanding”?
2. Why was David’s condition so miserable (“My vitality was turned into the drought of summer”) before he confessed his sin, even though he was seemingly “getting away with it” for a time?
3. The example of Corrie ten Boom shows how a thankful heart in suffering created ideal conditions for teaching. How does your expression of gratitude—or lack thereof—affect your ability to teach and encourage others?

Application Questions

1. What are the “fleas” in your life (small, annoying, or difficult trials) that you can thank God for this week, trusting He may use them to bring about peace or freedom?
2. If the “best lessons in life come when we have gone through trials, confessed our sins, and have peace with God”, what is one specific testimony of God’s faithfulness from a trial that you can share this week to encourage someone else?

Teach With God’s Word

Scripture References

• Colossians 3:16, 2 Timothy 3:16, John 3:16

Summary

The third truth is to“Teach With God’s Word”. Colossians 3:16 instructs, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom”. The word “dwell” means “to feel at home,” suggesting that God’s word should be as comfortable and familiar to a believer as their favorite room. This happens by studying, memorizing, meditating on, and using God’s word in life. The text emphasizes that all scripture is profitable for teaching, correction, and instruction, and the best lesson to teach is the Gospel found in John 3:16. The word must be used to teach the Gospel to a lost world and to admonish (lovingly warn against wrong behavior) one another.

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean practically for the word of Christ to “dwell in you richly,” and why is this necessary before we can effectively teach and admonish others?
2. The sermon references Charles Spurgeon: “A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” What is the relationship between the condition of your Bible (physical or electronic) and your spiritual well-being?
3. 2 Timothy 3:16 says Scripture is profitable for “doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”. Which of these functions is most needed in the church today, and why?

Application Questions

1. What is one practical step you can take this week to make God’s word feel more “at home” in your life (e.g., memorize a verse, use a reading plan)?
2. In what specific way will you commit to “use God’s word to teach the Gospel to a lost and dying world” this week?

Teach Through Worshipful Songs

Scripture References

• Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19, Revelation 4:8

Brief Summary

The fourth truth is to “Teach Through Worshipful Songs”. Paul instructs believers to teach and admonish one another “in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord”. Music is a powerful tool because it has a unique, God-given way of “getting into us,” often lodging in our memory for decades. It’s estimated that 50% of our theology comes from music. Congregational singing is crucial for building deep believers. When we gather and sing, we are joining in the eternal song of Heaven (Revelation 4:8) and obeying a command found over 200 times in Scripture. A true song to God requires peace in the heart first.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is music such a powerful medium for teaching theology and truth, perhaps even more memorable than a sermon?
2. The text suggests that for some, life has “stolen your song”. What are some common thieves of the “melody in your heart,” and how is this related to the lack of “the peace of God”?
3. The text calls congregational singing an experience of “a little bit of Heaven on earth”. What does it mean to be “speaking to one another” through your singing, as mentioned in Ephesians 5:19?

Application Questions

1. Commit to learning the words of a new hymn or spiritual song this week, focusing on the biblical truth it contains to let it teach you.
2. If you have lost your “song,” what is the very next step you need to take to encounter God and regain His peace so that you can sing with “grace in your heart to the Lord”?

Live For Christ

Scripture References

• Colossians 3:17

Brief Summary

The final point is to “Live For Christ”. Paul’s instruction in Colossians 3:17 is, “whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him”. This means that everything—work, home, recreation, relationships, hobbies—is a mission field. A person’s life, lived entirely for Christ, is the ultimate expression of the Gospel. Those who have never experienced the peace of God or the first step toward living for Christ are encouraged to stop working so hard for salvation and simply surrender and believe that Jesus has already accomplished it.

Discussion Questions

1. What are the implications of the command to “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus”? How does this elevate seemingly mundane activities like shopping or your daily job?
2. How does a life lived entirely “in the name of the Lord Jesus” teach the Gospel to a watching world more powerfully than simply speaking the words of the Gospel?
3. The text states, “Stop working so hard for your salvation… Surrender”. How is living for Christ different from working for salvation?

Application Questions

1. Identify one specific non-church activity (e.g., a hobby, a task at work, a routine chore) that you will intentionally view as a “mission field” this week. How will you “do all” of it “in the name of the Lord Jesus”?
2. What is one way you can encourage someone this week to stop trying to earn salvation and instead “surrender” and “believe” that Christ has already accomplished it?

Day 1: The Umpire of Peace

Scripture Reference: Colossians 3:15, Philippians 4:7

Key Focus: Teach With Peaceful Lives – Allowing the peace of God to be the referee and deciding factor in your heart.

Reflection: Paul uses the analogy of an umpire or referee for the peace of God. This peace is a fruit of the Spirit that guards our hearts and minds, surpassing all understanding, even when facing external attacks or suffering. We are to use this internal, supernatural peace as our guide for conduct, ensuring our lives are in God’s will. If we are out of God’s will, we lose that true peace. Peace is necessary because our teaching should build bridges, not walls, leading to unity in the body of Christ.

Application Question: Is there a current conflict or decision where you need to pause and let the peace of God “umpire” your heart before speaking or acting?

Prayer Prompt: Pray for the grace to recognize and reject false peace this week, and for the supernatural peace of Christ to rule over all your worries.

Day 2: The Cycle of Gratitude

Scripture Reference: Colossians 3:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Key Focus: Teach With Thankful Hearts – Practicing thanksgiving to maintain the peace/thanksgiving cycle in your life.

Reflection: Peace and thanksgiving are tied together in a continuous cycle: peace leads to thanksgiving, and thanksgiving leads to peace. When we thank God in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18), we can experience peace even amid suffering. This is illustrated by Corrie ten Boom, who found that thanking God for the fleas in her concentration camp barracks led to peace, which then allowed her and her sister the ability to teach fellow captives. Our best life lessons are taught when we express gratitude through testimony after peace has been restored.

Application Question: What is a minor annoyance or major trial (“flea”) in your life right now that you need to intentionally thank God for, believing He can use it for peace and ministry?

Prayer Prompt: Ask God to open your eyes to blessings you currently overlook and for the spiritual discipline to give thanks even when you don’t feel like it.

Day 3: Making the Word Home

Scripture Reference: Colossians 3:16, John 3:16

Key Focus: Teach With God’s Word – Letting the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.

Reflection: Before we can effectively instruct others, God’s Word must dwell within us. To “dwell” means “to feel at home,” suggesting that God’s Word should be as comfortable and familiar to you as your favorite place to relax. This richness comes from studying, memorizing, meditating on, and using the Word in our daily lives. All Scripture is profitable for teaching and correction. The most essential lesson to teach is the Gospel of salvation, seen in John 3:16. Our personal use of Scripture determines its availability for teaching others.

Application Question: How can you make God’s Word feel more “at home” in your life this week (e.g., studying, memorizing, or meditating)?

Prayer Prompt: Confess any neglect of Scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to give you a genuine hunger to study and use God’s Word to glorify your Heavenly Father.

Day 4: Singing a Deeper Theology

Scripture Reference: Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19

Key Focus: Teach Through Worshipful Songs – Using psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to teach and admonish one another.

Reflection: Music is a powerful, God-given tool that gets into us like nothing else, making it a key teaching method. It’s estimated that 50% of our theology comes from music. When we sing, we are teaching and admonishing one another and joining the eternal song of Heaven. However, you can’t have a true song to God in your heart without the peace of God there first. Congregational singing is crucial for building deep believers. If life has stolen your song, regaining peace with God is the first step to restoring your melody.

Application Question: What is one song you currently sing (or listen to) that powerfully teaches you a biblical truth, and how can you use it to encourage a brother or sister in Christ this week?

Prayer Prompt: Pray for your church’s worship time—that the songs chosen would be doctrinally rich and that every person would sing with grace in their hearts to the Lord.

Day 5: Everything is a Mission Field

Scripture Reference: Colossians 3:17

Key Focus: Live For Christ – Whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Reflection: Living for Christ is the summary and ultimate lesson. The command is universal: “whatever you do… do all in the name of the Lord Jesus”. This transforms your entire life into a mission field. Your work, home, gym, and relationships are all opportunities to represent Christ. To truly live for Him, we must first accept His salvation by surrendering and believing that He has already accomplished it, rather than trying to earn it through our own hard work.

Application Question: Which one of your ordinary, daily activities (work, hobby, chore) needs a perspective shift to be viewed and carried out as a mission field done “in the name of the Lord Jesus”?

Prayer Prompt: Ask the Lord to help you remember the Gospel in everything you do today, so that your words and deeds give thanks to God the Father through Him.