(IRON SHARPENS IRON)
By
Pastor Emma Ahurira
Ecclesiastes
4:9-12_ 9 Two are better than one; because they
have a good reward for their labour. 10 For
if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. 11 Again,
if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 12 And
if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is
not quickly broken.
Matthew
25:14-19_14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man
traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto
them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave
five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his
own ability; and immediately took his journey. 16 Then
he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made
five other talents. 17 And likewise he
that had received two, he also gained another two. 18 But
he that had received one went and dug in the earth, and hid his lord's money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants
came, and settled accounts with them.
There
is a strong need for accountability in all relationships including friendships,
work relationships and others. There is no fellowship without relationship and
a call to fellowship with men is a call to accountability. Accountability is a
check and balance system that protects me and others around me from harm.
Accountability is important to seek encouragement and reproof.
As
in the parable of the talents in Matthew, an account will be required of us all
with everything we have been given to steward, things like time and talents,
skills and giftings. We will also give an account of everything we do, as well as
with every word we utter.
1st
Corinthians 3:12-15_12 Now if any man build upon this foundation
gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every
man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it
shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall test every man's work of what
sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide
which he has built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If
any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be
saved; yet so as by fire.
Matthew
12:36-37_36 But I say unto you, that every idle word that
men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the Day of Judgment. 37 For by your words you shall be justified, and
by your words you shall be condemned.
Owe
man nothing but to love them.
John
13:34_34 A new commandment I give unto you, That you
love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that you are my
disciples, if you have love one to another.
And
this is how we love one another, by bearing one another’s burdens.
Galatians
6:1-2_ 1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you
who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering
yourself, lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear
you one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
At
the foundation of all this is that it takes a humble man to be accountable. We
all need someone in our lives that we speak with about everything in our lives,
about our fears and our successes, about our dreams and aspirations. But if one
thinks himself so independent that he doesn’t need anyone, he deceives himself.
James
5:16_16 Confess your
faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The
effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Philippians
2:3-5_3 Let nothing be
done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem
others better than themselves. 4 Look
not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let
this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Galatians
6:3-4_3 For if a man
thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But
let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself
alone, and not in another.
Some
3 reasons as to why each of us needs a friend;
1. To
encourage one another.
2. To
correct each other. Proverbs 4:1-2
3. To
support and stand with each other.