RESPONSIBILITY. Attempts to shift: Adam, Gen. 3:12, 13; Eve, Gen. 3:13; Sarah, Gen.

16:5, with v. 2; Esau, Gen. 27:36, with Gen. 25:2934; Aaron, Ex. 32:2224; Saul, 1 Sam. 15:20,
21; Pilate, Matt. 27:24. Assumed by the Jews for the death of Jesus, Matt. 27:25. Personal, Ezek.
18:20, 30; Matt. 12:37; John 9:41; 15:2224; 1 Cor. 3:8, 1315; Gal. 6:5; Rev. 2:23.
According to Privilege: Ezek. 18:130; Ezek. 33:119; Matt. 10:1115 Luke 9:5; 10:1015.
Matt. 11:2024; Matt. 12:41, 42 Luke 11:31, 32. Matt. 23:3135 Luke 11:4951. Matt. 25:1430
Luke 19:1227. Mark 6:11; Luke 13:69; Luke 21:14; John 3:18, 19; John 12:48; John 15:22,
24; Acts 17:30, 31; Rom. 12:3, 68; Eph. 4:7; 1 Tim. 6:20 See JUDGMENT, ACCORDING TO
OPPORTUNITY; PRIVILEGE.
1

Responsibilityaccountability for ones actions

A.

Shifting of, by:

Blaming another Gen. 3:12
Claiming innocency Matt. 27:24
Blaming a people Ex. 32:2124
B. Cannot be excused by:
Ignorance Acts 17:30, 31
Unbelief John 3:1820
Previous good Ex. 33:12, 13
Ones ancestors Matt. 3:9, 10
C. Is increased by:
Sight John 9:3941
Privilege John 15:22, 24
Opportunity Matt. 11:2024
Continuance in sin Matt. 23:3135
Rejection Matt. 10:1115
2

RESPONSIBILITY
Attempt to shift responsibility, Genesis 3:13.
Accusation, responsibility, Genesis 16:5.
Seeking substitute for responsibility, Exodus 4:1013 (See 6:30).
The Lord delegates responsibility, Deuteronomy 1:918.
Responsibility delegated to father-in-law, Exodus 18:1326.
1Swanson, James ; Nave, Orville: New Nave's. Oak Harbor : Logos Research
Systems, 1994
2Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nelson's Quick Reference Topical Bible Index. Nashville,
Tenn. : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995 (Nelson's Quick Reference), S. 528

Conditions for experiencing Gods blessing, Exodus 15:26.

Remembering, following, perpetuating, divine teaching, Deuteronomy 4:9.
Experience brings responsibility, Deuteronomy 11:2628.
Taking care of business, Deuteronomy 20:59.
Responsibility for individual guilt, Deuteronomy 24:16; Job 19:4; Jeremiah 31:30; Ezekiel 18:20.
Delegated responsibility, 1 Kings 4:7.
Assigned gatekeepers, 1 Chronicles 9:2227.
Willingly assuming responsibility, Nehemiah 10:32, 35.
Personal grief put aside to lead people, 2 Samuel 19:18.
Responsibility for warning wicked, Ezekiel 3:1719.
Family responsibility for sin, Ezekiel 18:420.
Responsibility of watchman, Ezekiel 33:19.
Privilege brings responsibility, Amos 3:2.
Refusal to accept responsibility, Jonah 1:3.
Responsible for nations sin, Micah 1:13.
Burden of responsibility lightened, Matthew 11:2830.
Wrong influence over children, Matthew 18:6.
Use of talents, Matthew 25:1430.
Washing hands of crucifixion responsibility, Matthew 27:24.
Forgetting to bring necessities, Mark 8:14.
Care of unproductive fig tree, Luke 13:69.
Influencing others to sin, Luke 17:1.
Doing ones duty, Luke 17:10.
Responsible stewardship, Luke 21:14.
Personal responsibility to hearing truth, John 3:1819.
Those who truly care for the sheep, John 10:1114.
Delegating distribution of welfare, Acts 6:14.
Responsibility to all cultures, Romans 1:1417.
Result of Adams disobedience, Romans 5:12.
Responsibility for those who are weak, Romans 15:1.
Teamwork in reaching others, 1 Corinthians 3:69.
Entrusted with secret things of God, 1 Corinthians 4:12.
Leadership regarding gifts of Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:2730.
Aim for perfection, 2 Corinthians 13:11.
Carrying ones own load, Galatians 6:5.
Responsible for joy of others, Philippians 1:26.
Do not neglect your gift, 1 Timothy 4:14.
Families should take care of those in need, 1 Timothy 5:38.
Responsibility of obtaining wealth, 1 Timothy 6:1719.
Responsibility to proclaim message, Titus 1:13.
Given responsibility for ones own affairs, Titus 1:5.
Providing for personal needs, Titus 3:14.
Human responsibility for evil, James 1:1315.
Responsibility for teaching content, James 3:1.
Responsibility ignored, James 4:17.
All must give account of themselves, 1 Peter 4:46.

Seeing light, walking in darkness, 2 Peter 2:21.

3

Responsibility
Character the willingness to accept responsibility for ones own life is the source from which
self-respect springs.
Joan Didion

When the freedom they wished for most was freedom from responsibility, then Athens ceased to
be free and was never free again.
Edith Hamilton

Do you realize the responsibility I carry? Im the only person standing between Richard Nixon
and the White House.
John F. Kennedy
4

RESPONSIBILITY
Chosen for Responsibility
God told the Israelites that He was driving out the Canaanite nations from the Promised Land
(Ex. 34:11), but its important to interpret this promise in light of the covenant that preceded it
(Ex. 34:110).
The covenant established the Israelites as Gods chosen people. However, chosenness did not
imply natural superiority. As Moses pointed out, Israel was a stiff-necked people who needed
pardon from iniquity and sin (Ex. 34:9). Indeed, God chose the Hebrews not because of anything
special about them, but because of His own love and sovereign will (Deut. 7:78).
Then why were the Israelites told to drive out the Canaanites from the Promised Land, and in
some cases to destroy them entirely? Because chosenness in the Bible means responsibility.
Israels God-given responsibility was to establish the reign of God in the land. Thus,
exterminating the enemy was a religious campaign, not a war of ethnic cleansing. The point
was to remove the Canaanites idolatry and pagan practices. Canaanites who submitted to the
God of Israel and surrendered were to be spared, as Rahab was (Josh 2:813; 6:17).

3Anderson, Ken: Where to Find It in the Bible. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1996
4Water, Mark: The New Encyclopedia of Christian Quotations. Alresford, Hampshire :
John Hunt Publishers Ltd, 2000, S. 863

Given the racial and ethnic strife in the world today, often arising from religious roots, its
important to understand what it means to be chosen by God. To be chosen does not make
one better than ones neighbors, but more responsible to treat them as God would treat them.

Shared Responsibility
There is an interesting tension in the relationship between God and His people. One the one
hand, we human beings are fully responsible and accountable for planning, organizing, and
directing our lives. Yet on the other hand, we need to be fully aware that God is accomplishing
His purposes in, through, and sometimes despite our plans and efforts (Prov. 16:9).
Scripture often affirms this shared responsibility between us as human beings and God as the
sovereign Lord of the universe. For example, the New Testament exhorts us to work out our
salvationthat is, to make responsible choices on a day-to-day basis in light of our eternal
salvation; yet it adds that God is at work in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure
(Phil. 2:1213).
Are you fulfilling your part of your relationship with God? Are you making wise choices
based on what He has said in the Bible? Are you trusting Him to fulfill His part?
For more on this topic, see AUTHORITY, A Symbol of Authority and Responsibility, page
27; EXCUSES, Aarons Excuses, page 138.
5

BIBLICAL RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP EACH OTHER GROW

Though God uses human effort and relationships in spiritual development, He is the ultimate
source of our spiritual growth as Paul indicated: The entire body...grows with a growth which is
from God (Col. 2:19). We should practice interpersonal ministry to help each other grow, but
Lawrence Richards reminds us that only in God, by virtue of an intimate relationship with Jesus
and the work of the Holy Spirit can any of us hope to live a vital spiritual life.3
Spiritual growth is rooted in the individuals relationship to God through Christ. The
numerical and spiritual growth of the church depends directly on the addition of individual
believers and the individual spiritual growth of its believers (Acts 9:31). Thus believers are first
responsible to nurture their own personal growth. Others can teach us biblical truth, but we must
personally receive, retain, and obey that truth to grow in Christ. Others can encourage us in
biblical memorization and meditation and exemplify these practices to us, but only we can
receive, chew, and digest our individual spiritual food. Surrogate spiritual development is not
part of Gods plan.
However, the responsibility of believers goes beyond nurturing their own spiritual lives and
receiving help from others for their spiritual growth. Believers are responsible to help others
5Thomas Nelson Publishers: What Does the Bible Say About-- : The Ultimate A to Z
Resource Fully Illustrated. Nashville, Tenn. : Thomas Nelson, 2001 (Nelson's A to Z
Series), S. 340
33 Richards, A Practical Theology of Spirituality, 2829.

grow spiritually so that the whole body of Christ grows through reciprocal ministry (Eph. 4:11
16).
Christians may struggle with apathy and irresponsibility, which hinder their personal spiritual
growth and their interpersonal ministry to help others grow. But we can overcome these
negatives through discipline and responsible action empowered by the Spirit. Believers who are
experiencing dynamic spiritual growth are best prepared to encourage and edify others in their
Christian faith. Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are
doing (1 Thess. 5:11).
Responsibility Based on Our Membership in Christs Body
The Spirit unites believers with Christ, the Head of the church, and with other believers as
members of His body (Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 12:1213; Col. 1:18). Membership in Christs body
gives us some wonderful privileges and some important responsibilities.
Our first responsibility is to submit to Christ as our Head. And through the Spirits power we
can submit to His headship by following His directions.
If we obey Christs directions, then we can depend on Him as our Head to nurture, sustain,
preserve, guide, and empower us (Eph. 5:2330). And obedience to Christ is essential to minister
effectively to other believers, to receive ministry from them, and to grow together in Christ
(4:1116).
Responsibility Based on Our Interdependency in Christs Body
Many people highly value independency and self-sufficiency, and deplore slackers and
freeloaders. However, we can overdo independency and behave as loners even though we are
members of Christs body and of one another. The words from a song, No man is an island; no
man stands alone, are relevant to the members of Christs body. Human interdependency is
firmly grounded in Scripture. As Richards observes, From early Genesis we learn that humans
cannot live isolated lives. People were not intended to live alone.4 And in the case of Christians,
We are linked by Gods Spirit to Jesus and to each other, and our life is intended to be lived in
supportive, caring community.5 Isolationism contradicts our membership in the body of Christ
and our responsibility for interpersonal ministry in the body (1 Cor. 12:1227).
Rather, Christians should function like Velcro which has tiny hooks that reach out and
interlock with each other so that two items are held together. Christians must reach out and
interact with each other to maintain unity and attain spiritual maturity.
Believers may know that Christ expects interpersonal relationships and reciprocal ministry
among the members in His body and yet practice a covert isolationism and protectionism in the
body. They believe that close fellowship is not worth the hassle because it creates too many
relational problems. The Lord knew about these risks of close human interaction when He united
believers as a body. Still, He commands believers to practice togetherness and to function as
interdependent members (Rom. 12:58; 1 Cor. 1214; Eph. 4:3; Phil. 2:12). Trying to bond
together with other Christians may seem like a group of porcupines huddling together on a cold
night. Closeness with Christians from diverse backgrounds can become sticky business. But
keeping our distance from other believers to escape relational headaches is not justifiable except
in the case of a professed believer who is living in flagrant sin (1 Cor. 5:11; 2 Thess. 3:6, 1415).
44 Ibid., 85.
55 Ibid., 8889.

Some believers have tried to have interpersonal relationships and ministry with their fellow
believers, but they have stopped trying because they have been severely hurt. They react to their
negative experience with a never again attitude and consequently keep aloof from spiritual
intimacy with other believers. But believers with a protectionist attitude hinder their own
spiritual growth and that of others. Trying to help others grow does not work well from long
distance or when relational barriers have been erected.
Christ our Head planned for His bodily members to grow through loving service to each
other. And we grow most when we resolve conflicts and hurts with other believers rather than
denying or avoiding these relational barriers. Withdrawing from others without biblical
justification, giving the silent treatment, or denying differences between persons does not build
either a healthy marriage or a healthy relationship between believers. However, in both marriage
and relating to other believers, we can strengthen our love, unity, and appreciation by working
through our differences.
If we have an attitude of independency and aloofness from other members in the body of
Christ, we need to repent and be humble before God and replace it with an attitude of
interdependency with other believers. Then we can fulfill our biblical roles and responsibilities in
the body of Christ so that we edify other members (Rom. 14:19), we ourselves are edified, and
we glorify God.
I think of Ernest who willingly served in a local church but suffered burnout from the
overload of Christian work that others unwisely foisted on him. Ernest left his local church
with a bitter attitude and remained detached from Christian fellowship. He should have worked
with his Christian brothers and sisters and they with him to find a better approacha biblical
approach that could lighten his load, help him mature spiritually, and strengthen his fellowship
with other believers.
Susan presents a different scenario. She considers her local church her second family, and she
readily receives love, care, and counsel from other Christians. Through her Christian faith and
the support of other believers, Susan has overcome personal addictions, and she seeks to respond
to her addictive and dysfunctional husband according to biblical principles. Her dynamic faith
and growth encourage other Christians so that she contributes significantly to the body of Christ.
Follow Ernests choices and you will become bitter, spiritually stunted, and alienated from
other believers. Follow Susans example and you will become more spiritual, fruitful, and united
with other believers.
6

Nature
I.

Responsibilities toward Nature

6Swindoll, Charles R. ; Zuck, Roy B.: Understanding Christian Theology. Nashville,

Tenn. : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003, S. 1060

A.

Praise God as Creator of Nature

Ps. 33:1, 89; Prov. 3:1920; Isa. 40:2528; Isa. 42:5, 1012; Isa. 45:512, 18; Jer. 10:1113;
Rev. 10:6
B. Maintain a Sense of Wonder at Nature
1. The Beauty of Nature
Eccles. 3:11; Eccles. 11:7
2. The Complexity of Nature
Job 38:141; Job 39:130; Job 40:67, 1524; Job 41:134; Ps. 139:1316
3. The Orderliness of Nature
Job 36:2233; Ps. 19:16; Ps. 104:132
4. The Sustaining of Nature by God
Ps. 75:3; Ps. 147:118; Matt. 10:2931; Acts 17:2428; Col. 1:17; Heb. 2:10
5. The Vastness of Nature
Gen. 2:1; Job 38:4, 7, 16, 18, 24, 31; Ps. 8:34; Ps. 103:1516; Ps. 139:712; Isa. 40:68; Isa.
40:1215; Isa. 40:2122
C. Recognize Humankinds Association with Nature
1. Humankind and Nature Were Both Created by God
Gen. 1:1, 11, 21, 25, 27, 31; John 1:13; Acts 17:24; 1 Cor. 8:6; 1 Cor. 15:2728; Eph. 3:9; Col.
1:1516; Heb. 11:3; Rev. 4:11
2. Humankind and Nature Have Things in Common
They Hope through Christ Together
Rom. 8:1921; Eph. 1:910; Col. 1:1920
They Praise God Together
Ps. 19:16; Ps. 96:1013; Ps. 148:113
They Suffer Together
Lev. 18:25; Rom. 8:18, 2022
3. Humankind Is the Steward of Nature
Gen. 1:2630; Gen. 2:15; Ps. 8:58; Ps. 115:16
D. Join with Creation in Anticipating Gods Future Work in Nature
Isa. 35:110; Rom. 8:1925
E. Remember That God Will Recreate Nature
Isa. 11:69; Isa. 65:1725; Isa. 66:22; 2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1
II. Responsibilities toward Other People
A. Duties to Specific Groups of People
1. Responsibilities of Husbands toward Wives
Husbands Are to Be Intimate with Their Wives
1 Cor. 7:35
Husbands Are to Comfort Their Wives
1 Sam. 1:8
Husbands Are to Enjoy Their Wives
Eccles. 9:9
Husbands Are to Love Their Wives
Eph. 5:2529, 33; Col. 3:19
Husbands Are to Please Their Wives
1 Cor. 7:33

Husbands Are to Praise Their Wives

Prov. 31:2830
Husbands Are to Remain Faithful
to Their Wives
Gen. 2:2324; Exod. 20:14; Prov. 5:1519; Mal. 2:1415; Matt. 19:39; 1 Cor. 7:2
Husbands Are to Respect Their Wives
Prov. 31:11; 1 Pet. 3:7
2. Responsibilities of Wives toward Husbands
Wives Are to Be Intimate with Their Husbands
1 Cor. 7:35
Wives Are to Love Their Husbands
Titus 2:4
Wives Are to Please Their Husbands
Prov. 12:4; 1 Cor. 7:3334
Wives Are to Remain Faithful
to Their Husbands
Exod. 20:14; Rom. 7:23; 1 Cor. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:10; 1 Cor. 7:39
Wives Are to Respect Their Husbands
Eph. 5:33
Wives Are to Submit to Their Husbands
Eph. 5:2224; Col. 3:18; Titus 2:45; 1 Pet. 3:16
3. Responsibilities toward Aliens (Foreigners)
Gods Attitude toward Aliens
d Considers the Oppression of Aliens a Serious Offense
Jer. 7:27; Ezek. 22:29, 31
d Forbids the Oppression of Aliens
Jer. 22:3; Zech. 7:810
d Forgives Aliens
Num. 15:2226
d Loves Aliens
Deut. 10:1718
d Promises Salvation for Aliens
Isa. 56:18
d Promises to Punish the Oppressors
of Aliens
Ezek. 22:7, 13, 29, 31; Mal. 3:5
d Protects Aliens
Ps. 146:9
d Provides for Aliens
Deut. 26:111
The Believers Duty to Aliens
nsider Aliens Equal in Status
Ezek. 47:2123
nsider Aliens Part of Gods Covenant People
Deut. 29:915; Deut. 31:12; Josh. 8:3335; Isa. 14:1

monstrate Hospitality to Aliens

Matt. 25:3435; Heb. 13:2
spise the Oppression of Aliens
Ps. 94:16
No Oppress Aliens
Exod. 23:9
ve Liberally to Aliens
Lev. 19:910; Lev. 23:22; Lev. 25:3537; Deut. 14:2829; Deut. 24:1921
volve Aliens in the Religious Community
Exod. 12:1719; Exod. 12:4349; Exod. 20:811; Exod. 23:12; Lev. 22:1719; Deut. 16:912;
Deut. 16:1315
ve Aliens as Ones Own People
Lev. 19:34; Deut. 10:19
aintain Equal Justice for Aliens
Lev. 24:22; Deut. 1:1617; Deut. 24:17; Deut. 27:19; Job 29:16
how Respect for Aliens
Deut. 23:78
ubject Aliens to the Same Legal Restrictions and Privileges as Israelites
Lev. 17:816; Lev. 18:26; Lev. 20:2; Lev. 24:1516; Num. 9:14; Num. 15:1416, 2930; Josh.
20:23, 9; Ezek. 14:78
reat Aliens with Fairness
Exod. 22:21; Lev. 19:33; Deut. 24:1415
4. Responsibilities toward Children
The Believers Attitude toward Children
scipline Children
Prov. 13:24; Prov. 19:18; Prov. 23:13; Prov. 29:17; Heb. 12:79
ve Compassion for Children
Ps. 103:13
ve Children
Isa. 49:15; Titus 2:4
ay for Children
2 Sam. 12:1517; 1 Chron. 29:19; Job 1:5
ovide for Children
Job 42:15; Prov. 19:14; 2 Cor. 12:14
spect Children
Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21
ain Children in the Lords Way
Deut. 11:1821; Deut. 32:46; Prov. 22:6; Isa. 38:19; Eph. 6:4; 2 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 3:1415
Examples of Love for Children
gar Showed Love for a Child
Gen. 21:1419
ban Showed Love for Children
Gen. 31:55
ob Showed Love for a Child
Gen. 44:20, 3034

vid Showed Love for a Child

2 Sam. 13:3738
ary and Joseph Showed Love for a Child
Luke 2:4151
rus Showed Love for a Child
Mark 5:2123
Royal Official Showed Love for a Child
John 4:4647, 49
5. Responsibilities toward Civil Authorities
Honor Civil Authorities
Rom. 13:7; 1 Pet. 2:17
Pray for Civil Authorities
1 Tim. 2:12
Submit to Civil Authorities
Rom. 13:16; 1 Pet. 2:1316
6. Responsibilities toward the Elderly
Care for the Elderly
1 Tim. 5:4, 8
Encourage the Elderly
1 Tim. 5:12; Titus 2:23
Respect the Elderly
Lev. 19:32; Job 32:67; 1 Pet. 5:5
7. Responsibilities toward Enemies
The Believers Duty to Enemies
Merciful to Enemies
Exod. 23:45; Matt. 5:7; Luke 6:36; Rom. 12:17, 1921
ess Enemies
Luke 6:28; Rom. 12:14; 1 Cor. 4:12; 1 Pet. 3:9
Good to Enemies
Prov. 25:2122; Luke 6:2731, 35; 1 Cor. 4:13
rgive Enemies
Matt. 6:12, 1415; Matt. 18:2135; Luke 17:34
ve Enemies
Matt. 5:4348; Luke 6:27, 3235
ay for Enemies
Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:28
thhold Judgment from Enemies
Job 31:2930; Prov. 24:1718; Rom. 12:19
Examples of Forgiving Enemies
au Forgave an Enemy
Gen. 33:111
eph Forgave His Enemies
Gen. 45:515; Gen. 50:1521
vid Forgave an Enemy
1 Sam. 24:812; 1 Sam. 26:2125

us Forgave His Enemies

Luke 23:3334
phen Forgave His Enemies
Acts 7:5960
ul Forgave His Enemies
2 Tim. 4:16
8. Responsibilities toward the Fatherless (Orphans)
Gods Attitude toward Orphans
d Cares for Orphans
Ps. 68:5; Hos. 14:3
d Considers the Oppression of Orphans a Serious Offense
Jer. 7:27
d Defends Orphans
Deut. 10:1718; Ps. 10:1718
d Helps Orphans
Ps. 10:14
d Prohibits the Oppression of Orphans
Jer. 22:3; Zech. 7:8, 10
d Promises to Punish the Oppressors
of Orphans
Exod. 22:2224; Isa. 1:2325; Isa. 10:12; Jer. 5:2729; Ezek. 22:7, 13; Mal. 3:5
d Protects Orphans
Jer. 49:11
d Provides for Orphans
Deut. 14:2829; Deut. 26:1213
d Sustains Orphans
Ps. 146:9
The Believers Duty to Orphans
re for Orphans
Job 31:1619, 2123; James 1:27
test the Oppression of Orphans
Ps. 94:16; Prov. 23:10
treat God to Deliver Orphans
Job 24:13; Ps. 82:3
ve Generously to Orphans
Deut. 24:1921
volve Orphans in the Religious Community
Deut. 16:911; Deut. 16:1315
eat Orphans Justly
Deut. 24:1718; Deut. 27:19; Isa. 1:17
9. Responsibilities toward Laborers
Gods Attitude toward Laborers
d Condemns Injustice toward Laborers
Jer. 22:13
d Hears the Cry of Laborers
Deut. 24:1415

d Punishes Those Who Oppress Laborers

Mal. 3:5
The Believers Duty toward Laborers
Merciful to Laborers
Lev. 25:3932
quire Fairness toward Laborers
Lev. 19:13; Deut. 24:1415; Luke 10:1, 7; Rom. 4:4; 1 Tim. 5:18
spect Laborers as Creations of God
Job 31:1315; Luke 7:2; Eph. 6:9; Col. 4:1
10. Responsibilities toward Neighbors
Gods Attitude toward Neighbors
d Hears the Pleadings of Neighbors
Exod. 22:2627
d Makes a Covenant-Promise to Save Neighbors
Jer. 31:3134
d Promises to Punish the Oppressors
of Neighbors
Jer. 9:89; Hab. 2:1516
The Believers Duty to Neighbors
minister Justice toward Your Neighbor
Lev. 19:17; Lev. 20:10; Deut. 19:46, 1112
oid Coveting the Belongings
of Your Neighbor
Exod. 20:17; Eccles. 4:4
oid False Testimony against Your Neighbor
Exod. 20:16; Prov. 3:2829; Prov. 24:28; Prov. 25:18
oid Immorality against Your Neighbor
Lev. 18:20
Considerate of Your Neighbor
Exod. 22:2627; Lev. 19:16; Deut. 24:1013; Prov. 14:21; Prov. 25:17; Prov. 27:14
ild Up Your Neighbor
Rom. 15:2
te Wickedness toward Neighbors
Ps. 12:12; Ps. 28:23; Ps. 101:35
ve Righteously before Your Neighbor
Ps. 15:2, 5
ve Your Neighbor as Yourself
Lev. 19:18; Mark 12:2834; Luke 10:2537; Rom. 13:810; Gal. 5:1315; James 2:8
Maintain the Integrity of Your Neighbor
Prov. 11:9; Prov. 11:12; Prov. 16:29; Prov. 26:1819
Make Restitution for Wrongdoings against Your Neighbor
Lev. 6:15
reserve the Innocence of a Guiltless Neighbor
1 Kings 8:2223, 3132
peak Truthfully to Your Neighbor
Eph. 4:25

reat Your Neighbor with Fairness

Lev. 19:13; Lev. 19:15; Deut. 19:14; Deut. 27:17; James 4:1112
11. Responsibilities toward the Oppressed
Gods Attitude toward the Oppressed
d Defends the Oppressed
Job 36:6; Ps. 9:9; Ps. 72:2, 4; Ps. 103:6; Ps. 146:7; Isa. 14:32; Jer. 50:3334
d Delivers the Oppressed
from Their Oppressors
Judg. 10:1112; 1 Sam. 10:1718; Ps. 72:12, 14; Ps. 76:89; Ps. 106:4243; Isa. 26:56
d Gives Hope to the Oppressed
Ps. 9:18; Isa. 54:11; Zeph. 3:1920
d Hears the Cry of the Oppressed
Ps. 9:12; Ps. 10:1718; Ps. 22:24; Ps. 106:4446
d Is Compassionate to the Oppressed
Judg. 2:18; Neh. 9:27; Isa. 49:13
d Promises to Punish Oppressors
Isa. 10:13; Amos 2:67
The Believers Duty to the Oppressed
courage the Oppressed
Job 6:14; Ps. 34:2; Isa. 1:17
lp the Oppressed
Isa. 58:611; 1 Tim. 5:910
ition God on Behalf of the Oppressed
Ps. 74:1821; Ps. 82:34
12. Responsibilities toward Parents
The Believers Attitude toward Parents
a Blessing to Your Parents
Prov. 10:1; Prov. 17:6; Prov. 23:2225; Prov. 27:11; Prov. 29:17
re and Provide for Your Parents
Mark 7:1013; 1 Tim. 5:4, 8
nor Your Parents
Exod. 20:12; Mal 1:6; Matt. 15:16; Luke 18:1920; Eph. 6:23
ve Your Parents
Gen. 46:29
ey Your Parents
Prov. 1:89; Prov. 3:12; Prov. 4:14, 1011, 2022; Prov. 5:1; Prov. 6:2023; Prov. 13:1; Eph.
6:1; Col. 3:20
aise Your Parents
Prov. 31:28, 30
spect Your Parents
Lev. 19:3; 1 Tim. 3:4; Heb. 12:9
Examples of Honoring and Obeying Parents
em and Japheth Honored Their Parent(s)
Gen. 9:23
ac Honored His Parent(s)
Gen. 22:612

eph Honored His Parent(s)

Gen. 45:811; Gen. 47:1112
phthahs Daughter Honored Her Parent(s)
Judg. 11:34, 36
th Honored Her Parent(s)
Ruth 1:1518
mothy Honored His Parent(s)
2 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 3:1415
13. Responsibilities toward the Poor
Gods Attitude toward the Poor
d Forbids the Oppression of the Poor
Zech. 7:10
d Gives Hope to the Poor
Ps. 9:18; Ps. 14:47; Ps. 40:17
d Has Compassion for the Poor
Ps. 72:13
d Hears the Cry of the Poor
Job 34:28; Ps. 34:6; Ps. 69:3233; Ps. 86:1; Isa. 41:17
d Intervenes on Behalf of the Poor
Ps. 109:3031; Ps. 140:12; Prov. 22:2223; Isa. 11:4
d Promises to Deliver the Poor
Ps. 107:41; Isa. 14:2930; Isa. 29:19
d Promises to Punish Those Who Oppress the Poor
Prov. 17:5; Isa. 3:1415; Isa. 10:13; Amos 2:67; Amos 5:11
d Protects the Poor
Ps. 12:5; Isa. 25:4
d Provides for the Poor
Exod. 23:1011; Ps. 22:26; Ps. 68:10; Ps. 132:15
od Rescues the Poor
1 Sam. 2:8; Job 5:1516; Ps. 35:10; Ps. 70:5; Ps. 113:7; Jer. 20:13
od Restores the Poor
Ps. 68:910; Ps. 145:14; Ps. 146:58; Isa. 29:1819; Isa. 40:2831
The Believers Duty to the Poor
minister Justice Equitably to the Poor
Exod. 23:3, 6; Lev. 19:15; Prov. 22:2223; Prov. 29:7; Jer. 5:28; Jer. 22:1516
Kind to the Poor
Deut. 24:10, 1213; Prov. 14:21; Prov. 14:31; Prov. 19:17; Prov. 28:8
ve Liberally to the Poor
Lev. 19:910; Deut. 15:711; Ps. 37:21, 26; Ps. 112:45, 9; Prov. 22:9; Prov. 28:27; Matt. 6:24;
Matt. 19:1621; Gal. 2:10
lp Meet the Needs of the Poor
Prov. 21:13; Prov. 31:20
ve the Poor
1 Cor. 13:3
ake Provisions for the Poor
Exod. 22:25; Lev. 14:2122, 32; Lev. 27:8

pose the Oppression of the Poor

Job 24:112; Ps. 37:1417; Prov. 31:9; Isa. 32:7
ay for the Deliverance of the Poor
Ps. 74:18, 21; Ps. 82:24
spect the Poor as Fellow Creatures
Prov. 22:2; Prov. 29:13
how Compassion to the Poor
2 Sam. 12:16; Job 30:25
reat the Poor Fairly
Deut. 24:1415
Examples of Giving Generously to the Poor
az Gave to the Poor
Ruth 2:1519
b Gave to the Poor
Job 29:1116; Job 31:1623
e Jews Gave to the Poor
Esther 9:2022
hemiah Gave to the Poor
Neh. 8:10, 12
cchaeus Gave to the Poor
Luke 19:8
e Jerusalem Church Gave to the Poor
Acts 4:3435
rcas Gave to the Poor
Acts 9:36
rnelius Gave to the Poor
Acts 10:24
e Church at Antioch Gave to the Poor
Acts 11:2730
he Macedonian and Achaian Believers Gave to the Poor
Rom. 15:2527; 2 Cor. 8:13
aul Gave to the Poor
Acts 20:35
14. Responsibilities toward Widows
Gods Attitude toward Widows
d Condemns the Oppressors of Widows
Exod. 22:2224; Isa. 1:2325; Isa. 10:12; Jer. 7:27; Ezek. 22:7, 13; Mal. 3:5; Luke 20:4547
d Defends Widows
Deut. 10:1718; Ps. 68:5; Luke 18:28
d Forbids the Oppression of Widows
Jer. 22:3; Zech. 7:10
d Praises a Widows Generosity
Mark 12:4144
d Protects Widows
Jer. 49:11

d Provides for Widows

Deut. 24:1719; Deut. 26:1213
d Sustains Widows
Ps. 146:9; Prov. 15:25
The Believers Duty to Widows
hor the Oppression of Widows
Job 24:3, 2122, 24
peal to God for Deliverance of Widows
Job 24:13; Ps. 94:16
Considerate of Widows
Deut. 24:17
re for Widows
1 Tim. 5:35, 714, 16; James 1:27
ve Liberally to Widows
Deut. 24:1921
ant Equal Justice to Widows
Deut. 27:19; Isa. 1:17
volve Widows in the Religious Community
Deut. 16:911; Deut. 16:1315
Examples of Ministering to Widows
b Ministered to Widows
Job 29:11, 1314; Job 31:1619, 2223
e Jerusalem Church Ministered
to Widows
Acts 6:15
rcas Ministered to Widows
Acts 9:3642
B. Duties to Other People in General or Other Christians
1. Accept Mutual Accountability toward Others
Matt. 18:1517; Luke 17:34; Gal. 6:12; James 5:16
2. Be at Peace with Others
Rom. 12:18; Heb. 12:14
3. Be Compassionate toward Others
Zech. 7:9; Eph. 4:32; 1 Pet. 3:8; 12 John 3:17
4. Be Generous toward Others
Our Duty to Be Generous
Prov. 3:910; Eccles. 11:12; Luke 6:38; 2 Cor. 8:68, 1015, 24; Gal. 2:10; 1 Tim. 6:18; Heb.
13:16
Examples of Generosity
e Antiochian Believers Were Generous
Acts 11:2730
rnabas Was Generous
Acts 4:3637
e Corinthian Believers Were Generous
1 Cor. 16:3; 2 Cor. 8:10

e Jerusalem Believers Were Generous

Acts 2:4445; Acts 4:32, 3435
e Macedonian and Achaian Believers Were Generous
Rom. 15:2528; 2 Cor. 8:15
e Philippian Believers Were Generous
Phil. 4:10, 1419
5. Be a Good Example for Others
Matt. 5:1316; Rom. 13:7; 2 Cor. 8:21; 1 Thess. 4:1112; 1 Tim. 4:12
6. Be Kind to Others
Our Duty to Be Kind
Eph. 4:32; 1 Thess. 5:15; 2 Tim. 2:24; 2 Pet. 1:57
An Example of Kindness: Peter
Acts 4:810
7. Be Patient with Others
Matt. 7:13; Rom. 14:15, 1013; Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:13; 1 Thess. 5:14; James 4:1112
8. Be Wise toward Others
Col. 4:56
9. Defend the Faith before Others
1 Pet. 3:15
10. Do Good to Others
Matt. 7:12; Matt. 25:3140; Gal. 6:910; 1 Pet. 2:1516
11. Forgive Others
Matt. 6:1415; Matt. 18:2122; Mark 11:25; Luke 6:37; Luke 17:34; 2 Cor. 2:67, 10; Eph.
4:32; Col. 3:13
12. Give Good Counsel to Others
Our Duty to Give Good Counsel
e Are to Edify One Another
Rom. 14:1921; Rom. 15:2; 1 Cor. 8:1; 1 Cor. 10:2324; 1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 4:29; 1 Thess. 5:11
e Are to Encourage One Another
Rom. 1:1112; 1 Thess. 4:18; 1 Thess. 5:11; 1 Thess. 5:14; Heb. 3:13; Heb. 10:2425
e Are to Instruct One Another
Rom. 15:14; Col. 3:16; 1 Thess. 5:12; 2 Tim. 2:2426
e Are to Rebuke One Another
1 Tim. 5:20; 2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 2:15
e Are to Warn One Another
1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:1415; 2 Tim. 2:14
Examples of Giving Good Counsel
rnabas Gave Good Counsel
Acts 11:2223
e Ephesian Believers Gave Good Counsel
Acts 18:24, 2627
das and Silas Gave Good Counsel
Acts 15:32
ul Gave Good Counsel
Acts 16:40; Acts 20:12; 2 Cor. 13:2; Col. 1:28; 1 Thess. 2:1112; 1 Thess. 4:6

mothy Gave Good Counsel

1 Thess. 3:23
chicus Gave Good Counsel
Eph. 6:2122; Col. 4:79
13. Honor Others
Rom. 12:10; Rom. 13:7; Phil. 2:2930; 1 Tim. 5:17
14. Live at Peace with Others
Ps. 34:14; Rom. 14:19; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Thess. 5:13; James 3:1718
15. Live in Harmony (Unity) with Others
Our Duty to Live in Harmony
Ps. 133:1; John 17:2023; Rom. 15:57; 1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Cor. 13:11; Gal. 5:15; Phil. 1:27; Phil.
2:12; Phil. 4:2; 1 Pet. 3:8
An Example of Living in Harmony: The Jerusalem Church
Acts 4:32
16. Love Others
Our Duty to Love Others
Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:4346; Matt. 22:3540; John 15:1217; Rom. 12:910; Rom. 13:810; 1
Cor. 16:14; Gal. 5:1314; Eph. 5:12; 1 Thess. 3:12; 1 Thess. 4:910; Heb. 10:24; 1 Pet. 1:22; 1
Pet. 2:17; 1 Pet. 3:8; 1 Pet. 4:8; 1 Pet. 5:14; 1 John 3:11; 1 John 4:721
A Description of Loving Others
1 Cor. 13:113
Examples of Loving Others
e Colossian Believers Showed Love
Col. 1:38
e Hebrew Believers Showed Love
Heb. 6:10
hn Showed Love
2 John 1; 3 John 1
ul Showed Love
Rom. 16:8; 1 Cor. 16:24; 2 Cor. 2:4; Phil. 4:1
ilemon Showed Love
Philem. 47
e Thessalonian Believers Showed Love
1 Thess. 1:3; 2 Thess. 1:3
17. Pray for Others
Eph. 6:1920; Col. 4:34; 1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:12; 1 Tim. 2:1; Heb. 13:1819; James 5:16
18. Proclaim the Gospel by Word and Deed
The Content of the Proclamation
rist
Acts 5:42; Acts 8:5; Acts 17:23; 2 Cor. 1:1819; Gal. 1:1516; Phil. 1:1518; Col. 1:28; 2 Tim.
1:8; 1 John 1:1; 1 John 4:14
rist as Lord
2 Cor. 4:5
e Christian Message
Rom. 10:89; 2 Tim. 4:17; 1 Pet. 1:2324

e Death and Resurrection of Christ

Acts 4:33; Acts 26:2223
ernal Life
1 John 1:2
rgiveness of Sins
Acts 13:3839
d
Acts 17:23; 1 Cor. 2:1
e Good News (Gospel) of Christ
Acts 13:3033; Acts 16:10; Rom. 15:19; 1 Cor. 15:15; Gal. 1:1112; Col. 1:23
e Grace of God
Acts 20:24; 1 Pet. 5:12
he Kingdom of God
Luke 9:60; Acts 8:12; Acts 28:23; Acts 28:31
he Mystery of Christ
Col. 4:34
epentance
Acts 26:1920
he Resurrection of the Dead
Acts 4:12
he Testimony about God
1 Cor. 2:1
he Whole Will of God
Acts 20:27
he Word of God
Acts 8:25; Acts 13:5; 2 Tim. 4:12
How the Gospel Should Be Proclaimed
Commissioned by God
Acts 10:3942; Rom. 1:1416; 1 Cor. 9:1618; 2 Cor. 5:20; Gal. 2:79; 1 Thess. 2:35
the Grace of God
Rom. 15:1516; 1 Cor. 15:1011
Reliance on God
2 Cor. 1:810
rough the Holy Spirit
Luke 12:1112; 1 Pet. 1:1012
rough the Strength of God
2 Tim. 4:17
th Genuine Love
1 Thess. 2:810
th the Help of God
Acts 26:22; 1 Thess. 2:2
th Sincerity
Acts 20:2224; Rom. 1:910; 2 Cor. 2:1517
The Gospel Should Be Proclaimed Everywhere

7Elwell, Walter A. ; Buckwalter, Douglas: Topical Analysis of the Bible : With the New
International Version. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Baker Book House, 1996, c1991 (Baker
Reference Library 5)