Don't Be An Iceberg

I. Introduction: When you look at an iceberg, much of the iceberg is actually below the water’s surface. So, much of the iceberg is unseen. They are dangerous for vessels to try and navigate around. Think about a congregation wherein the members are mostly invisible to each other. There are concerns we should have with that illustration.

A. Ships can only react to what can be seen (Acts 27:27-30). Note: Thankfully they had Paul with them and divine guidance through him.

1. The greatest danger is often the unseen part.
2. Likewise, Christians often hide struggles, fears, temptations, discouragements, doubts, grief, etc.
3. God designed brethren to help one another, but that design is hindered when our needs remain hidden.

1. Sometimes we need time to ourselves (Mark 6:45-46).
2. The fact is, sometimes we shouldn’t disclose some things because some people cannot handle all information. So, we have to show wisdom in knowing we don’t have to tell brethren everything (Proverbs 29:11).

1. As an example, consider how that “evil surmising” [harmful suspicion] is sinful (I Timothy 6:3-5).
2. There are also those that may be tempted to be busybodies and that is wrong (II Thessalonians 3:11). So, this lesson is not a license to be up in everyone else’s business (I Thessalonians 4:11).
3. To know who we can talk to and how much we can say requires what this lesson is about - knowing each other.

3. I understand that “vulnerability" has become something of a modern psychological buzzword. If such is a problem among brethren, we have to fix that!

1. Self-examination requires honesty (Galatians 6:3-5).
2. You have to know where you need help. There are times wherein something can be too much to bear (John 16:12).
3. You have to know where you are capable of helping others. “Ye which are spiritual” is a requirement for aiding the erring (Galatians 6:1).

1. You may have limitations on what spiritual help you can offer (Deuteronomy 1:1; Deuteronomy 1:9-13).
2. You may have limitations on what material or physical help you can offer. God does not want you overextended (II Corinthians 8:13-15).

1. We see the vulnerability of Jesus in the garden (Matthew 26:36-46 and Hebrews 5:5-10).
2. Paul spoke of being troubled on every side (II Corinthians 1:8, II Corinthians 4:8, and II Corinthians 7:5).
3. Mary was troubled, afraid when Gabriel told her she was highly favored (Luke 1:26-30).
4. The faithful in Christ do not hold vulnerabilities against each other. The faithful will look to help strengthen you (Acts 18:23) and edify you (Ephesians 4:29).

1. The weak can get support (Romans 14:1-3; 15:1-3).
2. The erring can find aid in restoration (James 5:19-20).
3. Material needs can only be met when they are known (I John 3:14-18).

1. We should be capable of knowing of each other’s affairs (Ephesians 6:21-22).
2. Having a balance of knowing how to help and how to receive help too (Philippians 2:25-30).

1. How can we love and serve one another when only the peak of yourself is visible (Galatians 5:13)?
2. How can we bear one another’s burdens when the troubles we have are beneath the surface (Galatians 6:2)?
3. How can we exhort one another when we do not see one another (Hebrews 3:13)?
4. How can we weep and rejoice with each other if we are unaware of each other’s sufferings (Romans 12:15)?
5. As a teacher, I can only teach on things I know need taught. I cannot see below the surface. I shouldn’t even try (Proverbs 18:13).
6. Think about how long this list could go on.