# J-2024.11.26-Accountability Groups ## Background - Yesterday, the Daily Post question had to do with "accountability groups." - The scripture references were Genesis 3.6 & 17. In hindsight, I should have included Genesis 3.12 as well. - The question was: - In what ways are "accountability groups" related to these verses? - Lately, [[Name_Key#^nk-60|F]] has been the most active on FB in answering the question. Her answer: - They are absolutely necessary as we walk our walk together with God…. “If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes ‭4‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬ - It would seem that her theology on accountability groups is similar to that of the MSR. - My response to her is recorded below. ## Notes 2024.11.26 Thank you for your comment! - Based on your other comments, I think we agree theologically on most topics. However, it seems we disagree on "accountability groups." - I do agree with you that working in a team has significant benefits as presented by Solomon in Ecclesiastes 4.9-12. - However, when it comes to accountability, we are accountable to God {Psalm 118.8-9; Matthew 12.26-31, 36, Luke 12.4-5; Acts 5.3-3 & 10, Romans 3.19-20, 14.10 & 12, 2 Corinthians 5.10, 1 Peter 4.7} - After committing adultery with Uriah's wife, then killing Uriah to cover-up his sin leaving Bathsheba a widow, David says to God, "Against You, You only, have I sinned ..." {Psalm 51.4a (BSB)} - Furthermore, there are downsides to trusting in man - Trust in man is a snare {1 Samuel 13.1-15; Proverbs 19.25} - I am personally tempted by the desire for the praise of men {John 12.43} - The first example of a failed accountability group is in Genesis 3. Specifically: - Adam and Eve were together throughout Genesis 3. One could say that they were an accountability group. - However: - Adam failed to correct Eve's incorrect view of God, His blessings or His command {Genesis 3.2} - Adam failed to assist Eve in resisting when she was overpowered by the serpent's lies {Ecclesiastes 4.12; Genesis 3.6} - Eve not only failed to assist Adam in resisting after she had sinned, she contributed to his downfall by giving the fruit to him to eat {Genesis 3.6} - After their fall, neither one of them spoke truth to each other. Instead: - Their "accountability group" conspired a cover-up their sin {Genesis 3.7} - Both of them attempted to blame someone else instead of coming clean and taking responsibility for their actions. {Genesis 3.12-13} - Nevertheless, they were accountable to God who meted out their punishment {Genesis 3.16-19 & 23-24} - For more on accountability, see my [https://www.tenminas.net/Accountability_Study] Thanks again for your comments. Feel free to respond / counter the points I have attempted to made here.