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We Are Brethren Genesis 13:8. Because We Are Brethren. Abraham recognized that there is certain behavior expected of physical brethren (Gen. 13:8) The principle of brotherly love is also expected among the Lord’s brethren. Because We Are Brethren.
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Because We Are Brethren • Abraham recognized that there is certain behavior expected of physical brethren (Gen. 13:8) • The principle of brotherly love is also expected among the Lord’s brethren
Because We Are Brethren • Let Us Love Another: “In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another” (Rom. 12:10; see also 1 Thess. 4:9-10; 1 Pet. 1:22; 2:17; 3:8; 1 Jn. 3:14-18) • Some do not show sacrificial love (Jn. 13:34-35); selfishness is their primary concern (Phil. 2:3-4) • Do you sacrifice and serve all your brethren (2 Cor. 12:15)? Do you practice the characteristics of love in the local church (1 Cor. 13)? Do you do good (Gal. 6:10)?
Because We Are Brethren • Let Us Be United One With Another: “Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other” (1 Cor. 4:6) • Some are always causing division (Prov. 6:19) • Do you promote unity or discord? (When you eat fried preacher, roasted elders, and broiled members for Sunday dinner, you will have indigestion!)
Because We Are Brethren • Let Us Live In Peace With One Another: Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfected; be comforted; be of the same mind; live in peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you (2 Cor. 13:11; see also 1 Thess. 5:13) • Some are always stirring up strife (Gal. 5:15, 20) • Do you “follow after things which make for peace” (Rom. 14:13, 19)? Peaceful words and actions (Psa. 133:1; 1 Cor. 6:7-8; 8:12; Jas. 4:11; 1 Jn. 2:9-11; 3:15)?
Because We Are Brethren • Let Us Get to Know One Another: “But we beseech you, brethren, to know them that labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you” (1 Thess. 5:12) • Some know very little of their brethren; they “come to church” and go home; they are the “church tornado”, blowing in quickly and blowing out the same • Do you visit with all? Do you show hospitality to all? Do you volunteer with all?
Because We Are Brethren • Let Us Strengthen One Another: “And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all” (1 Thess. 5:14) • Some will not encourage their brethren; they will not get involved in the lives of others • Do you know the needs of all your brethren? Do you help all the brethren (Gal. 6:1; 2 Thess. 3:14-15; Heb. 10:24-25; Jas. 5:16)?
We Are Brethren • If we do not act like brethren in the above manner mentioned, then… • The influence of our example toward outsiders will be hindered (13:7) • The faithfulness of our own household will be hindered (13:8) • The effectiveness of God’s work in the world will be hindered (13:14-18)