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The Blessing of Brethren (2). If we are to cherish our brethren as we ought to, we must realize what a blessing they are In our last lesson: We are likeminded Encouragement & comfort Inspiration Correction Help. We are a source of strength.
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If we are to cherish our brethren as we ought to, we must realize what a blessing they are • In our last lesson:We are likemindedEncouragement & comfortInspirationCorrectionHelp
We are a source of strength • Strength is the ability to accomplish even the challenging things • Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – even relationships
We are a source of strength • The Strength of brethren • Luke 22:32, Peter was to strengthen them • Acts 14:22, Paul & Barnabas • Hebrews 12:12 (cf. Lk. 13:13)
We are a source of strength • We are a brotherhood - an association of persons with a STRONG sense of unity (L&N, 11.22) • 1 Peter 2:17 1 Peter 5:9
We are a source of strength • Brethren are there:- When we are struggling- When we are tired – physically, mentally & spiritually- When we feel alone- When facing sorrows and disappointments and troubles- When facing difficult decisions- When fighting temptation & sin • We assemble – Heb. 10:24-25
We are a source of prayer • Prayer – a privilege of the godly – 1 Peter 3:12, John 15:7, 1 John 3:20-21, 5:14-15 • We are to pray for one another as brethren – James 5:16, Ephesians 6:18
We are a source of prayer • Jesus prayed for others – John 17:9, 15-17, 20-21Luke 22:32 – for Peter • The church for Peter - Acts 12:5 • Paul’s reciprocal prayers – 2 Thess. 3:1, Rom. 15:30-31, Col. 1:9, Eph. 1:15-17
We are a source of prayer • It is a genuine blessing to know that when we petition God, we have brothers and sisters in Him who are pleading with us for our need. • Sometimes they are praying for us even when we don’t ask them!
We are a source of understanding and knowledge • Maturity requires knowledge – 2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 5:12-6:1, 1 Peter 2:2, Matthew 5:6 • Brethren help us learn 2 Timothy 2:2, Titus 2:1-41 Tim. 4:13, 3:2, Titus 1:9
We are a source of understanding and knowledge • Jesus taught others • Scriptures written to teach us – 1 John 1:4, 2 Peter 3:1Philippians 3:1 • One new in the faith can be overwhelmed. Mature brethren are a source of knowledge and wisdom (cf. 1 Cor. 6:5)Even the mature need input from others
We are a source of understanding and knowledge • In this, do not underestimate the impact of Bible classes and the assembly – cf. Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Corinthians 14 Hebrews 10:24-25 • Truly our brethren are a blessing as we strive to grow in grace and knowledge – 2 Peter 3:18
We find fellowship with God • 1 John 1:3-4 • Fellowship (κοινωνία, koinōnia) is a word that means to share or participate. • It is misunderstood and misapplied by many today • Primarily spiritual – 1 John 1:3-4, 6-7; Philemon 6, Philippians 2:1, 1 Corinthians 1:9, 10:16, etc. • Also supporting or helping brethren – Romans 15:26, Philippians 1:5, Hebrews 13:16
We find fellowship with God • Fellowship is about how our relationship to God brings us together! 1 John 1:3-4, 6-7; Philippians 2:1-2, etc. • Our bond with Him strengthens our bond with one another. We seek to draw each other closer to Him, by drawing closer to one another.
We find love and caring • John 13:34-35 • Biblical love involves warm regard and interest in each other.“The characteristic word of Christianity” (Vine’s) • Caring enough to sacrifice for what is best
We find love and caring • As brethren, we have to care! • 1 Corinthians 12:25 • Romans 12:10 • It ought not be a dreaded burden. • There is clear danger when we don’t love – 1 John 4:20-21
We find love and caring • When we draw close to one another, this caring disposition will manifest itself naturally. • It will prompt us to open our Bibles and study to be likeminded • It will cause us to pray and do all we have addressed
We need each other!Let us resolve to appreciate and be there for our brothers and sisters in Christ