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 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, 20-21 Luke 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 2:1-4 1 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 3:1 Philippians 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