We Are Brethren!

Our lives are about others Our brethren are our support system as we seek to let our light shine With this in mind we begin a study of our relationship to one another as brethren

In this study we will examine: What it means to be brethren The blessing of brotherhood Why we need each other Fellowship and edification “One another” passages Dealing with problems and concerns Church discipline

What is the church? Church, from Greek, ἐκκλησία, (ekklēsia) a word commonly associated with an assembly or gathering. In scripture, a sacred assembly (as opposed to its common usage – i.e. Acts 19:32, 39, & 41, 7:38, Hebrews 2:12)

What is the church? Church, Universal – the body of all who are saved (a spiritual relationship determined by God Himself in heaven) Ephesians 1:22-23, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Acts 2:47 (NKJV, KJV)

What is the church? Church, Local – a community of believers in a given location who join together to do the work God has collectively given us 1 Corinthians 1:2, 11:18 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Multiple congregations – Galatians 1:2, Acts 14:23, 9:31, 1 Corinthians 4:17, Romans 16:16

What is the church? Church, NOT the building – it is the saints (brethren) that that are part of it – hence an assembly or gathering Acts 2:47 1 Corinthians 11:18 Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:23-27 1 Corinthians 12:27

1 Timothy 3:15, the house of God We are brethren The family of God – 1 Timothy 3:15, the house of God Galatians 6:10, household of faith (Ephesians 2:19) Mark 10:29-30, our spiritual family even on earth

God is our Father – Ephesians 3:14-15 We are brethren God is our Father – Ephesians 3:14-15 We are His children John 1:12 Galatians 4:4-7 1 John 3:1 This family relationship ought to bring us together

We are brethren We are brethren – some 200+ times we are referred to as “spiritual siblings” 1 Corinthians 1:10-11 1 Timothy 5:1-2 James 2:15 1 Peter 3:8 1 John 3:10-17, esp. 16-17 Romans 16:1, Phoebe, a sister Hebrews 2:10-12

We are brethren We must cherish this relationship. It ought to be fundamental in our lives. John 13:35, “By this all will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another”

Body – a collective noun (many parts) We function as a body Body – a collective noun (many parts) 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul used this to describe HOW we are to work together and need each other. There should be no schism in the body

We function as a body Body Ephesians 1:22-23, Christ is the head of the body. He determines what we do and are Romans 12:4-5, many members, one body,…individually members of one another

We function as a body Body Ephesians 4:12, 16, edifying the body, growth of the body as every part does its share Ephesians 3:6, Gentiles are fellow heirs with the Jews (a body for all) Colossians 3:15, one body If we do not understand what it means to be brethren, we will not function as a body!

We use the Bible to convert the lost, to show them how to be saved. But MOST of the New Testament deals with how to STAY saved and maintain fellowship (1 John 1:3) and to act like brethren

How important are your brethren to you?