We Are Brethren Genesis 13:8

We Are Brethren! This is a blessing from God God has always seen the blessing of companions – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Proverbs 18:24, 17:17 As Christians, God has given us the church – Ephesians 4:16, 3:10-11

We Are Brethren! We are described as brethren More than 200 times in NT The household (family) of God – 1 Timothy 3:15, Galatians 6:10 cf. Mark 10:29-30 What are some blessings associated with being brethren?

Our Brethren Are… Encouragement and comfort AT times we all become discouraged or frustrated. Sometimes it seems hopeless. Lit, to call to one’s side 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Hebrews 12:12 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 As the family of God, we understand each other and can be there for each other

Our Brethren Are… Help in times of need Sometimes we need a helping hand. Acts 4:32-37 Acts 11:27-30, etc. We can help each other – Romans 12:10-15, Galatians 6:1-2 BUT – Galatians 5:13

Our Brethren Are… A source of correction While correction is not pleasant, it is needed. God corrects us - Hebrews 12:5-11 We have responsibility – Galatians 6:1-2, James 5:19-20 We ought to be thankful brethren care enough to correct us. Will we receive correction?

Our Brethren Are… A source of prayer Prayer is part of the solution to so many elements of our lives Paul prayed continually for his brethren and solicited their prayers – Ephesians 6:18-20, Romans 15:30, etc.

Our Brethren Are… A source of prayer We need to pray for each other – James 5:16 1 Peter 3:12 It is a genuine blessing to know we have brethren who will pray with us. Sometimes brethren are praying for us when we don’t know it!

Our Brethren Are… A source of Inspiration Individuals worthy of imitation (mentor, role model, etc.) We look up to them and they “inspire” us We always are “looking to” Jesus – Hebrews 12:1-2 Paul “inspired” brethren – cf. Philippians 1:12-14, 3:17 Hebrews 13:7 – elders, “whose faith follow”

Our Brethren Are… A source of Knowledge No one knows everything. Brethren are a source to better understanding of God’s word. Whether those “young in the faith”, or just “spiritual peers” getting together to share His word, we can strengthen one another A blessing of Bible classes

Our Brethren Are… A source of Knowledge We are expected to grow – 2 Peter 3:18, Hebrews 5:12-6:1 Timothy was to teach others – 2 Timothy 2:2 Titus 2:1-4 – the older women teach the younger Brethren are an incredible source of knowledge AND wisdom!

Our Brethren Are… A source of love and caring The motivation behind who we are and what we do Godly brethren love us and want to see us go to heaven, AND thrive in this life. Do the right thing! We must love each other – John 13:34-35, Romans 12:10, 1 Corinthians 12:25

Our Brethren Are… A source of love and caring Even when the world turns on us, our brethren are there and with the same goals. Do we appreciate how blessed we are? Do we appreciate how important the church is to strengthen us?

Are we a blessing to one another?