Studies In Christianity

Integral to Maturity φίλος ἀδελφός Spiritual Maturity #6 φίλος ἀδελφός Love brotherly Spiritual Maturity #6

God’s guidance to us is complete. II Peter 1: 2-3 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

Christian growth is a command, not optional II Peter 3: 18 grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I Peter 2:2 like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,

II Peter 1: 5-7 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

Godliness has to do with one’s vertical relationship .. brotherly kindness has to do with his horizontal relationships.

Brotherly Kindness : 1. What it is and is not . 2. It does not apply to all 3. Emphasized in scripture 4. Some of its consequences

I. What is “brotherly love ?”

Unlike the word translated “love,” “brotherly love” is a specific term. II Peter 1: 7 … in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

Adding “love” to “brotherly kindness” makes it clear that they are different words each with a different meaning. Agape - Philadelphia

Philadelphia is also used in : Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; I Thessalonians 4: 9 Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another Heb. 13: 1 … I Pet. 1:22 … II Pet. 1: 7

does not apply to all men. II. As used here “philadelphia” does not apply to all men.

There’s a special family relationship in Christ Hebrews 13: 1 – Let love of the brethren continue.   Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; I Thessalonians 4: 9 Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another

Jesus said there must be a special loving relationship between His followers. John 13: 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

emphasized in scripture. III. Love between brethren is emphasized in scripture.

Remember our texts : I John 3: 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. II Peter 1: 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

1. Rom. 12: 10 … Give preference to one another 2. Col. 3: 16 … Teach and admonish one another 3. Phil. 2: 3 … Regard one another as more important 4. Eph. 4: 32 … Forgive one another 5. Rom. 14: 19 … Build each other up 6. Rom. 15: 7 … Accept one another 7. Gal. 5: 13 … Serve one another

“Philadelphia” … Loving each other is one of the repeating themes of I Peter. I Peter 1: 22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, ( cf - Eph. 2: 10 ) I Peter 4: 8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

fervently loving the brethren. IV. There are consequences to fervently loving the brethren.

Loving the brethren publically identifies one with the church and opens one to opposition. I John 3: 13 Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren.

Being a loving brother can disturb my peace of mind, my tranquility & invade my privacy Romans 12: 9-10 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; Romans 12: 15-16 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another;

Some problems take time, effort and much prayer to be worked through. James 5: 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much

At times being a member of the family of God may be financially Challenging. Romans 12: 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

To assist some is to participate in their sin. I Thessalonians 3: 10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.

Each member of the family of God has a responsibility to any brethren in need. I John 3: 16 We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?

All Christians are part of one family. Hebrews 3:6 Christ was faithful as a Son over His house — whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end.

The relationship between Christians is uniguic We give each other preference above all others Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; Galatians 6: 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

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