2.  Meaning of “keeper” from Genesis 4:2 & 4:9  Characteristics of “keepers”  God’s expectations of us towards one another  Examine ourselves as “keepers”

3. Meaning of “Keeper”  Used 42 times. 21 in singular tense, 21 in plural Different Hebrew words in Genesis 4:2 & 4:9 ○ 4:2: “ra-ah” meaning to tend a flock, pasture it, to rule, keep company with, herdsman, and keep. ○ 4:9: “Shamar” meaning to hedge about, guard, protect, attend to, take heed, be circumspect, preserve, and watch.  Other uses of “shamar” 1 Samuel 28:2 ○ “keeper of my head forever” (KJV) ○ “chief guardians forever” (NKJV) Nehemiah 2:8 ○ “Asaph the keeper of the King’s forest” Psalm 121:5 ○ “The Lord is your keeper”

4. Characteristics of Keepers Gentle Caring Patient Loving Forgiving Considerate Compassionate Dependable Self -accountable

5. God’s expectations of us towards one another  God expects us to… Be kindly affectionate to one another, Romans 12:10 Bear one another’s burdens, Galatians 6:2 Submit to one another, Ephesians 5:21 Not lie to one another, Colossians 3:9 Bear and forgive one another, Colossians 3:13 Teach and admonish one another, Colossians 3:16 Comfort and edify one another, 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Consider one another, Hebrews 10:24 Be compassionate toward one another, 1 Peter 3:8 Be hospitable to one another, 1 Peter 4:9 Minister to one another, 1 Peter 4:10

6. What God expects of us towards one another  Love is all encompassing Jesus commanded us to love one another ○ John 13:34-35; 15:12,17 Paul instructed the Romans to love one another ○ Romans 13:8-10 Peter said to love one another with a pure heart ○ 1 Peter 1:22 John put major emphasis on loving one another ○ 1 John 3:23 ○ 1 John 4:7-12 ○ 2 John 1:5

7. What Do We Do as Our Brother’s Keeper?  When one becomes a child of God do we… Sit by like its not a big deal? Treat them as that “new kid”? Rejoice because a soul has been saved?  When one is sick or struggling do we… Rely on others to provide care? Try to help them with their problems?  When one has sinned or fallen away do we… Ignore the sin? Say that it’s their problem so they can deal with it? Do we treat them harshly? Do we try to restore them with Gentleness? Galatians 6:1

8. We Are Our Brother’s Keeper!!!  But are you acting like it?  If not, are you resolved to fix the problems?