1. The Blessing of Brethren (1)

2. Paul was thankful for his brethren
Romans 1:8 1 Corinthians 1:4 Philippians 1:3 1 Thessalonians 1:2
2 Timothy 1:3 Philemon 4
Thankful because he realized the blessing brethren are

3. We are likeminded
Philippians 2:1-2 Romans 12:16, 15:5 Philippians 2:20
A blessing because we can relate to each other – same worldview and mindset Same standard as our foundation

4. We are a source of encouragement and comfort
We all become discouraged at times.
Encourage, “to call to one’s side”
1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14
Hebrews 12:12 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

5. We are a source of encouragement and comfort
Paul was often encouraged by brethren (Philippians 2:19)
And he sought to encourage them- Colossians 2:2, 1 Thessalonians 3:2 Romans 1:11-12

6. We find inspiration Inspiration often used of God’s word (2 Tim. 3:16)
We refer to one moved or stirred up to act productively
What example is about – 1 Timothy 4:12-16 Matthew 5:16 Hebrews 10:24 Romans 11:14

7. We find inspiration
Paul used commitment of Corinthians to stir others us - 2 Corinthians 9:2
Peter wrote to stir up his brethren 2 Peter 1:13, 3:1
We all know of examples whose faith we seek to follow (cf. Hebrews 13:7)
Philippians 1:12-14

8. We find correction
Sometimes we need brethren to correct us
The world lets you do what you want to do. Not good!
Galatians 6:1-2 James 5:19-20
1 Thessalonians 5:14

9. We find correction Even God seeks to correct us – Hebrews 12:5-12
Go to your brother – Matthew 18:15-17
Even “church discipline” is to win souls – 1 Corinthians 5:4-7
See the brother who comes to you as a blessing

10. We find help with needs
We all need help from time to time. Some spiritual and some physical
Can we trust sources of help in this world?
Brethren a genuine source of help - cf. Acts 4:32-37, 11:27-30, etc.
Romans 12:10-15
Galatians 6:2, bear one another’s burdens

11. We find help with needs
How we help demonstrates our faith and love – James 2:14-17
Galatians 6:10, as we have opportunity…
BUT, don’t take undue advantage of your brethren (Galatians 5:13). Always be grateful for what they do!

12. We need each other! Let us resolve to be there for our brothers and sisters in Christ