Presented, May 28, 2000 (2 lessons)
"THAT YOU INCREASE MORE AND MORE"
BROTHERLY LOVE IN THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN
1 Thessalonians 4:9-10
In our text we find Paul commending the brethren in Thessalonica. Quite often when Paul had something to teach, he would begin with a commendation. There is a great lesson in that for us, but our focus today is on what Paul is commending them for: Brotherly love. He notices that they know what brotherly love is and they practice it, not only locally, but also throughout Judea. BUT, he still urges them that "you increase more and more". Thus he notices there is room for improvement.
Today I want to address the subject of brotherly love. Checking my records, the last time I addressed this subject was about 2 years ago. I have been asked by the elders to preach on this and I am glad to do so. As is so often the case, for somewhat will be said is simply a reminder of what we already know, but perhaps for others, this is the first time they have heard these things. Whatever your need, it is my prayer that WE will take these things to heart and if we find the need to change that WE will do so. And as a result of this may we be drawn closer to one another.
I. Commendation:
A. I want to begin as Paul did in our text by commending us. I have seen several things in this congregation that are commendable.
1. We have a number here who visit our sick & shut-ins regularly. Others who do so occasionally.
2. Visitors are greeted by many here and given opportunities to further study, etc. More than once we have been commended for being a friendly group.
3. When there is a need that arises, I have seen more than once the brethren come through, often above and beyond the call of duty.
4. The outpouring of concern when a crisis arises in one's life is seen time and again.
5. When a problem occurs, we have some who will go to the one with whom they have a problem and discuss their differences.
6. We have good participation in our work groups.
7. As Christians, many will have other brethren to their homes for meals, fun & even outings together. (Not as the church)
8. A majority of our number are faithful in attendance at every service they are able to attend, thereby encouraging their brethren.
9. Following our worship services, much time will be spent just enjoying one another's company.
10. When one becomes unfaithful, many will make great effort to bring them back, with visits, calls, cards, etc.
B. Yes, there are many things to be commended in this congregation. And we should note these things. I'm afraid too often, human nature notices what goes wrong and says nothing when things go right. But in God's word, we find that we should do BOTH! In 1 Thessalonians 5:12 Paul urged the brethren there to note (recognize) those who labor among you. He told the Philippians, "Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern." (3:17).
C. "But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more." There are many areas where we can do better. You will notice in the list above that some things apply to some, but there are others who do NOT do some of those things. And if we examine ourselves, we will ALL find that there are areas that we can improve. I know I have much room for improvement.
D. In this lesson, I want to notice what brotherly love is and some passages that address its importance. TONIGHT, I want to make application and notice some ways we show brotherly love and identify some areas where we can possibly improve.
II. What Is Brotherly Love?
A. Agape & Phileo love.
1. Agape love is
a. "the characteristic word of Christianity"(Vine's)
b. "to love, to be full of good will and exhibit the same." (Thayer)
c. "Caring enough to sacrifice." (Jim Ross)
d. It is a part of every relationship in the life of a Christian. It does good even when such might be unnatural.
2. Brotherly love - from the Greek, Philadelphia
a. "tender affection" (Vine's), "To be fond of brethren" (Strongs)
b. Derived from two Greek words, Brother & a friend [Properly, dear, i.e. - a friend, actively, fond. (Thayer)].
c. Brotherly love is the feelings you would have for your brother and family (when circumstances are good). Christians develop a relationship with one another that causes them to prefer each other to the world.
B. Brotherly love involves both.
The two words compared.
a. We must have agape love for everyone. Even our enemies and those who are unpleasant or who have wronged us.
b. Brotherly love is developed with those we develop a relationship with. We will see that this HAS to include our brethren. As we spend time and interact regularly with them, we develop this love for them. (Please note, this is NOT an option but a command).
c. With time, the bond becomes stronger and we prefer to be with one another because of our similar spiritual interests.
d. John 21:15-17 contrasts the two. Peter answers Jesus the first time
e. Also 1 Peter 1:22 - love of the brethren (phileo) and love one another (agape)
f. God has such a love toward His faithful - Titus 3:4, Revelation 3:19.
Much more could be said about defining brotherly love. And as we examine some passages that address our love for one another, it should give further enhance our understanding of it. It is worthy of note that both types of love are involved in our relationship as brethren.
III. Passages to Note
A. John 13:34-35 - By this all will know you are My disciples.
1. Jesus states that our love (agape) for one another will be a testament (or witness) to the world of our relationship to Jesus and His church.
B. Romans 12:9-10 - Be kindly affectionate …with brotherly love (philadelphia) …
1. In Romans, Paul has dealt with the way brethren were treating one another. In this text as he makes application of the principles he has set forth, he points to our need to "have brotherly feelings" for one another.
2. Verse 9 states let love (agape) be without hypocrisy.
3. Verses 10ff, show that brotherly love is demonstrated when we prefer one another.
C. Philippians 2:1-4 - esteem others better than himself. Look out for others interests. (Includes brethren)
1. Here Paul associates our love (agape) for one another with unity.
2. It involves considering the needs of our brethren rather than our own needs. We look out for their best interest.
D. Hebrews 10:24-25 - consider one another in order to stir up love (agape) and good works
1. Our love for one another is demonstrated by considering our brethren.
2. Vs.25 notes that one way we do this is by assembling together.
E. 1 John 3:16 - Love (agape) - we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
1. This is how far our love ought to go, where brethren are concerned.
2. One will not do this, unless he truly is concerned about his brethren.
3. BTW, this is what makes God's love so great - Romans 5:8; John 15:13 - "greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."
F. 1 John 4:7-11 - God's love for us leads us to love one another. (Agape all references)
1. It is a characteristic of one who is born of God.
2. It is a manifestation of God's love for us. In fact, we love one another, just as God loves us.
G. 1 John 4:20-5:2 - Loving God and our brethren. This passage shows the absolute necessity of loving one another if we want to go to heaven. (agape)
1. If you don't love your brother, you don't love God.
2. To claim love for God and hatred for your brother (either in word OR action) is to lie.
H. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 - Love described.
1. Take every characteristic of love described here and apply them to the way we treat one another.
a. We must be patient and kind to one another.
b. We must not be arrogant and boastful against them, or jealous of them.
c. We must behave properly toward them and look out for what's best for them.
d. We do not loose our temper with them, or look for the worst in dealing with them.
e. We hide what we can, and optimistically look for hope for and believe in them.
f. Our love toward them NEVER, NEVER, EVER fails.
IV. "Let Brotherly Love Continue"
A. Hebrews 13:1 - This statement is very similar to part two of our text increase more and more. Tonight we want to notice some ways we can show brotherly love and point out some ways that we can increase.
B. It needs to be genuine. 1 Peter 1:22 - Sincere love of the brethren.
1. Sincere means undisguised, without hypocrisy (Thayer, Strong).
2. Pure means clean, clear, without corruption.
3. Fervently means earnestly.
4. Our love for our brethren needs to become natural. If we act simply because we have to or only because were concerned about what others will say, our brotherly love is NOT what it ought to be. It must come from the heart.
C. We need to prefer one another. Romans 12:10
1. Would you rather be with your brethren or with your worldly friends on any given occasion?
2. Most of us might answer correctly here, but consider this. Do you prefer certain brethren to the exclusion of others?
3. We have a tendency to become cliquish and select a certain group of brethren.
a. They can be dangerous and drive a wedge between brethren. Ephesians 4:31; Philippians 2:14.
b. I realize that in a congregation this size that you cannot involve everyone when you do something.
c. It is natural to gravitate toward those with similar interests. While for all brethren, Christianity is an interest that brings us together above the world, there are individual preferences and likes that bring you closer to some more than others. I.E. - same age groups, children, like to go to certain places, etc.
d. BUT, we must never make our Christian association with certain ones to the EXCLUSION of the rest!
e. We need to say hello to everyone. Make an effort after services to talk with those whom you don't see regularly.
f. Find out the interests of those you don't know as well, and make some plans where you can include them. Philippians 2:4 - look out for their interests, not just yours.
g. A suggestion: Plan a certain night once a month to have 1, 2 or 3 families over for a meal, games, dessert, or something. Make a list and determine to invite EVERY family over during a certain period of time. Terri & I plan to start doing this when she returns from vacation this summer.
D. We need to inform one another.
1. We find numerous examples of this in Paul's letters - 1 Thessalonians 3:6; 3 John 3-4.
2. Brethren are commanded to pray for one another and be there when one has a need. This cannot be done when brethren are not informed.
3. When one is in the hospital, we need to let others know. Just make a phone call or two and it should be taken care of. Quite often I do not hear about brethren being in the hospital until we assemble together. The real problem arises when brethren criticize others for NOT visiting them, but they do not take into account that maybe the brethren have NOT been informed. The days of miracles are past. We cannot read minds. Brethren NEED to inform others of their needs.
4. A suggestion: Perhaps a calling list could be implemented where if one has a concern, they call certain brethren and the information is spread to the whole congregation quickly.
5. Another, equally important consideration. When you cannot attend ANY worship service, you need to let someone know. This is the only way we can know if something is wrong. Considering one another DEMANDS we do this!
E. We need to participate
1. Ephesians 4:16 - every part does its share. Every part is important - 1 Corinthians 12:14.
2. If the church here is to reach its full potential, everyone must do everything they can do!
3. We ALL need to welcome the visitors and let them know we are glad they are here. We should make it a priority to IMMEDIATELY go to the nearest visitor following services. Line up to meet them, it will let them know how much you care. And another suggestion: If you see someone else is waiting to meet a visitor, step out of the way and let them do so. Then you can continue your conversation with them. (Yes there are exceptions to this rule, but it should stand as a rule).
4. We need to participate in our groups.
a. They are designed to keep contact with all who are absent on a weekly basis. This means that no member here should go more than a week without hearing from at least one Christian (with the possible exception of vacations).
b. Follow through on your assignments. Note: When this work was begun, the intention was that if at all possible, a personal visit would be made. If not possible, a phone call is next. Finally, a card or note.
c. Are you turning in your cards to Max? This serves two purposes, 1) The elders are aware of problems and the efforts made by brethren to contact them. 2) It keeps you committed to what you have said you would do.
d. Note: Just because you do not receive a certain card, does not mean you cannot contact the person.
5. We need to participate in other activities.
a. I will state something frankly and honestly. When someone continues to turn down invitations to do things with the brethren, there will come a time when brethren will quit asking. They determine that to keep asking is a waste of time.
b. This is not to say that you always have to say yes. But do you prefer to NOT do something with brethren to participating?
c. Don't forget Romans 12:10 - we are to prefer one another.
F. We need to help one another.
1. Galatians 6:1 - We need to restore those who have fallen.
2. Galatians 6:2 - bear one another's burdens. Reference to a heavy load.
3. James 2:15-17 - If they have a need you can help with, you need to do so.
4. Hebrews 3:13 - spiritually, we need to exhort each other.
5. James 5:16 - we need to pray for one another.- the effective, fervent prayer accomplishes much.
G. Finally, we need to be aware of things that show a LACK of brotherly love. Here are some:
1. When we fail to assemble, we are failing to exhort one another, as we ought to. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
2. When we gossip or misuse our tongues, we are bringing harm to our brethren instead of helping them. Just study James 3:2-10 and you will see this.
a. Be care what you say and how you say it - Colossians 4:6 - you speech ALWAYS…EACH. These include your brethren.
b. Don't talk about our brethren - Proverbs 26:20; 16:28
3. When we disregard the feelings of our brethren.
a. Romans 14:14-15 - deals with matters of liberty (not faith)
b. 1 Corinthians 8:9-13 - Note Paul's attitude here. Note also the word stumble means to make to sin. It is not merely offending someone as we use the word in English.
4. When we fail to forgive one another.
a. Colossians 3:13 - forgive as you have been forgiven.
b. Don't be too critical of the one who confesses sin. God knows the heart. YOU DON’T!
Conclusion: In these lessons we have noted the importance of brotherly love in our lives as Christians and some ways that perhaps we can improve. How is your brotherly love? Could it be stronger? As you examine yourself, and you note what you are doing right, you are to be commended. But in those areas that you find lacking, "we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more." (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10)