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Sunday, June 8, 2008 am
SPIRITUAL INDICATORS 4
What do my brethren mean to me?
Today we continue our study of spiritual indicators. An indicator is something that helps you know the condition of something. Our concern is our spiritual condition as we stand before God. There are concrete things that we can look at in our lives that can help determine if we are where we ought to be as Christians. It is a matter of examination. Thus far we have examined the indicators of communication with God (Bible study and prayer) and how we use our tongues. Today we notice another indicator. This time we want to notice our relationship with our brethren.
I. I. The Importance of my spiritual family
a.
We are a
family! One of the more frequent
descriptions of the relationship that brethren have with one another is that of
a family.
It is found in the expression “brethren” which is used more than 190 times in
the New Testament with the majority of them referring to Christians as they are
related to one another. Add to this more than many times the term bother
is used with this reference, plus “brotherhood” (1 Peter 5:9), “brotherly love”
(2 Peter 1:7, Heb. 13:1), sisters (2 John 13, 1 Timothy 5:2, Rom. 16:1, Mark
10:30, etc.).
God is referred to as our heavenly Father (Matthew 6:9, Romans 1:7, etc.) often.
Galatians 4:5 speaks of us receiving “the adoption as sons.” Also Ephesians 1:5.
Galatians 3:26 speaks of us being “sons of God through faith in
Christ Jesus.” And daughters (1 Peter 3:6, 2 Corinthians 6:18).
All these expressions and others make reference to us being a family and as such
we NEED TO ACT LIKE IT!
Of course, the reference is to an intact and healthy family – which is often
woefully lacking in our society.
b.
The church IS
our family
A study of the church reveals that it is not a building where we assemble, but
it is us – those who make up the body of Christ.
1 Timothy 3:15 makes reference to “the house of God, which is the church of the
living God.” That term house can have reference to a dwelling place or it
can have reference to a family (cf. Heb. 3:1-6 where we are described as the
house of Christ in a text which references the house of Moses in both senses
[building and family]).
Many of the references to brethren above are dealing with the church in a given
location and Paul and others are reminding us how we are to treat each other.
Our spiritual family IS the church that we are a part of.
c.
We cannot
overemphasize the importance of the church.
Ephesians 3:10-11 describes the church as a demonstration of the ”manifold
wisdom of God.” That gives us much to think about. When we consider
the church we see an example of God’s wisdom. We are also told in that
text that it was in God’s plans before the foundations of the world (according
to His eternal purpose). We need to realize that if the church
demonstrates God’s wisdom, what does that say about us when we change the
pattern He has established for it? Furthermore, what does that say about
us WHEN we dismiss its importance in our lives? Truly that is something
for us to think about. Therefore, how important the church is to us IS
a spiritual indicator!
Don’t forget that Paul when he came to Jerusalem sought to join the brethren
there (Acts 9:26). He knew the importance of the church which is why we
find such great emphasis on the church in his letters.
d. Along with considering the church, we also need to consider John 13:34-35. This text presents an important point to consider about us as the church. Jesus in speaking to His apostles notes the importance of the way we treat each other. He says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Notice that the way we treat each other as brethren tells the world about who we are. That is something we CAN control and measure and that is how we find our relationship with our brethren a spiritual indicator.
II. II. How am I to treat my brethren?
a.
The Bible has
much to say about how we are to act toward one another as brethren. In fact,
much of the purpose of the New Testament was to instruct brethren how they were
to treat each other. Many books written to churches instruction brethren of
their conduct toward one another.
As Paul told Timothy, in these things he might know how to conduct himself in
the house of God.
b.
I ought to
prefer my spiritual family over the world.
Romans 12:10, in a text where Paul is speaking of how brethren are
to treat each other he says, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with
brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.”
The word affectionate means, “pertaining to love or affection for
those closely related to one., particularly members of one’s immediate family or
in-group.” (Louw & Nida). We ought to prefer to be
with our families, especially our spiritual family.
The expression “giving preference” actually means to take the lead or step out
in front of. In this text consider that definition as we think about how
we ought to consider our brethren. We go before them doing what is
right because we DO prefer them!
Philippians 2:3-4 – we are to esteem others better than ourselves
and look out for their interests. This comes within the context of unity
among brethren.
1 Peter 2:17 says to “love the brotherhood.” Thayer
describes the word brotherhood as “a band of brothers.” That means that we
are close to and give consideration to them in all that we do.
Galatians 6:10 – as we have opportunity do good – especially our
brethren (the household).
2 Cor. 8:1-5, An example: Paul commended the brethren of Macedonia
for their willingness to sacrifice on behalf of their brethren even in other
places. While this deals with brethren in a different location, you see that
brethren whom they could help were the priority over the world and even their
own personal comfort.
c.
I NEED to
assemble with them
Since the church is of divine origin it ought to be important to us. We
ought to desire to support it to the greatest of our ability.
Hebrews 10:24-25 calls for us to consider one another. One
way that we do that is to “not forsake the assembling of ourselves together as
is the manner of some.”
Colossians 3:16 – we are to be teaching one another in psalms,
hymns, etc. We do this when we assemble together.
We are to come together to partake of the Lord’s Supper (as directed).
1 Cor. 11:23-33 emphasizes the importance of the Lord’s Supper. In
addition to reminding these brethren of what it stands for, Paul notes that it
is something they were to do together. It was intended to unify as we are
reminded of its purpose.
One of the greatest ways we show that we prefer our brethren is by desiring to
assemble with them as often as we can. It is something we ought to look
forward to (cf. Psalm. 122:1).
EVERY service of worship to God is important. We NEED each other more than
once a week.
d.
I need to
watch my attitude toward them
Attitude is important in all we do. It matters not how well we do
something. If we don’t have a proper attitude God is not pleased. At
the foundation of our conduct we need to have a proper attitude toward our
brethren.
Philippians 1:15-18 – Paul notes that some preached Christ out of
love while others preached with envy and intending to bring strife. While
Paul does not specifically say what will happen to those with the ungodly
attitude, he certainly does not condone their conduct (and it is implied that
there were problems with their attitude that they would have to answer to God
for).
1 Peter 4:8 – have fervent love for one another. When you
love your brethren your attitude checks your words and actions toward them.
Colossians 3:12-14 – Paul describes several things that we ought
to “put on” for one another.
Galatians 5:13-15 – do NOT bite and devour one another.
2 Cor. 12:20 – contentions, jealousies. Various attitudes
that are contrary to the way we ought to treat each other as brethren.
e.
I need to
care about them
Caring for our brethren means more than just speaking to them. It involves
helping them in whatever way we have ability to do so.
James 1:27
– the word visit means more than a casual hello. It is a word that
means to tend to ones needs or to care for them.
Heb. 3:13 – exhort “one another” daily. This shows daily
concern which leads to saying what needs to be said.
Philippians 2:4 – we need to look out for the interests of others.
The very idea of Christian love involves caring. My definition, Caring
enough to sacrifice for what is best. Consider again John 13:34-35.
When we treat each other the way we ought to it tells the world how important we
are to each other.
f. I need to act like a Christian toward them, even when they don’t. In other words, don’t base your actions on how they have treated you.
III. III. What do my brethren mean to me?
a. How important are my brethren? If I had to choose between being with my brethren or those of the world who would I choose? Why would I make my choice?
b. Asked another way, how important is the church to me? Do I really see the church as important, or is it something I plug into my life as a matter of convenience? How important is assembling with the saints to me? What efforts do I make with my job and personal life to give me more opportunities to assemble with my brethren? When a gospel meeting is announced, do I look for ways to be here as often as possible? (Or do I look for ways to get out of it?) Do I look forward to seeing my brethren?
c. How well do I know my brethren? How long have I been a Christian? How long have I been a part of this church? How well do I know my brethren as I consider this? Do I know them well enough?
d. What is my attitude toward my brethren? Do I really see them as my family? Do I cherish them? What would I do for them? When there is a problem, do I assume the worst or the best until I know differently? Would I share what I have with them if they needed it? Would I do without some personal comfort to provide for their needs?
e. If defending my brethren meant real and personal sacrifice, how far would I go for them? Would I be willing to suffer WITH them? Would I stand up for them as they stand up for the truth?
f. How much do I care about my brethren? When they are missing from services do I call them or check up on them? Do I care enough about them to be here so that I can encourage them in all things? Am I careful with my words as I speak to them? What do I tell those of the world about my brethren? How about when I don’t like something they have done – do I complain to everyone else about it?
g. Am I trying to make my physical family a part of my spiritual family? What lessons am I teaching my children about the church and attendance by my conduct?
IV. IV. What can I do to improve my relationship with my brethren?
a. Think about them! Get to know them better. Often there is tension in churches because brethren don’t know each other well enough! They make broad assumptions without really getting to know each other. Get to know your brethren! Do whatever you have to so that you will know them better.
b. Pray for them! We have emphasized the importance of prayer. We need to be praying for our brethren. This WILL improve our relationship with them.
c. ASSEMBLE! Brethren, you NEED the church and she NEEDS you. And you need her more than just Sunday morning! If you do not see assembling with the saints as a priority you are NEVER going to have the relationship you need with them. I don’t get people who ask, “Do I have to go to church?” It should NEVER be about what you have to do! It is about DESIRE and wants.
d. Remember, WE DO WHAT WE WANT TO DO!
And thus we can see the importance of our brethren. Let us take a careful look at our lives and see if they mean as much to us as they should. IF we find deficiencies, work to overcome them. You will be a better Christian for it. And so will your brethren!