Introduction:
- It is essential every new member appreciate the relationship they have in God's family with their brothers and sisters in Christ.
- The relationship we sustain with our brothers and sisters carries a great responsibility. How we treat our brethren can affect the acceptability of our worship. Read these Scriptures carefully: Mt 5:23-24; 6:14-15; 25:31-46.
A. How I am related to other Christians:
- All members of one family. (Gal 3:26-27; Rom 8:16-17)
- Jesus considered this spiritual relationship as important as physical relationships. (Lk 8:19-21)
- We are members of ONE body. (1 Cor 12:12-27)
- We are partners in a great fellowship. (Acts 2:42; 2 Cor 6:1; Phil 1:5)
B. What do I owe my brethren?
- LOVE (Jn 13:34-35; 1 Jn 4:7-12, 19, 20) How much love? (Jn 15:12; 1 Jn 3:16; 1 Pet 1:22)
- Proper EXAMPLE and INFLUENCE. (Mt 5:13-14; Rom 14:13, 21; 1 Cor 8:9, 12, 13). To cause my brother to stumble is a sin against my brother and a sin against Christ.
- FORGIVENESS. (Col 3; 13; Mt 6:14-15) How often must I forgive? (Mt 18:21 -3 5)
- I must help bear their burdens. (Gal 6:1-2; Phil 2:4). What are some of those things we can help our brother or sister with?
- Physical needs - Acts 4:32-35
- Grief- Rom 12:15
- Sickness (whether physical or spiritual) - Jam 5; 14-20; Gal 6:1
- Discouragement - 1 Thes 5:14; Heb 12:12-13
- IMPARTIAL and FAIR TREATMENT. (Jam 2; 1-4; Prov 28:21)
- HOSPITALITY. (Rom 12:13; Heb 13:1-2; 1 Pet 4:9)
C. My obligation to Preserve Unity among the brethren.
- Peace and Unity are good! (Ps 133:1; Pro 6:16-19; Eph 4:2-3; Phil 1:27)
- Things that destroy unity:
- Gossip -1 Tim 5:13; Lev 19:16fProv 11:13; 16:28
- Anger - Prov 16:3 2; Eph 4:26; Jam 1:19-20
- Self-Willed - "My way" - 1 Cor 13:5; Jam 3:17
- Unkind words-(Eph 4:3; Prov 15:1; 21:2
D. God's law for settling disputes.
- If you hear that someone has something against you, go to that person. (Mt 5:23-24)
- If you have something against a brother, go to him. Note: If both brothers are seeking to do right, they will meet one another on the way! (Mt 18:15)
- If this fails, the matter should be taken before the church. (Mt 18:16-17)
- Waiting, in false pride for the other to take the first step is not God's way. (Rom 5:8; 2 Cor 5:19)
E. Disciplinary Action Against Those Who Persist in Sin. My DUTY toward those who persist in Sin:
- I cannot continue to have common association with the brother or sister who refuse to repent of sin. (1 Cor 5:11)
- The church has a responsibility to withdraw from such a person. (2 Thes 3:6,14,15; 1 Cor 5:4-5)
- The only company I can have with such a man is to try to restore him to the faith. (Gal 6:1; 2 Thes 3:15)
- The same action is necessary in the case of the brother who persists in teaching false doctrine (which is another sin). (Rom 16:17; 2 Jn 9-11)
- Discipline is essential for the welfare of the individual (Method God has authorized for restoring an erring Christian) and to maintain the purity of His church. (Heb 3:11; 1 Cor 5:13)
Conclusion:
Let us follow the admonition of Heb 13:1