The Christians
Responsibilities to Fellow Brethren
Introduction:
We spend a great deal of time discussing important parts of God's law which
must be heeded and obeyed. Subject we will discuss this evening not dealt
with as much as it could be. Obligations to fellow brethren are just as
important as the obligations we have to Jesus and the local church. If we
don't fulfill these obligations we must know that our sins will find us
out. (Num. 32:23) We wish to discuss three main areas of
responsibilities we have toward our brethren.
I. We are under obligation to be
hospitable.
A. Heb. 13:1-3 - basic teaching of Christ &
one of the fundamentals of Christianity!
1. Rom. 12:13; 1 Pet. 4:9
focus upon the need for brotherly love!
a.
Notice the attitude behind hospitality: w/o grumbling.
b.
Must be conducted w/genuine love/care/concern for another person.
2. Heb. 13:2 - also applicable
to strangers - those outside the faith.
B. Such an important obligation that it is a
requirement for eldership. Tit. 1:8; 1 Tim. 3:2
1. Must strengthen/build up
one another!
2. Makes those around us feel
as if a part of one another!
C. Hospitality important to one's salvation!
1. Mt. 25:31-40 - hospitality
played a role here!
2. Must demonstrate
hospitality to ALL, not just special few.
II. We are under obligation to
restore weak brethren.
A. Must help brethren in every possible way - even
snatching them out of the fire.
1. Gal. 6:1-2 - work for those
who are spiritual.
a. Not
referring to preacher, elders, older Christians
b. But
those who are living, manifesting the fruit of the spirit.
2. Must approach in a spirit
of humbleness. Gal. 6:1b
B. Rom. 8:14; Js. 5:16-20 Must try to do our
best to win them back to the Lord!
1. Person who has fallen away
in DANGER of hellfire!
2. Responsibility often
neglected by many!
III. We are under obligation to
admonish those who are physically sick/afflicted.
A. Js. 5:14-15 - First century Christians had use
of miraculous healing. We don't today.
1. All brethren have
responsibility to be there for one another in this area.
2. Acts 3:1-6 - What I
have….I will give…
B. Mt. 25:41-46 - things such as this will have bearing at
judgment.
C. Gal. 6:10 - must have proper attitude.
IV. We are under obligation to be
an example to one another.
A. Mt. 5:16 - who have you let down by your
example?
B. Phil. 1:27; Eph. 4:1; 1 Tim. 4:12 - Paul encouraged
Christians to be examples for one another.
1. Built up and edified by
example of one another.
Are you fulfilling these
obligations?
If not, you can't be pleasing to the
Lord!