Improving Relationships among Brethren

2002056

Topic # 8053

Introduction:

A. Talking on a congregational level. How are we doing?

1. Paul complimented Thessalonians – and told them to excel even more! 1 Thess. 4:1; 9-10

B. How is this done? How to take it to next level? Everything perfect? No, b/c no one perfect. And so, we all work to have a more mature faith – w/works hand in hand in relationships w/brethren.

1. Eph. 5:1 – in dealing w/such matters- important to remember that we are imitators of God. Goal; mission.

2. Rom. 14:19 – pursue things which make for peace.

a) This = goal! Peace! Some have it backwards!

b) Stir up trouble – seeking to work out the salvation of others – rather than themselves.

3. Rom. 12:10; 13; 15-16; 18; 21

C. So…how can we improve relationships? We’ll discuss that today. Remember how important it is to serve God and become more like Him!

I. What hinders our relationships?

A. A lack of hospitality. Think: how often are we together? In each other’s homes? Spending time w/each other?

1. Do we have a sense of togetherness?

2. Important! So important it = command. Rom. 12:13 1 Peter 4:9 – be hospitable to one another w/o complaint.

a) Qualification of elders/deacons – 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8

b) A matter of salvation – Mt. 25:31-46.

2. We often cite a lack of time as primary reason for not getting together.

a) Make time! We make times for the things we WANT to do!

b) Other excuses: home not big enough; nice enough/etc.

c) Tool of the devil. He doesn’t want us to be built up/strengthened/encouraged.

B. A lack of understanding for those less mature in the faith.

1. Remember: we’re all growing up in the faith. OR SHOULD BE.

a) Eph. 4:24 – must desire to become stronger; more mature; working to put on righteousness. Eph. 2:10 – created for good works.

2. But…we’re all at different maturity levels.

a) Some are farther along in the race.

b) No matter how long Christian – there are things we struggle with – which makes us no different from others!

c) While I may be more mature than other Christians – I’m not any more special! More maturity brings greater responsibility!

3. Problem comes in when less mature aren’t concerned about growing. No effort being made to imitate God. Lead to problems…

a) in those cases,…more mature brethren need to create environment for growth

b) Work 1 on 1 to get them to see the need to grow!

c) Crops don’t grow on their own!

4. Remember…someone helped you see the need to grow! Spiritual growth not always natural.

a) Takes work; nurturing; & building relationships!

b) Col. 2:6-7 – helping others become more mature will help you become more mature!

C. A lack of tolerance in differing personalities & opinions.

1. “Tolerance” abused.

2. But…when it comes to perspective; opinion – these are different b/c people are different! That’s beauty of God’s creation!

3. We WILL disagree. Natural. Key: not to take it personally!

4. Congregations get tore up over jealousy; covetousness; and tastes!

5. Must pursue peace!

a) Effort; great effort. (Rom. 12:18) Effort not always made which creates problems! Scriptural examples can be ignored.

b) Mt. 5:23 – will not worship until straightening out differences w/brother.

c) Mt. 18:15-17 – quickly goes to bro/sis who has offended him to work out problem.

1) No room for griping about brother/sis to others – because you’ve already gone to them & worked it out.

d) Mt. 18:21-22 – will be forgiving of others – even multiple times!

D. Hypocrisy.

1. Some: Christianity consists nothing more than hot air.

a) Who wants to be around someone whose Christianity is a fraud?

b) Mt. 5:14-16 – this is our mission.

2. Relationships can be hindered – when bro/sis not doing their part in imitating God. Turns stomach. Think of Jesus. Rev. 3:16.

3. It’s what we do that counts! Heb. 5:8-9. Our life must be brought into conjunction w/will of God. Hot air profits one nothing.

E. Lack of compassion among brethren when troubles come.

1. Ever been on receiving end of statements: “well, you should have thought about that before…” “you get what you deserve.”

a) Brethren: cruel & merciless. Such statements result of pride & arrogance.

b) Some act w/lack of compassion – brethren this ought not to be!

2. Gal. 6:1-2 – gentleness; considering self…

3. Heb. 3:12-13 – anyone can be hardened through deceitfulness of sin.

4. Hurtful things can be said – pain lasts for years – forever scarring lives.

5. flip side:

a) Find self in trial/trouble – don’t play the self pity game.

b) Don’t go around seeking special attention.

c) Remember everyone has their own set of problems to face. You’re NOT the only one!

d) Too often we get hurt for no reason because we don’t get the attention we think we deserve to receive!

F. Not present at worship consistently.

1. Worship/bible classes are the primary times we’re together.

a) Heb. 10:24 – a time to stimulate each other to love/good deeds.

b) Heb. 10:25 – a time to encourage one another.

2. Crystal clear teaching here. All agree of need to worship.

a) But some will choose not to be here tonight; Wednesday; Sun AM Bible class; home study classes… WHY?

b) When one chooses not to come – no excuse to complain about not being close to brethren!

II. We must develop positive relationships w/each other.

A. Rom. 12:10 – be devoted to one another.

1. We’ve been born again. Sons/daughters of God. Share together in this. Glory in our salvation!

2. Note: responsibility of each Christian! Quit playing the waiting game – you do your part!

3. Text suggests strong warm affection for brethren. Let’s practice that!

B. Be willing to let the little things go.

1. We all have quirks; habits; expressions.

2. Yes…we all can get on each other’s nerves.

3. Eph. 4:32- require patience. Kindness; tenderness/forgiveness.

C. Listen.

1. Too often we’re quick to speak – telling someone what we think & not willing to listen.

2. Js. 1:19-20

D. Help each other w/our weaknesses.

1. Be there to lift each other up. Gal. 6:2.

2. Personal testimony of how this has helped.

3. Working together we can help each other improve our lives!

Conclusion:

A. Eph. 5:1 – What’s the best way to improve relationships among us?

1. Become an imitator of God. Work to become more like Jesus. Lk. 6:40

2. 5:2 – walk in love.

B. Earnestly work on building/improving relationships w/brethren. Just doesn’t happen by accident.

C. Most important thing: “How is my relationship with God?”

1. Cannot have relationship w/brethren w/o relationship with God.

2. Can we help you?

D. I N V I T A T I O N



Improving Relationships among Brethren 2002056 Topic # 8053 Introduction: A. Talking on a congregational level. How are we doing? 1. Paul complimented Thessalonians – and told them to excel even more! 1 Thess. 4:1; 9-10 B. How is this done? How to take it to next level? Everything perfect? No, b/c no one perfect. And so, we all work to have a more mature faith – w/works hand in hand in relationships w/brethren. 1. Eph. 5:1 – in dealing w/such matters- important to remember that we are imitators of God. Goal; mission. 2. Rom. 14:19 – pursue things which make for peace. a) This = goal! Peace! Some have it backwards! b) Stir up trouble – seeking to work out the salvation of others – rather than themselves. 3. Rom. 12:10; 13; 15-16; 18; 21 C. So…how can we improve relationships? We’ll discuss that today. Remember how important it is to serve God and become more like Him! I. What hinders our relationships? A. A lack of hospitality. Think: how often are we together? In each other’s homes? Spending time w/each other? 1. Do we have a sense of togetherness? 2. Important! So important it = command. Rom. 12:13 1 Peter 4:9 – be hospitable to one another w/o complaint. a) Qualification of elders/deacons – 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8 b) A matter of salvation – Mt. 25:31-46. 2. We often cite a lack of time as primary reason for not getting together. a) Make time! We make times for the things we WANT to do! b) Other excuses: home not big enough; nice enough/etc. c) Tool of the devil. He doesn’t want us to be built up/strengthened/encouraged. B. A lack of understanding for those less mature in the faith. 1. Remember: we’re all growing up in the faith. OR SHOULD BE. a) Eph. 4:24 – must desire to become stronger; more mature; working to put on righteousness. Eph. 2:10 – created for good works. 2. But…we’re all at different maturity levels. a) Some are farther along in the race. b) No matter how long Christian – there are things we struggle with – which makes us no different from others! c) While I may be more mature than other Christians – I’m not any more special! More maturity brings greater responsibility! 3. Problem comes in when less mature aren’t concerned about growing. No effort being made to imitate God. Lead to problems… a) in those cases,…more mature brethren need to create environment for growth b) Work 1 on 1 to get them to see the need to grow! c) Crops don’t grow on their own! 4. Remember…someone helped you see the need to grow! Spiritual growth not always natural. a) Takes work; nurturing; & building relationships! b) Col. 2:6-7 – helping others become more mature will help you become more mature! C. A lack of tolerance in differing personalities & opinions. 1. “Tolerance” abused. 2. But…when it comes to perspective; opinion – these are different b/c people are different! That’s beauty of God’s creation! 3. We WILL disagree. Natural. Key: not to take it personally! 4. Congregations get tore up over jealousy; covetousness; and tastes! 5. Must pursue peace! a) Effort; great effort. (Rom. 12:18) Effort not always made which creates problems! Scriptural examples can be ignored. b) Mt. 5:23 – will not worship until straightening out differences w/brother. c) Mt. 18:15-17 – quickly goes to bro/sis who has offended him to work out problem. 1) No room for griping about brother/sis to others – because you’ve already gone to them & worked it out. d) Mt. 18:21-22 – will be forgiving of others – even multiple times! D. Hypocrisy. 1. Some: Christianity consists nothing more than hot air. a) Who wants to be around someone whose Christianity is a fraud? b) Mt. 5:14-16 – this is our mission. 2. Relationships can be hindered – when bro/sis not doing their part in imitating God. Turns stomach. Think of Jesus. Rev. 3:16. 3. It’s what we do that counts! Heb. 5:8-9. Our life must be brought into conjunction w/will of God. Hot air profits one nothing. E. Lack of compassion among brethren when troubles come. 1. Ever been on receiving end of statements: “well, you should have thought about that before…” “you get what you deserve.” a) Brethren: cruel & merciless. Such statements result of pride & arrogance. b) Some act w/lack of compassion – brethren this ought not to be! 2. Gal. 6:1-2 – gentleness; considering self… 3. Heb. 3:12-13 – anyone can be hardened through deceitfulness of sin. 4. Hurtful things can be said – pain lasts for years – forever scarring lives. 5. flip side: a) Find self in trial/trouble – don’t play the self pity game. b) Don’t go around seeking special attention. c) Remember everyone has their own set of problems to face. You’re NOT the only one! d) Too often we get hurt for no reason because we don’t get the attention we think we deserve to receive! F. Not present at worship consistently. 1. Worship/bible classes are the primary times we’re together. a) Heb. 10:24 – a time to stimulate each other to love/good deeds. b) Heb. 10:25 – a time to encourage one another. 2. Crystal clear teaching here. All agree of need to worship. a) But some will choose not to be here tonight; Wednesday; Sun AM Bible class; home study classes… WHY? b) When one chooses not to come – no excuse to complain about not being close to brethren! II. We must develop positive relationships w/each other. A. Rom. 12:10 – be devoted to one another. 1. We’ve been born again. Sons/daughters of God. Share together in this. Glory in our salvation! 2. Note: responsibility of each Christian! Quit playing the waiting game – you do your part! 3. Text suggests strong warm affection for brethren. Let’s practice that! B. Be willing to let the little things go. 1. We all have quirks; habits; expressions. 2. Yes…we all can get on each other’s nerves. 3. Eph. 4:32- require patience. Kindness; tenderness/forgiveness. C. Listen. 1. Too often we’re quick to speak – telling someone what we think & not willing to listen. 2. Js. 1:19-20 D. Help each other w/our weaknesses. 1. Be there to lift each other up. Gal. 6:2. 2. Personal testimony of how this has helped. 3. Working together we can help each other improve our lives! Conclusion: A. Eph. 5:1 – What’s the best way to improve relationships among us? 1. Become an imitator of God. Work to become more like Jesus. Lk. 6:40 2. 5:2 – walk in love. B. Earnestly work on building/improving relationships w/brethren. Just doesn’t happen by accident. C. Most important thing: “How is my relationship with God?” 1. Cannot have relationship w/brethren w/o relationship with God. 2. Can we help you? D. I N V I T A T I O N