Holiness in Brotherly Relationships

I. Introduction: In the first chapter of his first epistle, Peter described the new birth by which one begins a spiritual life in Christ. Since we are brought forth as children of God, we sustain a relationship to one another that reflects our common bond as God’s family. The way we treat one another reflects on our Father in heaven.

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

II. Reflections of the Father

A. Just as a child’s appearance and behavior reflects on his parents, so our behavior will glorify or dishonor the Father.

B. In Romans 2, Paul said that the hypocritical behavior of the Jews caused the name of God to be blasphemed among the Gentiles. Many Muslims close their mind to the message of Christ because our so-called “Christian nation” embraces such immorality and degradation that would compete with the wickedness of the idolatrous nations of old.

C. God calls His children to holiness because He is holy

D. He wants us to be like Him in our conduct—we must be a reflection of Him

E. Matthew 5:43-48

F. “That you may be sons of your Father in heaven,” means that by loving our enemies, we will be like God in heaven. God sends the sunshine and rain to the evil and the good and expects His children to reflect this love toward their enemies. It is easy to love one’s friends—“even the tax collectors love those who love them.” Our challenge is to love those who have made themselves enemies.

G. As God’s special people—His children, a priesthood of believers, a holy nation of His own special possession—we must proclaim His goodness and reflect His goodness.

III. This holiness must be reflected in our relationship with Christians

A. Maybe read all passages and bring thoughts together

B. 1 Peter 1:22-2:3

C. “Since you purified your souls through obedience…” – we responded to the gospel call and received the cleansing of our souls through Jesus’ blood.

D. Since we purified our souls we must have pure love for our brethren.

E. Surgeon’s instruments are sterilized—purified—but contact with filth will contaminate them and could introduce infection in the patient We have been purified but if we allow malice, deceitfulness, and the other impurities of 2:1 to enter our heart, we become contaminated. Just as the surgeon strives to keep his instruments pure, so the Christian, having purified his soul, must strive to keep it pure.

F. Contaminants

G. Malice – a deep seated bitterness and resentment that desires to see misfortune or distress befall the object of malice

H. Love seeks good for others

I. Deceit – false impression, obscured truth

J. Proverbs 26:24-26 – anger revealed despite the words Perhaps deceive others to cause trouble to the object of malice; whisper campaign Hypocrisy- false appearance; could be part of backbiting (Judas) Envy – resentment and inner pain at the perceived advantage of another Evil speaking – could reflect lies, gossip, insult, or slander used to bring another person down.

K. Those purified through the new birth to become children of God, must love other Christians without impurity

L. Foundation: sincere love of the brethren

M. Romans 12:9 – Let love be without hypocrisy Overlooks the personality differences, weaknesses, imperfections, and annoyances of others

N. Fervent love

O. Love that burns like a fire within the heart—reword; not cold In contrast to deep seated malice, deep seated love for brethren

P. Love from a pure heart

Q. No ulterior motives Seeks the best interest of the other person

R. God called us to this love

S. 1 Peter 3:8-12

T. All have compassion for one another

U. Peter does not say…

V. Only show compassion and love for brethren you like Only show compassion and love for brethren with whom you do not have some complaint or grievance Only show compassion to those who are in your circle of friends All must have compassion and love for one another—no exceptions allowed

W. Characteristics of this love

X. Compassion for one another- “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it,” Merriam-Webster

Y. Brotherly love

Z. Love that reflects the best of what family relationships should be. I think it also implies that we do not have a choice in this—we do not choose our siblings; we do not choose our spiritual brethren.

A. Tender heart

B. Heart that can be touched with the pain and need of others Heart that can feel the love of brethren and appreciate it

C. Courtesy

D. Behavior that is respectful and considerate of others1 Corinthians 13: Not rude Not vengeful – As Jesus taught, return blessing for cursing; overcome evil with good

E. We must bless others so we may inherit a blessing.

F. 1 Peter 3:7 – husbands love your wives that your prayers be unhindered Matthew 6:12 – Forgive us as we forgive debtors1 John 3:13-23 – Hate for brother disqualifies one for eternal life whereas active love for brethren pleases God We repay evil and reviling with blessing because Jesus taught this Himself

G. 1 Peter 4:7-11

H. Above all things – Pray with vigilance, but above this love one another“Fervent” love mentioned above

I. Love covers a multitude of sins

J. 1 Cor 13: Love is longsuffering, does not take into account wrongs In marriage, love allows us to look beyond the imperfections of our spouse as their love overlooks our shortcoming True love is not perfectionist but realizes that all have weaknesses

K. Be hospitable to one another without grumbling

L. Given to generous and cordial reception of others“Greet one another with a holy kiss” In this context does not look to a cordial reception of strangers but of a warm welcome to brethren. One can do this complaining, muttering about how inconvenient it is.

M. Serve one another

N. Broad command—we must figure the day to day means to accomplish it Philippians 2:3-5 – reflects the mind of Christ (washing feet) We have been blessed with so much and can be a blessing to others

IV. Conclusion: We have been purified by God and must be holy like Him. Holiness demands love for enemies and brethren. Brotherly love must be pure, compassionate, forgiving, and courteous without grumbling. For God called us to this and we will not receive His blessing without it.

V. All definitions quoted or adapted from Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary