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