1 Peter 1:22-23; 2:17

Introduction:

1. Last week we pondered God’s loving eye on His special treasure, His people.

2. Today we ponder how we must imitate Him in loving the brotherhood.

Discussion:

I. Brotherhood Defined

A. “The whole body of persons engaged in a business or profession; fellowship, alliance” (Webster)

B. “Properly, the feeling of brotherliness; the Christian fraternity” (Strong)

C. “Brotherly kindness; a family of brothers” (Thayer)

II. Brotherhood Founded

A. Brotherhood implies common parentage.

B. Christianity is a brotherhood adopted into the household of God (John 1:12; Galatians 3:26; 4:6-7).

C. God demands His children love one another as He does (1 Peter 1:22-23; 2:17; 4:8; 1 John 3:16)

III. Brotherhood Described

A. Brotherhood also implies common purpose and character.

B. Fraternity= “persons of the same class, profession, character, or tastes; a group of people associated or formally organized for a common purpose, interest, or pleasure” (Webster)

C. The pursuit of holiness is the primary aim of this brotherhood (Romans 8:14-17; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 John 3:1-2).

D. Following our Father’s directives is inherent to our love for one another (1 John 5:2-3)

E. So many of those commandments center in our love and proper treatment of one another.

IV. Brotherhood Activated

A. 1 Peter 4:8-11 sets forth the framework for brotherhood in action.

B. Fervent love is enshrined in this passage.

C. Fervent= “unceasing activity, usually involving a degree of intensity” (Louw-Nida)

D. Love “…covers a multitude of sins” (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:5- thinks no evil=to keep inventory)

E. Love is hospitable (cf. Romans 12:10-13; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; Hebrews 13:16).

F. Hospitable= “offering a pleasant or sustaining environment” (Webster)

G. Brotherhood uses whatever gifts God has granted in service to one another for the common good (vv. 10-11; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7).

Conclusion:

1. In our imitation of the Father (Ephesians 5:1ff), we must cherish the brotherhood He created for us in His Son.

2. This is to our benefit (1 John 5:1-3), and the world around us:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35