BROTHERLY LOVE

Scripture readings: Jno. 15;17; Rom. 13:8; Gal.5:13-15; Heb. 13:1; Jas. 2:8; 1 Thes. 4: 9-12; 1 Pet. 1:22; 2:1;7; 3:8-12; 1 Jno. 3:10-24; 4:7-21.

INTRO:

1. Our brother doesn't have to be worthy of our love before we love him. Remember, "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Rom. 5:6-8.

2. Some of the best sermons that a preacher can preach are those that he has borrowed. This one is mainly taken from the writings of John. 3. You may be counted a member of the Lord's body.

A. You may have gone through the steps necessary to enter the kingdom.

B. You may sing, give of your means, pray, partake of the Lord's supper and study His word, yet if you hold malice in your heart against your brother, you are lost.

C. You can't be reconciled to your Father in heaven without first being reconciled to the rest of the family on earth.

1) A person cannot love the church, Christ or God the Father, without loving his brother.

D. Note 1 Jno. 2:7-11. Now compare this with: 1 Jno. 1:5-7.

E. Notice the severe language of 1 Jno. 4:20.

F. 1 Jno. 3:15, says the man who hates his brother is a murderer and has no eternal life abiding in him.

G. God will not hear the prayers of one who hates his brother. (It is like a man trying to talk over a disconnected phone).

4. Now that we have finished with the introduction on this lesson of BROTHERLY LOVE, let us spend a little time on the body of the lesson itself.

I. BROTHERLY LOVE IS:

A. The Heart of Christianity.

1. Heart-trouble is a dangerous disease -- such a person is likely to go at any time. It is unpredictable.

B. The Badge of Christianity.

1. Secret orders have badges so that their members can be known.

2. Jesus says, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, because you love one another." Jno. 13: 35; Acts 4:13.

C. Love is the Eleventh Commandment.

1. "A new commandment give I unto you, that you love one another." Jno. 13:34.

D. The Hope of Christianity. It is infallible. Never fails.

1. If you love your brother with all of your heart, you will treat him as you would like to be treated. Mt. 7:12.

2. Love fulfills the law. Mt. 22:36-40; Rom. 13:10.

E. The Only Debt we can Never Completely Pay. Rom. 13:8-10.

1. Loving our brother is our debt today -- and tomorrow.

F. A Warming Influence.

1. If you want to make this congregation attractive to others, then let brotherly love radiate from it.

G. Is a Magnet. It draws us closer together, and draws others closer to us.

II. IF BRETHREN CANNOT LOVE EACH OTHER ON EARTH, HOW COULD THEY BE HAPPY AND ENJOY HEAVEN TOGETHER?

A. Unless we develope brotherly love one for another, we will certainly miss out on the heavenly home.

B. This love encompasses many things. 1 Cor. 13:1-13.

1. The Corinthians did not have the love for one another that they should have had.

2. Yes, love is an eternal thing.

CONCLUSION:

1. Tradition has it that John, when he was too old to preach much, was carried about from place to plae and he would cry out: "Little children, love one another!"

2. It is imperative that we love our brethren in order to please God.

A. But it is also imperative that we love God and keep His commandments in order to please Him. Jno. 14:15

3. Have you obeyed the commandments of the Lord?

4. Do you not love Him? If you do, you will obey Him. Why not now?

by Jim Sasser

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