Introduction:
  I. Definition of how we use the word “church.”
     A. Church – church universal
     B. Church – local church
     C. Church – brethren
     D. Brethren – family
 II. Some common attitudes toward brethren.
     A. I don’t need them.
     B. Basically, brethren are socially out of it.
     C. Close friends are non-Christians.
        1. Nothing in common with other Christians.
        2. Brother Comer’s comment that young people who 
           are converted in college; if they make at least 
           three “Christian” friends, they will usually 
           remain faithful; if not, then they will become 
           unfaithful.
     D. Church is not close personal relationship.
III. Our God-given responsibilities to all our brethren 
     are:

Body:
  I. To love them.
     A. Scriptures:
        1. 1 Peter 1:22
        2. 1 John 2:10
        3. 1 John 3:10
        4. 1 John 4:7-12
     B. Why read all these passages?
     C. What is love?
        1. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NAS)
           a. patient – the opposite of “short tempered”
           b. is kind – “gentle in behavior”
           c. is not jealous – does not have bitterness and 
              envious resentment of the good that appears 
              in others.
           d. does not brag – arrogance of speech; the 
              emphasis is on boasting that wounds others, 
              causes unrest and discord, and represents 
              unfounded presumption. (Mike Willis)
           e. is not arrogant – an inflated concept of 
              one’s importance
           f. does not act unbecomely – “Not indecent” Does 
              not do that which is disgraceful, 
              dishonorable, or indecent.
           g. not seek its own – “Its own interests” Does 
              not insist on its own rights. Not selfish 
           h. is not provoked – Irritation or sharpness of 
              spirit.  Does not go around with a chip on 
              the shoulder.
           i. does not take into count a wrong suffered – 
              “the evil done to love with a view to 
              settling the account.
           j. Rejoices
           k. Bears all things – love covers, protects, 
              forbears.
           l. believes all things – “not gullible, but has 
              faith in men.”  
           m. hopes all things.  Sees the bright side of 
              things.  Does not despair.
           n. endures all things – Perseveres.
     D. Do you love your brethren in Christ?

 II. To prefer them in honor.
     A. Romans 12:10
     B. Philippians 2:3

III. To have brotherly affection.
     A. Romans 12:10 (“Be devoted to one another in 
        brotherly love.” NAS)
     B. Ephesians 4:32

 IV. To submit to them:
     A. Ephesians 5:21

  V. To care for them in spiritual weaknesses.
     A. 1 Thessalonians 5:14
     B. Hebrews 3:12-13
     C. Hebrews 10:24-25
     D. Romans 15:1

 VI. To aid them in physical problems
     A. Matthew 25:34-40
     B. 1 John 3:17

VII. To use hospitality
     A. 1 Peter 4:9
     B. Romans 12:13