"He is not ashamed to call them brethren"

Text: Hebrews 2
11 April 2015

1. What does the word “brethren” mean?

a) Literally

It means “brothers”

b) This is a generic term

It includes “sisters”    (2 Corinthians 6:18 “sons and daughters”)

2. How do we become “brethren?”

a) Concept was previously mentioned (Mark 3:14)

b) The idea of a spiritual family was first taught by the Lord Jesus

3. The means by which we become “brethren”

a) Through the Lord Jesus

b) His role

i) Tasted death for everyone     Hebrews 2:9

ii) We become sons of glory       Hebrews 2:10; John 1:12

iii) We are “children”     Hebrews 2:13, 14

c) His “rank”

i) He is the “captain” of our salvation

ii) He is the King

d) He identifies with us

i) He sanctifies us      Hebrews 2:11

ii) He declares us as “brethren” before the Father    Hebrews 2:11

4. The practice of being “brethren”

a) This is the practical challenge

b) We will have to practise this concept carefully

c) Exhortations from the apostles

i) Paul’s advice     1 Timothy 5:1

ii) Use of the word “beloved brethren”    James 1:10, 19

5. Features highlighted

(among others)

a) Love for each other     John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:7

b) Brotherly love       1 Thessalonians 4:9

c) Walk worthy           1 Thessalonians 2:10-12

d) Prayer                        Philippians 1:9-11; Ephesians 3:15-19 etc


Bible Memory Verse

Hebrews 2:11

For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one,

For which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren.