Young Adults' Group

We Are Brethren

by Pastor Mark
October 26, 2014

The brethren of the church

I have always liked this description that the Apostle Paul used for the church…that we are “brethren.” It is such a wonderful perspective to have of the people whom we have come to be part of. In his epistle to the Philippian church, Paul used the term “brethren” 8 times. He emphasized this understanding to these people whom he had come to love. How should we understand this perspective of the church?

1. The brotherhood of the church

“Brethren” (Phil 1:12)

The word “brethren” in Greek is basically written as “brothers.” The word “brothers” is used in the generic form…which includes all sisters too. We are meant to be a brotherhood… a fellowship of people who stand as brothers and sisters in the family of God. As a church, we  seek to be brotherly to each other with a great sense of camaraderie. Let us endeavor to feel a sense of belonging in being part of the brotherhood of the church.

2. Only in the Lord Jesus

“And most of the brethren in the Lord”  (Phil 1:14)

Paul wrote to qualify further that being brethren is something that we can experience only in the Lord Jesus. It is when we are in a relationship with the Lord that we are able to truly become part of this brotherhood…to become brethren with each other. This is something that we cannot experience with those who don’t know the Lord. Faith in the Lord Jesus is the common denominator that makes us part of this brotherhood.

3. A personal affinity

“My brethren” (Phil 3:1)

The Philippian church was not just brethren among themselves. They were also brethren to Paul. He called them, “My brethren”. Paul had a great sense of personal affinity that is felt for the brethren in saying, “My brethren”. He regarded them as his very own brethren. He felt part of the brotherhood. Let us speak of having a personal affinity with our brethren here.

4. Deeply loved

“My beloved and longed-for brethren” (Phil 4:1)

Furthermore, Paul wrote of having a deep love for the brethren in Philippi. He regarded them as his beloved. Paul had written of how he loved with the deep affections of Jesus Christ. With this love, Paul also had a deep longing for the brethren. He always desired to be with them. Whenever he was away from them, his thoughts were always of them and how he deeply desired to be with them. May we always have a deep love for the brethren in Bethany.

5. Always standing by

“The brethren who are with me…” (Phil 4:21)

Lastly, Paul spoke of the brethren who were with him. A true brother is someone that will always stay with you all the way. There were those who stood with Paul no matter what he or they had to go through. Some of them were Timothy and Epaphroditus who were with him despite having to face many personal challenges. Let’s be challenged to be brethren who will always stand by our pastors and Bethany. Let’s seek to cultivate a greater sense of oneness as brethren. Let’s be challenged to feel a deep sense of love and kinship as the brotherhood of Bethany.

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