Recently, in studying the book of Philippians to prepare for a new sermon series after the first of the year I have been impressed with Paul’s concept of brotherhood. We use the word brotherhood often from the perspective of institution. The institution of the church comprises a brotherhood, an extremely cold and formal perspective. But brotherhood should be viewed in a much more personal manner than that. The concept of brotherhood carries with it the intimacy of family. There was a true camaraderie and joy of relationship that existed between him and his brethren. He loved them and they loved him back. There was a mutual appreciation that is too often lacking among “brethren” today.
With Christians viewing the church more as a business arrangment than the body of Christ it is common for congregations and their members to compete rather than cooperate. It’s no longer a matter of working together…it’s every church for it’s self. In the first century there was a true sense of unity among faithful Christians. There wasn’t an overwhelming suspicion that hindered brethren from working together to accomplish the unified goal of all children of God – to live righteous lives before God and share the gospel with as many as we can.
Paul began and ended this great book of Christian joy by reminiscing about the fellowship they enjoyed in the gospel. In Philippians 1:3,5 he began by stating that he thanked “God upon every remembrance of you…for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.” Later he concluded by wishing the grace of God and his salutation and greetings upon those Philippian saints (Philippians 4:21-23). I believe it was that underlying attitude that contributed to the expansive growth of the church in the New Testament times. It was because the church, the elect of God, could offer something to the world that no one else could…an eternal fellowship together through the bond in Christ. That is the family factor and that is what made all the difference.
-Andy Brewer
Amen. Many of the brethren would never think of treating their physical families the way they treat the brethren. “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” (1 John 4:20)