Southern Districts Community Bible Church
Christian Growth Lesson 19
  • Add To Your Faith Brotherly Kindness

    Scripture Lesson: II Peter 1:5-7 II Peter 1:5-7 ,

    2 Peter 1:5–7 KJV 1900
    And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
    2 Peter 1:5–7 KJV 1900
    And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

    Faith Has A Three-Fold Dimension:

    ▪Inward(virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience)

    ▪Upward(godliness)

    ▪Outward(brotherly kindness and love).

    “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

    The Definition Of Brotherly Kindness The Greek word for BROTHERLY KINDNESS is translated "Philadelphia," a compound involving two words: "phileo" (love) and "adelphos" (brother).

    It literally means "the love of brothers." Romans 12:10,

    Romans 12:10 KJV 1900
    Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

    . Hebrews 13:1,

    Hebrews 13:1 KJV 1900
    Let brotherly love continue.

    But can it be said of us, that which was I Thessalonians 4:9

    1 Thessalonians 4:9 KJV 1900
    But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

    The First Two Brothers In The Old Testament Scripture Reference:

    Genesis Chapter 4

    The First Two Brothers Of The New Testament

    Gospel John Chapter One

    Three Examples of the Kindness of Jesus:

    1. Jesus Cleanses A Leper Matthew 8:1-4

    Matthew 8:1–4 KJV 1900
    When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

    2. Jesus Spent Time With Zacchaeus LUKE 19:1- 10

    Luke 19:1–10 KJV 1900
    And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

    3. Jesus Showed Compassion to the Suffering Luke 8

    Luke 8 KJV 1900
    And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee. And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked. When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again. Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him. And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him. And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

    If we step outside of our lives and create acts of kindness to the unsuspecting, the undeserving or the hurting, we could change the world.

    What Does Jesus Look Like In You?

    “Brotherly Kindness is Jesus Loving the World Through Me!

    ”People with a heart for God have a heart for people.

    Hebrews 13:1-3,

    Hebrews 13:1–3 KJV 1900
    Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

    Hindrances to Brotherly Kindness:

    Hindrances:

    1.Self-love-so occupied with number one that the interests of others are lost sight of.

    2.Pride-demanding constant attention from others.

    3.A Sectarian Spirit –the spirit of the Pharisee.

    Obstacles to Maintaining Brotherly Love:

    1.The Love of The World.

    2.Failure to Mortify the Lusts of the Flesh.

    3.Being Unduly Wrapped Up in the Members of Our Own Family.

    4.A Readiness to Listen to Idle Gossip.

    5. Impatience

    Four Ways Brotherly Kindness is Manifested?

    I. THROUGH THE VALUE OF ACCEPTANCE!

    ▪Accept Allowable Differences Romans 14:1

    Romans 14:1 KJV 1900
    Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

    ▪Take An Interest In Others Philippians 2.3-4

    Philippians 2:3–4 KJV 1900
    Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

    ▪Practice Hospitality 1 Peter 4.9,

    1 Peter 4:9 KJV 1900
    Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

    II.THROUGH POSITIVE COMMUNICATION!

    ▪Cautious With Criticism Matthew 7:1,

    Matthew 7:1 KJV 1900
    Judge not, that ye be not judged.

    ▪Liberal With Praise

    1 Corinthians 13.4,

    1 Corinthians 13:4 KJV 1900
    Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

    Romans 12.9-10,

    Romans 12:9–10 KJV 1900
    Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

    III.THROUGH CONFLICT RESOLUTION!“”Ephesians 4.26

    Ephesians 4:26 (KJV 1900)
    Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

    ▪Know The Facts First –Not Hearsay. Proverbs 18.13,

    Proverbs 18:13 KJV 1900
    He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, It is folly and shame unto him.

    ▪Attack The Problem –Not The Person. Matthew 18.15- 17

    Matthew 18:15–17 KJV 1900
    Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

    IV.THROUGH THE ART OF FORGIVENESS!

    It Keeps no record of wrongs…”1 Corinthians 13.5

    1 Corinthians 13:5 KJV 1900
    Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

    ▪Easier When We Remember Our Own Faults…

    ▪Forgiving as Christ forgave… Ephesians 4:32“To know love, open your heart to Jesus. To show love, open your heart to others.

    Ephesians 4:32 KJV 1900
    And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

    ”The Attitude And Actions Of Brotherly Kindness:

    I. The Attitude that Produces Brotherly Kindness This Attitude Is to Put Others Before Self.

    The more we focus on others rather than self, the easier it becomes for us to cultivate brotherly kindness. Romans 12:10,

    Romans 12:10 KJV 1900
    Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

    II. The Actions that Display Brotherly Kindness There are no point spending hours talking about it if this does not lead to action.

    Action must be our goal for cultivating brotherly kindness. Galatians 6:10,

    Galatians 6:10 KJV 1900
    As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

    HOW DO WE INCREASE MORE AND MORE IN BROTHERLY KINDNESS?

    1 Thessalonians 4:9-10,

    1 Thessalonians 4:9–10 KJV 1900
    But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

    To Increase In Brotherly Kindness,

    We can:

    1.Listen to their concerns.

    2.Mourn with them as they go through their trials.

    3.Comfort them when they experience difficulties.

    4.Find ways to serve them outside of your specified church hour block.

    5.Pray for them.

    6.Become their friend.

    Bible Study Follow Up Chat

    1. Why should we love each other?

    2. Why do we always seem to neglect the people who we are closest to?

    3. Although Scripture underscores the importance of brotherly love, our common salvation does not seem to result in increasing affection, enthusiasm, and care for other believers. What factors do you believe hinder Christians from cherishing each other more than they do?

    4. What steps should we take to ensure that we grow and abound in love for fellow believers so that sinners might stand in amazement and glorify God because of our love for one another?

    5. Do you show kindness towards those with whom you disagree? Those from whom you are different? Even towards those who might despise you –or those whom you might be tempted to despise?

    6. Is kindness evident in you from the moment you meet someone, as opposed to only after they are first kind to you? Or only after they have earned your kindness? Is kindness evident in you long after you’ve known someone, and they’ve had plenty of chances to un-earn your kindness?

  • Song
      • 2 Peter 1:5–7KJV1900

      • 2 Peter 1:5–7KJV1900

      • Romans 12:10KJV1900

      • Hebrews 13:1KJV1900

      • 1 Thessalonians 4:9KJV1900

      • Matthew 8:1–4KJV1900

      • Luke 19:1–10KJV1900

      • Luke 8KJV1900

      • Hebrews 13:1–3KJV1900

      • Romans 14:1KJV1900

      • Philippians 2:3–4KJV1900

      • 1 Peter 4:9KJV1900

      • Matthew 7:1KJV1900

      • 1 Corinthians 13:4KJV1900

      • Romans 12:9–10KJV1900

      • Proverbs 18:13KJV1900

      • Matthew 18:15–17KJV1900

      • 1 Corinthians 13:5KJV1900

      • Ephesians 4:32KJV1900

      • Romans 12:10KJV1900

      • Galatians 6:10KJV1900

      • 1 Thessalonians 4:9–10KJV1900