Fellowship Versus Brotherhood – Part 2

Philippians 2:12-13 “As you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

Continuing Michael's message on brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ, he writes that the nominal Christian is more comfortable isolating themselves when their struggling and in pain. It's difficult for them to ask for help from other people.  They find their identity in their job, their bank accounts, their possessions and in their worldly successes. They avoid spending time and sharing their heart with a group of intimate friends. They don't know how to work out their own salvation in the marketplace and in the culture. People who feel this way in church are the weak ones whom the devil picks off doubt and guilt. When faced with learning the role of men and women in the Christian family, many say, "We don't want to be taught about that. We don't think we really need to be reminded about our shortcomings."  These casual Christians wasn't ready to be reproved....they weren't willing to admit that they had a problem.

What's the difference between brotherhood or sisterhood and fellowship?  There are several scriptures about brotherhood and sisterhood. These include:  Proverbs 18:24; John 15:13; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 Peter 1:22; Romans 12:10; Ephesians 4:12; and Proverbs 27:17. The essence of the word "fellowship" is our allotment, our share ... that which we hold in common or in partnership. Companionship; society; consort; mutual association of persons on equal and friendly terms; familiar intercourse. It's also translated as "communion" or co-Union. The dictionary definition of "brotherhood" is "the state or quality of being brothers."  And “sisterhood” as “the state or quality of being sisters”. Intimate brotherhood and sisterhood goes far beyond casual fellowship within the church.  

For example, men who go through combat together know what it means to have a "band of brothers."  It means that I'll give my blood to save my brother... that I have his back and he's got mine. Men in battle are willing to die for their brothers, to shed their own blood in order that their brother might live. They have come to the conclusion that if there is nothing worth dying for, then there is nothing worth living for. It goes that deep.

Hebrews 9:22 “In fact under the Law almost everything is cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness [neither release from sin and its guilt, nor cancellation of the merited punishment].”

Jesus Christ shed his innocent blood on our behalf. There is no redemption without the shedding of blood. He gave His life so that we could live in the newness of spiritual resurrection life. He's our blood brother, the firstborn among many brethren. For He who was without sin became the perfect sin sacrifice on our behalf that we may be made the righteousness of God in Him. What should be our response?  As brothers and sisters of the Son of God and brothers and sisters in Christ, we can live according to Galatians 2:20:  “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

As brothers and sisters of the Son of God, may we ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!

Your brother in Christ, Michael