1. In 2 Peter 1:1-11, some special blessings are revealed that God has provided for the benefit of His people. a. According to vs.3-4, He has provided what we need so we can be "partakers of the divine nature," including: 1) "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" 2) "exceeding great and precious promises." b. We learn from vs.5-11 that He has provided "the Christian graces" to prevent His people from falling. 2. The 7 graces listed in vs.5-7 are to be added with "all diligence." 3. Review: a. "Faith" is the foundation upon which these graces are to be added. b. "Virtue" [courage, the determination to do what is right] is the first grace. c. "Knowledge" [moral wisdom, such as seen in right living] is the second grace. d. "Temperance" [self-control, self-discipline, the ability to control one's own life] is the third grace. e. "Patience" [endurance, perseverance, steadfastness, the ability to bear up under trials] is the fourth grace. f. "Godliness" [reverence or respect toward God] is the fifth grace. 4. In this lesson we are concentrating on the sixth Christian grace: "brotherly kindness." Discussion: I. LET US DEFINE "BROTHERLY KINDNESS"
A. Brotherly kindness: brotherly love, love that Christians have as brothers and sisters B. "Brotherly kindness" is an affectionate type of love that Christians are to have for each other. 1. In addition to being commanded, it is described in Romans 12:10 -- "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love." 2. We have this kind of love because of our relationship with God (1 John 5:1). C. The Jerusalem church provides a beautiful example of "brotherly kindness" (Acts 2:41-47). II. MANY SCRIPTURES TEACH US TO DEVELOP "BROTHERLY KINDNESS"
A. (1 Peter 1:22-23) Those who have been born again are to "love one another with a pure heart fervently." B. (Hebrews 13:1) We are to "let brotherly love continue." C. (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10) We are to "increase more and more" in "brotherly love." III. THE BIBLE CONTAINS NUMEROUS INSTRUCTIONS (POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE) THAT RELATE TO "BROTHERLY KINDNESS"
A. See: 1. Matthew 20:20-21, 24-28 2. Ephesians 4:1-3, 26-27, 29, 31-32 3. Colossians 3:8, 12-13 4. James 3:13-18 5. 1 Peter 3:8-9 B. "Brotherly kindness" is destroyed by evil things such as the desire for preeminence, envy, anger, evil speaking, holding grudges, strife, and vengeance. C. "Brotherly kindness" is enhanced by good things such as gentleness, courtesy, compassion, mercy, meekness, patience, forbearance, humility, kindness, and forgiveness.
