Concerning Brotherly Love (1 Thess. 4:9-12) by Carey Dillinger (From The Expository Files: http://www.flash.net/~wberkley/efmay03.htm)
But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing. (1 Thess. 4:9-12, NKJV)
Overview
The Greeks despised manual labor and it seems that there were
those in the church at Thessalonica that were willing to sponge
off the brethren there instead of honestly toiling for their bread.
Paul worked with his hands and encouraged others to do so. It
seems that the idea among these brethren that Jesus was returning
very soon caused many of them to set aside the daily routines
(including work) and simply wait on His return. (2 Thess. 3:11,12)
This lack of activity by some was sure to cause unrest both in
the church and among those without that were owed money or labor
by the non-workers.
Part of our love of the brethren ("having a tender affection for" - Vine) includes our recognition of their good deeds and our encouragement for them to "increase more and more." This "brotherly love" is to reach beyond our own congregation and extend to as many saints as we can contact. While we encourage our brethren so that their love might increase, we must realize that our love must be improved upon as well. Those of us that have been taught by God to the extent that we have become obedient to His will should have come to the realization that "brotherly love" is not an option, but a command - one that none of us have learned (or are practicing) perfectly. This "unfeigned love of the brethren" (1 Pet. 1:22) stands as proof that we have shed the old man and have been regenerated as a true child of God.
Perhaps Paul is recommending that we can "increase more
and more" in our love of the brethren by aspiring to the
following characteristics:
1) - to lead a quiet life,
2) - to mind your own business and,
3) - to work with your own hands.
Additional results of a Christian possessing these characteristics is that non-Christians will also be treated properly (and perhaps come to obey the Gospel through our example) and they will help us to "lack nothing."
Aspire to Lead a Quiet Life
Human nature seems to indicate that man left to his own will not
be quiet. It is a godly characteristic that must be learned. The
emphasis is on quietness of mind and heart, the inner peace that
enables a man to be sufficient by walking in Christ's footsteps.
Additionally, Paul is encouraging his readers to "make it
their ambition" to not cause trouble unnecessarily, either
in or out of the church.
Mind Your Own Business
Those that are busy minding other people's business probably do
not have any worthwhile business of their own. Instead of being
quiet, they are busy causing "great disturbances among their
neighbors." (Henry) (See 2 Thess. 3:11; 1 Pet. 4:15.) Believers
that are about their Father's business (Lk. 2:49) will not have
the time or desire to get mixed up in the affairs of others -
either within the church or without. If we are to "walk in
wisdom towards those who are without," (Col. 4:5) then we
must be willing to apply God's wisdom and not our own.
Minding our own business does not absolve us of the responsibility of correcting an erring disciple or encouraging and exhorting a weak brother or sister. Paul makes it clear in Gal. 6:1 that part of our love of brethren includes restoring one "who is overtaken in a trespass." Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. (Gal. 6:1, RSV) B.W. Johnson suggests that for those who are spiritual to restore this brother not by judging them or seeking to cut them off, but by "seek(ing) lovingly to lead them back from their error."
Work With Your Own Hands
The busybody needs to get busy with his own work. Just because
we are Christians does not relieve us our duty to work and support
our families. The tendency towards laziness has far reaching negative
consequences, while the diligent worker makes their own way and
builds their self-esteem from the accomplishment. Christians or
congregations that do not pay their bills cannot act as "the
world's Bible." (See Luke 16:11.) Besides supporting our
own families, the believer has other good reasons to work. We
must show the unsaved that we are willing to work just as hard
(or harder) than they. We need to work so that we can assist those
that are truly in need.
Additional Results
Sources:
1- Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible, Vol.
6, pp. 631-32.
2- Warren Wiersbe's Bible Exposition Commentary - NT, Vol.
2, pp. 177-78.
3- Eerdman's Handbook of the Bible, 1973 ed., p. 615.
What To Do If You Disagree by Greg Gwin (ggwin1@bellsouth.net)
From time to time, as we listen to sermons or attend Bible classes,
something will be said with which we disagree. What should we
do when this happens?
First, be sure that you properly understood what was said. It
might be that you simply didn't hear what the other person was
saying. Changing a single word can sometimes drastically alter
the meaning of a sentence. Also, expressions taken out of context
can lead to conclusions that were never intended. Take notes,
re-listen to the sermon on tape, and study the Scriptures that
were referenced in the lesson - many potential problems will be
resolved in this way.
Additionally, give the benefit of the doubt to your brother who
is doing the teaching. Love actually demands this (1 Cor. 13:5).
Do not automatically assume the worst.
If questions linger, it is best to go directly to the one who
has done the teaching. Too often we complain or criticize to others,
but never to the one who supposedly made the error. This is simply
not right! Wait for a good opportunity (right after the lesson
in front of other people is usually not the best time), or set
up an appointment. Calmly discuss your concerns with the man face-to-face.
If we do this, the vast majority of misunderstandings will be
quickly settled.
Finally, in the few cases where the matter is not remedied by
these initial steps, it will be necessary to press the matter
further. If error has been taught, we cannot remain quiet. We
must oppose and expose the false teaching (Galatians 2:5,11-13).
But even in this type of situation, we should be careful to conduct
ourselves in a way that will make it easy for the erring brother
to acknowledge his mistake and make correction (2 Timothy 2:25,26).
Disagreements are certain to arise. Let's be sure we handle all
such situations properly as we endeavor "to keep the unity
of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).
IN THE WORLD… (Excerpted from The Beacon)
Concerning those in whom they have the highest trust, the Gallop
Poll found that Americans ranked pharmacists (66%), "clergy"
(56%), dentists, medical doctors, engineers, and college teachers
(52%-54%). At the bottom: Congressmen (10%) and car salesmen (5%).
- via Emerging Trends, April, 1996
Ephesians 4:25 "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every
man truth with his neighbour. . ."
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
"Be a building block, not a stumbling block."
"Count your blessings, not your woes."
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Our weekly services are held at 1318 Griffin Road, Leesburg, Florida
34748.
Phone: (352) 365-9946 for times of services.
Web site: http://www.careydillinger.com/cocbs/cocbshp.htm
MONTHLY BIBLE READING: The Gospels - Emphasizing the Early Work of Jesus
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS
BIBLE INSIGHT is published for the members of, and
visitors to, the Church of Christ at Beverly Shores, Leesburg,
Florida, USA.
Carey Dillinger is the editor. He can be reached at the church
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