BROTHERHOOD SPIRIT

 

Saturday, August 13, 2022

 

BROTHERHOOD SPIRIT

 

Rom 8:14-17

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

 

Heb 13:2

2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

 

          Curiously, the word entertain does not stand alone in the Greek. Instead, we have translated for us the word “strangers” from the Greek word philonexia which is similar to philoxenos which means “fond guests.” The idea conveyed is that these STRANGERS contain – and may exude a brotherhood spirit.

 

          I fear my attempt at explanation only made things more confusing. Well, let me put it this way, members of God’s family are given the same spirit whether they are strangers or familiar. Hebrews 13:2 urges us to be hospitable to strangers for, occasionally, God will send an angel in disguise. The word “unawares” is the Greek lanthano which means “to lie hidden.”

 

          Here is the practical application of all of that. Be hospitable to everyone. Be friendly and helpful because you may encounter one of God’s angels. On the other hand, be watchful for those strangers that bear the same family traits as us. Alternately, be watchful of those who demonstrate the language and mannerisms – even the wearing of symbols – of Christianity but seem foreign.

 

          Jesus warned that “not all” who says “Lord, Lord” are genuine (Matthew 7:21). John urges us to “try the spirits” (1 John 4:1). Let me warn you, however, that if you are constantly pointing out what you consider to be “false prophets,” you may be in danger of obsession.

 

1 Peter 1:22

22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

 

Dear Lord, let us love one another but develop in us a sensitive and discerning spirit that we might be wise as serpents but harmless as doves. AMEN