30 Jan Loving My Brothers and Sisters

Last Sunday, Pastor Jason Finley concluded the Entrusted series with the sermon: “Entrusted with the Scriptures,” from 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5. We considered the vital truth that devotion to God’s trustworthy Word is the only way we can remain faithful to Christ.

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5

This Sunday, Pastor Jeremy Chasteen will return to part two of our series through 2 Corinthians, entitled “Sufficient to Give,” with a sermon from 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5. Jeremy will call us to the same type of giving seen in the Corinthian church. In order to do so, we must have clear gospel vision, integrity, and readiness to give generously. As you prepare your heart for our Sunday gathering, let this devotional from Milton Vincent begin directing your thoughts toward this end by kindling afresh a gospel-driven love for your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Reflect: “Loving My Brothers and Sisters”

The more I experience the gospel, the more there develops within me a yearning affection for my fellow-Christians who are also participating in the glories of the gospel. This affection for them comes loaded with confidence in their continued spiritual growth and ultimate glorification, and it becomes my pleasure to express to them this loving confidence regarding the ongoing work of God in their lives (Philippians 1:3-7).

Additionally, with the gospel proving itself to be such a boon in my own life, I realize that the greatest gift I can give to my fellow-Christians is the gospel itself. Indeed, I love my fellow-Christians not simply because of the gospel, but I love them best when I am loving them with the gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:8)! And I do this not merely by speaking gospel words to them, but also by living before them and generously relating to them in a gospel manner. Imparting my life to them in this way, I thereby contribute to their experience of the power, the Spirit, and the full assurance of the gospel (1 Thessalonians 1:5).

By preaching the gospel to myself each day, I nurture the bond that unites me with my brothers and sisters for whom Christ died, and I also keep myself well-versed in the raw materials with which I may actively love them in Christ.

“Loving My Brothers and Sisters,” in A Gospel Primer for Christians, by Milton Vincent

Sing: Song List for Sunday

1. “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (Joyful, Joyful), Arr. Shane & Shane
2. “Life Defined,” by Shane & Shane
3. “My Worth Is Not in What I Own,” Arr. Shane & Shane