2 Peter 1:2-11 Of these qualities - faith is the foundation. Virtue is the desire for moral and spiritual excellence. To achieve this, we must the deep, true knowledge of God’s will for our lives. Then once we have true knowledge, we must apply it with discipline & self-control. We must be steadfast, fully committed to the principles we have embraced. In all points, we must seek for the things esteemed by God.

To Godliness Brotherly Kindness ~ 2 Peter 1:7

Study Format We will consider Bible principles concerning the matter of “brotherly kindness.” We will illustrate how the Christian may incorporate this instruction into his/her daily life.

Brotherly Kindness: φιλαδελφία; philadelphia “Fraternal affection: - brotherly love (kindness), love of the brethren.” (Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries) “1) Love of brothers or sisters, brotherly love 2) in the NT the love which Christians cherish for each other as brethren” (Thayer’s Greek Definitions) The word is “Philadelphia.” Perhaps we are familiar with the American city bearing the name Philadelphia (in Pennsylvania), which is commonly referred to as the city of “brotherly love.”

How the word is used in various passages of the Bible: Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; Romans 12:9-11 (NKJV)

How the word is used in various passages of the Bible: 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; 10 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; 11 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, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing. 1 Thess 4:9-12 (NKJV) Cf. vs 12; Mt. 5:11-16

How the word is used in various passages of the Bible: Let brotherly love continue. Heb 13:1 (NKJV)  Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever 1 Peter 1:22-23 (NKJV)

Principles in action: Moses preferred his brethren (Heb. 11:24-25). Moses was willing to give of himself for his brethren’s sake (Exod. 18:1-27). Another aspect of brotherly love (or brotherly kindness) is displayed through correction (Deut. 9:29; Heb. 12:1-7). Let us manifest proper love to brethren for who they are, not so much what they’ve done for us (Exod. 32:32). Moses was willing to lead, but it took a genuine love for the flock in order for him to keep going. We must have love for one another to stay the course (1 Pet. 1:6-7a).

Principles in action: By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 1 John 3:16 (NKJV) Cf. vs. 17-19 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved. 2 Cor 12:15 (NKJV) Cf. 2 Cor. 6:11-7:1 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9 (NKJV)

2 Peter 1:2-11 Of these qualities - faith is the foundation. Virtue is the desire for moral and spiritual excellence. To achieve this, we must the deep, true knowledge of God’s will for our lives. Then once we have true knowledge, we must apply it with discipline & self-control. We must be steadfast, fully committed to the principles we have embraced. In all points, we must seek for the things esteemed by God. Showing kindness to our brethren.

Galatians 3:26-29  For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (NKJV)

Galatians 3:26-29  For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (NKJV)