SMCA SERMON

-For many of you this is our first time meeting so let me tell you a little about myself. As you know Im Nick Oliver I am married to my high school sweetheart Robyn (yes we've been together since we were 15) we have 3 crazy and amazing children in Gabi (15), Mikaela (12), and Lukas (11). I am the pastor of a church Plant called Avert which launched in Jan of 2022 and God has been doing some amazing things through us.

-Im super competitive, I love Football (Carolina Panthers) MMA, and all things star wars and marvel.

-I didn't grow up in the church, had a pretty rough up bringing lots of abuse and me always getting in trouble, until i finally gave my life to Jesus when i was 22. My wife likes to point out how my life completely changed when i gave my life to Jesus (which it should)

Ok so now that y'all know about me lets get into what we are going to talk about.

-I always like to open with scripture and prayer, just in case this flawed man gets in the way of what god is trying to communicate at least we can walk away with knowing the heart of Gods word and prayed.

Read Colossians 3:12-14.

PRAY

-So I was given the topic of Brotherliness since that is what you guys have been learning about. I was orginally supposed to speak here last month and talk about godliness and hosntley the two go hand in hand so I wanted to address that Brotherliness Begins with Godliness and Holiness

-Before we can truly express brotherliness, we must first understand and walk in godliness and holiness. Our relationship with others is a reflection of our relationship with God. Without living a life that is aligned with God’s character, our love for others will be incomplete, inconsistent, or self-centered.

-Godliness is a life devoted to reverence for God, obedience to His will, and a growing reflection of Christ’s character. It’s not about perfection but about direction—progressing in holiness and righteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit.

I. Godliness Is the Foundation of Brotherly Love

1 Timothy 4:8 Says  – "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."

-Godliness means pursuing a life that reflects God’s character.

-The call to godliness is a call to holiness. God desires His people to live set apart from the world, reflecting His righteousness.

1 Peter 1:15-16 (KJV) – "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

-Holiness does not mean sinless perfection, but it does mean a pursuit of righteousness and a lifestyle that honors God. We are saved by grace, but grace teaches us to live godly lives:

Titus 2:11-12 (KJV) – "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world."

-Brotherly love is not just an emotional feeling—it is an action that flows from a transformed heart.

-If we do not know God’s nature, we cannot reflect it to others.

Jesus is our perfect example of godliness.

1 John 2:6 – “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”

-To love others as Jesus loved, we must first abide in Him and follow His ways.

II. Holiness Prepares the Heart for Brotherly Love

Hebrews 12:14 – “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”

Holiness means being set apart for God.

-We cannot genuinely love others if we are still controlled by selfishness and sin.

-When we seek to live holy lives, our hearts become pure and able to love as God desires.

A holy life removes the barriers to brotherliness.

Colossians 3:12-13 – “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

-Holiness leads to a heart full of kindness, humility, and forgiveness—essential qualities for brotherly love.

III. Living a Godly and Holy Life Enables Us to Show Brotherliness

-Once we are rooted in godliness and holiness, we can genuinely express brotherly love. Here are practical ways to show it:

Love Unconditionally 1 John 4:7-8 – “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

-We love others not based on their actions but because God first loved us.

Serve Others with a Pure Heart Galatians 5:13 – “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

-When we live godly lives, we serve not for recognition but out of genuine love.

Forgive Quickly and Completely Ephesians 4:32 – “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

-Holiness removes bitterness and replaces it with a heart of forgiveness.

Live in Peace and Unity Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

-A godly person does not seek division but strives to be a peacemaker.

Encourage and Strengthen Others 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”

-When we pursue godliness, we use our words to build up, not tear down.

IV. The Blessings of Brotherliness Rooted in Godliness

-It Reflects Christ to the World

John 13:35 – “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

-It Strengthens the Church

Colossians 3:14 – “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”

-It Brings God’s Blessing

Psalm 133:1, 3 – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! ... For there the Lord commanded the blessing—Life forevermore.”

-Let us commit to pursuing godliness and demonstrating true brotherly love, so that we may reflect Christ to the world.

Hang-ups that Prevent Godly Living & How to Overcome Them

Love of the World

-Problem: The world offers temporary pleasures that can distract us from God’s purpose.

-Solution: Set your affection on things above (Colossians 3:2) and remember that friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4).

Unconfessed Sin

-Problem: Hidden sin creates a barrier between us and God, weakening our spiritual growth.

-Solution: Confess and repent daily, keeping a soft heart before God.

Spiritual Laziness

-Problem: A lack of prayer, Bible study, and fellowship can lead to spiritual stagnation.

-Solution: Develop disciplined habits of prayer, Bible reading, and church involvement.

Fear of Man

-Problem: Worrying about what others think can hinder our obedience to God.

-Solution: Seek to please God rather than people, remembering that His approval matters most.

Lack of Faith

-Problem: Doubt and discouragement can make us feel distant from God.

-Solution: Strengthen faith through the Word (Romans 10:17) and remind yourself of God’s faithfulness.

Brotherliness Section:

-We live in a world that celebrates individualism—where people are encouraged to focus on personal goals and self-advancement.

-But as followers of Christ, we are called to something greater: a life of brotherly love, deeply connected to our faith family.

-Christianity is not meant to be lived in isolation. When we embrace brotherliness, we fulfill God’s design for His Church, and we will begin to see our communities transformed by His love.

-Brotherliness is not just an optional virtue but a command from God.The Bible does not present brotherly love as an option—it is a command. The Greek word for brotherly love is philadelphia, meaning a deep, family-like affection among believers. This love should persist, even when relationships get difficult.

-It is the reflection of His love in our relationships with one another. Many people seek love, peace, and unity, but true brotherliness cannot exist apart from God.

-Brotherliness is not mere friendliness or just being kind when convenient. It is a selfless, sacrificial, and God-rooted commitment to loving others as Christ has loved us.

-1 John 4:20 (KJV) – “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”

-Brotherliness is a divine test of our love for God. If we cannot love our brother, our claim to love God is empty.

II. We Are Part of Something Bigger: The Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 . For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many.

-No believer exists in isolation. The Church is described as the Body of Christ, where every member has a function. A hand cannot function alone, and neither can a Christian who tries to live outside of fellowship.

What This Means for Us:

-We need each other for strength, wisdom, and growth.

-The Church functions best when every member contributes their gifts (Romans 12:4-5).

-When one suffers, we all suffer; when one rejoices, we all rejoice (1 Corinthians 12:26).

-Living out brotherliness means embracing unity over division and realizing that our personal walk with Christ is also tied to the growth of the entire body.

III. Brotherliness Changes Our Communities

John 13:34-35. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

-When the world sees genuine love among believers, it is a powerful testimony of the gospel. The early church in Acts grew because of their love and unity (Acts 2:46-47).

Practical Ways Brotherliness Impacts Our Community:

-Restores Broken Relationships – When believers model forgiveness and grace, families and friendships are healed.

-Provides for the Needy – A brotherly church ensures no one is neglected (James 2:15-16).

-Breaks Down Social Divisions – Galatians 3:28 reminds us that in Christ, all are one, regardless of race, class, or background.

-Creates a Culture of Peace – Romans 12:18 commands us to live peaceably with all men, which influences neighborhoods and cities.

When we live out brotherly love, our communities will notice, and revival will begin.

IV. Walking in Brotherly Love Requires Sacrifice

Philippians 2:3-4."Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."

-Brotherly love is not self-seeking; it requires humility and sacrifice. Christ gave the ultimate example when He laid down His life for us (John 15:13).

How We Sacrifice for One Another:

-Our Time – Investing in relationships, mentoring, and being present for others.

-Our Comfort – Stepping out of our convenience to serve others.

-Our Resources – Being generous with our finances, talents, and efforts.

*Brotherliness is not just words—it’s action.*

V. The Strength to Love Comes from God

1 Thessalonians 3:12. “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you."

-True brotherliness is empowered by God’s love in us. We cannot love others the way Christ commands in our own strength—it takes the work of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

How to Grow in Brotherly Love:

-Pray for a Loving Heart – Ask God to help you love others as He loves you.

-Stay Connected to the Church – Engage in fellowship, small groups, and corporate worship.

-Daily Seek the Word – The Bible strengthens our love for God and others.

-Serve Faithfully – Love is demonstrated through service.

-When we abide in Christ, our love for one another will grow and become evident to the world.

Final Challenge:

-Who in your life needs to experience brotherly love from you?

-Are you connected to the Body of Christ, or trying to live your faith in isolation?

-How can you be intentional about loving others this week?