Messiah Baptist Church of Baesa, Inc.

Wednesday Bible Study

www.messiahbc.com

May 28, 2025

BIBLE STUDY: “The Body of Christ, called out assembly” Lesson: 4

MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST CALLED “BRETHREN”

     The so-called believers, the so-called saints, who were members of the body of Christ, were also called what? ________ (Galatians 1:2 and I Thessalonians 5:25-27)     

Galatians 1:2 “And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:”

     Paul is addressing “all the brethren” who are with him, meaning his fellow believers and co-workers in the faith. He is sending greetings and sharing his message with the collective body of believers in the region of Galatia.

     By addressing "all the brethren" with him, Paul is highlighting the importance of fellowship and unity among believers. The term "brethren" signifies a familial bond among Christians, emphasizing their shared identity as children of God.

I Thessalonians 5:25-27 “Brethren, pray for us. ²⁶ Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. ²⁷ I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.”

     This request reflects the apostle's recognition of the importance of prayer and his reliance on the prayers of fellow believers.

     When Paul addresses the Thessalonians as "brethren," he emphasizes their shared identity as members of the family of God. By urging them to pray for him, Paul reinforces the notion that Christians are called to lift each other up in prayer and support one another in their spiritual journeys.

     The word “brethren” means “brothers”. Find out how many brethren (brothers) did the Lord Jesus have? ____ (Mark 6:3)

Mark 6:3 “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.”

The use of the word "brother" here has been a topic of debate among biblical scholars, as it is unclear whether these individuals were actual siblings of Jesus or cousins or members of his extended family. 

     This is the only place Jesus is called “the son of Mary”. No mention of Joseph suggests he had passed on by now. Jesus clearly had siblings which clearly refutes the false teaching of the so-called Immaculate Conception. Mary did not remain a virgin after Jesus was born.

     We have here mentioned Joseph, Mary, the brothers (four of them named) and sisters (names not given). Jesus passed here as the son of Joseph and these were younger brothers and sisters (they were actual Lord’s half brothers and sisters technically because they had the same mother but different father).

     Know who was their mother? _________ (Mark 6:3)

Mark 6:3 “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.”

     The reference to Jesus as "the son of Mary" is significant because during this time, it was customary to reference someone as the son of their father. This use of "son of Mary" could be seen as an insult, as it implies that Jesus is illegitimate or lacks a proper lineage. This reflects blemish in the society that would have been associated with Jesus' birth, as the Lord’s conception was through the Holy Spirit and not through a human father.

     Can you name who was the father of James, Joseph, Judas (Jude) and Simon? ______ (Luke 2:4)

Luke 2:4 “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)”

     Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Joseph was a descendant of King David, he lived in Nazareth in Galilee, and he was pledged to be married to Mary (Luke 1:27), the virgin who gave birth to Jesus. The Bible tells us that Mary became pregnant through the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18) and not through Joseph. Therefore, Joseph can be understood as Jesus’ earthly, adoptive father but not as His biological father.

     Here we see Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, is traveling from Galilee to Bethlehem in order to comply with the census decreed by Caesar Augustus. The significance of this journey goes beyond a simple census enrollment; it fulfills the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, the city of David.

     Did you know who is and who always was the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ? _______ (Ephesians 1:3; Matthew 3:17)

Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”

The words "Blessed be the God and Father" serve as a proclamation of reverence and thanksgiving for the divine source of all blessings.

Matthew 3:17 “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

     The gospel writers were careful to maintain that Jesus’ true Father was God, with Joseph being more of a foster father or stepfather (Luke 3:23). this verse is the affirmation of Jesus' divine identity and the unique relationship he shares with God the Father.

     The use of the term "beloved Son" emphasizes the deep love and affection that God has for Jesus, as well as the special nature of their bond. God calls Jesus His Son indicates that He Himself is God the Father. By the Father’s declaration of divine love, God proves that Jesus is His Son. So, Jesus is God. Cults falsely teaches that Jesus never claimed to be God, however this testimony of God the Father strongly affirms that Jesus is God. (Hebrews 1:8).

     As members of the body of Christ, the Church, we are all brethren one with another. We are all part of a spiritual household, same family. After Saul (Paul) got saved, what did Ananias call Paul?   ____________

Acts 9:17 “And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.”

Notice the word “Brother” in Greek “adelphos” from “a” means unity, and “delphus” means a womb. Adelphos literally means from the same womb. Believers are all born from one Spirit and thus have a common "birth." Adelphos in this context describes a spiritual brother, a fellow Christian, a fellow believer. 

     Believers in Christ, have all been born again (John 3:3,7). 

John 3:3,7 “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. ⁷ Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”

In our first birth, we are “born of the flesh” and “born of water”; but in our second birth, we are “born from above [again]” and “born of the Spirit.” Our first birth leads to death, but our second birth brings eternal life. The new birth is a new beginning that results in “newness of life” (Romans 6:4). 

     Complete the missing words to know who we are as Brethren in Christ and have all been born into the same family. Therefore, now we are all the _____    _____    _____ (1 John 3:2; John 1:12). 

I John 3:2 “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

     The phrase "now are we the sons of God" is a reminder to the believers of their current status before God. They have been adopted into God's family through their belief in Jesus Christ as their savior and are now considered children of God.

John 1:12 “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

     It is through receiving and accepting Him as our Lord and Savior that we are given the power to become children of God.

This speaks to the concept of adoption into God's family. The use of the term "sons of God" in this verse is significant. In the cultural context of the time, sons held the rights of inheritance and carried on the family name. As sons of God, we are heirs to the inheritance of God's kingdom and share in the blessings and promises of God.

     What name do we describe our family? _________ (Galatians 6:10)

Galatians 6:10 “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the “household of faith.”

     Notice the words “household of faith" symbolizes the spiritual family and community of believers. It conveys the idea of solidarity, mutual care, and support within the body of Christ. This imagery reinforces the interconnectedness and responsibility that believers have towards one another, as they seek to live out their faith in a manner that reflects the love and compassion of Christ.

Ephesians 2:19 “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;”

     Notice the word “household” in Greek “oikeios” from “oikos” a house or household. “Oikeios” is used figuratively of believers belonging to the Church, the household of God (Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 2:19). 

By using the word "household," Paul is emphasizing the idea of family and belonging. The believers are not just citizens in the same country; they are also part of the same household, with God as their Father and each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.

     How many fathers do we have as being members of this God’s family? _______ (Ephesians 4:6)

Ephesians 4:6 “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

It encourages believers to strive for harmony and oneness within the community of faith, recognizing that we are all children of the same heavenly Father.

The phrase “One God and Father” This speaks to the unity of believers in the faith, emphasizing the oneness of God as the Father of all. 

The image of God as the "Father of all" conveys a sense of familial belonging and identity. It symbolizes the intimate relationship that believers have with God, who not only loves and cares for them but also unites them as one family.

     Find out how someone can enter into this special family of God. Read Galatians 3:26 then check the correct answer:

Galatians 3:26 “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”

a) By baptism                                                 (   )
 b) By works and good deeds                       (   )
 c) By faith (receiving God’s Word gladly) (    )
 d) By having Christian parents                    (   )

    We need the door, to enter into the household of faith (family of God), who is the door? ________ (John 10:9)

John 10:9 “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”

Notice the words “I am” in Greek “ego eimi”, is in the present tense, that is continually. 

Notice the words “the door” in Greek “Thura”. Jesus is referring to what some of Near Eastern shepherds were doing as they personally sleeping in the door to guard the sheep. Jesus introduce Himself and explains as the One and only door. The Lord Jesus exclusively claims Himself as the ONLY way to God. Jesus did not say “I am a door” but “I am the door.” Jesus is the door of the sheep (John 10:7). If Jesus is not a door, He means He is not one of many ways to God. But He clearly said “I am the door”, means the ONLY One door to God. Significantly, if we look at the sheepfold, we notice it has a single door, it absolutely no wiggle room for another way into the sheepfold. To enter into church, the body of Christ, we need to enter into the door (the head of the body), not enter into the church itself. The door entrance is the head, not in the body. 

     The essence of Jesus' message, that he is the gateway to salvation and eternal life. The use of the door as a symbol for Jesus reflects the idea that he is the only way to God and to true fulfillment. Just as a door is the means of access to a building, Jesus is the means of access to the Kingdom of God.

    How about the unsaved, did they have the same Father, like our God the Father? ______ (John 8:44

John 8:44 “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”

     Jesus is confronting the Pharisees about their lack of understanding and refusal to accept Him as the Son of God. The theme of fatherhood is central to this verse. Jesus is essentially telling the Pharisees that their actions mirror those of their spiritual father, the devil. The Pharisees' alignment with the devil through their rejection of the truth.

Revelation 22:15 “For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie." 

     The phrase "For without are dogs" refers to the idea that outside of the kingdom of God are those who are impure and unclean. In biblical times, dogs were considered unclean animals, and this metaphorical use of the term emphasizes the idea of moral impurity. The subsequent list of sinners – sorcerers, whoremongers, murderers, idolaters, and liars – represents a range of sinful behaviors that are condemned in the Bible. These were the unsaved people who would and could not enter into the household of faith (family of God), because they are outside the kingdom of God.

     Are you grateful and happy that you belong into the family of God? What should be your attitude towards your brethren in Christ? _________ (I John 3:14). 

I John 3:14 “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”

     This emphasizes the significance of love as the distinguishing characteristic of true brothers and sisters. John asserts that the love for the brethren is the test of the authenticity of one's faith. This spiritual rebirth brings about a new perspective, new desires, and a new capacity to love others with the selfless love of Christ.

     What should you do if another member of your spiritual family did something wrong to you? _______ (Ephesians 4:21)

Ephesians 4:32 “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”

     In forgiving others, Christians are called to reflect God's mercy and grace, serving as ambassadors of reconciliation and peace within the body of Christ. This verse emphasizes the importance of kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness in relationships among believers as a reflection of God's love and forgiveness for us. It also highlights the principle of imitating God's character in our interactions with others. This underscores the importance of forgiveness in building and maintaining healthy relationships within the household of faith, the church body of Christ.

     Can a person know if he has been born again, how? ________ (John 1:12) 

John 1:12 “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

     This emphasizes the importance of receiving and believing in Jesus Christ. It is through receiving and accepting Him as our Lord and Savior that we are given the power to become children of God. This act of receiving Jesus speaks to the personal and intimate nature of our relationship with Him, and we know that we are children of God, we know that we are born again into the family of God. 

    Did you personally received and believed Jesus Christ as your Savior?

     If a person is not a born-again, not a child of God, then what is he? ______ (I John 3:10)

I John 3:10 “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.”

     The author, traditionally believed to be the apostle John, is drawing a clear line between the children of God and the children of the devil. The verse speaks to the nature of sin and righteousness, and the distinction between those who belong to God and those who belong to the devil. 

     If a person is a child of the devil, belongs to wrong family, is there a way out? ____ (Acts 26:18; John 5:24)

Acts 26:18 “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”

Here includes five key components that outline the transformative work of the gospel: opening eyes, turning from darkness to light, turning from the power of Satan to God, receiving forgiveness of sins, and receiving an inheritance among the sanctified by faith. Yes, there is a way out.

John 5:24 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

First, one must "hear" Jesus' words. This implies not only listening to his teachings, but also understanding and internalizing the message of the Gospel. The act of "hearing" Jesus' word goes beyond mere physical auditory perception; it signifies an open heart and a readiness to receive and embrace the truth of Gospel of salvation.

Also, one must "believe on him that sent me." This refers to having faith in God the Father, who sent Jesus to earth as the Messiah and Savior. Believing in the glorious gospel of Jesus is a central tenet of Christian belief, as it acknowledges his role as the Son of God who came to redeem humanity from sin and offer the promise of salvation. Yes, there is a way out from wrong family that enter into the family of God, in the body of Christ, where we are all Brethren in Christ.

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