Am I My Brother’s Keeper?

Jan 15, 2023    Dr. Phil Willingham

This sermon explores the story of Cain and Abel from Genesis 4:2-9, highlighting the principle of being our brother's keeper. It emphasizes three key aspects of this principle: love, acceptance, and forgiveness.


The sermon begins by discussing the concept of being a keeper, which involves guarding, protecting, and observing. It cites several biblical passages that emphasize the importance of loving one another as brothers and sisters, showing that love for God is intertwined with love for fellow believers.


Moving on to the pattern set by Cain and Abel, the sermon focuses on love as the foundational aspect of being a keeper. It highlights how Cain's lack of love for his brother led to jealousy and ultimately murder. The congregation is reminded that love is essential for passing from death to life and for demonstrating Christ's sacrificial love through our actions towards others.


The sermon then explores the idea of acceptance, emphasizing that God has made us accepted in Christ. It encourages the congregation to reflect God's kindness, tolerance, and patience toward others, recognizing that true love and acceptance go beyond mere agreement with someone's choices.


Lastly, the sermon addresses the need for forgiveness in being a keeper. It suggests that compassion, sensitivity, and maturity are necessary qualities for maintaining healthy relationships and fostering forgiveness among believers.


Throughout the sermon, the congregation is reminded of the importance of community and the role of other believers in encouraging and supporting one another. It emphasizes that being a brother's keeper is not a solo endeavor but requires walking in the Spirit and actively striving to build up fellow believers in their faith journey.


As takeaways, the congregation is encouraged to recognize the value of the church and the role of fellow believers in their spiritual growth. They are also challenged to embrace the principle of keeping, expressing love, acceptance, and forgiveness in their relationships with others. By doing so, they can fulfill their role as keepers and foster a supportive and caring community of believers.