Introduction
     We would like to say that all the brethren we know are apprehending that excellent stature and maturity found in Messiah, but we cannot. For we know of whole assemblies which are divided among themselves.
    This should not be the case, but it is not something new. In Revelation chapters two and three, Yahshua the Messiah addressed problems He observed among five of the seven notable assemblies in Asia Minor. Only Philadelphia and Smyrna were spared His rebuke and admonition, and His exhortation to repent and overcome with promises awarded their accomplishments. Examination of ourselves would also reveal that we, too, have room for spiritual growth.

The Apostle Paul’s Warnings
     The Apostle Paul faced great hardships, even to the point of death, so that he would not rely on himself (2 Cor. 1:9), but on Him who had begun a good work in him (Phil. 1:6). In many respects, he experienced trials similar to those of the Messiah (2 Cor. 4:10; Gal. 6:17). Principal among the perils which troubled Paul was “brethren,” falsely so called.
    Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. [I have been] on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from [my] countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; [I have been] in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure, 2 Corinthians 11:25-27. (The New American Standard Bible 1995 used throughout.)
    So, when are brethren, not brethren? When they are found outside Yahweh’s will; when they are no longer walking in the Spirit of Yahweh, but pursuing their own will.
    For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] enemies of the stake of Messiah, whose end is destruction, whose mighty one is their appetite, and [whose] glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things, Philippians 3:18-19.
    Probably, these many were they of Judaism who resisted him and his message – always set to subvert the wholesome words and sound doctrine he delivered his audiences, even taking oaths to kill him (Acts 23:12).
    In Acts, chapter 20, he sent for the elders of the Assembly at Ephesus and warned them, saying,
    And from among yourselves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciple after them, Acts 20:30. Of some, he would write further,
    For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Messiah. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.
    Paul’s warnings should still be noted today so that we are not ensnared by those who would teach things contrary to the Word of Yahweh. We do well, therefore, to stay studied in Scripture … firmly established in sound doctrine so as not to be carried about with every wind of doctrine.
    As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all [aspects] into Him who is the head, [even] Messiah, from Whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love, Ephesians 4:14-16.
    False teachers and so-called brethren can be identified by their lawless deeds (Matt. 7:15-23), who are more concerned with looking upon their own things (Phil. 2:4) than seeking to encourage others to live by Yahweh’s Spirit.
    Paul in writing to the Assembly at Rome, while noting their faithfulness, he still enjoined them toward faith and gave clear guidance on who were, and who were not, Yahweh’s children. For all who are being led by the Spirit of Elohim, these are sons of Elohim, Romans 8:14, alerting them further, to “keep their eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them” (Rom. 16:17).
    To Corinth, after addressing many issues among them, Paul expresses his concern that during his next visit, he might not find them doing those things in accordance with the Spirit of Yahweh, but rather of the flesh.
    For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps [there will be] strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances, 2 Corinthians 12:20.
    Was he genuinely concerned? Indeed, he was. Apart from such external things [as mentioned previously], there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the assemblies, 2 Corinthians 11:28.

False Worship
     Among the Galatian brethren who lived in a polytheistic society, some were backsliding into false worship of the deities of their culture, and observing days and seasons apart from those stipulated by Scripture. (You will recall that King Solomon was also carried away by his many foreign wives, who ultimately led him astray from the pure worship of Almighty Yahweh and the consequences that befell him.) The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians rehearses to them their former estate, taking them back to a time when they did not know Yahweh.
    However at that time, when you did not know Elohim, you were slaves to those which by nature are no mighty ones. But now that you have come to know Elohim, or rather to be known by Elohim, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? You observe days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain, Galatians 4:8-11.
    Today, too, we must be guarded from turning back to the counterfeit of Yahweh’s Appointed Times, provided us in chapter 23 of Leviticus, saying, “My Appointed Times are these …” and then, listing them in order – seven annual Holy Days, none of which are the so-called holidays of man. (Read our In-Depth booklet called, Biblical Holy Days.)

Mankind’s Proclivity
     Mankind declines toward what feels good and what takes the path of least resistance and which, more often than not, supplies a bad outcome. This is what got Eve into trouble when she was presented with what she saw: When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make [one] wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate, Genesis 3:6.
    There are three things we can see of Satan’s subtlety in Genesis, chapter 3:
    • Doubt the Word of Yahweh – “Indeed, has Elohim said, you shall not eat from any tree of the garden?” (verse 1);
    • Deny Yahweh’s warning – “You shall not surely die” (verse 4); and finally,
    • Defy Yahweh – “You will be like Elohim, knowing good and evil” (verse 5).
    The end, however, of Doubt, Deny, and Defy is Death. (Gen. 2:17). We remember these as the four “D”s – four “D”s to avoid.
     The breadth of the Scriptures reveals these four “D”s as responsible for what we see in mankind and sometimes, among those whom we think are brethren.

Cliques and Favoritism
     For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s [people], that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Messiah.” Has Messiah been divided? Paul was not put to the torture stake for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 1 Corinthians 1:11-13.
    Some take the attitude that their assembly is the only true assembly, and that unless one is in fellowship with them, they are but strangers to the covenant of promise and alienated from the commonwealth of Messiah’s Body.
    But, wait just a minute. There were seven assemblies in Asia Minor during the first century, and despite certain issues with some of them, Yahshua addressed them all as assemblies with brethren sharing the same hope and promises. Clearly, He commends their good works while addressing their deficits, and all without suggesting to any that one assembly should emulate any other.
    While He compliments Philadelphia and Smyrna for their continuing steadfastly in the faith, He doesn’t hold these two up to the other five as models toward which they need to attain. So why should any adopt an “us” vs. “them” mentality today? Nevertheless, this is happening among some today.
    Yahshua isn’t pleased with such attitudes. All judgment has been committed to His trust. So, who are we, or any other, to presume that one will lose the Spirit if he leaves one assembly for another which also, share a Ocommon faith?
    Everyone who names the Name of Yahshua Messiah and been immersed in His Name, and who believe in, and walk by, the fundamentals of faith should be united in the same mind, speech, and judgment in the Body of Messiah (1 Cor. 1:10) and should also, be welcomed and received in fellowship.
    For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Messiah, and individually members one of another, Romans 12:4-5.
    After all, [there is] one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Master, one faith, one baptism, Ephesians 4:4-5 and one Name, Yahshua, and “no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by Which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
    And so, regarding cliques and favoritism among us, we read James denouncing these:
    My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Master Yahshua Messiah with [an attitude] of personal favoritism. For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? Listen, my beloved brethren: did not Elohim choose the poor of this world [to be] rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called? James 2:1-7.

Don’t Sow Discord
     We should not want to sow discord among brethren but which often occurs through those things forbidden by Scripture, namely, by busybodies tattling and talebearing … some with deceitful tongues, speaking things which they ought not. Even some matters that may be true are better kept confidential. The Scriptures warn and inform us about what constitutes acceptable behavior:
    • Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; no one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure, Psalm 101:5.
    • He who conceals hatred [has] lying lips, and he who spreads slander is a fool, Proverbs 10:18.
    • He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter, Proverbs 11:13.
    • Then you will call, and Yahweh will answer; you will cry, and He will say, “Here I am.” If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness, Isaiah 58:9.
    • Women [must] likewise [be] dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things, 1 Timothy 3:11.
    By bridling our tongues, we exercise the fruit of the Spirit.
    But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the [law] of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his [own] heart, this man’s religion is worthless, James 1:25-26.

Helping the Brethren
     When we hear one speaking negative comments about others, we have an opportunity to help him take a step toward righteousness.
    Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; [each one] looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Messiah, Galatians 6:1-2.
    The Scriptures provide us with clear guidance toward being mindful of our words, and how we should interact with members within the Body of Messiah, and with them outside the Body of Messiah.
    Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such [a word] as is good for edification according to the need [of the moment], so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of Elohim, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as Elohim in Messiah also has forgiven you, Ephesians 4:29-32.
    Doing these things manifests that we have submitted ourselves to Yahweh’s Spirit Which enables us, out of the abundance of our hearts and as much expressed by our tongues, to love others as Yahweh through Messiah has loved us.
    This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My Name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another, John 15:12-17.

But a Time to Separate?
     There may, however, come a time when we will need to separate from other brethren – when unrepentant sin disables fellowship, as not even Yahshua will forgive that (Heb. 10:26-27).
    Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them, Romans 16:17.
    But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler — not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within [the assembly]? But those who are outside, Elohim judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES, 1 Corinthians 5:11-13.
    Now we command you, brethren, in the Name of our Master Yahshua Messiah, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us, 2 Thessalonians 3:6.

The Protocol for Disciplining an Unruly Brother
     The Scripture guide us in the manner with which to discipline an unrepentant sinner.
    If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen [to you], take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly; and if he refuses to listen even to the assembly, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector, Matthew 18:15-17.
    The pastoral epistles (1 & 2 Timothy and Titus) provide for the government of assemblies – a presbytery of elders and deacons to fulfill their respective roles within an assembly. Yahweh’s Assembly in Yahshua is composed of elders and deacons who oversee and maintain order, and when necessary, seek to resolve issues among brethren lest they should disturb the peace of the faith community. Criminal activity, however, is made subject to duly-established law enforcement.
    A majority consensus among the members of the presbytery is sufficient to have a record to show the discipline and/or disfellowshipping of an unrepentant sinner. These records are kept so that if and when changes to the composition of the presbytery occur, there is a record of these proceeding in the event the reprimanded individual attempts a return into the assembly.
    While disciplinary action such as disfellowshipping a member is not an easy undertaking, its purpose is that the one disciplined might awaken to righteousness and repent of his conduct so that he can be reconciled and restored.
    Sometimes, however reconciliation and restoration are not possible.
    Ananias and Sapphira come to mind. Having sold land, they lied about the proceeds they had received and pledged to bestow to the Assembly. Their experience is a case-study serving as an admonition to us of what can happen when given an opportunity to confess and repent of sin but then, passing on the occasion of receiving forgiveness and restoration.
    But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and kept back [some] of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back [some] of the price of the land? While it remained [unsold], did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to Elohim.” And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it. The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him. Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.” Then Peter [said] to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of Yahweh to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out [as well].” And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came over the whole assembly, and over all who heard of these things, Acts 5:1-11.
    This account of a lying tongue is a lesson of grave consequences.
    On the other hand, in another matter by which a man had had unlawful carnal relations with his stepmother (1 Cor. 5:1-5), disfellowshipping had a positive outcome:
    Sufficient for such a one is this punishment which was [inflicted by] the majority, so that on the contrary you should rather forgive and comfort [him], otherwise such a one might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. Wherefore I urge you to reaffirm [your] love for him, 2 Corinthians 2:6-8.
    Conviction and contrite repentance of sin, forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration – this is exactly the outcome desired so that we all might progress toward perfection.

Our High Calling, Defined
     Therefore, if we claim to be spiritual, we should walk on higher ground. This then becomes our calling.
    Therefore I, the prisoner of the Master, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, Ephesians 4:1-3. Paul speaks further:
    Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not [just] please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. For even Messiah did not please Himself; but as it is written, “THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME.” For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the Elohim who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Messiah Yahshua, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the Elohim and Father of our Master Yahshua Messiah. Therefore, accept one another, just as Messiah also accepted us to the glory of Elohim, Romans 15:1-7.
    Paul rightly emphasizes the Messiah and what He did for us in encouraging us to be grateful, compassionate, and full of humility toward the brethren and, toward all peoples … recognizing our own previous shortcomings but now, having the opportunity to serve others in the Spirit of Yahweh rather than ourselves.

Conclusion
     We are not to be high-minded, proud, or think more highly of ourselves than we should. Let’s follow the instructions we find throughout Scripture of how we should behold what manner of persons we should be and to behave ourselves during this life that now is … all, in preparation for the life that shall be.
    Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the evangel of Messiah, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the evangel, Philippians 1:27.
    Loving and serving one another is the fulfillment of the Laws of Yahweh. It is the expression of the weightier matters of the fundamental laws we find throughout the Bible to be good and right to observe.
    • You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am Yahweh, Leviticus 19:18.
    • The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am Yahweh your Elohim, Leviticus 19:34.
    • Do not say, “Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work,” Proverbs 24:29.
    • In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets, Matthew 7:12 (Luke 6:31).
    • Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled [the] law. For this, “YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of [the] law, Romans 13:8-10.
    • For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the [statement], “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another, Galatians 5:14-15.
    • If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin [and] are convicted by the law as transgressors, James 2:8-9.
    Knowing these principles of truth comes with great responsibility. We have no excuse, as it is easy to see what is written in the Scriptures about how we should live our lives and treat one another.
    Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea, Mark 9:42.
    Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this – not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way, Romans 14:13.