If you refuse to do anything for the Brethren, you HAVE refused to DO IT FOR GOD! Sermon Notes Sabbath September 20, 2025.

Take this SERIOUSLY,

because the Goats who won’t listen to this, nor accept the above Statement:

Will be THROWN INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE. Per Matthew 25:

⁴⁵ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

⁴⁶ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment,

Editors Note: God is LOVE, and little “you” (if you want to be “IN” the God Family)= little you MUST live the way Father lives.

LOVE is THE KEY!

It is YOUR responsibility to help other Christians when you can. Plus it is to your advantage to DO SO. Because you are REWARDED for your Works, and because God said: Anything you DO for the least of my Brethren you have done for me.

And conversely: If you refuse to do anything for the Brethren, you HAVE refused to DO IT FOR GOD!

This statement is rooted in Christian teachings, specifically drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:31-46 (the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats).

Its meaning, implications, and theological significance, while connecting it to the broader context of Christian responsibility and its practical application.

Core Biblical Reference:

The phrases “Anything you do for the least of my brethren, you have done for Me” and

the converse idea of refusing to help being equivalent to refusing God. Both writings are directly inspired by Matthew 25:40 and Matthew 25:45:

• Matthew 25:40 (NIV): “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
• Matthew 25:45 (NIV): “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’”

In this passage, Jesus describes the final judgment, where people are evaluated based on their actions toward others, particularly those in need—referred to as “the least of these.” The “brethren” or “brothers and sisters” are often interpreted as fellow Christians.

Theological Meaning

1. Christian Responsibility to Help Others:
• The call to help “the least of these” reflects a core Christian principle of love in action. Jesus emphasizes that acts of compassion—feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick or imprisoned—are not just charitable deeds but are deeply spiritual acts. They are seen as service to Christ Himself.
• This teaching underscores the idea that faith is not merely intellectual assent or personal piety but must be expressed through practical love and service to others, especially those who are marginalized, suffering, or overlooked.
• The phrase “it is YOUR responsibility” aligns with the broader Biblical expectation that Christians are called to be stewards of God’s grace, using their resources, time, and abilities to serve others (1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”).
2. Advantage to the Believer:
• The statement “it is to your advantage to do so” points to the spiritual and eternal rewards of obedience to this command. In the parable, those who serve “the least” are welcomed into eternal life (Matthew 25:34), while those who neglect this “duty” face separation from God= ETERNAL DAMNATION Matthew 25:46. This suggests that acts of service align the believer with God’s will and contribute to their spiritual growth and eternal destiny.
• Beyond eternal rewards, serving others fosters personal growth in virtues like humility, compassion, and generosity, which enrich the believer’s relationship with God and others. It also builds community, strengthens the church, and reflects God’s love to the world.
3. Consequences of Inaction:
• The converse—“If you refuse to do anything for the brethren, you have refused to do it for God”—highlights the seriousness of neglecting this responsibility. In the parable, those who fail to help the needy are judged not for committing overt sins but for their omission—failing to act when they had the opportunity.
• This challenges Christians to examine their lives for apathy or indifference. It suggests that inaction is not neutral; it carries spiritual weight, as it reflects a lack of love or alignment with Christ’s priorities.

Practical Implications

The passage calls Christians to a life of active compassion. Here’s how this responsibility might be lived out:

1. Serving Fellow Christians:
• The “brethren” in this context likely refers to fellow believers. Early Christian communities were marked by mutual care, such as sharing resources (Acts 2:44-45) and supporting one another in times of persecution or need.
• Practically, this could mean helping a struggling church member with groceries, offering emotional support, or providing practical aid (e.g., helping with childcare, transportation, or financial assistance when possible).
• It also extends to supporting the global church, such as aiding persecuted Christians or contributing to missions.
2. Serving the Marginalized:
• While “brethren” may emphasize fellow Christians, many theologians argue that Jesus’ teaching applies to all people in need, as all are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). This aligns with the broader biblical call to love one’s neighbor (Mark 12:31) and care for the poor (Proverbs 19:17: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”).
• Examples include volunteering at shelters, donating to charities, or advocating for justice for the oppressed.
3. Motivation and Heart Posture:
• The motivation for helping others should flow from love for God and gratitude for His grace, not from guilt or a desire for reward. Colossians 3:23-24 encourages believers to work “as for the Lord,” knowing their ultimate reward comes from Him.
• Discernment is also key—Christians are called to help “when you can,” recognizing that resources and opportunities vary. This requires wisdom to prioritize and balance personal responsibilities with service.

Broader Context in Scripture

This teaching connects to several other biblical principles:

• The Greatest Commandment: Loving God and loving others are inseparable (Matthew 22:37-40). Serving others is an expression of loving God.
• The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37): Jesus’ parable illustrates that “neighbor” includes anyone in need, regardless of social or religious boundaries.
• Faith and Works: James 2:14-17 emphasizes that faith without works is dead. Helping others is a tangible demonstration of living faith.
• God’s Heart for the Vulnerable: Throughout Scripture, God shows special concern for the poor, widows, orphans, and strangers (Deuteronomy 10:18, Isaiah 58:6-7).

Addressing the Converse

The warning about refusing to help carries a sobering tone. It suggests that neglect or indifference toward others’ needs is not a minor oversight but a rejection of Christ’s call to love. This challenges Christians to:

• Examine Priorities: Are time, money, or energy being withheld from those in need due to selfishness or distraction?
• Overcome Barriers: Fear, busyness, or judgment can prevent action. Christians are called to trust God and act with courage and compassion.
• Seek Opportunities: Proactively look for ways to serve, whether through church, community, or personal relationships.

Balancing Responsibility and Grace

While the passage emphasizes responsibility, it’s important to view it through the lens of grace. Christians are not saved by their works but by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, good works are the natural fruit of a transformed heart (Ephesians 2:10). The call to serve is an invitation to participate in God’s redemptive work, not a burdensome obligation.

Conclusion

The teaching from Matthew 25:40, 45 underscores that helping others—especially fellow Christians and the marginalized—is a sacred duty that reflects one’s relationship with God. It’s both a responsibility and a privilege, carrying eternal significance and personal blessing. By serving “the least of these,” Christians honor Christ, grow in faith, and contribute to God’s kingdom. Conversely, neglecting this call is a missed opportunity to reflect God’s love and align with His heart.

ways to apply this teaching in modern contexts, AND

Christians SHOULD take seriously the call to help their brethren and others in need, often at great personal cost. Each case reflects the belief that serving others is both a responsibility and a privilege, as well as the converse warning that neglecting such service is akin to neglecting Christ.

1. Early Christian Communities (1st-3rd Centuries)

• Context: In the early church, Christians faced persecution and social marginalization, yet they were known for their radical care for one another and the poor.
• Example: The early Christians in Jerusalem practiced communal living, sharing resources to ensure no one was in need (Acts 2:44-45, Acts 4:32-35). They sold property and possessions to distribute to those in need, embodying the principle of serving “the least” as an act of worship.
• Impact: This care extended beyond their community. During plagues in the 2nd and 3rd centuries (e.g., the Antonine Plague and Cyprian Plague), Christians stayed in cities to nurse the sick, including pagans, when others fled. Historian Rodney Stark notes that this selfless service contributed to the rapid growth of Christianity, as it demonstrated Christ’s love tangibly.
• Connection: By caring for the sick and poor, early Christians saw themselves as serving Christ directly, risking their lives to fulfill His command. Neglecting this would have contradicted their witness.

Here is a challenge for contemporary Christians to:

• Identify “the least” in their context—refugees, the homeless, the elderly, or persecuted believers—and act with compassion.
• Use personal and communal resources (time, money, skills) to meet needs, whether through direct service or supporting organizations like those inspired by these figures.
• Reflect on whether inaction or apathy in their lives might reflect a refusal to serve Christ.