Love's Familiarity

In the commendations, salutations, and final exhortations of Paul, we see that the Church of Jesus Christ is, among many things, characterized by:

A. Christian Familiarity, vv1-16
Church possesses an intimacy of fellowship among the brethren
Individuals were commended, appreciated, recognized
v1, διακονον (diakonon) servant (see Rom 13:4; Col 1:23)
vv7, 10, συγγενεις (sungeneis) countrymen; kinsmen; relatives

B. Christian Unity, vv17-24
Church promotes a sincere commitment to God's Word in doctrine & practice
They were united by the word, w/discernment of the word, obedient to the word, having peace thru the word
v17, διχοστασιας (dixostasías) divisions; sedition; disunion
σκανδαλα (skándala) offenses; stumblingblocks; obstacles
εκκλινετε απ' (ekklínete ap') avoid; shun; turn away from; eschew; Rom 3:12 (quot. Psa 14:3, LXX); 1 Pet 3:11 (quot. 34:14, LXX) εκκλινατω απο (ekklinátō apo)

C. Christian Priority, vv25-27
Church perseveres in the reality of the supremacy of the Gospel of Christ for God's greatest glory
(1) have faith in Christ; (2) trusting in His power; (3) staying fixed upon the gospel; (4) according to scripture; (5) for God's glory thru Jesus Christ