“But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.” Philippians 2:19–22 The church at Philippi held a special place in Paul’s heart. This body of believers was birthed in struggle and conflict—and a night spent in jail—and they lived their faith day by day. This church was generous, faithfully supporting Paul in his missionary work. When John was inspired to pen his letters to the churches in Revelation, he was given no words of condemnation or correction for these believers. Instead he declared God’s praise for them: “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name” (Revelation 3:8). While Paul was in prison in Rome, he wanted to make sure that the church at Philippi was continuing to grow and develop, and so he sent his protégé Timothy to minister to them. The expression Paul used to describe Timothy is instructive—he “naturally care[d]” for them. This desire to serve and minister was not something Timothy put on for show. Instead it was a part of his nature. Timothy had a servant’s heart. The problem of people not serving is not because it is so hard to find something useful and helpful to do for God and His work. The problem is that many people do not seek to serve. It is not part of their nature, and as a result they do not strengthen and edify the body of Christ. Today’s Renewal Principle: When God finds us with a willing heart to serve others, He accomplishes great things in our lives.
Posted on: Sun, 18 May 2014 16:25:05 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015