Yesterday we ended with this final word, that we ought to obey the word of God and hold fast to it ; let it be what drives us to what is right so that our work may not be in vain.
We talked about the need to be careful as we do this to not grumble and dispute with others, so that our testimony, our lives may be pure and blameless.
And the reason for this was so that we may strive to be blameless and innocent children of God above reproach in a world that is dark and full of perversion. To be seen as light rather than darkness.
It was made clear that we can’t hope to do this if we are not Children of God. But that we can only live the life God intended for us if we chose to follow Christ and die to ourselves. And then become believers who aren’t just hearers of the Word but that we are Obedient to the Word, doers of the Word.
Finally, we learned that we can expect then to suffer for the sake of Christ, for the way we live but let us not lose heart but rather find joy in each others suffering because it is considered a worthy cause. Paul also wrote in 2 Timothy 2:3-10 . The gospel of Christ is a worthy of our suffering and if we are walking as Christ walked, we can certainly expect to suffer.
Today Paul writes about 2 people in his life who have shown to be faithful friends in the midst of his own ministry. But Paul writes about Timothy and Epaphroditus.
Let’s look at what he says about Timothy:
Phil 2:20-22 “ For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know of his proven worth that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.”
Here is what Paul says of his friend Timothy they both share a kindred spirit, that is genuinely concerned for others rather than themselves. He compares him with what other are doing and says that Timothy isn’t like the others who are only concerned with themselves and the their own interest. But he has proven worth and he has served with Paul and has been faithful.
As a group of my friends were studying this passage we all thought it interesting that he says in this portion of the scripture that he has no one who is of kindred spirit. I think this is so important to realize that even though we may think we are surrounded by friends they may not all hold the same value to the things we hold dear to us. And this is what separates us at some point.
I have learned over the years that friendships are so important and it takes being faithful to work on them and not take them for granted. Communicating openly and saying what you think rather than just remaining silent. I have some very Faithful friends who I can actually get in some heated discussions and yet they remain- because we are committed to be faithful friends.
Today, just think about yourself and the friends in your life. There are some who are in your life and they are there to water your spirit, give you a word of encouragement just when you need it most. There are others who are there to till the ground or other picture would be Iron sharpening Iron, they speak truth into your life and bring to light truth when there may be darkness creeping in. There are some who are planters, who sow seeds of TRUTH in your life, whom you wish to emulate. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 4:16 “ be imitators of me” and Paul wrote in Eph.5:1 challenging us as believers to be “ imitators of God”. These are rare friends to have who will truly speak their hearts and convictions openly. Those who desire to grow and desire to see you grow as well. Who have their hearts set on eternity and not on the ways of the world. They value the desire to do what they want rather than do to the things of the Lord.
This passage sums up the whole of Chapter 2. If you take in what Paul wrote in verse 1-18 then we see what actually caused the problems among the believers/ friends in Christ. They weren’t valuing each other and they failed to see how their relationships have a GREAT impact on Kingdom work.
Lord, I pray for myself today first, that I would take the role of Friend and fellow worker seriously. I pray Lord you would help me to be mindful of my responsibility as a friend and in the work you have called me to. I pray that you would help me to be vulnerable and willing to put myself out there to befriend someone. I pray that I would be a faithful, trustworthy friend who lives out Your word daily and is an example of how others might live, just as Paul and others were before me. May I live out this life as a reflection of You!
Now Lord I pray for all my friends, I pray that you would build them up , tear them down and purify them so that they too may be refined and changed by You. May they be blessed and encouraged in who’s they are, the child of the King. I pray for them all as they Labor in Your Service. I pray for fruitfulness and hearts that are broken before You Lord.
Thank you again Lord for how you have and continue to bless me with such amazing brothers and sisters in Christ, dear friends.
It is in Your Name I pray,
The name of Jesus
Amen…………….
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