SUNDAY,
OCTOBER 23, 2022
TEXT:
Philippians 2:19-30
19.
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.
20.
For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
21.
For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
22.
But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served
with me in the gospel.
23.
Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go
with me.
24.
But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
25.
Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and
companion in labour, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that
ministered to my wants.
26.
For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had
heard that he had been sick.
27.
For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on
him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
28.
I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may
rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
29.
Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in
reputation:
30.
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life,
to supply your lack of service toward me.
(King
James Version Holy Bible)
Paul was concerned for
the spiritual welfare of his friends while still in prison. So prison did not
prevent him from reaching them with the message of encouragement.
At this time, Timothy
was with him, which indicated that Paul was under house arrest. In the epistle
to the Philippians, he explained why Timothy was such a good example when he
wrote that “I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your
welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests…. But you know that
Timothy has proved himself …” (vs. 19-22).
So also was
Epaphroditus whom he considered “my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier … he
risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me” (vs.
25-30). These two demonstrated attitudes of humility, commitment to serve and
support to Paul, despite his being in prison.
Every Christian is
called to serve other believers and by this demonstrate that we understand that
we are objects of grace and mercy.
QUESTION:
When you are evaluated, will your life and service count as a good example of
love and service in the body of Christ?
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, here I am, make me a vessel of honor to be used as an instrument to serve
Your children, in Jesus name, Amen.
Remain
Blessed
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