Philippians 2:19-30
What an appealing picture Paul paints for us of Timothy and Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:19-30. I have no doubt from Paul's words that these two men were committed Christian friends and exceptional co-laborers for Christ. How sweet it must have been for Paul to have them as companions.
So what's it going to take for us to be more like Timothy and Epaphroditus? What might we do that would lead others to refer to us as "a brother (sister), a fellow worker and fellow soldier for Christ?" Tami W.
I think in order for others to refer to us as fellow soldiers for Christ, we simply must walk the walk and talk the talk. We can't say that we are and act otherwise.
The key verse and the solution for us to be more like these faithful servants of the Lord is found in the 21st verse "For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ" These men put Christ first in their lives, we too need this type of dedication and commitment!
we need to be willing to be unconfrontable at times, inconvenienced and and willling to listen to God at times when I might not make sence. We need to be compassionate twards one another and willing to look at things done differently than we might do at times. And prob. most inportantly, we need to NOT gossip and slander one another, and to speak lovingly twards one another always, esp those of the household of faith.
you must be a person of integrity and someone that is always ready to be there for anyone esp your brothers and sisters in Christ . Jesus said great love is when a brother will lay down his life for another . i don't think He meant die for one as much as lay your life aside , whatever your doing , and answer the call. your friends must also be able to overlook your weaknesses and faults because you may be on fire for Jesus but we're still in the flesh . that is a true friend in Christ .
The only way to be remembered as a brother or sister a fellow worker or a fellow soldier for Christ is for us to respond positively to the great commission, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel". We must never shirk from any opportunity from proclaiming Christ. We should remember that all the world starts wherever we are physically located which is often first with our family and friends. We must also always display in our lives the fruit of the spirit. love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Only then will we truly be fellow soldiers in Christ.
I appreciated all the comments. I learned something from each of them. I think Kathy H. said it best. We must walk the walk and talk the talk. I very grateful to have 2 "sisters" in Christ who I know are praying for me. It's not always convenient, but I know they do it.
For me to be more like Timothy and Epaphroditus is, to be more faithful and loyal to our Lord Jesus for all He has done for us and at the same time to be faithful and loyal to our church and its leaders. As someone else said, have nothing to do with gossip and slander but try to build up each other by praying and giving thanks to God and asking Him for guidance, mercy and compassion. If we follow God's commandment to love Him with all our heart and all our mind and soul and our neighbour as ourselves, then we can be our brother and sister's keepers.
God does not change we are the ones who change at the drop of a hat! We have to learn perseverance and we can only do it through Jesus, our Lord.
Good day all, Seek you first the kingdom of God.... I think we need to have a intimate obdedient relationship with God and he will led us in the rest.
To have friends is God's help on our journey. When we help each other we are showing Jesus in us. No matter to whom or where we are, convenient or inconvenient. We need each other. People need the Lord. Ecclesiastes 4:10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Luke 10:33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.