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The Timothy Ministry. Caring For God’s People. Phil 2:19-22
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The Timothy Ministry Caring For God’s People
Phil 2:19-22 19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.
The Timothy Ministry Overview • Timothy made himself available. • His ministry brought a cheerful spirit. • He gave a precise and immediate report. • He had a different spirit. • Timothy’s concern for the church was real. • There was no hidden agenda or selfish ambition in the Timothy ministry. • Timothy proved himself by serving faithfully in ministry.
1Timothy Made Himself Available Matt 4:18-20 18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
To be available in ministry you must be willing to sacrifice your time, job, family, money and self. Matt 19:27-29 27 Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" 28 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.
To be available in ministry you must eliminate all excuses. Luke 9:62 62 But Jesus told him, "Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” TLB
To be available means the pastor is able to use you because you have prepared yourself (transportation, time, and a life worthy of the call). Eph 4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. • The pastor can rely on you. • The pastor can get to you when he need you.
2 The Timothy Ministry Brought A Cheerful Spirit • There was no negativity in Timothy’s ministry. • Timothy did not come back discouraged and complaining that he didn’t want to be responsible for the Philippians anymore. • There were no complaints from the Philippians about Timothy’s ministry.
Paul had confidence that Timothy would do exactly what he directed him to do. • The Timothy ministry is not about your feelings but easing the burden of the pastor. • The Timothy ministry will strengthen and encourage the pastor.
3 Timothy Gave A Precise and Immediate Report • The Timothy ministry doesn’t delay in reporting. • You must tell the pastor what happened when it happens. • You must never withhold information from the pastor.
4 Timothy Had A Distinguish Ministry Dan 6:3 3 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
You must stand out and be different by dedicating yourself to the work of Yahweh. • Your commitment to ministry points to your spiritual maturity. • Spiritually mature people are wise and discerning. God’s Word has developed them and separated them from everyone else.
Deut 4:5-7 See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. 6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.“ 7 What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him?
5 The Timothy Ministry has A Genuine Concern For The Church 2 Cor 11:28-29 28 Then, besides all this, I have the constant worry of how the churches are getting along: 29 Who makes a mistake and I do not feel his sadness? Who falls without my longing to help him? Who is spiritually hurt without my fury rising against the one who hurt him? TLB
When you are concern about the church you will make sure they get the spiritual help they need. • Show your concern by your actions. • Show you care by listening to them. • Show you care by spending time with them.
1 John 3:16-19 16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
You Need To Be There For Them In Time Of Crises And Stressful Times • There are nine major crises or stressful occasions in life: • 1. Birth • 2. adolescence • 3. Marriage • 4. Conversion
5. Unemployment • 6. Sickness • 7. Old age • 8. Death • 9. Spiritual emergence
Everybody goes through five to eight of these sometime in their life. • Many people lose faith, get discourage, and backslide during this time. • Some have nervous breakdowns, others resort to alcohol or drugs, while others just exit.
Some people need very special attention and almost constant care and understanding to bring them through victoriously. • A crises is an event or experience that disrupt the normal balance and flow of life.
6 Timothy’s Ministry was Selfless and Transparent 1 Thess 2:3-4 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
You must put people first. • Make sure you are not setting a pattern of breaking your commitment. • Be careful that you don’t become lazy.
Prov 6:6-9 6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! 7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, 8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. 9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?
The Timothy ministry is about work and sacrifice. • You must put your interests aside. • Your primary interest should be to please Yahweh and serve His people.
Timothy Proved His Ministry 1 Cor 4:2 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. Phil 2:22 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.
The first thing you must prove is that you are spiritual. • Secondly, prove that you have a love for God’s Word. • Thirdly, prove that you are faithful and loyal to your pastor.
Fourthly, prove that you are willing to be trained and educated.