It is time again for the Weekend Sermon, and I am glad to be able to post this message. Thank you for reading the message, and may the Lord's blessing be on you all.
As you are probably aware, we are studying through the book of Philippians. Today, we are going to finish up chapter 2. Much of this chapter has concerned following the example of Jesus in His humility. The chapter speaks about caring for others, and thinking of others and their burdens more highly than of oneself.
In today's message, I want us to look at the whole role that companions and friends play in our lives. Paul wasn't going all over the world telling people about Jesus by himself. He had others who came with him. When he first started his journeys, he went with a man named Barnabas. A man named Silas went many places with Paul. We also know that Luke accompanied Paul often. That was how he was able to write in Acts so extensively about what Paul was up to.
One of Paul's important companions was Timothy. Timothy was a young man who Paul trained up to be a leader in the church. He relied on Timothy to carry out tasks, and Paul knew that he could trust Timothy to the full extent. In our text today, Paul also mentions Epaphroditus. He had been sick, but God healed him. He was a helper to Paul, and Paul wanted to send him and Timothy to the Philippians to encourage them and help them in the faith.
None of us can make it in this life alone. That is just on the human and temporal level. We need helpers and we need friends. If someone says that they made it where they are in life by their own efforts, they aren't telling the truth. Everyone has had someone help them in life to get where they are.
We all need friends who help us in this life. I had great parents who helped me to be able to study the word of the Lord. I had my friend Toby that the Lord sent me to help me not fall into depression and have other problems. I would not be here today if the Lord had not sent my friend Toby to me. I also had a good friend growing up who shared many great times with me and my family.
I have people who help me now. My brother and a man that I've known for many years have helped me when I was down financially. My brother is always there when I need help.
In the ministry, we all need to rely on others. The pastor can't do everything in the church. He needs help from others in the body of Christ is order to make sure that the local church functions in the way intended by the Lord Jesus. We all need to work together to advance the cause of Christ.
All of us have our own role to play in doing what needs to be done for the Lord in this world. Paul was a great Apostle, but there were others who had to come alongside and do things in order to help his ministry be more effective.
Everyone who is a part of the body of Christ has his or her own role to play in the life of the body of Christ. We each have our own calling and spiritual gifts. We do our part to help each other and to make this world a better place. We all work together to fulfill the Great Commission.
Don't try and go it alone in life or in ministry. You won't succeed. We are all important, and we all need each other. Be there for others. Amen.
Prayer Requests
Please keep praying that my health will continue to improve.
Pray for those who were affected by flooding in Texas. Pray that they will get the help that they need.
We need to keep praying for peace in this world. Ukraine needs peace as does Israel and Gaza. Pray for Syria as there is renewed fighting there. Pray for peace in Colombia as there is renewed fighting there as well. Keep praying for peace in Sudan.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the nations of Tanzania and Nepal. Pray that many will come to know Jesus and His great love.
Next week, we will start Philippians chapter 3. I will post the verses on Tuesday. May God bless you all.
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