|
|
Caring About Others
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him that is alone when he falleth, for he hath not another to help him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 21NKJV
Have you ever found yourself in church Sunday morning, wondering, why am I here? Am I here because I owe God some time? Am I here to get a great blessing? Or, am I here to learn how to relate to and help others who have a need?
I. vs 19 Cultivate A Genuine Interest In Others
* in his own need, apostle Paul, didn’t write an appeal letter
* he didn’t write to the church, I’m in prison, it’s really bad here
* send an offering quickly, I need help- though he would be justified
* no, Paul was more concerned about the church welfare in Philippi
* so he is sending young Timothy to find out how things are going
* hoping so much that the news will be good
Philippians 2:3,4 be genuinely concerned about others
* do you let the person sitting next to you know that you are glad
they came today - Is there anything you can help them with?
* when you are genuinely concerned about others, you will forget
about your own problems and needs
* the Bible teaches us, the quickest way to forget yourself is to help
someone else instead
Isaiah 58:10-12 the Lord will strengthen you as well
* when you are concerned about others, when you are in trouble-
others will more likely come to help you in your time of need
II. vs 20,21 Offer Sincere Encouragement To Others
* because Paul had discipled and taught Timothy, he was able to
genuinely say, I don’t know anybody else who is like Timothy.
* he is special, he is interested in you and your need, he will help
* encouragement is a great help and stimulus to others
* we need to be someone who will be there to encourage -
* to pick up someone who is discouraged or/ has fallen down
2 Timothy 4:16,17 the Lord gave Paul strength
* Jesus is the best example of being a friend of friends
* Jesus will always be there to pick you up and walk with you
* that’s the kind of care we must also exhibit to others in their need
|
|
|