What About Timothy
August 17, 2008
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Text: Philippians 2:19-24
OHC – vision – process – SERVING - This is an active state! Responses to word “serve:”
Repulsed – “me” mentality; Rejoice - Master mentality; Ready - you’ve had an itch
Truth: A life given to Jesus will be given to serve the Gospel! Matthew 20:25-28
Truth: A life given to Christ is given to serving the Gospel!
God: Gives us Timothy as an example of a person given to serving the Gospel.
What about Timothy? V22
1) He’s a round tripper
V19 - “I hope in the Lord Jesus . . .”
A) Christ can work in Timothy. He is callable; if Jesus says go, he’ll go, he will say YES!!! Paul can count on Timothy! Trustworthy – dependable
“That I may be cheered . . .” He’s a round tripper - He will carry out the mission – reliable - movable! A servant proves dependable!
Remain a round tripper! How? Callable - Let Jesus get through! Reliable - be a finisher! Dependable - counted on
2) He’s the real deal
V20 - “No one else like him . . .” Kindred Spirit - like souled
A) He’s in it for Jesus Christ! Someone on same page as you? : Verified as like-minded! He’s the real deal!! Cold hard truth - ain’t many like him!
B) He cares - Verified by actions - “Takes a genuine interest . . .” let evidence speak
C) He’s teachable and tested - “Like a son with his father . . .” How children will try anything! Allowed to fail and grow!
D) He’s served - “served in the work of the gospel . . .” Michael Phelps - trained! Work for the Gospel! Begin anywhere! My story - This is how you become compassionate, united, and effective! Serve the Gospel . . . WORK! Luke 9:52 - You’ll fall out of service!
Comfort Zones - or no skin off my nose! Often our comfort zones make us unavailable - preoccupied with comfort!
3) He’s All in
V23 - Note that Paul hadn’t send Timothy yet, perhaps he hadn’t asked Timothy yet, but he knew Timothy would go, no prob! He’s all in for Jesus!
We don’t like being in limbo. We don’t like change - A proven servant is ready and willing when Jesus calls, regardless of like or dislike, circumstance or challenge
One thing I promise - the only thing that won’t change at OHC is Jesus!
What limits availability? Luke 21:1-2 - Superfluity - excess or over supply
I dreamt about this - Jesus isn’t looking at how much you give - he’s looking how you give!
Do you give out of your over supply? Time – talent – treasure - A servant is all in for Jesus!
Conclusion
Matthew 7:21 - God’s will - Eph 2:10 -Serve!