Wherefore when we could no longer
forbear, we thought it good to be
left at Athens alone; and sent Timotheus,
our brother, and minister of God, and
fellow-labourer in the gospel of Christ,
to establish you, and to comfort you
concerning your faith: that no man
should be moved by these afflictions:
for yourselves know that we are
appointed thereunto.
1Thessalonians 3:1-3
In the Book of Acts Timothy is not mentioned as being with Paul in Athens but it is probable that Timothy came there and then was sent by Paul to Thessalonica. Paul felt no need to have Timothy there and felt it better that he would be left alone in Athens and that Thessalonica Christians needed him more. Timothy was recommended to the Churches as a brother and minister of God. Furthermore Timothy was a fellow-worker for God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Ministers of God are to be fellow-workers with the other Christians in the Church, not just overseerers, but workers alongside others to promote Authentic Christian living. Unfortunately some Church leaders are all about self aggrandizement and the feathering of their pockets with money and live in super luxurious homes, traveling about in 25 million dollar owned jets, etc., and though somehow this is working for God. It is not! On the other-hand, some everyday Christians have gotten themselves so in debt as to be slaves to those things that are taking them away from being a fellow-worker for God. Many own cars that are expensive, maybe even two cars, quads, ski equipment, boats, and other sports things, as though this somehow makes them a better person, to have a better fun-filled life. It does! But at a cost! Most families today need both spouses to work to pay for all these things and the children are left to themselves far too often and then there is a wondering of what went wrong. Christians do not have to life in poverty, no, they can have nice things and enjoy what this life has to offer, only if things are taking away from them a close relationship with Jesus, to take them away from being a fellow-worker then something is wrong with their understanding of what it means to be a Christian, an Authentic Christian.
Tribulations come in many disguises and at different levels of trial, some due to others, some do to our own sinful nature making poor or wrong choices. Paul knew that the tribulations facing the Thessalonians needed the leadership of a strong and faithful ministers, therefore he sent Paul.
But!!!!! I am obedient you say! Maybe so and if so this is good, but too often there is a counterfeit to obedience that makes a person thinking that he is obedient when in fact he is not. Here is how it often occurs: This counterfeit to obedience is a state of mind that makes a person believe that their occasional sacrifice, this work albeit said to be for God, is mistaken for discernment. What do I mean? It is easier to sacrifice yourself than to fulfill your spiritual destiny, which is stated in Romans: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:1-2).
Discernment, like common-sense, is missing in too many people's thinking. It is easier to hear words that sound so good, that make you feel so good, to not cause a person to feel depressed due to their sinfulness and inability to follow God as God has commanded. Excuses are made for things done that lower a person so that they have an easier life. Respect is almost a thing of the past, or has been given a new definition to fit what a person likes so they are excused for not actually being respectful, discerning, and by this lack the will to person what God wants and perform those things that seem like great acts of self-sacrifice.
Brothers and sisters, don't look back at what you once were, that is gone, that is over if you have converted to Jesus Christ. Look ahead for God wants to make you into what you never were before. If you have a true faithful minister to lead you into growth of faith that is true faith in God, then good, if not: GET RID OF HIM! this man will lead you away from being all that God wants to make of you and use you. We are CHRISTIANS, not christians, and we are CHRISTIANS because we are becoming more and more into the image of Jesus Christ. This is a privilege to be led by God, to be changed by God, for this is just the beginning of an eternal life with Him in heaven, in a new world being prepared for you and I. Praise God! We are not orphans left to our own devices.
He delighteth not in the strength
of the horse: he taketh not
pleasure in the legs of a man.
The LORD taketh pleashure in
them that fear Him, in those that
hope in His mercy.
Psalm 147: 10-11
Let God use you today
Richard L. Crumb
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