SCRIPTURE: 1Thessalonians (NIV) 3:1 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.
2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.
OBSERVATION: To Paul, Timothy was his son in the faith, yet he wanted others to see Timothy as more than just Paul’s son, or disciple, so he spoke of him with words that indicate equality. Timothy was a brother. Timothy was a fellow-worker. Timothy was sent, not only to check on things for Paul and to bring back a report, which he did, but to strengthen and encourage these believers who had been going through some tough times.
Paul had faith that God would speak through Timothy when he visited Thessalonica. Paul wanted others to respect Timothy and expect to hear from God when Timothy spoke. So, Paul wrote and spoke to others using terms that would cause them to listen to Timothy as though God was speaking through him.
APPLICATION: When I am speaking to my son or dear friends, I can use common names or the nick-names I called them as a child. But when I am speaking to others about my son or my friends, I need to use terms that show my respect for them. In that way I will help others to see them the same way. I can build the esteem others will have for them.
When introducing a guest speaker to a congregation, I want to say things that will encourage others to open their ears and hearts to hear God speak through this guest.
PRAYER: Lord, for those who hear me, use my words to build up others. May my words build faith that God will be speaking through the ones I introduce. Amen
Pastor Leon
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