Upward Spiral

Introduction

Everyone rowing in the same direction.

What it takes to have a healthy church.

All the people involved. Some you see, many you don’t.

Paul understood how the church needs to be in sync.

Worth Knows No Age

vv. 19-24

Timothy, around 20 when he joined Paul in AD 50.

This is around 10 years later, right before he starts pastoring in Ephesus.

1 Timothy 4:12 ESV

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Here he is, even before receiving these words, and Paul speaks of him so highly!

So, specifically to our children, youth, and younger adults…

In a world that diminishes your value, ability, and dedication…

A quote about youth:

“Our youth now love luxury, they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders, and they love to chatter instead of exercise. Children are now tyrants not servants of their household. They no longer rise when elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up their food and tyrannize their teachers.” 

Said by Socrates around 450 BC (2500 years ago!).

What the world says about youth… but what does God say to you?

Be a rebel.

Be different! Be holy!

You can be selfless.

Opposite of v. 21.

Showing genuine concern. Having experiential knowledge.

The concern for the groom and the bride.

You can be discipled.

Father/son apprenticeship. Discipleship opportunities.

You can be a blessing.

Reciprocal nature of blessing.

Upward spiral!

Worth Knows No Boundaries

vv. 25-30

Asking how can I serve rather than be served.

McChurch phenomenon.

Christians are not to be consumers.

Advice when I was looking for a church in college.

Epaphroditus - each word expressed concern for another person.

Brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, messenger, minister.

Phalanx.

Even in his distress over their worry for him!

This was while he was months and months away from them.

Well, I haven’t seen him in a while. He’s beyond our geography.

Be motivated by love.

Of Jesus and of others.

Conclusion

Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus.

Put them in a boat and it’s going to go in the right direction.

What about you?

Are you working with the church or against the church?

Helping us to reach joy and unity…or frustration and disharmony?

Regardless of age - biological or spiritual…

We are moving something much greater than a boat…. the Kingdom of God.

Are you working for others?