How to Encourage a Mentor
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Encouraging a Mentor
Encouraging a Mentor
[1] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (pp. 1968–1969). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
Phil 2.
22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
phil 2.
25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
phil 2.
In the preceding section, Paul has set forth the Lord Jesus as the prime example of the lowly mind.
We all need examples:
Christ the example
A spiritual leader is an example
How can we encourage those that lead or mentor us?
In this text there are several names and actions we can use to encourage those that mentor or lead us
Some might say Jesus
But some might be tempted to say, “Oh, but He is God and we are only mortals.”
So Paul now gives three examples of men who exhibited the mind of Christ—himself, Timothy, and Epaphroditus.
If Christ is the sun, then these three are moons, reflecting the glory of the sun. They are lights in a dark world.[1]
We all need people that will encourage us ....
Times will be tough and a friend will give us the assurance we are doing right...
We all battle moments of self-doubt, insecurity, and discouragement; moments where we can feel like giving up rather than going on.
And most often, all a person needs is a little encouragement to continue.
The definition of the word “encourage” is
“To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope.”
When we encourage someone, we are imparting courage to them.
When we encourage someone, we are imparting courage to them.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Nothing will encourage us more than to see the proof of God in the life of someone we have invested in .....
To see it catch on ..
They get it
Our God is their God!
Illustration - Here
A child that takes a stand
A church member that is consistent in devotions
A person that was lead to Christ leading his family
Encouraging a Mentor Means
I Holding on to Faith
I Holding on to Faith
16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
The Greek word epechontes, hold out (v. 16) means either “hold forth” or “hold firmly.” The former fits better here. It was used in secular Greek of offering wine to a guest at a banquet.
As the Philippian saints held out (or offered) the word of life to others, Paul would then be able to boast (glory) on the day of Christ that he had not labored in vain with them.
The “day of Christ” refers to the Rapture when the Savior returns and meets His own in the air (). This boasting was not a selfish ambition of Paul’s; he was concerned with God’s honor.
“Holding forth the word of life” is to be an integral part of our manner of life in this dark world where death lays its blighting hand on all.
But the walk comes before the talk.
When people see us living the life, they will listen to what we have to say. If our lives are as attractive as that of our Lord, people will be eager to ask what makes us so different from other people. We will soon have opportunity to confess Christ to them.
Paul urged the Philippians to hold forth the word of life in their rough and ready Roman colony.[1]
You ran the course you held on in-spite of the difficulties.
You did not fall away ....
You finished the race
Illustration of those that quit....
illness - over
bad relationship - over
hurt by someone - over
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
They came for a while but walked away .....
A mentor is so encouraged when you hold on to that which you believed.
1 Blessed is the man That walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; And in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Illustration:
children
Dave
Church members
I held on fast ...
Encouraging a Mentor Means :
Encouraging a Mentor Means :
II Understanding the Sacrifice
II Understanding the Sacrifice
17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
phil 2>
Paul’s stated desire to be able to rejoice when he would see Christ and to be sure he had not labored in vain for the Philippians is followed by a statement about his joy in the midst of suffering. The apostle knew that death as a martyr was a real possibility for him.
Paul viewed himself as being poured out like a drink offering on behalf of the Philippians (v. 17).
But instead of sorrowing he rejoiced. “Poured out” is from the Greek word spendomai, used of a drink offering given as a sacrifice to God.
The possibility of release from prison was not uppermost in Paul’s mind as it had been before (cf. 1:24–26). He now viewed his death as imminent. Later, near the actual time of his death, he used this same language ().
Paul wanted his friends at Philippi to experience the same joy he had (2:18) and to be glad and rejoice with him.[1]
In other word Paul wanted them to rejoice in his suffering ....
Nothing is more discouraging when you are being persecuted or surfing for the cause of Christ as when a brother either doesn't understand or says you really should just quit or give in why are you doing that.
Illustration - family called to the mission field - struggling a pour out - we should rejoice with them not tell them to come home....
Persecuted by family rejoice with them they are standing
Persecuted at work rejoice with them thy are standing
Sacrificing to give tithes rejoice with them
Illustration here :
You take a stand for the bible at work and will not get a promotion.. Christian friend says just give in ....
No he should rejoice with you - I will rejoice in your offering - being poured out....
Illustration here
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Encouraging a Mentor Means :
Encouraging a Mentor Means :
III Cheering ThemUp
III Cheering ThemUp
19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. 22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. 23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
Phil
vs 19- The intent of Timothy’s visit was clearly stated—that I also may be cheered.
Both Paul’s letter and Timothy’s visit would certainly encourage the believers at Philippi. But the apostle also wanted to be encouraged as Timothy returned with good news from them.
Timothy was an excellent example of one who was selfless, more concerned about others than himself (cf. 2:3–4).
2:21. This verse appears to make a rather broad claim. Did Paul mean to include everybody he ever knew? Or did he mean that of all who were near him in Rome, none compared to Timothy? Did Paul mean all others whom he might have contacted to run the errand were more interested in their own interests than in those of Christ’s? The second suggestion seems correct. Timothy stood out as a rare gem in a world of self-seekers (cf. 1:15, 17).
So we all to to be cheered up ...
Timothy’s qualities were unexcelled. His whole life stands as an example for every child of God. Those in the Philippian assembly who were deficient in any of these qualities must have been pricked in conscience as they read Paul’s letter, even as believers are today.
2:23–24. After his grand commendation of Timothy, Paul reaffirmed his intention to send him to them (v. 23). Just as soon as Paul knew how things were going, he would send him. Apparently Paul was waiting for some decision in his legal case.
In view of verse 24, Paul must have expected release from his chains. Significantly Paul’s confidence was now in the Lord (cf. “in the Lord Jesus,” v. 19). This phrase may be rendered “if the Lord wills.”
Though the Scriptures include no specific statement about Paul’s release, it must have occurred since he was imprisoned again in Rome during which time he wrote his last letter, 2 Timothy. Though there is no record of Paul’s revisiting Philippi, he may have returned there after his release[1]
[1] Lightner, R. P. (1985). Philippians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 657). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble. 10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: For thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Paul wanted Timothy to cheer him up with the news on how the Philippians were doing
We all need someone that will comfort us...
Sometimes even the Boss needs a boost!
Illustration -
helping my kids at Christmas
Someone that has help you cheer them up .....
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
Tell someone what they mean to you
Send then on a date
Praise them
Spend time with them