Relate to People

Be Relatable! Christians can relate to people!

Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations 5508. To be Named Nero Or Paul

Nero lived covetously. History relates that he wore a crown valued at $500,000; he had his mules shod with silver; he fished with golden fishhooks; he traveled with one thousand carriages, and he never wore the same garment twice. Ruling Rome, he was dissatisfied, and is perhaps best known for his act of fiddling while the city burned. He died, and terminated an inglorious career.

The Apostle Paul, beaten with many stripes, scarred by stones and rods, imprisoned and suffering loss of all earthly things, lived victoriously as Christ's steward. Many dogs are named Nero; millions of aspiring sons are named Paul.

Nero at age 17 met another 17 year old. She was a freed slave, given her freedom from then Emperor Claudius. She went by the name Claudia. History says that Claudia became a wealthy socialite in Rome. She had an affair with NERO for 3 years. Something apparently changed. She had many slaves herself who became followers of Jesus. She became a follower of Jesus. Paul apparently knows her because he mentions her to Timothy in his salutation here. When Nero Burns Rome, he does not kill Claudia along with the other Christians he is persecuting. Once NERO dies, Claudia is the one who took control to cremate his body. (Wiki)

Claudia is found in ancient literature as a “Secret Christian.” Paul mentioned her directly as a follower of Jesus giving Greetings to Timothy.

I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon 4. Final Words (4:19–22)

Paul had little time left. He gave Timothy one final charge to preach God’s Word, and to do so with integrity and purity. Not everyone will listen. In fact, many will not. Apostasy always lurks at the edges of faith. But the pastor must remain faithful to his calling to honor God’s Word. Paul offered himself as an example of ardent devotion, closing with personal remarks about some of his friends and ministry associates.

Relatable is the adjective form of relate, one meaning of which is to establish a social or sympathetic relationship with a person or thing. Saying something is relatable is the same as saying that you can relate to it. (Word)

Professional coldness need not define the soldier of Grace.

Be Relatable!

New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries: Updated Edition (782 ἀσπάζομαι (aspazomai))

SALUTE = ἀσπάζομαι aspazomai; a prim. vb.; to welcome, greet:—acclaim(1), give … your greeting

“Saluteth and Greeteth” are the same Greek word.

WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE???

Paul’s final words were common and personal, the closing words of a man deeply bound to friends in Christ.

Paul instructed Timothy to greet Priscilla and Aquila. Paul met this couple in Corinth where they had moved after being driven from Rome by Claudius’s expulsion of the Jews. Since they were fellow tentmakers, the apostle enjoyed their friendship and hospitality while in the city (Acts 18:1–2). They seemed to have moved about also. While living in Ephesus, they were instrumental in instructing Apollos in the gospel (Acts 18:24–26). Eventually this couple moved back to Rome. Paul greeted them in his Roman letter as his “fellow workers in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 16:3). He further explained, “They risked their lives for me” (Rom. 16:4). To this committed and godly couple, Paul gave final greetings of affection.

Paul mentioned once again the household of Onesiphorus (see 2 Tim. 1:16–18). There is reason to believe from Paul’s wording that Onesiphorus died, possibly in service to Christ. At the beginning of the letter, Paul was moved by his devotion as Onesiphorus searched hard for Paul while in Rome. Now, in view of those who deserted him, this man and his household remained as dear reminders to Paul of brotherly love and loyalty.

Erastus, an associate of Timothy, stayed at Corinth in the Macedonian region. Trophimus, another fellow worker, was left sick by Paul in Miletus. We know little about these men other than that they were valued workers in ministry, men in whom Timothy would have an interest.

Larson, K. (2000). I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon (Vol. 9, p. 326). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Paul gives us an example in His closing words of how to relate to people in real, meaningful, practical ways...

I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon (4. Final Words (4:19–22))

Paul then extended greetings from four men, Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, and Claudia, as well as all the brothers. Since all bear Latin names, it may be supposed that these Gentile believers were part of the church in Rome. They evidently were known to Timothy, though nothing about them is known to us except as their names appear here in Paul’s concluding thoughts. We may surmise that they worked faithfully and quietly for Christ and his cause.

Relate Personally. 19-21

Know other people.

Encourage other people.

Love other people.

1 Peter 4:9–10 AV

Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Hebrews 3:13 AV

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Romans 13:8 AV

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

1 John 4:7 AV

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

Relate Personally. 19-21

Relate Practically. “Come before Winter” 21

HCSB Study Bible: God’s Word for Life Introduction

Interior of the Mamertine Prison in Rome. The stairs descend to a lower level called the Tullianum. According to tradition, this is the site where Paul may have been imprisoned in the weeks preceding his death. From here Paul would have written 2 Timothy.

Paul wanted his coat.

New Testament 4:19–22—Conclusion

The seas were closed down to traffic in winter; shipping was completely closed down from around November 10 to as late as March 10, but the periods from about September 15 to November 10 and March 11 to May 26 were risky periods as well. Timothy thus could not sail from Ephesus in winter, but even if he took the overland route north of Greece, as Paul seems to expect (4:13), he would still need to sail across the Adriatic, which was also closed. If Timothy delayed, he would not be able to come until spring—and Paul might not still be alive then. Paul may have sent this letter by Tychicus in summer, leaving Timothy little time to set matters in order and come to him.

Paul needed the warmth of friendship and hoped to see Timothy one more time.

What do you give to others in friendship?

Friendship is just as practical as a coat in the Winter.

Relate Personally. 19-21

Relate Practically. “Come before Winter” 21

Relate Prayerfully.

Pray for Jesus to be with the Spirit.

Pray for God’s Grace to be with others.

Galatians 6:18 AV

Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Colossians 4:18 AV

The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

And then, Grace be with you. The “you” is plural, and it includes all who would read the letter. Paul prayed for God’s full goodness and concern, his unrelenting kindness and strength for all who seek to please him and who claim Christ as Lord.

These are the last recorded words in letter of the Apostle Paul. He is talking about God’s grace and the Spirit of Jesus being with people. He hopes to have people around him. People he loved and cherished in life. When we get to the end of our life -we may be focused on the people as well.

Professional coldness need not define the soldier of Grace.

Be Relatable!

Relate Personally. 19-21

Relate Practically. “Come before Winter” 21

Relate Prayerfully.

Larson, K. (2000). I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon (Vol. 9, p. 327). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon (III. Conclusion: The Omaha 10,000)

The Omaha 10,000

When Bill Broadhurst was eighteen, an aneurysm occurred on the right side of his brain, leaving the left side of his body partially paralyzed. By the time he was twenty-eight, he was able to walk without the use of a cane. Although stiff hampered by a still-legged limp, it no longer prevented him from pursuing his interest in running.The marathon in Omaha, Nebraska, like races all over the country, began predictably—the gun sounded and the runners flooded through the street. As in most contests, the leaders become apparent early on. Bill Rogers, lean and practiced, was among the front-runners. Bill Broadhurst, among the throng at the beginning, was now running considerably behind.Rogers won the race, covering the distance in less than thirty minutes. Fast by any standards. Other runners were not far behind, bringing in competitive times as they sprinted across the finish line. Joggers and weekend marathoners clocked in at an hour or more. The stragglers and the weary finished after about two hours.After two hours and twenty minutes, Bill Broadhurst continued to run. There was no one in sight. His left side felt numb. A child, seeing him struggling along by himself, yelled, “Hey, mister, you missed the race.”Broadhurst’s body screamed with pain, but he kept going. He wanted to finish. As a believer, he thought of 1 Corinthians 9:27 where Paul, speaking of running a race with endurance, said, “I beat my body and make it my slave.” Broadhurst wanted to finish his race.T

wo hours and thirty minutes after the starting gun, the sky was darkening. The police were gone. No crowds pressed along the streets to catch glimpses of the runners; tables cluttered with water cups no longer dotted the route. Broadhurst’s limp worsened, his left leg almost dragging as he pushed himself on. He began to wonder if it was worth all the effort. Everything hurt.Finally, he caught sight of the end point. As he hobbled along, he saw that the finish banner no longer fluttered over the street; it was already packed away for next year’s race. The place was deserted. His heart sank as he realized how far behind he had run, how long ago the race had ended. On the dark street, with no one watching, what difference would it make if he crossed an imaginary finish line?

But he did.As he did, from out of the alleyway stepped Bill Rogers and a small group of people. Stumbling across the finish line, Broadhurst was welcomed by the outstretched arms of the champion, his hero. Taking the gold medal from around his own neck, Rogers put it on Broadhurst’s, declaring him the winner.It was a moment of victory more electric, perhaps, than two hours earlier when the crowds had cheered Bill Rogers across the line.Soon, after the struggles and weariness of this life, we will also cross the finish line to meet our hero and Savior, Jesus Christ.As we step across the finish line, he will step out, not from the shadows, but from the blaze of his own glory. He will give us the gold—the crown of his own righteousness—for he has run the race before us … perfectly. “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21), he will say to those who endure to the end.

D and A

What are some common things we can relate in?

Why is relating to others important?

List some practical ways to pray for people.

Talk about practical ways to help people.

Where does “cold professionalism” come from?