Reminders about spiritual helpers
Key Verses: 2, 9, 10, 18,
Giving money has always been part of a faithful life. It is not something invented by TV preachers to fatten their retirement portfolio. Notice that Paul ensures the integrity of the process by not carrying the money himself, but having people from their own body do the gift giving. Money can be a stumbling block for many people. By keeping the process above reproach, Paul ensures integrity, both his and theirs. We must be careful to keep our financial dealings above reproach, both personally and professionally.
Paul faced opposition, but that opposition did not signal that he should move on. Instead, he saw the opposition as a signal that he was right where God wanted him to be. God was doing great things even in the middle of the opposition. So often we run when difficult times come. Instead, we ought to discern the opportunities for effective ministry in the middle of the difficult times. Opposition does not mean God is absent. On the contrary, Paul found that opposition and fruitful ministry go hand in hand.
I have noticed over the years that too many of us avoid conflict. Confrontation can be a very powerful thing when done in love. Just because things get tough does not me we should get going in the opposite direction.
Paul looks out for others in ministry. He wants to make sure Timothy gets treated well. He tells of Apollos’ struggle with timing and the Stephanas household’s faithfulness. We should encourage one another with reports of other’s faithfulness. It can be lonely on this journey of faith. Paul needed connection with others, and so do we. Seek out those connections, because we all need them. Without these connections, we will wither on the vine and become unfruitful. We set ourselves up for attack and failure.
The Arnold Journey 