Be an Apprentice

Scott Beyer
11/16/23 - Bulletin

“But you know of his [Timothy’s] proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.” (Philippians 2:21)

            Timothy would eventually become one of the great evangelists of Christendom.  He would help guide Corinth out of folly, lead Ephesus through elder selection and dangerous doctrine waters, and impact the Lord’s church in myriads of undocumented ways which only the Lord knows.  He was a man who Paul trusted, relied on, and had “proven worth”.

            Where did it all start? He traveled with Paul and served as a “child serving his father.”  Timothy would go on to do great things because he started out as a servant and a student.  Timothy was an apprentice first.  Greatness begins by sitting at the feet of greatness.  The apostles did it with Jesus, and those humble enough to learn went on to do powerful things.  Timothy did it with Paul, and the results were similar.  You cannot lead until you first learn to follow.  You’ve got to do the work to become someone of proven worth.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Philippians 2:19-30

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

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