Pray. Serve. Give.
Pray.
“… As you help us by your prayers.”
-2 Corinthians 1:11
Paul was writing to Christians at Corinth, and after speaking of his trials he asked for their prayer fellowship.
Here we see a ministry where all can participate. Nothing of permanent spiritual value is ever accomplished except in answer to someone’s prayers.
Teach.
“And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.”
-Acts 18:27-28
Many had been converted through Paul’s ministry and the young converts now needed help. When Apollos appeared “he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.”
The young convert needs to be grounded in the scriptures for growth (2 Peter 3:18); also to learn how to correctly handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Evangelism is very important, but so is the consolidation and building up of those who are converted.
Part of the Great Commission was that converts should be taught to observe all that Jesus commanded. Are you a spiritual foster parent?
Promote Joy.
“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith you stand.”
-2 Corinthians 1:24
Notice what Paul says here: “…we work with you for your joy…” He had a great desire to promote the joy of these Christians. We should have the same desire, and it is within our ability to increase the joy of those with whom we work in God’s service.
How can we do this? – being friendly (1 Corinthians 11:33); sympathetic (Romans 12:15); patient (1 Thessalonians 5:14); practical (Galatians 6:10); humble (1 Peter 5:5); forgiving (Ephesians 4:32); loving (1 Peter 1:22).
Keep the Unity.
“Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.”
-Philippians 4:3
Two women at Philippi, Euodia and Syntyche, had quarrelled. Paul asked that they should be given help to resolve their differences. This ministry of reconciliation is by no means easy, but is one that God blesses (Ephesians 4:1-6), particularly noticing verse 3; then turn to Galatians 6:1 and Matthew 5:9.
Encourage Front-line Workers
“Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus…”
-Romans 16:3
Priscilla and Aquila were great friends of Paul who gave him much support. He speaks of them as “my fellow workers in Christ Jesus” – compare Acts 18:2, 18 and 26; 1 Corinthians 16:19.
How did they help Paul, apart from the moral support and prayer fellowship which they gave to him? Perhaps they gave financially, or opened their home to him; sometimes they traveled with him. We cannot all be in the front line of the battle, as Paul was, but we can all in some measure fill the role of Priscilla and Aquila by helping in the Lord’s work.
Ways to Give.
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
-2 Corinthians 9:7
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