Word@Work Phil23 - Philippians 2:22
Published: Mon, 10/26/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
SUCCESSFUL APPRENTICESHIP
Phil. 2:22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. (NIV)
Although the fashion for apprenticeships comes and goes, the principle of 'learning on the job' while being overseen by an expert, is very good. In Britain we know that plumbers, electricians, builders and bakers who have served an apprenticeship will usually have a better understanding of their trade and knowledge of how do deal with unusual problems. After more formal academic training, the same learning style exists in medicine, law, surveying, architecture, aviation and seamanship. It should also be the normal pattern of Christian discipleship.
The word 'disciple' means 'learner' or 'pupil'. Paul had chosen Timothy to travel with him, help him practically and learn the job of church leadership. In the same way that trades or crafts were passed from father to son by working together, Timothy learned from Paul by observing and assisting in the work of gospel ministry. Timothy's credentials were firstly a willingness to learn, followed by faithfulness, integrity and service. His experience equipped him to know what to do, but his character was shaped by submission to the Lord in gospel service so that he could be trusted by Paul and the churches.
Proof of trustworthiness does not come through academic degrees but by observing godliness of character. Timothy's advantage was in seeing how Paul lived a godly life despite many trials, and then being willing to be sent out to serve without Paul's immediate support. Likewise, today's spiritual leadership needs to be in the hands of godly people who grow in holiness of character as well as in ministry skills. Ideally every believer should learn the importance of both Christian character and ministry competence from an 'old hand'. That sort of spiritual mentoring is the only effective way to develop credibility in the present generation of believers, and will encourage the next generation of servant-hearted saints. So, it is worth asking, "Who is my example of godly living and gospel service, from whom I can learn?" and, likewise, "Who could learn from me?" These people might be in the workplace or community as well as in the church.
Prayer: Father God. Thank You for the people who have taught me from the Scriptures, and who have shown me what a godly life looks like. Help me to be grateful for them, and to encourage them. May I always be ready to learn more of how to live like Christ and serve Him faithfully; and please help me to recognise those people whose example I can follow. Also Lord, although I feel unworthy, please allow me to be an encouragement to another believer in Jesus. In His Name, Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Although the fashion for apprenticeships comes and goes, the principle of 'learning on the job' while being overseen by an expert, is very good. In Britain we know that plumbers, electricians, builders and bakers who have served an apprenticeship will usually have a better understanding of their trade and knowledge of how do deal with unusual problems. After more formal academic training, the same learning style exists in medicine, law, surveying, architecture, aviation and seamanship. It should also be the normal pattern of Christian discipleship.
The word 'disciple' means 'learner' or 'pupil'. Paul had chosen Timothy to travel with him, help him practically and learn the job of church leadership. In the same way that trades or crafts were passed from father to son by working together, Timothy learned from Paul by observing and assisting in the work of gospel ministry. Timothy's credentials were firstly a willingness to learn, followed by faithfulness, integrity and service. His experience equipped him to know what to do, but his character was shaped by submission to the Lord in gospel service so that he could be trusted by Paul and the churches.
Proof of trustworthiness does not come through academic degrees but by observing godliness of character. Timothy's advantage was in seeing how Paul lived a godly life despite many trials, and then being willing to be sent out to serve without Paul's immediate support. Likewise, today's spiritual leadership needs to be in the hands of godly people who grow in holiness of character as well as in ministry skills. Ideally every believer should learn the importance of both Christian character and ministry competence from an 'old hand'. That sort of spiritual mentoring is the only effective way to develop credibility in the present generation of believers, and will encourage the next generation of servant-hearted saints. So, it is worth asking, "Who is my example of godly living and gospel service, from whom I can learn?" and, likewise, "Who could learn from me?" These people might be in the workplace or community as well as in the church.
Prayer: Father God. Thank You for the people who have taught me from the Scriptures, and who have shown me what a godly life looks like. Help me to be grateful for them, and to encourage them. May I always be ready to learn more of how to live like Christ and serve Him faithfully; and please help me to recognise those people whose example I can follow. Also Lord, although I feel unworthy, please allow me to be an encouragement to another believer in Jesus. In His Name, Amen.
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