Commending Discipleship: Part One

Devotion: Philippians 2:19

Who in your life do you rely on? Surely, the Lord is the expected answer on a blog like this and to be sure it is true and correct to rely upon Jesus Christ. Yet, we also turn to others in trying times. The Apostle Paul relied upon Timothy in trying times in his life. Indeed as he longed to see the Philippians he wasted away imprisoned instead. His solution was to send Timothy on his behalf.

"I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you." -Philippians 2:19 ESV

The Apostle is careful to couch his intended plan in the Lord Jesus. We should be careful to do the same. Instead of making and declaring plans, we ought to state our hope if it should be the Lord's will, trusting that no matter should transpire, the Lord's will is done and the Lord is glorified. Even still, the Apostle's plan is a simple one. He cannot go to the Philippians, so he will send his most trusted lieutenant. In so doing, the Apostle is giving everyone involved a reason to rejoice. He will rejoice because his proxy, the young man he has discipled as if he was his own son, is representing him at Philippi. The Philippians can rejoice that they have received a visit from the Apostle's apprentice. The Apostle can rejoice that Timothy will return to him with news from the beloved Philippian congregation. And all can rejoice that the Lord's will has been done.
Two thoughts occur to me that I ask you, gentle reader, to carry with you this week:

1. The Apostle Paul so thoroughly poured out his life in discipling Timothy that he could trust him to be his faithful representative. Who are discipling like that? Who are you raising up in the way of Christ Jesus that they may be a faithful witness of the truth of the Gospel? If you cannot think of someone, perhaps now is the time to begin to form a discipling relationship with someone in your life.
2. How are you bringing the joy of the Lord to the lives of others? Do your fellow disciples rejoice when you come and do you rejoice in the fellowship of the saints? Pray and ask Christ Jesus to give you joy in his body, the Church.

We will continue exploring discipleship in coming weeks. For now, concentrate on the joy of Christ!

News for You:

• Throughout the month of December we will be collecting canned goods (and donations) to help the needy in our community. Bring something to share a little bit of love this Advent season. 
• Christmas Eve service will be held at 7 p.m. Please bring friend, family, and anyone else to worship our God!
• Christmas Day service will be held at 10 a.m. Come out to dressed-down service of worship on the Lord's Day to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Shout Out:

A great big thank you to everyone who helped at the Youth Camp Gala. Over $2000 was raised to help send our teens to camp this summer!