Steve Durand - April 28, 2019
The Ministry of Refreshment - 2 Timothy 1:15-18
In his brief letter to Philemon, the apostle Paul commended his friend for having “refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people” (Philemon 1:7).
Do you know anybody like that? Do you have people in your life who “refresh” you spiritually? When you’re down, they’re able to lift your soul back up and to cause you to walk away feeling encouraged, hopeful, spiritually stimulated, and grateful for the time you spent together.
Spiritually refreshing people are like an oasis in the midst of a desert. When we find them, we tend not to let them go – and for good reason!
But if we value this trait so much in others, shouldn’t we then consider how we can offer a similar ministry of refreshment to those around us?
From Series: "Rock Solid"
This Week's Sermon: "Still Running Strong"
Finishing what we start isn’t easily done in a world that is filled with conflict, push back, boredom, and hardship in abundant measure. Comparatively speaking, starting a new project, a new book, a new job, a new relationship is easy. But keeping a commitment, a promise, a contract, a vow – for the duration of the pledge – is when things get tough.
Somewhere along the way we hit a wall, and the thought of abandoning the race begins a battle in our minds. The proof of how often we lose that battle can be seen in divorces, abandoned diets, job changes, and even half-read books.
Don’t you love the feeling when you finish something you started? And we love to see others finish what they start. Running strong to the very end. If ever someone displayed that kind of fortitude, especially when it came to matters of faith, it was the Apostle Paul. He finished strong. This Sunday we’ll see why, and hopefully gain insight into how we can do the same.
