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TIMOTHY - MY BELOVED AND FAITHFUL SON IN THE LORD

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:17, Philippians 2:19-23
26 July 2009

(I) THE ROLE OF A SPIRITUAL FATHER

1. Rarely fulfilled then and today

“For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers…” 1 Corinthians 4:15

a) Many instructors

b) Few spiritual fathers

2. Some Features of his role

a) To regard members as his spiritual children

“For in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 4:15

b) To be an excellent role model that others can imitate

“Therefore I urge you, imitate me.” 1 Corinthians 4: 16

c) To warn and correct

“I do not write these things to shame you but as my beloved children I warn you.” 1 Corinthians 4:14

(II) THE RESPONSES OF SPIRITUAL SONS

1. The positive responses of Timothy

“Who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord…” 1 Corinthians 4:17

a) Faithful in the Lord

b) Trustworthy and reliable enough to be sent out

“For this reason I have sent Timothy to you…who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every Church.” 1 Corinthians 4:17

i) To help the Church imitate Paul

ii) To remind the Church of Paul’s ways in Christ

2. The negative responses of the Corinthian Church

a) Not faithful sons

b) Plagued by the problem of arrogance ( 1 Corinthians 4:6 )

c) Fighting against each other ( 1 Corinthians 4:6 )

d) Some had no regard for Paul ( 1 Corinthians 4:18 )

(III) THE COMMENDATION OF PROVEN SPIRITUAL SONSHIP

1. Outstanding oneness of mind and soul

“For I have no one like-minded…” Philippians 2:20

2. Sincerely caring for others

“Who will sincerely care for your state.” Philippians 2:20

3. Proven character

“But you know his proven character…” Philippians 2:21

a) In Serving together

“That as a son with his father, He served with me in the gospel” Philippians 2:22

b) In being bondservants of the Lord Jesus

“Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ,…” Philippians 1:1

(IV) THE PRACTICE OF GOOD SPIRITUAL SONSHIP IN SERVICE

1. Understanding the role of spiritual fathers

2. Seeking to respond well as spiritual sons

i) Be faithful

ii) Be obedient

3 Proving ourselves to be good spiritual sons

4. Serving together as sons with our spiritual fathers