The Joy of Kindred Spirits

GracetoYou.org ^ | 1993 | John MacArthur, Grace Community Church

[metmom]

"Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:1).

Despite their shortcomings, people of kindred spirit are precious gifts from the Lord.

Timothy was Paul's trusted companion in the gospel. In Philippians 2:20 Paul describes him as a man "of kindred spirit." That is, they were likeminded, sharing the same love for Christ and His church.

Elsewhere Paul described Timothy as his beloved and faithful child in the Lord (1 Cor. 4:17) and fellow worker in the gospel of Christ (Rom. 16:21; 1 Thess. 3:2). Those are significant compliments coming from Paul, whose standard of ministry and personal integrity was very high.

However, as godly and useful as Timothy was, he apparently struggled with many of the same weaknesses we face. For example, 2 Timothy implies he might have been intimidated by the false teachers who challenged his leadership (1:7). He perhaps was somewhat ashamed of Christ (1:8) and tempted to alter his theology to avoid offending those who disagreed with sound doctrine (1:13- 14). He might have been neglecting his studies in the Word (2:15) and succumbing to ungodly opinions (2:16-17). Other struggles are implied as well.

Paul wrote to strengthen Timothy's spiritual character and encourage him to persevere in the face of severe trials.

Despite those apparent weaknesses, Paul valued Timothy highly and entrusted enormous ministerial responsibilities to him. In addition, Timothy's friendship and ministry was a source of great joy and strength to Paul.

I pray that you have people of kindred spirit in your life—brothers and sisters in Christ who encourage you, pray for you, and hold you accountable to God's truth. Like Timothy, they may not be all you want them to be, but they are precious gifts from God. Esteem them highly and pray for them often. Do everything you can to reciprocate their ministry in your life.

If perhaps you lack such friends, seek the fellowship of a local church where Christ is exalted, His Word is taught, and holy living is encouraged. Build relationships with mature Christians who will stimulate you to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24).

Suggestions for Prayer

Identify three people who are of kindred spirit with you. Pray for them and tell them how much you appreciate their examples and ministries.

For Further Study

Read 2 Timothy 1:1-14.

What were Paul's admonitions to Timothy? How might they apply to you?

[metmom]

Studying God’s Word ping

[left that other site]

However, as godly and useful as Timothy was, he apparently struggled with many of the same weaknesses we face. For example, 2 Timothy implies he might have been intimidated by the false teachers who challenged his leadership (1:7). He perhaps was somewhat ashamed of Christ (1:8) and tempted to alter his theology to avoid offending those who disagreed with sound doctrine (1:13- 14). He might have been neglecting his studies in the Word (2:15) and succumbing to ungodly opinions (2:16-17). Other struggles are implied as well.

Seriously? Note the words "apparently", "implies", "might have been", "perhaps", "somewhat", "might have been neglecting", and "Other struggles are implied as well".

John McA comes across like Adam Schiff!

[left that other site]

Please pardon me if I sounded a bit acerbic, but today’s lesson from J.McA stirred up powerful feelings from the constant barrage of False Accusations, Innuendo, and Fake News from the left assailing our president. It is amazing what PDJT has accomplished IN SPITE of all this. (And I can’t even imagine the stresses on Young Pastor Timothy!)

It was the abundance of “weasel-words” in the lesson that really got me going! It’s a this line between Biblical Exegesis and Isogesis.

Grace and Peace to all.

[daniel1212]

Seriously? Note the words "apparently", "implies", "might have been", "perhaps", "somewhat", "might have been neglecting", and "Other struggles are implied as well". John McA comes across like Adam Schiff!

Such are conjectures proffered as explanations for statements of exhortations by a brother made 2k years ago, which is not the same as an adversary using such to indict someone today. The former has its place in historical conjecture but not in something like a current case in a court of law.

[metmom]

A lot of assumptions there, I agree.

I’ve seen other people do that with other characters in Scripture and do not like it.

Stick to what’s written and do not make assumptions based on circumstantial evidence.

[left that other site]

current case in a court of law.

Well of course not. That being said, there was more "conjecture" here than in most Biblical Commentary. I just wish that a responsible Bible Teacher like J.McA would be a little more careful with his "conjectures".

[left that other site]

Amen.

[MHGinTN]

Is it possible that J.McA is being brief on a topic which could easily entail twenty pages of illustration? I think so. Take just the notion of young Timothy being confronted by older, entrenched Jews who flatly opposed the Gospel of God's Grace to Gentiles. Paul assures Timothy that by adhering to the Gospel once delivered, he need not bow to the Judaisers. The letter is clear from Paul to address the issue but not spend too many words on it.

In the context of the satanic campaign of Judaising to change the simple Gospel of Grace not works to which Paul focuses Timothy's courage, the curt advice could be expanded for education, but not done in a short lesson such as these J.McA offerings.

[left that other site]

If that were indeed the case (which is supported by the Book of Acts and several of Paul’s letters), then your brief summation was a lot more compassionate towards Timothy than JMacA! You focused upon the outside forces pressing in on the young Pastor, rather than JMacA’s focus on Timothy’s alleged “shortcomings”.

I applaud your analysis, which was succinct, straightforward, and much more sympathetic toward the young pastor!

After all, we’re all in this together, aren’t we? :-)