Torn apart
Paul feels torn apart from this wonderful church – he is in prison for the faith and unable to visit, and it’s tearing him up. Apostolic ministry shapes and serves churches that have been planted and is highly relational, full of love and friendship. That’s why we are not part of a denomination, but an apostolic family of churches that is incredibly relational and not at all hierarchical.
Satan hates that, so has stuck a spanner in the works for Paul going back. So Paul sends Timothy to visit. He wants him to…
- Encourage and
- Exhort
the church, so that they stand firm in the present difficulties they are facing. Timothy visits and is able to bring good news – the church is full of faith and love and relational longing, v.6. Paul is comforted by that and expresses it.
He lets them know what he is praying for them..
- More love! To abound in love for each other;
- Hearts established in holiness – that they live out their faith and their declared righteousness.
Lord fill us with more love for each other and establish us in holiness. Anoint us to serve the mission to plant churches here and in Northern Europe. May they be just as filled with love and holiness.
Andy Moyle
