June 15 The Real Thing Philippians 2:19-23
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.” (Philippians 2:19-23)
Several years ago, while I was in college, the popular “In Shoe” was Sperry Topsiders. Well, honoring my upbringing, that is, being a tightwad, I simply refused to afford the “Real Thing,” so I purchased some “Knock Off Look Alike,” Docksiders. The very first time out, wearing these “Fakes,” I realized that they were not even close to the “Real Thing!” I forgot to mention, that I had worn some real Topsiders, belonging to one of my hall mates. There was a real difference! There are many “fakes” made today, to imitate the “Real Thing!” The same is true of the Christian faith. There are many fakes on the market. There are many people who profess to follow Christ, but few who live like Christ. I want you to see a picture of a man who was identified as the real thing. Paul identifies Timothy as being the real thing, in our scripture for today. What was there about Timothy that won him such a wonderful affirmation from the Apostle Paul? Let’s look at two characteristics of the person who is the real thing. The first characteristic is that A person who is the real thing is Authentic. Something, that is authentic, is real or genuine. Paul looked at Timothy and saw an individual who was the real thing. He was genuine. Authenticity should be a characteristic of our faith. Timothy’s faith was authentic because it was personal and life changing. Have you had a life changing encounter with Jesus Christ? There are real Christians and fake Christians. Matthew called them, “Wheat and Tares!” After accepting Jesus Christ, Timothy made serving him the priority of his life. Service to Jesus was not an, add on. Service to Jesus was not a supplement. It was his life. It became the priority of his life. The second characteristic is A person who is the real thing is a Reliable servant of Christ. If your lawnmower starts once every three tries, is it reliable? If you don’t go to work once or twice a month, are you a reliable employee? If your fridge stops working for a day or two every now and then, do you say, “Oh well, it works most of the time?” If you fail to worship God one or two Sundays a month, would you expect to be called a faithful Christian? We expect loyalty and reliability from things and other people - isn’t it reasonable then, that God just might expect the same from us. The message today, is that, Timothy was reliable. Timothy demonstrated faithfulness and trustworthiness to the ministry. Timothy was supportive! Timothy was willing to sacrifice all for Jesus and His ministry! Timothy was available! We should be like Timothy! I want to be the “REAL THING or as some might say, “THE REAL DEAL!” Are you reliable? Are you Available? Are you Faithful? Are you trustworthy? Are you supportive of other Christian Brothers and Sisters? Are you the real deal? Are you the real thing? I truly hope and pray that you are! May God bless you with His abundant GRACE and His amazing MERCY! Keep in mind, what God does with you, depends upon what you do! It Always has; It Always will!! Be sure, be productive and continue to share the Love of God with others! To God Be the Glory! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…Remember, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!