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1/ "For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare." Philippians 2:20
What is so tragic about this statement is the reason that follows in v21:
"For they seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus."
1/ "For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare." Philippians 2:20
What is so tragic about this statement is the reason that follows in v21:
"For they seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus."
2/ What a sad declaration this is; that is that there is no one else Christ focused in ministry that he can entrust them with.
The Greek word used ἑαυτοῦ (eautou) which is a reflexive pronoun. In this case you could render the verse "For they all seek after 'themselves'".
The Greek word used ἑαυτοῦ (eautou) which is a reflexive pronoun. In this case you could render the verse "For they all seek after 'themselves'".
3/ There were people within Christianity who had made ministry about them, not Christ. Just look around today and you will see pastors and parachurch leaders who have become narcissistic and have ministries that revolve around them. They are rockstars.
4/ One of the areas this has become prevalent are in churches that franchise their pastor. Heretics do this like Steven Furtick and Elevation. However, so do true brothers in Christ like The Summit and JD Greear.
It is not Furtick who is copying Greear, rather it is Greear...
It is not Furtick who is copying Greear, rather it is Greear...
5/...who is emulating the world. The church has become about the pastor and not Christ. Take a look around, the church has been has influenced the world, not vice versa, and it is because of pastors who have made ministry about self.
This is why Paul could only send Timothy.
This is why Paul could only send Timothy.
6/ What a shame this is. Even in Paul's day. There were no doubt apostates in the church who would naturally make ministry about themselves, but don't think this can't happen to regenerate pastors either. We forget that they too have a sin nature.
7/ Paul says he and Timothy have a "kindred spirit" regarding the welfare of the church.
Kindred spirit is ἰσόψυχος (isopsuchos). It combines "isos" meaning, "equal" and "psuche" meaning, "soul". Properly, "of equal soul".
This does not mean that they were equal in stature...
Kindred spirit is ἰσόψυχος (isopsuchos). It combines "isos" meaning, "equal" and "psuche" meaning, "soul". Properly, "of equal soul".
This does not mean that they were equal in stature...
8/...rather, Paul and Timothy were "equal in purpose". Their souls longed after the same thing which was to magnify and glorify Christ. They preached Christ and Him crucified. They were slaves (δοῦλοι) of Christ, thus they were unified in spirit.
9/ When Christians understand that they are slaves of Christ (douloi(s), one whose will belongs to that of another) then Christians will cease to have divisions and be "kindred spirits". I pray that pastor and layman alike will flee this narcissistic age and be ἰσόψυχος.
