Gratitude for Solid Fellowship
Nothing Holding Us Back - Be Thankful • Sermon • Submitted
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16 The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains; 17 but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me— 18 the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.
Pray for Mercy upon their family
Because their kindness brought you:
New energy over and over
Loyal love in darkest hours
Pray for Eternal Mercy upon them
Motivate Others by Their Example
We have learned how important it is to be thankful toward GOD the Father and his Son Jesus (vertical thankfulness). We also need to see and value being thankful toward others (horizontal thankfulness). I believe Paul’s words to Timothy provide a great example of what a Strong Gratitude for Others looks like. Contextually Paul has emphasized the importance of not being ashamed of Christ, the gospel, and himself being in prison. In the midst of that, he gives one negative example of disloyalty. Then he gives an example of loyalty by expressing his deep gratitude for someone.
Pray for Mercy upon their family
First see how Paul expresses how thankful he is, it is by a prayer. This is a very common practice for Paul, praying for those he appreciates, usually in the beginning of his letters. Particularly here, it is the content of Paul’s request that is powerful. His strong desire for mercy or compassion upon Onesiphorus’ entire household. Onesiphorus being from Ephesus. These are the only two verse we understand anything about this man and his family.
Application: One of the marks of strong gratitude for others is answering “How much do you pray for them?” Furthermore, their entire families. Even further, mercy upon them. When you call on the Lord’s mercy, it is connecting to all that we know Jesus did by his mercy and compassion: Healing, forgiveness, freedom, deliverance, etc!!!
Because their kindness brought you:
But just as with Paul’s other prayers of thanks, he reflects on what drives him to make such a request. In this case, there are some things he just can’t forget about Onesiphorus. It is the kindness that he has shown Paul. Remember Jesus in Matt 5:7 says blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. What is it he did that kept this on Paul’s mind?
New energy over and over
Paul says he refreshed me over and over.
Illustration: Even in ancient times, at some point, air or oxygen needed for wounds to help with skin restoration.
Illustration: When Hill or Kelce run hard and fast routes repetitively, then hit the sideline, people are there to give them water to replenish their energy.
Refresh then was known as a process of giving one new energy.
Application: See there are times when life wears on us. We exert a lot of energy striving to do right, and stay on right path. And then there are people who meet us at the sideline, who say and do some things that replenish our spiritual and physical energy.
Loyal love in darkest hours
But then too, Paul says he was not ashamed of his chains. This is known as Paul’s second Roman imprisonment, different from his first which was house arrest and welcoming to visitors. Wrongfully charged, innocent, because of his stance with the gospel. Many had left him, embarrassed and not wanting to be associated with him because he was in chains. Hard to find location. Some of his darkest moments. But this brother wasn’t ashamed. Searched hard and everywhere until he found him.
Application: It’s that kind of loyalty that makes an imprint on us. In our darkest days and hours, and certain people are still there.
Pray for Eternal Mercy upon them
Not only does Paul pray for his family, but now specifically for Onesiphorus, but the content shifts to an eternal blessing of mercy.
Application: Another indicator of our gratitude for certain individuals is how much we want them to find divine mercy when Christ returns. It is an express indication that we want them to be in his presence with us forever.
Motivate Others by Their Example
Remember, contextually Paul contrasts being ashamed and not being ashamed. Willing to suffer and not. The ultimate reason he expresses this gratitude about Onesiphorus in a personal letter to Timothy, is he intends to motivate Timothy to the same loyalty in the midst of difficulty.
Application: This honestly can be intentional and natural. Intentional being what Paul is doing. But naturally because gratitude and exemplary service are contagious.