Biola Broadcaster - 1973-05

things are not much different to­ day, either. The Bible is also filled with ex­ amples of difficulties between fath­ ers and their children. As long as the human heart is what it is, we will always see man's contempt for his fellow man. This is the rea­ son for war and bloodshed. We want to be independent rather than cooperative. All of the problems which could have arisen between generations might have come up between Paul and his faithful, younger co-worker. There could have been jealousies, misunder­ standings, diversities of purpose and even rebellion. Because of their individual dedication, howev­ er, none of these occurred. Instead, they served together as partners in the spreading of the Gospel. Each one took his instructions from the Lord. What a pattern for us today. Parents, as well as young people, have tremendous responsibilities before the Lord in these matters. We should encourage each other to follow Jesus and to grow in His grace. As parents we must re­ member that the ultimate loyalty of our children is not to us but to Jesus Christ. How wonderful this example of Timothy, a young man in the service of Christ with Paul. Examples of individual testimony are given to us in Scripture so that we may understand man's need and God's leading. In Philippians 2:25-30 we have information con­ cerning Epaphroditus who minis­ tered to the Apostle Paul in Rome as the messenger of the church at Philippi. While there he became extremely sick and was not ex­ pected to live. Through Cod's grace, however, he was restored to

health to return to those who sent him. The name "Epaphroditus" means "favored of the Greek goddess of love." He may well have been born of unbelieving parents. Perhaps he is the one Paul refers to in the book of Colossians as Epaphras. This name means "favored." Paul selects him as deserving the high­ est honor of all among the believ­ ers at Philippi. This reward came because of his self-effacing service to another Christian. In the words penned under the

Page 48

Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker