Following Christ Solo Series

It may be more tempting to fear as one following Christ alone in your home, but all Christ followers need to remember the importance of sharing. We especially need to open our hearts and homes and share them with those facing the unique challenge of following Christ solo.

FOLLOWING CHRIST SOLO IS NOT SECOND CLASS.

FOLLOWING CHRIST SOLO EMBODIES SHARING.

And one more principle about following Christ successfully if you’re flying solo.

FOLLOWING CHRIST SOLO INCREASES COMPASSION.

It’s interesting in verse 4 of 2 Timothy chapter one that Paul recalls Timothy’s tears before he remembers his faith.

4Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 2 Timothy 1:4-5 (NLT)

Paul may have been referring to Timothy’s tears when Paul was arrested and carted off to prison, but that is not mentioned in the original Greek text.

Or it may have been other times when he saw Timothy’s expression of a compassionate heart.

Our culture wrestles with a man sheeding tears, especially in public, but you don’t get this twisted idea of manhood from the Bible. Jesus, the manliest man who ever lived, wept openly and often. And Paul himself was accustomed to shedding tears in the ministry. He told the Ephesian pastors when he left them, "Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears." Acts 20:31b (TNIV)

Where did Timothy’s tears come from? I think Paul is insinuating that Timothy was a compassionate person because he had learned to be empathetic with others by watching his grandmother and mother. And they may have learned compassion because of their difficult task of living for Christ without a partner.

When we suffer in life we often become more aware and concerned about the suffering of others. This truth applies to Following Christ Solo and to many other difficulties in life.

When we face a tough situation in life we have two choices: we can allow the situation to make us harder, or we can allow it to make us softer – softer towards other people experiencing difficult situations.

Tradition says that Paul was beheaded shortly after writing these words to Timothy. Paul himself was in a difficult situation when he wrote these encouraging words that the Holy Spirit knew would be passed down to us.

How did he not only maintain his composure, but also find the strength to write an encouraging letter to Timothy?

Say it with me one last time.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

Paul personally experienced the truth of this Scripture. That’s why he wrote it. He lived it.

The question today is: Will we live it?

FOLLOWING CHRIST SOLO IS NOT SECOND CLASS.

FOLLOWING CHRIST SOLO EMBODIES SHARING.

FOLLOWING CHRIST SOLO INCREASES COMPASSION.