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“Refreshing Friends in Troubled Times”
– a study of Onesiphorus the “Breath of Fresh Air” who was a friend of Paul when he was in prison
Pastor Kenneth Bent
Paul is writing 2 Timothy from a Roman Prison. It is his second and final imprisonment, and he is awaiting the time of his execution. 2 Timothy is the last letter that we know of to be written by Paul. Last words are important…we should hang on every word.
2 Tim 1: 15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.
16 May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me.
18 May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.
2 Tim 2: 1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 4:19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.
Paul is in trouble…in prison…What did he need? IF I’M IN TROUBLE, WHAT DO I NEED…FOR MYSELF?....FROM OTHERS?
1) COMMITMENT – most of Paul’s coworkers in the gospel had deserted him
2) CONSISTENCY – Onesiphorus “OFTEN” refreshed Paul, and evidently came to him whenever he had a chance. - he also helped Paul “IN MANY WAYS”
3) INITIATIVE – Onesiphorus took it upon himself to search out and find Paul, in spite of the fact that Paul was not “popular” anymore, and despite the obstacles.
4) HELP – Onesiphorus can mean “profit bringer” - we need advantageous help…that can make the MOST of a situation.
5) REFRESHING – Paul said Onesiphorus “Refreshed” him…Onesiphorus was (as his name can mean) a “BREATH OF FRESH AIR” - Proverbs 11:25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
6) LOVE – DESPITE YOUR MESS OR CONDITION – real “Prison Ministry” – I was in prison and you visited me….
Onesiphorus was “NOT ASHAMED OF PAUL’S CHAINS…”
7) DETERMINATION – Onesiphorus SOUGHT Paul out despite the circumstances.
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