Onesiphorus, A Brother Born for Adversity

 As believers, we should be good to people. 

Onesiphorus - great example of what to be and what to be as a believer and a friend.

Paul was a great friend and had great friends:  can see this from groups, fellowship tender words, was ripped away when had to leave them, was gifted.  

Examples:  Onesimus, Epaphroditus, Priscilla, Aquila, Thychicus (a beloved brother), Tertius, Ampliatus (my beloved in the Lord), Luke (with him during his imprisonment), Timothy, and of course, Onesiphorus.

Paul = writing to Timothy from an awful prison to encourage and instruct.  Probably = last words.  He was lonely, and knows his time is coming to an end.

2 Tim. 1:13-15 - Guard and Practice because:

1)  People will abandon the faith.  Example:  Matt. 13:20-21 - Parable of the sower.  When hard times come, is a time for growth, the real believers stay firm. 
     So, build and train - is good to know the 'why' we believe.

2)  Serving the Lord can FEEL lonely   But, are never alone if really in the faith.  Psm. 94:14, Matt. 28:20, Heb. 13:5-6, Rom. 8:31-35
     Temptation.  

Lessons from Onesiphorus.    2 Tim. 1:16-18

A.  Be a real bro.  Prov. 17:17    How?

B.  Be present - ministry of presence is fairly easy now.  Was a lot harder in Paul's time.

C.  Make an effort - Matt. 25:37-40  traveled a long distance to go to Paul.  searched earnestly, at great risk, had a history of service

D.  Have your brother's back.  He was not ashamed of Paul.  Was a friend all the time.  Gal. 6:2, Heb. 13:1-3, John 13:34-35, John 15:13 - greater love hath no man....  Brothers should defend, care for each other.  We should have a special love for other Christians

E  Inspire others to be better believers.  We can be inspired by others to do better. 
    Heb. 11, Heb. 12:1-2, 1 Cor. 11:1 - Imitate me as I imitate Christ --- let that be a goal in our lives.

How can we stir up love and good works   Heb. 10:24 - one of the chief jobs of Christians

Challenge:  think am I refreshing the saints?  Am I loyal to God and his people?  Am I pulling people to or pushing them away?  Can't love the Lord and hate His people.

Closing Scripture:  Eph. 4:29-5:2