Paul's Care for Believers

By: Scott Morton

2 Timothy 1:3-4

I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; [4] Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

As the Apostle Paul continues writing we see how one of the first things he is doing is expressing an attitude of thanksgiving towards God. This is to be the attitude the members of the Body of Christ are to have:

1 Thessalonians 5:18

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

There are two different points the Apostle Paul makes here to the assembly in Thessalonica. The first of these is how we are to give thanks in every thing. This is not easy to do, especially when some bad things are going on in our lives. When Paul is saying in every thing, it truly does mean we are to be giving thanks in these situations. We know we can do this by the knowledge of being able to get through these things in our lives by the grace of God. God provides the comfort to be able to successfully deal with whatever the situation is.

The second point is this is the will of God for us. God wants us to be thankful in our lives. When we know what has been done for us on the cross, this should be the attitude we have. The unfortunate thing is man does not carry out this attitude and we see the Apostle Paul speaking of this:

Romans 1:18-23

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; [19] Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. [20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: [21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. [22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, [23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Paul points out in this passage how the natural man views the things of God. While man has the ability to know God, man drifts away from who God is and does not glorify Him or display the thankful attitude which should be here. We can look around at society and see how true this is today when we see the attitude the unsaved have towards the things of God. The world rejects the things of God and would truly be identified in the manner of being unthankful.

This is not the attitude we see with the Apostle Paul. This is something which he expresses throughout his epistles:

Romans 1:8

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

The first thing we have the Apostle Paul doing is thanking them for their faith. These were individuals he had not met at the time he was writing this, but he had heard some things about who they are and the faith they were demonstrating. Because of the things he heard he is thankful for the work they are continuing to do.

Ephesians 1:16

Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

This would tie in with what we saw in the passage in 1 Thessalonians. Paul is not ceasing to give thanks for them. These are individuals he had been around and ministered to. He was a witness to the faith they had and the work they were doing to continue the ministry which was given to them. Paul was thankful for their continued faith in this and wanted them to know about this.

Philippians 4:6-7

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Paul speaks here about how prayer and thanksgiving are supposed to be tied together in the life of a believer. We are to be praying to God for all things in our lives, just like we are to be thankful for all things as well. The result of doing this is we will have the peace of God which is going to be able to get us through whatever the situations are.

1 Timothy 1:12-13

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; [13] Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

Paul was thankful for being put into the ministry. When he points back to who we was we can see how this would be starting with the salvation which was given to him. How often are we thankful for the salvation which is being offered today, the gospel message which was committed to the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). We should be displaying this same thankfulness in our lives.

He also contrasts who he was prior to his salvation with where he is now. This is what leads him to be able to show the thankfulness he is mentioning. Paul went through many trials, including the fact he was in prison and was going to be executed. It would have been very easy for him to have not been thankful in this situation. Many individuals today are not thankful towards God because of what is going on in their lives. We should be following the example Paul has laid out for us and be thankful no matter what is going on.

As Paul continues to write this introduction he speaks of how he is serving God from his forefathers. This speaks of the relationship Israel had with God and also where Paul came from prior to his salvation:

Romans 9:3-5

For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: [4] Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; [5] Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

As the Apostle Paul begins this section of the book of Romans we see how we is speaking of the nation of Israel and all of the advantages they had prior to this dispensation. As he calls them his brethren, we see him also identify them as the fathers and the reason why the Lord Jesus Christ was here during the gospels, as he was fulfilling the promises made unto them.

Philippians 3:4-6

Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: [5] Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; [6] Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

This passage shows how Paul speaks about the things of who he was and identifies this would have been him glorying in the flesh. All of these things point to him being raised up in the nation of Israel and being part of the religious leadership. He had all of the advantages and would have been highly favored by many.

Galatians 1:13-14

For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: [14] And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

The advantages were so great for Paul he speaks of him profiting in this. He was gaining things for himself and identifies he was more zealous of the traditions of the fathers. Paul was following the things that had been taught to him, which many times were contrary to what the Word of God said. While doing this he started to get things which were a benefit to him in the flesh. While he may have been doing well from that standpoint the realizes how this was not the best thing for him related to his standing with God.

The unfortunate thing is we see individuals today who keep teaching things which are contrary to what the Word of God says because they are in a similar position. They make a decision that they do not want to give those things up, which is going to have a significant impact on what will happen to them after they die.

During the book of Acts we see there are some things which are said about the relationship Paul is going to have with Israel:

Acts 26:15-18

And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. [16] But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; [17] Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, [18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

In this passage we have Paul having a conversation with the Lord Jesus Christ. This is where we see him being sent out, as he is recounting what happened in Acts 9 and is giving a few more details to the conversation. He is told he is going to be a minister and a witness of the things which he has seen and things which will appear. The things which will appear are speaking of the information which will be revealed to him and we find written in the books of Romans through Philemon.

However, Paul is also told he is going to be speaking of some of the things which he has seen. This can be a tough thing to understand as we would need to know what it is that Paul has seen. He has a lot of information from what is known as the Old Testament, as Paul was a Pharisee and had been studying this and had knowledge of these things. We also see something of what is said about the first time he spoke:

Acts 9:19-20

And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. [20] And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Galatians 1:21-23

Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; [22] And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: [23] But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

Paul clearly something they could only call the faith he once destroyed in the book of Galatians. This is the reference to what we see he is preaching in Acts 9 after his salvation. This would have been the only thing he could have been preaching, as there would not have been the information of this dispensation at this point. It is later revealed to him and then he revealed that information to the Gentiles in his ministry.

The Apostle Paul then identifies he served with a pure conscience. The issue of a conscience was introduced in the garden when Adam partook of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This became part of who we are, as man was born after the image of Adam from this time forth. We understand what this means from the following:

CONSCIENCE, n. [L., to know, to be privy to.]

1. Internal or self-knowledge, or judgment of right and wrong; or the faculty, power or principle within us, which decides on the lawfulness or unlawfulness of our own actions and affections, and instantly approves or condemns them. Conscience is called by some writers the moral sense, and considered as an original faculty of our nature. Others question the propriety of considering conscience as a distinct faculty or principle. The consider it rather as the general principle of moral approbation or disapprobation, applied to ones own conduct and affections; alledging that our notions of right and wrong are not to be deduced from a single principle or faculty, but from various powers of the understanding and will.

Being convicted by their own conscience, they went out one by one. John 8.

The conscience manifests itself in the feeling of obligation we experience, which precedes, attends and follows our actions.

Conscience is first occupied in ascertaining our duty, before we proceed to action; then in judging of our actions when performed.

2. The estimate or determination of conscience; justice; honesty.

What you require cannot, in conscience, be deferred.

3. Real sentiment; private thought; truth; as, do you in conscience believe the story?

4. Consciousness; knowledge of our own actions or thought.

The sweetest cordial we receive at last, is conscience of our virtuous actions past.

[This primary sense of the word is nearly, perhaps wholly obsolete.]

5. Knowledge of the actions of others.

6. In ludicrous language, reason or reasonableness.

Half a dozen fools are, in all conscience, as many as you should require.

To make conscience or a matter of conscience, is to act according to the dictates of conscience, or to scruple to act contrary to its dictates.

Court of conscience, a court established for the recovery of small debts in London and other trading cities and districts.

We see from this definition what Paul was trying to communicate here to Timothy. He is speaking of how he knows that he served with an understanding of what was properly right and wrong. This is an interesting statement to make, as he was doing things which were contrary to what God was doing. We see from some of the things Luke records in the book of Acts what the thinking process of the Apostle Paul was and how we could make a statement such as this to Timothy:

Acts 23:1

And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.

As the Apostle Paul is beginning to speak here he makes a statement about how he has lived in good conscience before God until this day. He is speaking about how this would have included everything that had proceeded what is going on in this moment. It would include the following:

Acts 26:9-11

I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. [10] Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. [11] And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

This is where things can get tricky from our perspective. Paul was doing things which were contrary to the work of the individuals in Israel's program to the point of where he was physically punishing them, causing them to blaspheme against God, and was putting individuals to death. This was all being done because in his mind they were contrary to God and according to the law they were guilty and should be put to death. Even though Paul was actually wrong in what he was doing, he was convinced he was right. This is what led to him being able to say that he was doing this in good conscience.

Acts 24:16

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

Paul here again states how he was void of offence towards God. This is something he has switched in a statement from saying he had been doing to now that he is striving to do this. Paul has been given the information to know what he had been doing was wrong and how he had been contrary to what God was actually doing. Now that he has an understanding of what God is doing in this dispensation he can make sure he is doing the right thing. Paul is also going to be working to apply the doctrine properly in order to make sure he is doing the right thing towards others as well.

Acts 24:24-27

And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. [25] And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. [26] He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. [27] But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

We see the thought process of Felix here. He was waiting for the Apostle Paul, or someone who was ministering with him, to pay a bribe in order to have Paul released from prison. While this would have been an easy thing to do, it was not the right thing to do. Paul would not do this and did not ask for any of the others to do this. Since they were operating on what was right Paul is left in prison.

This pattern is something we should think about as believers. There are things which we could do, as Paul tells us it is lawful to do all things. Just because we can do certain things does not mean we should be doing them. We need to let the Word of God dwell in us, building up the doctrine, so we can apply it in all situations and do the proper things which would reflect the conscience we are to have.

1 Timothy 1:18-20

This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; [19] Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: [20] Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

In the first epistle we have recorded to Timothy we see how a charge is being made to him. Paul is trying to give some instructions on how he should be living. One of the things he is telling him is to have a hold of some things, meaning they are to be an important part of who he is, guiding him in everything he does. One of these is the good conscience. Paul wants to make sure this is something which Timothy is using to guide him throughout his ministry.

2 Corinthians 1:11-14

Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. [12] For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. [13] For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end; [14] As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Here we have Paul speaking about the issue that the individuals in Corinth had provided a gift for them. Related to this support, Paul wanted to show his appreciation to them. This rejoicing demonstrated the testimony of their conscience. When someone has done something nice for you there should be rejoicing and giving of thanks. If this is not done it can impact how a person is functioning, as their conscience is going to be impacted.

The next thing the Apostle Paul speaks of is the issue of prayer. He states that the prayers he has been offering have been without ceasing. This is a teaching he has given throughout his epistles:

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing.

Colossians 4:2

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Ephesians 6:18

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

These two passages show how there is to be this same level of prayer Paul is telling Timothy he is demonstrating. This can lead to some confusion, as people want to know how they can truly pray this way. It would seem from the surface of this that this would be the only thing someone was doing and they would not be able to do anything else. Paul is speaking about how prayer needs to be an important part of someone's life to where they are always ready to do this. They are able to have a continuous conversation with God in the offering up of their prayers, which are combined with the thanksgiving which is to be shown as well.

When we look at the issue of prayer sometimes people want to limit what is being prayed for. They think because we live in the dispensation of grace we are only supposed to be praying for spiritual things, as this is where our promises/blessings are (Ephesians 1:3). The Apostle Paul makes it clear what we are supposed to be praying for:

Philippians 4:6-7

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Paul states we are to be praying in every thing. There is no qualification of saying there are some things which are not to be prayed for. In every thing truly means in every thing. We see in Paul's epistles how he prayed for some physical things in his life:

World leaders and authorities so we can lead a quiet and peaceable life (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Gratitude prior to a meal (1 Timothy 4:3-5)

Deliverance from his current circumstances (prison) (Philippians 1:19-20)

Mercy during his travel (Romans 1:7-10)

Some individuals who understand the grace of God want to put a limit on what someone should be praying for. If the Word of God is not putting this limit in place, where would we be getting the authority to do so?

Paul also prayed for individuals he had never even met:

Romans 1:8-9

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. [9] For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

Paul had not made it to Rome by the point the was writing this epistle. He had heard about what was going on in this assembly and was thankful to God for what they were doing and was praying for them to be able to continue on this path. This is a prayer we should be making for the members of the Body of Christ. This is another thing which tends to be lacking, as people only seem to want to pray for those they actually have met and are not thinking about the other members of the Body of Christ all over the world.

We see a contrast in the way things are perceived related to prayer in time past and the current dispensation:

Matthew 21:22

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Ephesians 3:20

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

In time past they were going to receive all things they prayed for. This is much different from Paul stating that God is able to do exceeding abundant over all that we ask for. Israel was focused on the things of the earth and would have been asking for physical things only, as this is where their promises were. Since we are blessed with all spiritual blessings and have a heavenly hope, there are things which we don't think about to ask. We can be focused on just what we see and Paul is reminding us we are also going to be receiving things which we cannot see and that we would not even be thinking about praying for. This is a true blessing for us.

We can see that there was a desire of the Apostle Paul to be able to see Timothy again. He knew his time was short, as he was sitting in a prison cell and knew he was going to die. Paul had a desire to be around the members of the Body of Christ, as can be seen by what he says throughout all of his epistles:

The assembly at Rome

Romans 1:11

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

Romans 15:22-24

For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. [23] But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; [24] Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.

The assembly at Philippi

Philippians 1:7-8

Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. [8] For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:24-26

But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. [25] Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. [26] For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

The assembly at Thessalonica

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. [18] Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. [19] For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? [20] For ye are our glory and joy.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-2

Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; [2] And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

Desire to see Mark

2 Timothy 4:11

Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

Wee see from these passages how there is a desire of the Apostle Paul to be around the believers. No matter what his circumstances were he has this desire to be around people who are similar in the thought process related to the Word of God. This desire comes from knowing these are individuals who are going to be able to encourage him when things are going the way they should, would be able to rejoice with him in circumstances, and would be able to encourage the growth with each other related to the Word of God. This is a similar desire we should be having in our lives.

As these verses are concluding we see how the Apostle Paul is bringing up the issues of comfort which would come and the joy this would bring to him. There is a true comfort which we can have when we are relying on the things of the Word of God:

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; [4] Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. [5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. [6] And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. [7] And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

We see from this passage how the Apostle Paul identifies God is the source of all comfort. Man wants to be able to have comfort related to the things going on in this world and is always looking for some source. There are many different things which people try to do in order to achieve comfort. The unfortunate thing is many do not turn to the Word of God, which is where the Apostle Paul is reminding the assembly in Corinth that they are going to be able to receive comfort. This comfort comes related to all things are we are able to see the Apostle Paul speak about things he went through:

2 Corinthians 2:12-13

Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, [13] I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

2 Corinthians 7:5-6

For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. [6] Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

Here Paul speaks about the struggles he had with not being around Titus, who he had been ministering with. He would have been depressed because a close friend was not around him. Later in the epistle there is a comfort which is there because Titus was back with him. This shows the comfort and joy which comes from being around those who are of the same mind, the Body of Christ.

We as the members of the Body of Christ should not be avoiding being around those who are part of the Body. There is supposed to be a care that we have where we are doing good for the members of the Body (Galatians 6:10) and using those who are doing this as a pattern and trying to help them (1 Corinthians 16:15-16). In this modern age it seems to be easy to just watch a video and study, thinking this is what we are supposed to do. How much comfort can we really get from this? We need to be striving to try to be around each other in order to get the true comfort God intends for us to have.