September 18, 2026 | Be Connected
Honorable and Dishonorable Believers
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:15-18(NIV)
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.
Devotional
Throughout this letter to Timothy and the Ephesian Christians, Paul names people who were detriments to the work. He says:
- Phygelus and Hermogenes and others from the province of Asia had deserted him (1:15).
- Hymenaeus and Philetus had departed from the truth and were teaching false doctrines about the resurrection (2:17-18).
- Demas loved this world and deserted him, and Alexander did him a great deal of harm (4:10, 14).
He also names people who were helpful in spreading the Christian faith. Paul wrote:
- Onesiphorus often refreshed him and was not ashamed of his chains (1:16).
- Luke was with him and Mark was helpful to him in his ministry (4:11).
- Priscilla, Aquila and others received and gave greetings as part of their faithfulness (4:18-21).
I doubt that any of these people thought their names would be immortalized for their bad or good behavior in the community of faith. Though our names will never become part of Scripture, our actions are noticed by God in heaven.
What are some ways today that people in churches are a distraction or a detriment to the work of the gospel? Conversely, what are some ways Christians encourage and enhance the multiplication of the faith?
Get more vulnerable with God. Are there any ways the Lord is challenging you to stop being a blocker and start being a blessing to the ministry of your church?
