You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains; but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me– the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus. 2 Timothy 1:15-18
Certainly, first century Christians had tremendous social, economic, and societal pressures and difficulties to deal with living in the Roman dominated world region. Nero definitely caused tremendous pressure to eradicate Christians. The hatred of the newly written (what we call the New Testament) scriptures (3 gospels and letters from Paul at that time, John’s gospel was not yet written) would often bring a death sentence for those found with those documents. Following Roman Caesars would continue this bloody persecution of the sect called The Way (followers of Jesus Christ). Yet there were those like Onesiphorus who despite all the pressures and danger… risked their lives to further the teachings of Paul and the first apostles. People like Onesiphorus and Epaphroditus (Philippians 1:25) were not afraid of being ‘known’ to be in the company of Paul. These two men actually were examples of Paul’s instructions to Timothy.
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 2 Timothy 2:3-4
And yet… we also have examples of others like Phygellus and Hermogenes, and Demas (2 Timothy 4:9-10) who basically caved to the pressures of their current world, cultures, and fear. Humans will do ‘human’. As I ponder these examples I wonder about my own ability to withstand the current pressures of this fast-developing technological and political world filled with danger and difficulties. Do I have a close enough relationship with the Holy Spirit to have the discernment, wisdom, and commitment to Christ to do what He actually is asking me to do? Do I have a strong enough foothold and love of the Kingdom of Heaven that this present world doesn’t sway my decisions and choices? Am I willing to abandon relationships just because of societal and social pressures or am I willing to stay true to the relationships the Holy Spirit is telling me to be connected to? Is “religion” getting in the way of my ‘calling’? Am I so worried about my ‘standing’ within certain ‘religious circles’ that I shirk back from speaking the Truth? These are real pressures that effect many in the ‘ministry’ today. Certainly, those who are making an ‘economic’ living from a religious ‘profession’ are faced with real situations that tempt them to compromise their beliefs so that they can remain ‘employed’. These are NOT new temptations.
If we read and dig (research and ponder) in the scriptures daily – we will see real world examples that actually relate to today’s issues – and YOUR issues. But we have to set ourselves into that discipline (reading and pondering the scriptures daily with the Holy Spirit) so that the Holy Spirit can point those issues out to us. Are we determined to be ready and prepared to be His ambassador – today? Are we listening to the Holy Spirit this morning? Are we asking for His instructions for today?
Holy Spirit enlighten our minds to the scriptures. Show us how they relate to us TODAY! Help us to hear You clearly. Teach us Your wisdom and discernment.