Have you ever been jealous?
Have you ever had someone jealous of you?
I know that in dating relationships, even some marriages, there can be tremendous jealousy. “Did I really see you talking with her? You are not HER boyfriend you’re mine and only mine. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?” Maybe you haven’t ever heard those words exactly, but you kind of understand. What about being jealous of something someone else has or a promotion that they have received? There are plenty of places in society today where we could be jealous.
I want to share with you the second mark of maturity. NO JEALOUSY OR DESIRE FOR CREDIT OR PRESTIGE. If you remember from our last time together we talked about the mark of witnessing. No matter the circumstances or situation, we are to witness. Christ will handle the circumstances, Christ will handle the situation and give wisdom to you as you rely on Him and focus on your witness to the lost. However, here’s the situation with Paul where he is in prison and there is one main reason for this…jealousy.
Some of the preachers in Rome were jealous of Paul and envious of the results he was having, of the favorable attention and prestige he was gaining from the communities he had been in, the support and loyalty of the believers, of the attention he was getting from so many member, and of the position he was gaining as the leader of the Christian community in Rome. There is something kind of important to note about these preachers: they were true followers of Christ. These were not men who were Judaizers, the false preachers who sometimes followed and opposed Paul. These guys were genuine preachers who were ministers in and around the metropolis of Rome. You might ask, “How do you know this?” Paul says that he agreed with their preaching he just regretted their opposition to him. Instead of supporting him, they were speaking out against him, hoping to silence his influence and to get rid of him.
Now realize that not all the preachers throughout Rome opposed Paul. Some were preaching Christ out of love, and they were encouraging their members to show their love for Paul by visiting and supporting him in his ministry of proclaiming Christ.
So what do we learn from this? Well think about this for a minute. How often have you seen this repeated? How many are repeating the scene right now? How many believers and Christian workers are jealous and envious of the position of someone else? Maybe the attention, support, and loyalty that someone else receives? Maybe even the results that another workers is having?
How many of us begin to question and speak against a Lord’s servant because of these things—speak quietly perhaps to only one or two others; nevertheless, we do speak out? God forgive us!!!!!
We must always remember: we are ALL MINISTERS and workers, if we are a true believer. Each one of us has a call, and no matter the call, the road is always difficult. Therefore, we must support each other. The Lord does not require BIG MINISTRIES and BIG NAMES and BIG FOLLOWERS from us all. What He requires is faithfulness—only FAITHFULNESS in the ministry to which He has called us. So until next time, be FAITHFUL and support all the ministers of the gospel of Christ.
Love to all and see you soon.
Pastor Rob
