Teamwork In The Lord’s Work

-July 17, 2023-

Good morning, happy Monday,

“And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia—also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, Tychicus, and Trophimus of Asia. These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas.”

(Acts 20:4-5).

Paul was never a loner in the Lord’s work. He always had a partner or partners with him. In His first missionary journey he travelled with Barnabas, then later on his second missionary journey with Silas. He also served with the young men such as Timothy, Titus, Mark, and others. Luke, the beloved physician, joined him and was the writer of the book of Acts as well as the Gospel of Luke. He greatly helped Paul physically and spiritually.

Here in our text we find a list of seven men who served with Paul: Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus and Trophimus. Paul trained many of them and prepared them for the work of ministry, and they were also his friends and brothers in Christ. In Romans chapter 16, Paul mentions a long list of those he wished to greet and commend. He says a little about many of them. Each servant of the Lord is important, equal in Christ, and needed in the Lord’s work.

Paul told Timothy, “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:1-2). When we serve together, pray together, and help each other, we encourage one another. Jesus sent out the twelve disciples in pairs, as He did the seventy. Teamwork is needed in the Lord’s work.

We see it in the world of sports, business, government, medicine, education, and in many other areas of life. As believers we pray with each other and serve together in the cause of gospel, and teaching and building up the saints. One can be skilled, talented, gifted, and knowledgeable, but if he can’t get along and work with others, Christian service won’t be effective. Are you a team player? Can others count on you? It is exciting for me to serve with young people as well as with older ones.

We can learn so much from each other and contribute greatly to the Lord’s work. Have a blessed day serving the Lord with the saints for the good of the body of Christ. Stay safe and healthy.

Serving together as good teammates,

Dean