The Needy Apostle

Aim: To realize that needs are avenues to fulfillment and usefulness (in Christ).

Doctrine: Christians have needs that God would have met only by other Churchmen. This is nothing to be ''ashamed'' of; instead, it is Christ's way of building community.

Exegesis: The needs of every saint of God: fellowship—especially in discouraging times (vv. 9-10); significance—expressed in meaningful (and shared) ministry (vv. 11-12); tools—the use of which enable and inspire (v. 13).

Further application: How to have our needs met in the Church: First, we must offer ourselves to each other; then, we are to (collectively) seek the welfare of the whole world.

Key phrase: vv. 9-10a ''Be diligent to come quickly; for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica...''