Philippians 2:19-24 “To send Timotheus shortly unto you”.
Introduction: Although Paul was in prison because of the Gospel of Christ, Paul is deeply concerned about the Philippian church and its believers. Paul wants to know their state, their condition, he wants to care for them, however he cannot do so personally. At this point, Paul mentions Timothy here in these verse, as a man that he is willing to send to the church in Philippi, a faithful companion, a fellow laborer. Obviously, Paul had enough confidence in Timothy, to entrust him to go and visit the church in Philippi in Paul’s stead. This was a big deal, Paul just didn’t do things on a whim and unthoughtfully, and yet he chose Timothy to take care of this.
So what was it that gave Paul such confidence in Timothy, to go visit the church in Philippi?
Paul knew that:
I. Timothy Cared For Others- Vs 20 “who will naturally care for your state”. The reason why this came naturally for Timothy was because he saw this in Paul and it eventually became true for Timothy also. This is something that he learned from Paul- they were “likeminded.”
- This is something that Timothy had within, it was genuine it was sincere.
- This deep desire for the care of the brethren ultimately comes from the Lord however, it’s always great when you have good examples such as Paul, and Timothy’s mother and grandmother to follow.
- II Timothy 1:5 “When I Call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also”. An unfeigned faith in Christ helps us to understand how much Christ cares for us, and how we should care for others.
- Because Timothy genuinely and naturally cared for others, Paul had enough confidence to send him and help with whatever they had need.
II. Timothy Denied Himself For Christ- Vs 21 “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. inferring that Timothy was not like that.
- Timothy was willing to deny himself, to be selflessness, in order to get to know the Lord Jesus Christ better, to be obsessed with the things of Christ.
- In other words, Timothy set the things of the Lord first, and other things second.
- Timothy was willing to let go of his possessions, recognition, comforts, friendships, acceptance, in order to put Christ first.
- This world is competing with the things of Christ.
- Luke 9:23-24 “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.”
- Seeking the things of the Lord is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, others may or may not see it however, it shouldn’t be just “lip service”.
- Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ”.
III. Timothy Was Willing to Serve- Vs 22 “He hath served with me in the gospel”. Timothy was willing to be a son, a servant tried and proven. There was a close bond between Paul and Timothy. Timothy was a son to Paul and was willing to learn from Paul. Not only to learn from Paul but also to serve alongside him, what a privilege and honor to do so.
- Timothy was a partner and disciple in Paul’s missionary journey. Paul obviously thought highly of Timothy, or else he wouldn’t mention him as so.
- II Timothy 3:10 “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life”. Timothy learned from Paul by being with him everywhere he went: In Philippi Acts 16:1, In Thessalonica and Berea Acts 17:1-14, In Corinth Acts 18:1-5, In Ephesus Acts 19:21-22.
- Timothy was a faithful man who had been tried and proven as a servant. A minister that was willing to serve in the place the Lord had put him, regardless of location and or assignment.
- I Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
Conclusion: When we look at faithful people in the Bible, we are encouraged and challenged to do likewise or at least do better in our Christian walk. My hope and prayer is that you and I would see this example of Timothy, and be challenged to do better in our Christian walk. We too can care for others better than we are, we can deny ourselves for Christ, and we can commit to serving the Lord with all of our heart.