The Example of Timothy: Philippians 2:19-24
“19) But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. 20) For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21) For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22) But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. 23) Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; 24) and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly.” Philippians 2:19-24
Paul now uses Timothy as an example of selfless service. He set himself aside to look after the needs of Paul. He served him like a son serving his father. He displayed the mind of Christ.
The result was that the gospel was greatly advanced. Paul was freed up from menial tasks so he could focus his time, energies, talents and gifts on the ministry.
This was by no means a waste for Timothy. He was mentored by Paul Himself. In the process of serving Paul he learned how to minister to others and develop his own gifts.
Soon, Paul was sending Timothy out to lead itinerant ministry. Paul sent him because he could trust his character, doctrine and work ethic. He had proven himself and his servants heart. He was a proven and fruitful disciple of Jesus Christ.
I take these six verses seriously. Paul was committed to Timothy’s success. He later wrote two pastoral epistles to Him. The books of 1 & 2 Timothy have shaped many pastors and spiritual leaders.
Paul made it clear in these six verses that the core qualities for ministry success came down to selfless and humble service of others. Self promotion is contrary the gospel. Putting others above self is the Jesus way.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“19) But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. 20) For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21) For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22) But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. 23) Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; 24) and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly.” Philippians 2:19-24
Paul now uses Timothy as an example of selfless service. He set himself aside to look after the needs of Paul. He served him like a son serving his father. He displayed the mind of Christ.
The result was that the gospel was greatly advanced. Paul was freed up from menial tasks so he could focus his time, energies, talents and gifts on the ministry.
This was by no means a waste for Timothy. He was mentored by Paul Himself. In the process of serving Paul he learned how to minister to others and develop his own gifts.
Soon, Paul was sending Timothy out to lead itinerant ministry. Paul sent him because he could trust his character, doctrine and work ethic. He had proven himself and his servants heart. He was a proven and fruitful disciple of Jesus Christ.
I take these six verses seriously. Paul was committed to Timothy’s success. He later wrote two pastoral epistles to Him. The books of 1 & 2 Timothy have shaped many pastors and spiritual leaders.
Paul made it clear in these six verses that the core qualities for ministry success came down to selfless and humble service of others. Self promotion is contrary the gospel. Putting others above self is the Jesus way.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
