Nov. 29, 2020. Philippians 2:19-24

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A MAN NAMED TIMOTHY  Philippians 2:19-24. 11/29/2020. #11.

Philippians 2:19-24 [New King James Version]

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. 23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

  • Faithful Timothy
    • Paul had gathered a number of helpers around him (Luke, Titus, Aristarchus, Silas…), but none were as faithful as Timothy)
    • Timothy became Paul’s favorite companion
      • Paul considered himself Timothy’s spiritual son
      • Paul mentions Timothy more than other co-workers
      • Timothy = Honoring God
      • Timothy was the son of a pagan Greek father and a devout Jewish mother (Acts 16:1), named Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5) from Lystra (even grandma Lois was a faithful believer)
    • Timothy joined the second missionary journey with Silas
      • Paul had Timothy circumcised (so not the offend the Jews – Jesus paid taxes not to offend Jews)
      • I Timothy 4:14; II Timothy 1:6 Paul then participated in the laying on of hands, ordaining Timothy to ministry (I Timothy 4:1-16)
    • Timothy accompanied Paul into Europe
      • When Paul was expelled from Thessalonica after only three weeks, Paul sent Timothy back to strengthen them
      • Timothy was with Paul in Ephesus, Macedonia, and Corinth
      • Paul now sent Timothy to check on the Php. Church while he waited for him at Troas
      • Timothy was in Ephesus at the time of Paul’s death
  • Rare Timothy
    • Paul paid Timothy his greatest tribute: no one else is as like-minded (as Paul) who will care for the Philippians’ needs
      • This included Titus, Luke, Silas…
      • Timothy approached ministry the way Paul wanted him to do so (Paul counted on him to be diligent and to minister in the correct manner)
      • Timothy did not have the same bold persona as Paul, so Paul had to encourage him to be bold and courageous (II Timothy 1:7)
      • “For all seek their own, not the things of Christ Jesus”
    • A most profound observation
    • Most people, even believers seek their own will
      • There are pastors who treat their churches as their own private fiefdoms
      • It is rare to find believers consistently seeking and doing the will of the Lord
    • Even those who worked with Paul had a tendency to seek their own will and not God’s
    • A whole litany of believers seeking their own way: Moses resisting going to Egypt, Jonah left for Joppa, David lusted after Bathsheba, Jeremiah refused to speak, Paul went to Jerusalem, Peter backed away from the Galatian saints…
    • Timothy’s character was so stellar that it was proven
      • He was consistent in faith, service, and dedication
      • Timothy did not struggle with obedience, but he did wrestle with his own fears
    • Timothy proves that absolute dedication is possible, even for believers who wrestle with personal limitations
  • We need more Timothy people
    • All believers have the potential to be like Timothy in devotion, service, consistency, attitude, and perseverance
    • Those who fail to live up to Timothy’s example do so because “they seek their own way and not that of Christ Jesus”
      • Failure to obey is a victory for pride and rebellion
      • Two aspects: What do you seek? Who do you serve?
    • Timothy’s testimony was not in what he did, but being dedicated to what he was called to be (no let down or deviation)

Key Verse:

1 Timothy 4 [New King James Version]

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11 These things command and teach. 12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.