Studies in Philippians(16) Timothy Philippians 2:19-24

Previously Paul is challenging these brethren to shine as lights in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation His hope in this is they stand fast so that in the day of Christ (judgment), he will rejoice, knowing he has not labored in vain Today, Timothy, Paul’s messenger

Timothy Trusting to send Timothy shortly Recall, Paul is a prisoner, and thus likely restricted. But if this is Rome, he receives visitors Acts 28:30-31 Timothy could come and go helping him That I may be encouraged. Paul desires to know of their condition

Timothy No one like minded Paul can count on Timothy. cf. Philippians 2:2-3 Clearly, Timothy understood what Paul wanted and needed. Leaders delegate with the hope one understands what is expected. CLEAR communication We NEED to be like-minded! The end does not always justify the means

Timothy Who will sincerely care for your state Timothy was genuine, “naturally” – KJV We need sincerity in all we do Philippians 1:10, 1 Timothy 1:5 Paul often addressed those who were less than sincere – Philippians 1:16

Timothy For all seek their own, not the things of Christ Is this a reference to the world, or some of his brethren? Contextually, seems to be brethren – while Paul was surrounded by those who would do what was needed, many would be unwilling to sacrifice or help (cf. Acts 28:24-25, Philippians 1:15-16)

Timothy For all seek their own, not the things of Christ Do we sometimes fail to consider one another (Hebrews 10:24, Romans 12:10) Brethren are not immune to selfishness – ungodly attitudes toward one another

Timothy For all seek their own, not the things of Christ Timothy was different. He too was willing to sacrifice for brethren 1 Corinthians 10:24 Romans 15:1 1 Corinthians 13:5 2 Corinthians 12:15 – Paul willing to spend and be spent

Timothy You know his proven character Likely, Timothy was with Paul when he first came to Philippi Acts 16:1-3ff – first met him at Lystra. 17:14 – next mention of Timothy Philippians 1:1, Timothy mentioned with Paul

Timothy You know his proven character Integrity and trustworthiness Never underestimate the power of one’s virtue, 2 Peter 1:5, Matthew 5:37, “Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’…” 1 Timothy 4:12, Timothy to be an example

Timothy As a son he had served Paul Paul viewed Timothy as his son (in the faith, 1 Corinthians 4:17 1 Timothy 1:1, 2 Timothy 2:2, some 25 plus times Paul mentions Timothy, greetings from Timothy in 6 letters, and 2 directed to him Acts 16:1-3, willing to be circumcised for sake of brethren

Timothy As a son he had served Paul Paul sent Timothy wherever he needed him to go 1 Corinthians 4:17 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3, 1 Timothy 1:3 He had suffered for Christ, Hebrews 13:23

Timothy I hope to send him at once Paul’s future plans, if the Lord wills, was to also come and see them.

Can you be counted on? Timothy Phil. 2:19-24