I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. ~Philippians 2:19-24
While in prison, Paul had to rely upon the help of others in caring for the churches. Some proved more faithful than others. Some, like Demas even went so far as to abandon the cause (Colossians 4:14, 2 Timothy 4:10). Yet, one young man remained faithful to the mission and earned Paul’s trust.
Timothy looked to Paul like a spiritual father. Paul’s second letter to him tell us that it was Timothy’s grandmother and mother who led him to faith and had great spiritual influence over him in his youth. But along the way, Paul took Timothy under his wing, teaching and giving guidance that he might mature in the faith and be productive in ministry.
So, Paul gave Timothy high praise to the church at Philippi. He was faithful, he had proven worth, he had served well in the gospel, and he had genuine care for the people he encountered. Timothy didn’t see his work simply as a job or an opportunity for advancement, rather he sought to show great love and concern to others around him, especially in regard to their salvation and spiritual growth.
Therefore, when Paul would be able to send Timothy to them, he hoped that they would receive him well and that when the young man returned, it would be with good news to cheer Paul.
In your life, seek to be like Timothy. Seek to be a person who is faithful, loving, and other-focused. Serve others not for what you can gain but for the sake of what you can help them gain.
New posts from this devotional series in Philippians will run most Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
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