Whose Interests?

Series on Philippians

IV Paul’s Co-workers

A Regarding Timothy, Text: 2:19-24

Title: Whose Interests?

Introduction

Paul is looking for a good report concerning the Philippian Christians. Verse 19, I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. He talks about being cheered up by the good news. The word translated “cheered” is used only once in the New Testament. Strangely, it means courage and was commonly used on tombstones to indicate the last wishes of the deceased. Paul’s choice of this word suggests that whether he lives or dies his epitaph should read, the Philippian Christians survived and prospered. That is what would encourage Paul. It is this kind of attitude that led Paul to write the words of 1:20,21 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. And then he adds, Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. So let us first examine this perspective, then the proof, and finally the passion.

I The Perspective

Paul says of Timothy in verses 20 and 21, I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. This is a generic statement about human depravity. Obviously since he had with him Aristarchus, Luke, and Mark who were faithful ministers according to Philemon 24, he was not talking about them. He was decrying the tendency of people to put their own interests before those of the kingdom of God. Paul was a former Pharisee and those people, right or wrong, really cared about God’s kingdom. Look at Philippians 3:4b-8. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ. It seems as if, in our society, the only inheritance we have from the scribes and Pharisees is their self-righteous criticism. What we need is a dose of their devotion. Remember Jesus said, Except your righteousness exceed that of the scribes And Pharisees you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Now-a-days it is hard to find such dedication unless you count Muslim terrorists.

II The Proof

The proof is in the performance and the partnership according to verse 22, But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. That Paul had a wonderful relationship with Timothy is evident in all his letters. In I Cor. 4:17 Paul says, I have sent unto you Timotheus who is my beloved son in the Lord and a faithful servant. In 16:10 he says, Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear, for he works the work of the Lord, As I also do. In his first letter to Timothy Paul says, 4:12, Let no man despise your youth, but be an example of the believers in word and conversation in charity in spirit, in faith and purity. During my tenure as Pastor of the Lansdale, PA church I had many seminary students. We gave them opportunities for summer internships and also long term year long internships required by the Presbytery. I feel the same way about them that Paul does about Timothy and the feeling is often reciprocated. Recently some from our church attended a seminar on church planting in the Southwest Florida Presbytery. One of the important things that was emphasized was on the job training. They call it coaching, but whatever you call it, it is useful. This is what Timothy experiences with Paul. I would like us all to be mentors, or coaches. Find somebody who needs your help and guide them.

III The Passion

Paul concludes with the words of verses 23 and 24, I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. Paul does not care whether he lives or dies. He says, in Philippians 1:20-24, I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. So Paul does not know how it will turn out, but he is ready for any eventuality including life or death. He is waiting. The next sentence can easily be misread. The word translated confident is capable of many meanings. We can be sure that Paul did not know the outcome. The King James Version translation is much better at this point. It says, I trust in the lord that I will also come shortly. It was his purpose to come if the Lord willed it. The ultimate reason for these words is to help us understand that Paul had a passion for serving Jesus that went beyond life or death, He was determined and committed.

Conclusion

Do you know what commitment means? It comes from to Latin words meaning send and together. Timothy was sent together with Paul. However, we are all sent together with Jesus. He is the apostle (sent one) and high priest of our confession. You cannot really be committed unless you are sent together with Christ and others. One reason the church exists is to provide a place where we can go with Jesus and go with others. This is commitment.