Evening: Being a Timothy

Philippians 2:19-24

¹⁹I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. ²⁰I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. ²¹For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. ²²But 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. ²³I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. ²⁴And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

In this passage, Paul publicly praises Timothy for being a kindred spirit, someone who is concerned for the welfare of others, seeks after the interests of Jesus Christ, and serves in the furtherance of the gospel.

If you are reading this blog, then I trust that you are seeking after the welfare of Adam and his family. For that I am grateful.

But what exactly does it mean to seek after the interests of Jesus Christ and serve in the furtherance of the gospel?

Here is where we need to turn to 1 & 2 Timothy, letters Paul wrote to Timothy to instruct him and share his concerns. Through these instructions, warnings, and concerns, we can learn some of what it takes to live a Timothy-type of life. Here are just a few highlights:

1 Timothy 1:18-19a

18Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, 19holding on to faith and a good conscience.

1 Timothy 2:1-2,8

1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness…. 8I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

1 Timothy 4:11-13

11Command and teach these things. 12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

1 Timothy 6:6-8, 17

6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that…. 17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

1 Timothy 6:11

11But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

2 Timothy 1:7

6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

2 Timothy 2:22

22Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

2 Timothy 4:2

2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

As we pray for Adam, let us also pray that we would be people who strive to follow these instructions, with the help of our Lord, that we would be to Amy and the rest of Adam’s family what Timothy was to Paul—concerned for the welfare of others, seeking after Christ, and furthering the Good News that Jesus died and was raised so that we might have a relationship with God.

We will finish Chapter 2 in the morning.

Good night.