Philippians 2:19-24
New King James Version (NKJV)
Timothy Commended
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.
My Thoughts:
- Let’s start with (v. 19) we read “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state”
- Timothy was a trusted associate of Paul’s who began his ministry in Philippi (v. 22; Acts 16:1-15; 1 Tim. 1:2) it seems that new from Philippi was slow in coming and Paul was hoping that when Timothy arrived that this would change.
- “that I also may be encouraged when I know your state“ this comment seems to be contradicting what we read in (vv. 12-18) but what I see is the statement from (vv. 12-15) is a statement of encouragement, and the statement today is Paul saying I know you are ok but hearing it from Timothy would make me feel better.
- In (v. 22) we read “But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.”
- Timothy has been a trusted associate for some time now (Acts 16:1, 13; 17:14) and not only does he trust Timothy it seems possible that Timothy has been to Philippi at least twice during the third ministry (Acts 19:22; 20:3-6) they too will trust him.
- If we look at 1 and 2 Timothy we can conclude that Timothy was a warm and caring person, rather than a commanding person. Maybe this is what the church needed.
- Let’s finish with (v. 24) “But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.”
- It seems that Paul was ill during this time, but still was very confident that he would return to them soon.
Thought of the Day
“Even if you have nothing else to give, you can always give encouragement.”
Discouragement is a problem for many Christians. While they may not be distressed about health, family, or work, they’re discouraged about their spiritual service. They compare themselves to others who are gifted with musical talents or the ability to teach the Bible. They see people who are able to give generously and pray with evident effectiveness, but they think they can’t do these things. As a result, they feel they are useless to God. They need to realize, however, that every Christian is qualified to carry on at least one helpful ministry–the ministry of encouragement.
Renowned preacher Robert Dale was walking one day in Birmingham, England, where he was pastoring the great Carr’s Lane Church. He was under a dark cloud of gloom when a woman came up to him and exclaimed, “God bless you, Dr. Dale. If you could only know how you have made me feel hundreds of times!” Then off she hurried. Dale later testified, “The mist broke, the sunlight came, and I breathed the free air of the mountains of God.”
The apostle Paul knew how important it was not only to be encouraged by others (Phil. 2:19) but to be an encourager (Acts 20:2; 27:35-36). That’s a ministry all of us can be involved in.
It may seem insignificant
To say a word or two,
But when it is encouragement,
What wonders it can do! –K. De Haan
Personal Reflection and Discussion
- What do think (v. 22) is saying?
- How do you see (v. 21)?
- What other things do you see in the text?
Prayer Activities
- Call your Partner and discuss this devotional.
- Continue to have a prayer list and continue to praying for them.
- Pray with them and ask for the following;
- For God to help us find trusted associates, such as the ones Paul had.
- For God to strengthen our devotion to Him.
- For the individuals on your pray list.
- Let’s use (Psalms 118:1) for today’s prayer verse.
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“But all seek their own”. That is the mantra of todays society. “If it feels good do it” is prpbably what that means today. Everyone of us is self serving. We want what we want when we want it. This is why we must pray for the help of the Holy Spirit minute by minute. We are the same as people were in Pauls time and he understood what people were like. Verse 22 is speaking of Timothy and his character. You know him, you know his proven character Paul tells them. It is like he is reassuring the people that they needn’t worry or fret about who will come. It will be a trusted family member practically. I know that should our pastor ever come out to our place, I would not be comfortable ,not because of the house and what is in it or for fear of what we might say or do. It is because II don’t know him. I don’t connect with him. Paul doesn’t want anyone to be uncomfortable and so he is reassuring the people, for their sake, Timothy’s sake and even his own sake.
Good post, and as for your pastor give him a chance, he is a good man and he cares about you all.
It’s funny how God knows where he puts us and why. Our characters tend to click so easily with some, while with others not at all. Sometimes people have such a difficult time seeing God (or Jesus) as someone they would like in person today; this is where we come in shining His light and reflecting a part of his character with all we come in contact with. We are His children and have some of his characters in some form. I have met really funny people who love the Lord, and it has made me see that God not only could, but mostly like is, very funny and happy himself as well. God Is…and that leaves alot to be said about Him. At the end I’ve come to accept God to be all that is good, without being quick to leaving out any good character, because of my preconcieved ideas of Him.
I have always wondered what Christ was like, the Bible talks about Jesus the teacher and Lord, but he was human as well. I would think that He connected with people in all ways.