TIMOTHY; A MAN WHO POSSESSED THE MIND OF CHRIST
Philippians 2:19-24
Introduction:
The apostle's reference to his present sufferings (vv. 17-18) led him to tell the Philippians about his plans. He wanted to send Timothy and Epaphroditus to Philippi. He said things about those two faithful fellow workers that would assure their warm reception when they arrived. Paul's descriptions of them have lasting value because they were such good examples of men who possessed the mind of Christ. They were, therefore, true partners in the gospel.
Proposition:
I propose that a man, who possessed the mind of Christ, has the mind whose obedience was subject to the will of God, and his interest was puts on of Christ –likeness.
Body:
I. HIS OBEDIENCE WAS SUBJECT TO THE WILL OF GOD (vv. 19-20)
a. TIMOTHY SUBMITS TO THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST (V.19).
Philippians 2:19 “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.”
- Paul explained that his plan was subject to the will of God when he said that he hoped "in the Lord Jesus" to send Timothy shortly. The apostle alluded to his submission to the lordship of Christ frequently in this epistle.
- The primary purpose of Timothy's visit was to learn the condition of the Philippian believers and to report that to Paul. This would enable Paul to pray for, minister to, and lay plans to help this church better.
b. TIMOTHY SOLICITS FELLOW-BELIEVERS’ CONCERN (V. 20).
Philippians 2:20 “I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.”
- He had the same affection with Apostle Paul. he was engaged in the same work of the Lord, and pursued it with the same zeal and diligence: he was a second Paul in the pulpit; and there was no man likeminded as he, or so well disposed to the Philippians as he was, that had their good and cause at heart, and was willing to take so long a journey to do them service. Timothy consistently shared Paul's general outlook and specific concern for the welfare of the Philippians.
II. HIS INTEREST PUTS ON OF CHRIST-LIKENESS (vv. 21-24).
a. TIMOTHY DENIED HIS SELF INTEREST (v.21)
- Philippians 2:21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
b. TIMOTHY DEVOTED HIMSELF FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE GOSPEL (v.22)
- Philippians 2:22 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.
c. TIMOTHY DEMONSTRATED HIS WORTHINESS AS A SERVANT OF CHRIST (vv. 23-24)
Philippians 2:23-24 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
- Timothy had demonstrated his worthiness as a servant of Christ and of Paul over more than 10 years. He had served as the apostle's fellow worker and as his protégé. He had established a good reputation not only in Philippi but wherever he had served. Such a fine record stands a young servant of the Lord in good stead when others consider him for another ministry.
Conclusion:
The submissive mind is not the product of an hour's sermon, or a week's seminar, or even a year's service. The submissive mind grows in us as, like Timothy, we yield to the Lord and seek to serve others. Therefore, that a man, who possessed the mind of Christ, has the mind whose obedience was subject to the will of God, and his interest was puts on of Christ –likeness.
