A godly example
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, ESV
Paul was hoping to send Timothy, who had been with him when he first visited Philippi, to visit the Philippians. From these verses it appears that the reasoning for this was two-fold – to bring back encouraging news of them to Paul and as a godly example for the Philippians to follow.
So what is it about Timothy that Paul is commending to the Philippians?
Genuinely concerned for their welfare
Timothy is described as having genuine concern for them – he is someone who cares deeply about people. Just as Paul had encouraged the Philippians earlier, to look out for other peoples interests and to count other people as more significant than yourself, Timothy was a living example of how this is done.
Do we genuinely care about other people?
Do we show our concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ both nearby and overseas?
Looking out for Christ’s interests
He is someone who puts Christ first, not seeking his own interests. He’s not looking for a position of prominence or importance, but one of service. Just as Paul wrote of Jesus earlier, he lived a live of humble obedience and service, not grasping power and greatness.
Are we looking for recognition for ourselves or for Jesus?
His proven worth in serving alongside Paul
Timothy had proven himself serving God alongside Paul throughout his missionary trips – as the Philippians could testify to themselves.
Would our brothers be able to say the same of us?