Finding Joy in Philippians
Background: For the next three weeks, we will be studying the Book of Philippians, another of Paul's letters from his Roman prison. In Philippi, men were using Paul's imprisonment as proof he was not genuine and seeking to undermine his authority. Many in the church were shaken at the fact that the Apostle was imprisoned. He wrote the letter to explain his imprisonment and to encourage his readers to walk in joy despite all the evil in the world.
Philippians is not nearly as easily outlined at Ephesians was - it is much more personal and exhortational compared to the theological intent of Ephesians. Philippians was the church that was founded when Paul received the vision of the Macedonian man saying, "Come and help us."
As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage.
Today's Reading: Philippians 1-4 Focus Passage - Philippians 2:19-24
Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I too may be encouraged by news about you. 20 For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; 21 all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father. 23 Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon.
Through the Bible Readings: Jeremiah 25-26, Ephesians 5, Psalm 115:15–18, Proverbs24:30–34
If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings.
Devotional: No One Like Him
Everywhere Paul went, young men of God went with him. Paul taught them, trained them, then sent them out to do the work so that when he was gone the work God had called him to would carry on. Luke went with Paul on his journeys, as did Mark and Titus and Aristarchus and a long list of men. But there was one man who seemed to be Paul's right-hand man, Timothy.
Timothy was from Lystra, born of a Jewish mother and a Gentile father. His mother was evidently converted during Paul's first missionary journey and Timothy joined Paul and Silas on the second journey. He was there when Paul entered Philippi for the first time. When he sent his letter to the church, he evidently sent Timothy along with a man named Epaphroditus.
Paul commends Timothy in several ways. First, he says that Timothy is noble for caring genuinely about the needs of the people of Philippi. Too many leaders care primarily about themselves and their own needs, using their people to build their platforms and increase their fame. Timothy cared about the people.
Timothy was commended not because of his looks or his talents, but because of his proven character. A great sickness in American Christianity because we choose leaders based on talent and charisma, not on character.
Timothy was a humble servant, not desiring glory and honor, but willing to serve with Paul "like a son with his father." The world prizes aggression and seeking greatness, but we are those who value humilty and service to others.
It is my sense that Timothy was likely not an impressive man - not the kind of guy who wowed anyone with his personality or talents. But he was a faithful servant, the kind that builds the kingdom.
Father, may we be more like Timothy - faithful men and women of character and service.
Think and Pray:
Imagine a man like Timothy applied to be pastor of your church. Would he be considered?
Are you a faithful servant?
A man or woman of godly character?
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