Commendable Qualities — Philippians 2:19-24

I was impressed again recently when viewing the Apostle Paul's commendation of Timothy in Philippians 2:19-24.

The epistle itself is filled with glorious truths, and it also demonstrates the wonderful relationship that the Apostle had with the believers at Philippi. It is a Christ-filled and joyful letter, especially in the light of a gift that was sent to the Apostle from the believers in Philippi.

In the center of the letter, the Apostle commends two men (2:19-30). The first is Timothy. Paul hopes to send Timothy to Philippi to receive news concerning how they are doing. There were issues of disagreement in the life of the church, and they were also facing persecution. So, they had problems within and problems without. Hence, Paul desires greatly to send Timothy to find out how they are doing, and I'm sure that Timothy would be able to minister to the church while there. In sending Timothy, he is commending him so that Timothy will be received as the Apostle’s representative. Remember, the Apostle is imprisoned at the time.

It could take many pages to expound fully versus 20 through 22 of chapter 2. I want to point out simply how the Apostle Paul commends Timothy and views these as commendations that we must seek in our own lives.

First of all, the Apostle Paul says that Timothy is genuinely concerned for the welfare of the Philippians (2:20). This genuine concern for the people to whom you minister is a critical need and quality in the life of God's servants. You should not, and indeed you cannot serve those for whom you have no real concern. Timothy had that concern, and the Apostle makes that very clear.

And, the Apostle goes further. In contrast to many others, Timothy was focused on the interests of Jesus Christ (2:21). Timothy was a Christ-centered man. The Apostle makes it clear that many are just interested in their own concerns and not those of Christ. In this statement, he implicitly says that Timothy is different. Timothy was concerned for the things of Christ. We must be Christ-focused in our living and in our ministry.

These commendable qualities are matched by Timothy's proven character or worth through his service in the past. This is what the apostle states next (2:22). He reminds the Philippians that Timothy has served with the Apostle in the gospel and has proved himself in that service. Without going too far with the details of his description, I think it is right to see this service as being loyal service, humble service, and gospel service.

Timothy had proven himself in his service. And that is to be the desired “track record” of any servant of the Lord.

For those starting out in ministry, it is important to serve whenever and wherever the Lord leads. Proving your loyalty, your humility, and your concern for gospel ministry is important. This does not mean that one will be serving in regular preaching and teaching. It may mean very simple and practical service alongside those who are preaching and teaching. As the Apostle writes this letter, Timothy appears to be with him. It is interesting to think of what Timothy would have been doing at that time. Serve where you are!

For those who have been in ministry a long time, it is good to remember that there is no position higher than being “a servant of the Lord.” Every day, every week, every month, and every year we demonstrate our character through the service that we render.

For all of us we need to maintain a focus on Christ and a concern for the spiritual welfare of others.

This “slice of life” text in Philippians is supported by the rest of the epistle. Indeed, Paul is concerned that the Philippians will put the interest of others before the interest of themselves (2:3-4). The very example of Christ is given to support that exhortation (2:5-11). Paul himself was exemplary in this way (1:22-26), and he certainly was Christ-centered (1:20-21, for example). Timothy was “like-minded/souled” to Paul. And Paul was like-minded to Christ, as we all are called to be.

I encourage you to read Philippians 2:19-24. This text reveals wonderful goals in any training of others or mentorship that you may be involved in as a leader. You want to develop proven character through service. And you want to develop a heart for Christ and a concern for others.

These qualities or characteristics are essential in gospel ministry.

Blessings,
David O.