Servant Leadership: Timothy

Last week we learned how Paul called the Philippians to live as lights in the world in light of Christ’s example.

He then expressed his desire to be proud on the day of Christ of the work that he did for Christ, which resulted in their faith.

Paul stated he was glad, and rejoiced with them because of their salvation, even if it meant he would have to die for preaching the good news of the gospel. It was worth it!

He even commands them to rejoice with him.

He rightly sees himself as a godly example to follow, since he is following the example of Jesus Christ.

Paul is an example of servant leadership.

Paul then shifts his focus and points to two other servant leaders who are godly examples that the Philippians can model their lives after.

This morning we will be looking at the example of Timothy, and next week we will look at Epaphroditus.

Let’s begin by reading our passage for this morning.

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Philippians 2:19–24 ESV

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.

As we begin in diving deeper into this passage, the first thing we see is…

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Paul’s Concern for the Philippians

Before we take a look at Timothy as an example for us to follow, we must first understand Paul’s love for the Philippians which fuels his desire to send Timothy to them.

Paul says in…

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Philippians 2:19 ESV

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.

EXPLAIN

Paul loved the Philippians, and he wanted to hear how things were going with them.

His assumption is that things are going well, and he wants to be encouraged by hearing about it.

Paul has already shared how the Lord is working in his own life.

Remember that Paul is writing from prison. He is in jail for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In chapter 1:12-14, Paul tells the Philippians that rather than his imprisonment being a hindrance, it is actually advancing the gospel in two ways:

Through his own testimony

He himself is able to share about Jesus as people ask him the reason for his imprisonment.

Through the preaching of others

Others had become confident to proclaim Christ as well.

Paul wanted the Philippians to rejoice with him in light of the fact that God was using him to fulfill His purposes, even though it wasn’t what he would have chosen.

Now Paul is looking forward to hearing how the Lord is working in and through the lives of the Philippians.

We know how deeply Paul loved the Philippians as we look at how he writes them in this letter:

Philippians 1:3-4 “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,”

Philippians 1:7 “I hold you in my heart,”

Philippians 1:8 “For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:1 “My brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown,”

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Paul’s deep love for the Philippians fuels his desire to hear how God is working in their lives.

He is confident that the report will be good, especially in light of the fact that he is encouraging them in this letter to that very end.

Philippians 1:27 “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,”

Paul is confident that they will be obedient, and he will have reason to rejoice in the news he hears of them.

This confidence comes from his past experience with them.

Remember last week we noted in 2:12 that Paul was reminding them of their past obedience. In light of that, he was confident in their future obedience as well.

Because Paul was so confident that the Philippians were going to obey, he was excited to hear news about them knowing that he would be encouraged by how God was working in and through them.

There’s a mutuality in this relationship between Paul and the Philippians, where he shares about his life, and wants to hear about their lives.

ILLUSTRATE

A good relationship will generally be a two-way street. There’s a give and take.

We all know people in our lives that only take. They are only interested in talking about what’s going on in their lives, and don’t ask about yours.

When things are going well for them, they tell you all about it, and how awesome and amazing they are.

When things are not going well for them, they share all the details, and how life’s not fair. They always get the short end of the stick.

After you have spent an evening with them, you feel drained!

All you did was give, give, give!

It’s not that you don’t like to be a help and a support to others… it’s just… sometimes you feel like…

Song, “I Wanna Talk About Me” — Toby Keith

I wanna talk about me Wanna talk about I Wanna talk about number one Oh my, me my What I think, what I like, what I know, what I want, what I see I like talking about you, you, you, you, usually, but occasionally I wanna talk about me

APPLY

A healthy relationship is one where it is mutual. Both people are blessed.

A true friend:

takes an interest in what’s going on in your life;

shares their heart openly and honestly;

asks questions that show they care about you, and remember what’s going on in your life;

is willing to work alongside you for your growth and benefit.

A true friend is willing to:

Sacrifice time to spend with you when you need

Help financially when you need it, or just bless you with a gift

Humbles themselves to serve you in times of need.

This sort of relationship is about having a love for the other person that desires to see them growing, and flourishing.

This is what Paul wants to see in the Philippians.

During his time with them he loved them. He taught and instructed them on how to thrive in their Christian lives so that when he left they would thrive.

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The goal of relationships is to help others thrive

As Christians, all of our relationships should reflect this desire to help others grow, succeed, and thrive. It’s not about who’s doing more. It’s not a competition.

True friendship doesn’t keep score. The problem with keeping score is that we tend to feel like we’ve done more than the other person.

We tend to give ourselves the benefit of the doubt, and so It’s easy to feel like the other person is the one not doing enough.

We must take the initiative to strive for the other persons growth.

And when two people do that, you have a beautiful relationship where both are energized, strengthened, and encouraged to thrive.

RESPOND

Are you this kind of friend? Do you seek to build up those around you to help them thrive in their lives?

Or are you more like the person who only takes? The person who drains everybody else around you by focusing all the attention on yourself.

What about your friendships… do you have friendships where you can mutually pour into one another?

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Relationships are a blessing from God, and we should to pursue them.

As a church we understand how important this is, which is why we want to encourage you to intentionally seek others out.

We can’t all be close friends, but there’s probably room for one or two more close relationships for you to pursue.

If you’re newer here, one of the best ways to meet others and build relationsips is to get plugged in. You could do this by:

joining a Bible study class when WND begins again in the New Year.

You could sign up for church events, and opportunities to serve.

You could hang around after church here in the sanctuary and start a conversation.

These are great ways to meet others.

Be intentional to sit next to or talk to someone you don’t already know. Be prepared to invite someone over after church.

There is the potential it may be a little awkward, and it will take time, but it’s well worth it when you build friendships that are mutually beneficial.

We see Paul’s love and concern for the Philippians, and he shows them that love through telling them of his desire to send not just anyone, but Timothy.

Paul then goes on to commend… (go to next heading…)

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Timothy’s Godly Example

Paul loved the Philippians, and wanted to minister to their needs as well as find out how things were going with them.

He desires to send Timothy to them to find this out, but finds it necessary to speak well of him.

His hope is that when he is able to send him, he will be well-received because of his endorsement of him.

We continue reading in verses 20—22.

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Philippians 2:20–22 ESV

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.

EXPLAIN

What glowing endorsements he gives of Timothy!

In these 3 verses, Paul gives the Philippians three reasons to see Timothy as a valuable brother in Christ.

First we see...

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Timothy’s Concern for the Philippians

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Philippians 2:20 ESV

For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.

Paul had other companions, but none of them compared to Timothy.

Here Paul tells the Philippians of Timothy’s genuine concern for them.

Timothy was Paul’s protege and learned from watching him.

In chapter 1:27, and in chapter 2:2, Paul encourages the Philippians to be in accord, to be of the same mind.

Literally to be one-souled — that is to be knit together in harmony, having the same desires, passions, and ambitions.

Apparently Paul and Timothy had achieved this after years of working together, and Paul pouring into Timothy.

They shared the same mind-set.

This is evident when Paul writes to the Corinthian church. He encourages them to follow his example, and then he says in…

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1 Corinthians 4:17 ESV

That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.

When Paul cannot go himself, he sends Timothy. Paul is saying this is as good as if I myself were coming to you.

Paul was comfortable sending Timothy to the Philippians because…

He knew he would teach them exactly as Paul would; and

He was genuinely concerned for the Philippians, which he showed in his desire to return and help them.

The next reason Paul gives in commending Timothy is…

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Timothy’s Desire to Please Christ

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Philippians 2:21 ESV

For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

Paul is here commending Timothy by making a negative comparison to others.

Who is Paul speaking of when he says, “they all seek their own interests”?

Paul may have those in mind who at one time were his companions but deserted him. (Demas, Phygelus, Hermogenes)

He may be comparing Timothy to other companions he has now, who are not willing to set aside their own interests to do the work of Christ.

We remember back in chapter 1 where Paul is talking about those who were more bold to preach Christ because of his imprisonment. Some of them did it out of envy, rivalry, and selfish ambition. They were motivated by selfish desires. They were seeking their own gain.

Paul had said he was simply satisfied that Christ was being preached… but that doesn’t mean he would commend them, much less send them as a representative to a church in need.

Paul is saying here that Timothy is not like all of them.

He doesn’t seek his own interests, he seeks the interests of Jesus Christ.

His desire is to please Christ.

The third commendation Paul gives is…

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Timothy’s Faithfulness to Paul

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Philippians 2:22 ESV

But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.

Timothy had given up his life to follow Paul and help him as he spread the gospel.

Over the years he had shown his commitment to Jesus, through his commitment to serving Paul.

Paul says here that the Philippians already know of Timothy’s worth. Probably from seeing him serve alongside Paul when he was with them.

He was faithful to Paul as if he was his own father; and

He was faithful to Christ and his gospel.

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Timothy is a worthy example because of his:

Concern for the Philippians

Desire to Please Christ

Faithfulness to Paul

Based on Timothy’s proven worth, Paul is comfortable sending him as his representative to the Philippians.

ILLUSTRATE

According to Forbes, in 2012 Microsoft spent an estimated $1.5 to $1.8 billion on a marketing campaign to roll out Windows 8, the biggest product launch in the industry’s history.

Microsoft was convinced they had hit the jackpot when they landed a recommendation from Oprah Winfrey. The motives behind her endorsement were fairly clear. She had a very wide fan base, which meant that she could reach many people, many of which would have been from the older generation which were not as tech-savvy.

However this backfired for Microsoft. Oprah sent out a tweet extolling the virtues of the new Microsoft Surface tablet, but they were sent from Twitter on her Apple iPad, their biggest competitor.

Instead of giving the Microsoft a strong endorsement for their new product, it very publicly raised issues with it.

First, that their tablet did not yet have a Twitter app. More importantly though, it showed that Oprah, who was supposed to be their advocate, was more comfortable using the tablet from their competitor.

APPLY

When you want the job done right you need to make sure you send the right person.

Paul knew he wanted to help the Philippians progress in their faith, but he couldn’t go himself because he was in prison.

When he would have the chance, he knew without a doubt that he would send Timothy.

We ought to strive to have this same sort of reputation as a follower of Christ.

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When there is a need to be filled in the church, we should want our name to be called.

If you do not sense a great burden to serve the church, maybe you’re lacking in one of these 3 areas Timothy is commeded.

Maybe you’re lacking in your love and concern for the people in this church.

Maybe you’re lacking in your desire to please Christ.

You’re too wrapped up in your own interests and are not willing to sacrifice them for the sake of Christ.

Maybe you’re lacking in your faithfulness to the leaders of this church.

As leaders of this church, we are charged with guarding your souls. Our teaching and leading is to point you to be more faithful to Christ, not entertain you.

If have been baptized or become a member of LEMC, you have been asked if you will use your gifts to serve this church, and you answered “yes”.

At that time you committed yourself in service to this church.

And our desire is not to twist your arm into doing it, but helping you to see that you all have a unique gift that the church is missing out on if you are not serving.

You are also missing out on the blessing that comes from serving your Saviour, Jesus Christ.

If you are not a member of LEMC but have been attending for more than a year, you have shown your commitment to this church through your attendance.

When God asks you how you used the gifts he gave you, “I wasn’t actually a member of the church” is not going to be a sufficient answer.

You still have an obligation to use your gifts to serve the body of Christ.

We’ve seen the concern Paul had for the Philippians, and his desire to send Timothy who was a worthy and godly example.

Next we see…

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The Reason for Paul’s Delay

Paul would have loved for himself or Timothy to come right away, but here he explains why he couldn’t do that.

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Philippians 2:23–24 ESV

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.

EXPLAIN

Paul loves the Philippians, and his desire is to visit them to continue to help them in their progress and joy in the faith (1:25).

He is in prison and can’t come himself, and his plan B is to send Timothy, but Paul can’t do that it at the moment because needs Timothy.

Paul was in prison, and was awaiting his trial where he was going to defend himself.

This was why Paul needed to keep Timothy around for a little longer.

Timothy was incredibly useful to Paul.

We’ve already seen how self-less he was in service to Christ.

He would have helped Paul with running errands, ministering to the needs of the believers there in Rome.

We know that Paul was still spreading the gospel while in prison, so Timothy may have been meeting with them, teaching them, and helping them with their new-found faith.

Besides that, Paul needed his help in preparing for his trial.

As soon as Paul knew what was going to happen to him, he would willingly send Timothy to bless them.

Earlier in chapter one he mentioned that he believed that he would be released.

He was willing to die for the sake of the gospel, but his conviction was that God had more work for him to do. This made him confident of his release.

Here he expresses that same trust in the Lord that he too would be able to visit the Philippians soon.

Paul loves and cares for the Philippians, and desires to help them, but his current situation does not allow him to give the help that they need.

Paul does send them some help.

Next week we are going to look at the following section, vv. 25—30, where Paul tells them of his plans to send back Epaphroditus.

Epaphroditus had originally been sent by the Philippians to bring him a gift as well as to be of use to him in his imprisonment, but now Paul was going to send him back to them.

He was a servant leader who was worthy of imitation as well.

Paul couldn’t come himself, and he couldn’t send Timothy at the moment either, but he was going to send some help… Epaphroditus.

When you love someone, you can’t just leave them hanging… you have to do something!

ILLUSTRATE

In 2017, the movie “Dunkirk” came out. Based on the true story, it was set in late May, 1940.

Already eight months into World War II, Adolf Hitler's formidable army swept into Belgium, and then, France was next.

As a result, the outnumbered Allied Forces collapsed under the sheer volume of the invader, and 400,000 troops found themselves with their backs to the cold North Sea, stranded on the sandy shores of the French coastal town of Dunkirk.

Here is a photo of the soldiers on the beach.

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With the relentless German Air Force hammering the beach, and with the distance between England and continental Europe just 33.3 kilometres across the river, the massive evacuation operation code-named Operation Dynamo began.

Winston Churchill gave the command to send in Navy ships in order to save their cornered troops, but with the low water the ships could only get so close, slowing down the rescue mission as the soldiers would have to be taken by small ships to the Navy vessel. Of the 400,000 troops, they only saved around 7,500 men the first day, and around 10,000 the second day.

During this slow process, the German Air Force continued to hammer the beach, killing thousands of vulnerable soldiers. Out of desperation, they sought the help of civilians ships to help them get the troops to safety. These 800-1200 boats became known as the “Little Ships”, and helped bring about 338,000 soldiers to safety.

APPLY

Because of their commitment to the soldiers, and the fact that they were on the same side, they couldn’t leave them to fend for themselves. They were limited in how they could help them, but knew they had to do something to try and save them.

We need to have this same love and commitment toward one another.

In this letter, Paul is continually calling the Philippians to unity, being of the same mind, working toward the same goals.

The unity that Paul is talking about is not their heritage, their birthplace, their job, or their life experiences… it is their faith in Christ.

The way they maintain that unity is by working toward the same goal. That goal is being a light to the world as they point to Jesus.

Likewise for us…

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What unites us is our faith in Christ. The mission of spreading His gospel is what unites us in our work.

When we live within this unity, then we will see one another as:

Brothers and sisters in Christ;

Soldiers in the same army, fighting the same battle.

When we have that sense of connectedness, we will see the needs of those around us and not be able to resist helping them.

We may not always be able to do it ourselves, but we will feel the compulsion to do something, because...

That’s my brother in Christ! That’s my sister in Christ! That’s my fellow soldier in Christ!

RESPOND

How committed are you to Christ and His church?

Is this how you view fellow believers here at LEMC?

Is this how you view fellow believers around you who may go to another church?

Is this how you view fellow believers around the world who are suffering for their faith in Christ, and others who have given their lives for the spreading of the gospel?

Are you like Timothy, who had a genuine concern for fellow believers...

or are you like the others who are too busy seeking their own interests to seek the interests of Christ?

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

As we close our time together this morning, I want to prompt you to think about how this Word from God applies to in your life this week.

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Pursue relationships with fellow believers in this church

There are times when relationships come about as a result of others initiating with us.

There are other times when relationships come about as a result of us initiating with others.

What steps can you take this week to initiate a relationship with someone here in this church this week? Maybe they’re here in this room this morning!

If there’s someone on your mind who you have already sensed you might connect well with, step out in faith! Maybe you feel nervous and anxious to do it… we all do! It does come more naturally to some than others, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It takes courage.

It’s well worth the risk. We need one another!

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Strive to be a godly example to fellow believers

Live your life in such a way that if people knew how you spent all of your time, they would speak highly of you, just as Paul does of Timothy.

Be a disciple of Christ who makes a priority of:

reading God’s Word,

lifting others in prayer to God throughout the day,

memorizing Scripture,

seeking to do work for Christ’s kingdom,

meeting needs here in this church,

pouring into the next generation of Christians.

We have a great need for Sr. Youth leaders. This is a ministry for high school age kids that we run here on Friday nights.

Around 50 of these young people gather to sing, listen to God’s Word, pray together, play a game, and enjoy snacks and fellowship.

We currently only have 4-5 leaders on a given week, sometimes less, and ideally we need 10. There is a specific need for women to be godly role models for the young girls.

Over half of these young people do not come to church here, but only attend youth. Not all of them are from Christian homes, so there is a real opportunity to help them build the foundation of their lives on Christ.

There are other ways to use your gifts and talents to bless this church, and advance God’s kingdom, but we can’t be godly examples if we’re not involved and engaged.

Pray this week that God will give you wisdom to know where you might be able to serve.

Reach out to myself, or another leader in the church and ask what opportunities there may be for you to serve.

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Do what you can to help fellow believers

We may not always be able to do much, but there is always SOMETHING we can do.

Maybe a brother or sister in Christ has a financial need that you can meet.

Maybe somebody needs to hear a word of encouragement. This could be as simple as a text.

Maybe someone needs you to pop by unannounced with a coffee or small treat.

Maybe someone is too ashamed to share their need or their struggle, and they need you to ask how things are really going.

There are countless possibilities here, but we cannot know how to help others if we don’t know them. And others can’t know us if we don’t put ourselves out there.

This is why it is so important to be connected to the body of Christ, so that we can help one another grow into the image of Christ.

Let’s pray.