Philippians 2:19-24

v.19

Philippians 2:19 ESV

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

-Paul is eager to send Timothy to the Philippians, why?

-What does Paul long to hear about the Philippians?

-wants to know how they are doing and particularly how are they living in unity

-I hope in the Lord Jesus - if Jesus wills

-put one’s hope, Paul fully knows that it is dependent on God’s guidance

-How often do we say that we are just going to do this or that, when we should say this is our hope but it is dependent on God’s will

-Paul could also imply that his decisions are based on his hope in the Lord Jesus

-Paul also hopes that eventually he would be able to see the Philippians

Philippians 2:24 ESV

24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

-Timothy was sent by Paul on several occasions:

-Thessalonica 1 Thess 3:1-5

1 Thessalonians 3:1–5 ESV

1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

-Corinth 1 Corinthians 4:17

1 Corinthians 4:17 ESV

17 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.

-reason for sending Timothy is to hear good news about them and vice versa that they may hear how Paul is doing

v.20

Philippians 2:20 ESV

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

-has no one who has such a like-minded spirit and who has the same affections for them

-literally “I have no one in equal soul”

-why would Paul speak of he and Timothy being like-minded?

-so they would trust him, perhaps to show unity amongst brothers

-ultimately Paul relays how Timothy cares for the Philippians in the same way in which he does

-Timothy is the right person to send to help with the tensions among the Philippians

v. 21

Philippians 2:21 ESV

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

-Who are the all?

-perhaps its an exaggeration to see the faithfulness of Timothy

-Paul’s frustration with the faithlessness of those in Rome

-of those available to send

-Remember there were those who were preaching Christ but not with the right motives

Philippians 1:15 ESV

15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.

Philippians 1:17 ESV

17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.

-seek = aim at, deisre; imply an act of the will

Matthew 6:33 ESV

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

-Timothy was not self-centered but would be looking after the needs of the Philippians

v.22

Philippians 2:22 ESV

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

-proven character

-character has been tested

-how would you define character?

-In what ways do you think his character was tested?

-persecution

Philippians 1:30 ESV

30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

-close relationship with Paul, serving alongside

Philippians 1:1 ESV

1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

-In reference to discipling

1 Corinthians 4:15 ESV

15 For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

v. 23-24

Philippians 2:23–24 ESV

23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

-Why did Paul tell the Philippians that he hoped to send Timothy and that he would come at some point?

-Why is it important to have spiritual guidance from others?

-Are you a spiritual father or mother? Are you discipling someone?

-What are some other applications?