The Marks of True Humility

Sermon Title: The Marks of True Humility

Scripture: Philippians 2:19-24

Occasion: Freeway Sanford

Date: February 27, 2025

Introduction: The Beauty of True Humility

We live in a world obsessed with status, self-promotion, and personal gain.

Everywhere we turn, we are bombarded with the message that life is about climbing higher, achieving more, and making a name for ourselves.

Social media thrives on self-exaltation.

Workplaces reward ambition. Even in personal relationships, people often seek what benefits them the most.

But what if true greatness isn’t found in self-promotion, but in self-denial?

Tim Keller once said:

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”

Have you ever met someone who truly embodied humility?

Not the kind of humility that draws attention to itself with false modesty. Not the kind that is soft-spoken but inwardly proud.

But the kind of humility that is genuine, selfless, and consistent.

The kind that puts others first, serves faithfully, and doesn’t demand recognition.

Paul had someone like that—Timothy.

A Rare Example of Humility

In Philippians 2:19-24, Paul highlights Timothy’s humility in a way that sets him apart.

Timothy was not known for power or position, but for his genuine care for others, his perseverance through hardship, and his tireless labor for the gospel.

And here’s what’s fascinating—Paul doesn’t just mention Timothy in passing.

He pauses in his letter to highlight his character.

Why?

Because humility like this is rare.

Even in the church, many serve out of convenience.

Many do good things for the sake of recognition.

Many are more concerned with their own interests than with the work of Christ.

But Timothy? He was different.

He had been tested.

He had endured suffering.

He had proven his faithfulness.

And Paul wants the Philippians to see that humility is not just a virtue—it’s a way of life that shapes everything we do.

The Marks of True Humility in Philippians 2:19-24

As we walk through this passage, we will see four defining marks of true humility:

True Humility Perseveres Through Trials (v. 19)

True Humility Puts Others First (vv. 20-21)

True Humility Is Tested and Proven (v. 22)

True Humility Labors for Christ (vv. 23-24)

But there’s something even deeper happening here.

Paul isn’t just giving us a portrait of Timothy—he’s pointing us toward something greater.

Timothy’s life challenges us to examine our own hearts.

How do we measure humility?

Is it something we only pursue when it’s convenient?

Or is it something that marks every part of our lives?

By the time we reach the end of this passage, we’ll see that humility is not just about Timothy, nor is it simply about us.

It is about something far greater, far deeper, and far more life-changing than we might expect.

Transition to First Point:

To begin, let’s look at the first mark of true humility: it perseveres through trials.

1. True Humility Perseveres Through Trials (v. 19)

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.

Paul’s desire to send Timothy to the Philippians reveals something profound: true humility perseveres through trials. Paul himself is imprisoned in Rome, uncertain of his future, yet his concern is not for himself but for the spiritual well-being of the Philippians. His joy is bound up in hearing of their steadfastness in Christ.

Timothy, likewise, had remained faithful despite hardships. Unlike others who had deserted Paul (2 Tim. 4:10), Timothy stayed. His perseverance was not rooted in personal gain but in his love for Christ and His people.

Timothy’s unwavering presence in Paul’s life reflects a humility that does not waver when trials come. Many had abandoned Paul because of fear, discomfort, or self-interest, but Timothy remained steadfast. In doing so, Timothy mirrored Christ, who remained faithful even unto death on the cross.

Timothy’s humility was not driven by self-preservation but by a deep, Christ-centered concern for others. He was not seeking comfort or personal success; rather, he embraced the cost of discipleship. This echoes Jesus’ call to His followers:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

Timothy’s Perseverance in Paul’s Ministry

Timothy had been with Paul since his second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3). Over the years, he witnessed firsthand the suffering and opposition that came with preaching the gospel. Yet, Timothy never wavered.

He was sent on difficult missions, including confronting false teachers in Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:3).

He experienced persecution and opposition (Heb. 13:23).

He continued to labor in the gospel, even as Paul faced execution (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

Timothy’s humility was seen in his willingness to endure for the sake of the gospel, trusting in the sovereign will of God.

Illustration:

Imagine a soldier in war who refuses to leave his wounded commander behind, carrying him through battle instead of saving himself. While others retreat for their own safety, this soldier stays, risking his own life for the sake of his leader and fellow comrades.

Timothy was that kind of soldier in the spiritual fight. While others abandoned the mission, he remained loyal, embodying the perseverance that true humility requires.

Biblical Theology: The Thread of Perseverance

This theme of perseverance through trials is woven throughout Scripture:

Joseph endured betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, yet he remained faithful to God, trusting in His sovereignty (Gen. 39-41).

David fled from Saul’s persecution, yet he did not take matters into his own hands but waited on the Lord (1 Sam. 24:6-7).

Jesus Himself endured suffering and rejection, yet “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame” (Heb. 12:2).

Timothy’s faithfulness ultimately points to Christ, the true and greater Suffering Servant who persevered through the ultimate trial for our sake. Jesus humbled Himself in obedience to the Father, even to the point of death (Phil. 2:8).

Application: Persevering in Humility

True humility isn’t momentary—it perseveres through hardships.

Who are you standing by in their trials?

Who in your church needs encouragement today?

Are you willing to remain faithful to Christ even when it costs you something?

Paul’s joy was not in his circumstances but in the faithfulness of the church and the spread of the gospel. Likewise, we must anchor our joy and perseverance in Christ, who “never leaves us nor forsakes us” (Heb. 13:5).

Transition:

This kind of humility doesn’t just endure; it also puts others before itself, prioritizing their needs over personal comfort.

2. True Humility Puts Others First (vv. 20-21)

"For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ."

Paul highlights something rare about Timothy—he was a man whose humility expressed itself in genuine concern for others. Paul uses the phrase “no one like him” (Greek: isopsuchos), meaning like-souled or equal-souled. This is an extraordinary statement considering Paul’s many co-laborers in the faith. Timothy was uniquely distinguished in his selfless care for the church, setting him apart from others who were more concerned with their own agendas.

True humility does not merely express concern; it prioritizes the needs of others above self-interest. Paul makes a sharp contrast here:

Timothy is “genuinely concerned” for the Philippians.

Others “seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.”

Paul had seen many so-called workers in ministry who were ultimately in it for themselves. Whether it was for recognition, power, or comfort, their service was self-centered. But Timothy was different. His humility was seen in his willingness to put the needs of others before his own.

A Heart That Mirrors Christ

Timothy’s concern for the Philippians was not artificial or performative. It was genuine (gnesios in Greek), meaning authentic, sincere, and heartfelt. He was not seeking approval, nor was he looking for something in return. His concern was real because his heart was aligned with Christ’s mission.

This kind of humility is not natural to the human heart. Our default is self-preservation and self-promotion. Even within the church, it is easy to serve only when it benefits us—when it is convenient, recognized, or fits our personal plans. But true humility is found in self-denial for the sake of others, just as Christ denied Himself for us.

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:4)

This is what Timothy embodied, and it is ultimately what Christ fulfilled in the gospel.

Illustration: The Doctor in the War Zone

A doctor who volunteers in a war zone, not for money but out of compassion, is a picture of Timothy’s heart. He could choose comfort and security, yet he willingly enters danger for the sake of others. He risks his own well-being because he is driven by something greater than himself.

Likewise, Timothy did not serve because it was easy or beneficial—he served because he genuinely loved the Philippians and desired their spiritual welfare.

Gospel Connection: The Ultimate Example of Selflessness

Timothy’s selflessness ultimately points us to Jesus Christ, the greater Timothy. Philippians 2:5-8 reminds us that Jesus, though He was in the form of God, humbled Himself by taking on flesh and becoming a servant. His ultimate act of humility was His death on the cross, not for His own sake, but for sinners like us.

Cross-Reference: Jesus Himself said:

"The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Matt. 20:28)

This is the heart of the gospel—Christ did not seek His own interests but willingly laid down His life so that we might live. His humility was not just an example; it was a substitutionary act of love.

Timothy’s life, though remarkable, was only a reflection of the greater humility of Christ. His concern for others was merely a shadow of Christ’s infinite concern for us, who bore our sins and took our place on the cross.

Application: Examining Our Own Hearts

Do we reflect the selflessness of Christ in our daily lives? Or are we more concerned with our own comfort, reputation, and success?

Are we willing to serve when no one is watching?

Do we genuinely care for the well-being of others, or do we act out of obligation?

When we give, do we expect something in return?

Are we willing to sacrifice for the good of Christ’s church?

True humility seeks the interests of Christ and His people above personal gain. This kind of humility is costly, but it is the mark of a heart transformed by the gospel.

Transition:

But humility is not just about having the right heart—it must also be tested and proven over time.

3. True Humility Is Tested and Proven (v. 22)

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

Timothy’s humility wasn’t theoretical—it was tested and proven through years of faithful service. Paul’s words “you know his proven worth” (Greek: dokimēn) indicate that Timothy had been refined through trials and found faithful. This term was often used to describe metal that had been tested by fire to determine its purity. The genuineness of humility is not seen in words but in faithfulness over time, especially in hardship.

Paul presents Timothy as someone who had demonstrated unwavering commitment to the gospel. Unlike others who sought their own interests (v. 21), Timothy had endured challenges and still remained steadfast in service to Christ and His people.

Timothy’s Faithfulness Under Testing

Paul describes Timothy as one who had served like a son with a father—a relationship marked by love, obedience, and loyalty. Timothy had been with Paul since his second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3), walking through difficulties and persecution, learning firsthand what it meant to follow Christ in humility.

This father-son relationship between Paul and Timothy mirrors the way Christ submitted to the Father’s will. Jesus, the true and greater Servant, endured the ultimate testing and proved Himself faithful even unto death (Phil. 2:8). Timothy, in a lesser way, reflected that same endurance through his faithful service in the gospel.

Paul's statement "you know his proven worth" indicates that Timothy’s character had been seen and affirmed by the Philippians. He was not a recent convert or an untested leader. He had been through the fire of ministry trials and had come out steadfast.

“Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?” (Prov. 20:6)

Timothy was that faithful man. But how was his faithfulness proven? Through testing.

Illustration: The Blacksmith’s Refining Fire

A blacksmith tests metal by placing it in fire. If it is pure, it will endure the flames and become stronger; if it is weak, it will melt or crack. The fire does not destroy the metal—it refines it, purging impurities and revealing its true quality.

Likewise, Timothy’s humility was refined through years of testing. He faced opposition, hardship, and personal sacrifice, yet remained faithful to Christ. His endurance was proof of his true humility.

Biblical Theology: Testing as a Mark of Faithfulness

Throughout Scripture, we see that God tests His people to refine and strengthen them.

Abraham’s faith was tested when God commanded him to sacrifice Isaac (Gen. 22:1-14). His obedience revealed a heart that trusted God completely.

Joseph was tested through betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, yet remained faithful (Gen. 39-41).

Job endured suffering and loss, proving his reverence for God was not based on circumstances (Job 1-2).

The Israelites were tested in the wilderness for forty years to expose their hearts (Deut. 8:2).

Even Christ Himself was “tempted in every way, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). His testing in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1-11) proved His Perfect obedience to the Father securing our righteousness.

Timothy’s life, then, follows the biblical pattern of faithfulness under trial. His humility was not a fleeting emotion, but a tested, refined, and proven character.

Gospel Connection: The Ultimate Testing of Christ

Timothy’s faithfulness in trials points us to the greater faithfulness of Christ.

Jesus was tested in the wilderness and overcame where Adam had failed (Matt. 4:1-11).

Jesus was tested in Gethsemane, choosing to drink the cup of suffering in obedience to the Father (Matt. 26:39).

Jesus was tested at the cross, enduring the full weight of God’s wrath for our sins (Phil. 2:8).

Unlike us, Christ never wavered. He remained perfectly obedient, enduring the ultimate trial so that we could be forgiven and made righteous. His testing was not for His own purification but for our salvation.

Timothy’s faithfulness, then, is a shadow of Christ’s greater faithfulness. Just as Timothy remained loyal to Paul and the gospel through trials, Christ remained obedient to the Father to secure our righteousness and redemption.

Application: Are We Willing to Be Tested?

God uses suffering, trials, and challenges to refine and prove our humility. The question is: Will we endure?

Do we shrink back when things get hard?

Do we seek comfort over faithfulness?

Do we serve when no one notices, or only when there is recognition?

Are we willing to go through testing to prove our faith is real?

James 1:2-4 reminds us:

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

True humility doesn’t just endure—it grows stronger through testing. When we submit to God’s refining work, we are shaped into useful instruments for His kingdom.

Transition:

Not only does true humility endure and prove itself over time, but it also works diligently for Christ.

4. True Humility Labors for Christ (vv. 23-24)

"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."

Timothy was not just a passive observer in the work of the gospel—he was an active laborer. Paul’s words here indicate that Timothy was more than just a student or an assistant. He was a co-laborer, a fellow worker, a servant willing to go wherever needed.

The word Paul uses for “served” (Greek: douleuō) is the same as “slaved.” This means that Timothy saw himself not as his own, but as a servant fully devoted to Christ’s mission. He had laid down personal ambitions, comforts, and conveniences to labor in the gospel with Paul.

Timothy’s humility was not idle or passive—it was active, hardworking, and sacrificial. It was a humility that showed itself in commitment, service, and endurance.

Timothy’s Example of Hard Work

Paul had seen Timothy's work ethic firsthand:

He had traveled extensively, often facing hardships and persecution (Acts 16:1-3, 1 Thess. 3:1-2).

He had pastored and shepherded churches, taking on difficult responsibilities (1 Tim. 1:3).

He had endured suffering for the sake of the gospel, yet remained faithful (Heb. 13:23).

Timothy’s willingness to be sent reflects his submission to Christ’s will over his own desires. He was ready to go wherever the gospel needed to be preached, whenever Paul needed him, and wherever Christ would lead him.

This kind of humility is the opposite of what we often see in the world today. Many want to be noticed rather than to serve. Many want to lead rather than to labor. But Timothy’s life teaches us that humility is most clearly seen in sacrificial service.

Illustration: The Missionary Who Leaves Everything Behind

Think of a missionary who leaves everything behind to serve in a foreign land. He or she does not seek personal gain, comfort, or ease, but goes because the gospel compels them. They endure hardships, separation from family, and sometimes even persecution—not for fame, but for the sake of Christ.

This is the kind of devotion and self-denial we see in Timothy. He was willing to go wherever Paul sent him, willing to work hard for the gospel, and willing to put Christ’s mission above his own desires.

Gospel Connection: The Ultimate Laborer—Jesus Christ

Timothy’s willingness to labor for Christ points us back to the ultimate example—Jesus Himself.

Jesus said in John 4:34:

"My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work."

Jesus was the perfect servant, laboring tirelessly for the will of the Father. He preached, healed, discipled, and ultimately gave His life in obedience to the Father’s mission. His humility was not just in His attitude but in His actions—He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross (Phil. 2:8).

Timothy’s faithful service mirrors Christ’s greater work:

As Timothy traveled to preach, Jesus left heaven to redeem sinners (Phil. 2:6-7).

As Timothy labored tirelessly for the gospel, Jesus worked tirelessly in His ministry (Mark 6:34).

As Timothy submitted imperfectly yet faithfully to Paul’s leadership, Jesus submitted perfectly to the will of the Father (Luke 22:42).

Timothy was a servant of Christ, but Christ was the Suffering Servant (Isa. 53). Timothy’s work in the gospel was only possible because of the greater work Christ had already done.

Application: Are We Willing to Labor for Christ?

The gospel calls for sacrifice. Timothy labored not for recognition but for Christ—are we willing to do the same?

Are we willing to serve even when it’s inconvenient?

Do we see ourselves as laborers for Christ, or just spectators?

Are we willing to work hard for the gospel, even when there’s no immediate reward?

Many want to serve Christ when it’s easy, but true humility is seen when we serve even when it costs us something.

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” (Matt. 9:37)

Timothy was one of those few laborers—will we be?

Transition:

Timothy’s example of humility ultimately points us to the greatest example—Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Example of Humility—Jesus Christ

Throughout this passage, we have seen Timothy as a remarkable example of humility—a man who persevered through trials, put others before himself, was tested and proven, and labored tirelessly for Christ. Yet, as inspiring as Timothy is, he is not the ultimate example. Timothy’s humility only serves as a reflection of the far greater humility of Jesus Christ.

Paul has been leading us to this final truth all along—the humility that matters most, the humility that saves, is the humility of Jesus Christ, the Suffering Servant.

The Humility of Christ in Philippians 2

Earlier in Philippians 2, Paul described the greatest act of humility ever displayed:

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Phil. 2:5-8)

Christ’s humility surpasses all others:

He left the glory of heaven to enter the brokenness of this world (John 1:14).

He laid aside His divine privileges to take on human frailty (Phil. 2:7).

He did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Matt. 20:28).

He endured the ultimate trial—bearing the wrath of God for our sins (Isa. 53:4-6).

He humbled Himself to death, even the shameful death of the cross (Gal. 3:13).

Why did He do this? For us.

Jesus humbled Himself so that we who are proud, rebellious, and lost could be saved. He endured suffering so that we who deserve judgment could be forgiven. He labored for our salvation so that we who were dead in sin could have life.

Timothy served Christ, but Christ served sinners—giving His very life as a ransom for all who would believe.

The Gospel Call: Humility That Saves

The humility of Christ is not just a model to admire—it is the only means of salvation. If Jesus had not humbled Himself, we would still be lost in our sin. If He had not suffered, we would still bear the penalty of our guilt. If He had not died, we would have no hope of eternal life.

But praise be to God—Jesus not only died but rose again (Phil. 2:9-11)! Because of His victorious resurrection:

Those who repent and trust in Him are forgiven.

Those who humble themselves before Him will be exalted. (James 4:10)

Those who follow Him will be made new.

Call to Action: Responding to Christ’s Humility

How should we respond to the humility of Christ?

If you are in Christ—follow Timothy’s example. Serve faithfully. Love sacrificially. Endure trials with humility. Labor for the gospel without seeking recognition. The church needs men and women who will serve not for their own glory, but for the glory of Christ.

If you are not in Christ—come to Him today. Turn from your sin, repent of your pride, and trust in the One who humbled Himself to save you. Jesus stands ready to receive all who come to Him in faith.

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28)

Will you humble yourself before the King who humbled Himself for you?

Final Exhortation: Bow Before Christ

The question is not if we will bow before Christ, but when. Philippians 2:9-11 declares that one day:

"At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

We can either humble ourselves now in repentance and faith or be humbled later in judgment. But make no mistake—every knee will bow.

May we choose today to bow in joyful submission, following the example of Timothy, but ultimately worshiping and exalting the greater example, our humble Savior and King—the Lord Jesus Christ.

Closing Prayer:

"Lord, humble our hearts before You. Teach us to persevere, to serve, to be tested and proven, and to labor for Your kingdom. But most of all, help us to see Christ—the One who humbled Himself to the point of death to save us. May we trust Him, follow Him, and live for His glory alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen."