JOY EXPECTED: INVESTED

Philippians 2:19–24 NKJV

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

Main Idea: God raises up people ready for our investment.

Key Question: Who are you investing in?

1. Invest in those who are compatible. (v. 19-20)

Philippians 2:19–20 NKJV

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.

isopsychos = equal-soul

1 Corinthians 16:10 NKJV

And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.

2 Timothy 3:10 NKJV

But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,

2. Invest in those who are committed. (v. 19-22)

Philippians 2:19–22 NKJV

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.

sincerely = as one who is a legitimate apart of the family

1 Corinthians 12:25 NKJV

that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.

“For all seek their own...”

Philippians 1:15–17 NKJV

Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

Philippians 2:3–4 NKJV

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

3. Invest in those with high character. (v. 22)

Philippians 2:22 NKJV

But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.

2 Corinthians 9:13 NKJV

while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,

2 Corinthians 2:9 NKJV

For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things.

"Character is what you are in the dark.” D. L. Moody

4. Invest in those who are companions. (v. 22)

Philippians 2:22 NKJV

But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.

1 Corinthians 4:17 NKJV

For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.

1 Corinthians 3:9 NKJV

For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.