Timothy the Trusted Student

Prayer:  Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much (Luke 16:10).

Lord God, we come to you today asking that you make us ever conscious of our need to be open to your instruction.  Guide us to mentors who are mature in your teaching and who are people of character.  Direct us to those who would help us grow in the knowledge of your word and its application.  Help us be that person to others. Amen.

Main Scripture:

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 (Philippians 2:19-24).

Associated Scriptures:

His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master’s happiness (Matthew 25:21)!

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit (Jeremiah 17:7-8).

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm (Proverbs 13:20).

Correlative Quotes:

No one can understand that mysterious thing we call influence. We read of our blessed Lord, that virtue went out of Him and healed the timid woman who came behind Him in the crowd and touched the hem of His garment; again, when the throng surged about Him and sought to touch Him, that virtue went out of Him and healed them all. Of course, there never was another life such as Christ's; yet every one of us continually exerts influence--either to heal, to bless, to leave marks of beauty; or to wound, to hurt, to poison, to stain other lives.[1] – J.R. Miller

Good lives are the most effectual preachers of righteousness, and continually solicit men to reform.[2]

Being willing and accepting of reproof is a difficult thing.  We naturally believe the things we do are correct. But being willing to be told that what we did was maybe not the wisest thing to do and listening when someone is trying to correct us, as this verse states, will bring honor.[3] – Kyle McDonald

Study:

There are few things in life more important than a trusted friend.  When we make choices in our relationships based on the biblical principles of obedience, we are showing the critical wisdom of partnership selection.

We will make many friends in our lives.  The relational choices we make will, to a large extent, determine the direction of our lives.  If we make wise decisions aligning ourselves with others who have sound biblical beliefs, characteristics, and attitudes like ours, we will find joy and happiness. 

On the other hand, if we look to the dark side and have close friends who love the world system.  If we are moved by the latest fades and are motivated by self.  We will never experience the joy of our salvation and only occasionally experience momentary happiness and satisfaction.

Paul was a mentor to Timothy, but Timothy had the basic biblical understanding and the disposition toward growing spiritually that made for an ideal relationship.

Here are the characteristics of Timothy that allowed them to be good friends.  These characteristics serve as a model for us.

1. Likeminded: (vs 20): “of the same mind”

Paul sent Timothy to Philippi because he had the same mind and heart for the people.  Timothy was Paul’s trusted servant.  Timothy had proven his character (vs. 22).  Paul relied on Timothy to be a spiritual leader since he had witnessed Timothy’s ability in the past.  This is a great example for us.  We know the truth and it is our responsibility to be likeminded with Christ.

2. Suffering Servant: Timothy was a suffering servant: He was not only of one mind with Paul, but he was also likeminded with Christ. 1 Peter 4:1-2 describes the suffering servant when it says, “Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.”
3. Submissive Servant: Timothy was a submissive servant. Paul knew that Timothy was good with people and that he would be likeminded with others. Romans 12:16-19 tells us to: “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion “
4. Sensitive Servant: Timothy was a sensitive servant. Because of the circumstance of his own conversion, Timothy would be understanding to the unsaved. Romans 12:17-19 give us a list of actions, does and don’ts, that will help us to be sensitive to others.  These two verses say, “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.  If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.  Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will’ repay, says the Lord.”
5. Character: Timothy was a man of character (vs. 22) “served me in the gospel.” Paul trusted Timothy to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus just as Paul had instructed him because Timothy had done so in the past.

In 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3 (NASB) Paul tells us, “and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, so that no man may be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this.”

Time Tested: Timothy was time tested (vs. 2) “our brother and fellow worker.”  Timothy had been with Paul long enough to be considered a brother and a minister of God.  Paul had seen Timothy in action and knew his value to the ministry.

Talented: Timothy was also truly talented: (vs. 2) “our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ.”  Being identified as a fellow laborer meant that Timothy not only knew and taught the truth, but, he also suffered the same persecution as Paul and the others who followed him. 

Deeply Trusted: Finally, Timothy was deeply trusted: (vs. 2) “to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith.”  Paul would not have sent just anyone to Philippi.  This church was the beacon of Paul’s ministry. 

6. Proven Worth: vs. 22 “Timothy has proven himself.” There was no hesitation on Paul’s part in regard to Timothy. He was as a son to Paul and a man of proven worth.  In addition, Paul knew that Timothy would be an example to the Philippian church. 

His walk as a believer was equal with those things that Paul preached and taught.

7. Timothy was selfless: Philippians 2:21 explains of others, “who will show genuine concern for your welfare.” Knowing Timothy as he did, Paul expected him to act in a selfless manner putting other’s needs ahead of himself.

In Romans 15:1-2 Paul says, “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”  Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.

8. Timothy was compassionate: Philippians 2:20 “who will sincerely care for your state.”

1 Peter 3:8 (NKJV): “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.”

Summary Statement:

Timothy was the ideal person to send to the Philippian church.  He had the character and the attitude for the assignment.  We should all strive for these characteristics in our own lives.  In addition, we should look for these traits in the friends we choose if we are to experience joy in fellowship and real happiness in life.

Lesson within the Lesson:

Why was Timothy the right person to send to Philippi?

Timothy shared Paul’s life experiences and never shied away from the pressure.  Why is this important in a spouse and in close friends?

Why is it important to have a spouse and close friends who will hold us accountable?

Of all of Timothy’s traits which do you think is most important in a friend and why?

[1] J.R. Miller, A Life of Character: Chapter 4 - The Influence of Companionship, Precept Austin, preceptaustin.org/

[2] The Bible Illustrator, studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/13-20.html

[3] Kyle McDonald, Quiet Time Thoughts – Proverbs 13, September 1, 2013, Mcdonaldkyle.Wordpress.Com/2013/09/01/