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 continually conscious of our need to be open to Your instruction. Guide us to mentors who are not only mature in Your teaching but also are people of character. Direct us to those who would help us grow in the knowledge of Your word and its application. Help us to be that person to others, Amen.
Main Scripture: Read Philippians 2:19-24.
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 effective preachers of righteousness, and continually solicit men to reform.[2] The Bible Illustrator
Those that would be good must keep good company, which is evidence for them that they would be good (men's character is known by the company they choose).[3] – Matthew Henry
Study:
INTRODUCTION
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. Proper partnership choices will result in many solid friendships.
The relational choices we make, to a large extent, will determine the direction of our lives. If we make wise decisions aligning ourselves with others who have the same sound biblical beliefs, characteristics, and attitudes, we will find joy and happiness.
On the other hand, if we look toward the dark side and have close friends who love the world system, we will regress in our relationship with Jesus. Those who have dissimilar lifestyles and beliefs are moved by the latest fads. Those who seek to fulfill their fleshly desires are motivated by self-aggrandizement and will never experience joy. Their experiences will be limited to occasional experiences of limited or momentary happiness and ultimate dissatisfaction.
Paul was a mentor to Timothy, but Timothy had the basic biblical understanding and a disposition toward growing spiritually, which made for an ideal relationship.
Here are the characteristics that allowed them to be good friends.
Timothy was Paul’s solid servant. This young man of God had proven his character (vs. 22). Paul believed that he would be a strong spiritual leader since he had witnessed Timothy’s acuity in the past. This is a great example for us. We know the truth, and it is our responsibility to be like-minded with Christ.
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.”
Timothy was a submissive servant. Paul knew that Timothy was good with people and that he would be like-minded with other Christians. Romans 12:16-19 tells us: “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.”
Timothy was a sensitive servant. Because of the circumstance of his conversion, Timothy would have understood the lifestyle and habits of the unsaved. Romans 12:17-19 (NKJV) gives us a list of actions, do’s, and don’ts, which 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.
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.”
Timothy was time-tested: (vs. 2), “our brother and fellow worker.” He 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.
Timothy was also hugely 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.
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.
Summary Statement:
Historical Background: In the Acts of the Apostles it is said that when Paul came to Derbe and Lystra he found a certain disciple named Timothy, whom he would have to go forth with him, Acts 16:1-3. …In Troas Paul was warned in a vision to go over into Macedonia. In pursuance of this call, he passed over the Aegean Sea, came to Samothracia, and thence to Neapolis, and then to Philippi. No mention is made of Timothy being with Paul at Philippi; but after he had left that city, and had gone to Berea, where the "brethren sent away Paul," it is added, "but Silas and Timotheus still stayed there." From this, it is evident that he had accompanied them in their journey, and had no doubt been with them at Philippi[4]. – Albert Barnes
Timothy was the ideal person to send to the Philippian church. He possessed the character, knowledge, spiritual acuity, and attitude for the assignment. We should all strive for these characteristics in our lives. We should also look for these traits in the friends we choose if we are to experience joy in fellowship and real happiness in life.
Lessons within the Lesson:
Why was Timothy the right person to send to Philippi?
Timothy shared Paul’s life experiences. Why is this important in a spouse and close friends?
Is it important that a spouse and close friends are critical of us?
Which of Timothy’s traits do you think is most important? Why?
[1] J. R. Miller, A Life of Character: Chapter 4 - The Influence of Companionship, Fair Use 2020 – Section 107, copywrite law, Precept Austin, preceptaustin.org/.
[2] The Bible Illustrator, Fair Use 2020 – Section 107, copywrite law, studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/13-20.html
[3] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, Volume III, Job to Song of Solomon, Public Domain, 1706, bitimage.dyndns. org/.
[4] Albert Barnes, Notes Explanatory and Practical, Public Domain, Blackie and Son, Queen Street, Glasgow, South College Street, Edinburgh, and Warwick Square, London, 1845, Free Download, Archive.org.
A Few Clouds, 61°