Morning Moments

Philippians Devotional Outline (cont)

II. The Mind of Christ - A Mind of Peace 2:1-30
A. Among Members (of the Body) 2:1-4
B. About Messiah (Kenosis explained) 2:5-11
C. Amidst Ministers (Examples and Encouragement) 2:12-30
1. The Witness of Paul 2:12-18
2. The Witness of Timothy 2:19-24

Every pastor I know longs for a staff member like Timothy who does not attempt in anyway to undermine, but only desires to support and uphold his leader. As a pastor I have had some of the best and some of the worst. There are those who simply desire a position and have little sense of responsibility or teamwork whatsoever, but there are others, thank God, who have a team spirit and who understand how critical it is to work together under a leader. If you serve as a staff member at a local church and can't serve under the pastor - LEAVE and don't be stupid and carnal and try and take a bunch of folks with you. If your leader is wrong God will deal with him and if you are wrong he will certainly deal with you. Learn to work with and respect people you may not always agree with and God will honor that in your life. Who knows, you may be the leader one day. You have every right to appeal to your brother but you have no right to undermine the ministry. "How good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity."

a. A Source of Comfort 2:19

2:19. But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

We know from Scripture that Timothy may have been a little on the timid side, but he could be trusted and Paul wanted to send him to check on the Philippians because he knew he was very perceptive. He could rely on Timothy to report accurately and also to assure them of Paul's condition with encouraging words. He was not only a son in the faith to Paul, he was a son in spirit with him.

b. A Spirit of Concern 2:20

2:20. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

The care for the believers at Philippi was not a job for Paul, nor was it one for Timothy. Paul and Timothy were one-minded and both had a "natural" but supernatural concern for the body of Christ. Every man of God should have this "natural" but supernatural concern and there would be far less trouble in the body and amidst staff. Epaphraditus had reported to Paul regarding the believers, but he was going home to stay. Paul wanted Timothy to go as soon as possible to take them word but also to spend a little time with them to "care" for them as Paul would until he could get there (if possible).

c. A Soul of Compassion 2:21

2:21. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.

Timothy had no ulteria motive! He felt as Paul felt about these precious believers. I remember years ago having a famous preacher hold a revival for me. He said some things that were very costic and as pastor I thought were inappropriate, so when we were alone I told him what I thought and that I felt that sometimes we say and do things that hurt rather than help and want to say God led us to say or do it when in truth He did not. When we preach from a root of bitterness in our own lives, we don't need to lay that on God. Sometimes we call it "hellfire and damnation" preaching. I don't find that Jesus or Paul did it. They were filled with compassion. We must not seek our own (way, will, work, wealth, or whatever), but CHRIST'S!

d. A Servant of Consistency 2:22-24

2:22. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. 23. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. 24. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

Timothy could be counted on. He would report and do it accurately and consistently. Paul had no one closer and no one who was more trustworthy. Until he could go himself, Timothy would do and do well. Besides, he had sufficiently proven himself time and time again. He had the tenacity to stand, the tenderness to serve, and the teachableness to learn and Paul had taught him well. They would be fortunate to get him.

I wonder if that could be said of us!

BLESSINGS!