Philippians 2:19-24
"The Apprentice "
Gospelcom Bible Gateway
"19But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. 23Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly."
INTRODUCTION:
America is now familiar with billionaire Donald Trump’s infamous line, “You’re fired!” Young, promising execs try out for the job of a lifetime with fear and trepidation. In contrast to prime time television comes Paul’s apprentices, Timothy and Epaphroditus who stuck by the Apostle during tough times. Timothy was a growing young believer who embodied maturity in spiritual things and exemplify to us the value of such to the church. As we go through Timothy’s profile, see how your life matches up to some of these qualities.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Chapter 2 introduces us to Timothy, Paul's apprentice
2.Timothy and Paul planed wisely to come to visit Philippi
3. Timothy exhibited 3 qualities that any executive in any boardroom would say, "you're hired"
4. Background info
Save in Lystra on Paul's first missionary journey
Born of a Jewish mother Eunice and grandmother Lois who became Christians and raised him
Became mature and apprentice of Paul
I. Excellence
A. His Companionship to Paul (19-20)
1. Like-minded = isopsouchos - equal souled. Only time used in NT
2. Think of David and Jonathan in 1 Sam 18 the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David
3. There were hundreds of Christians in Rome. Paul listed 27 names of those in the church of Rome in the last chapter of Romans, yet no one matched young Timothy who was isopsouchos.
4. 1 Corinthians 16 he does the work of the Lord as I also do
5. Years later 2 Tim 3 you have carefully followed my
6. Loyalty
B. His Concern for Christians (20)
1. Not a hypocrite or phony
2. People don't care what you know until they know that you care
3. People can really tell
4. John McNaughton - Maturity begins to grow when you can sense your concern for others outweighing your concern for yourself
C. His Contrast to Others (21)
1. For all seek there own = everyone else seems to be worrying about their own plans, everyone else is selfish
2. Who is he talking about? Pagan world or the body?
3. This is talking about the church - cf 1:15
4. Referring to those in Rome that were jealous of Paul's success
5. The Point - Paul had ben around a long time and he knew that there were those that were really good at "Christianese" but they really had their own agenda in mind
6. John 2 (paraphrase) When Jesus was in Jerusalem many believed in Him when he performed the signs he performed but Jesus did not commit himself them because he knew what was in man
7. Bernard of Clairveaux was a scholar who said there are four stages of christian growth and maturity
A. Love for self for self's sake
B. Love of God for self's sake
C. Love of God for God's sake
D. Love of self for God's sake
8.Alot of people are caught at Stage 2 rather that just for his sake
9. Every Christian lives in either Philippians 1:21 or 2:21. Which one are you?
II. Experience
A. It Was Evident to Others (22a )
1. Timothy had proven himself and had shown his track record and maturity
2. Proven = Testing a product before widespread use
A. 1 Thessalonians 3
B. Acts 19
3. He did not jump into the saddle of ministry before being released into ministry
4. Paul waited to hear what others would say about Timothy
5. Part of maturity is accountability, waiting before working,
6. Rapid advancement in ministry can cause a person to be proud
7. This is why we always put people into an internship before ordaining
B. It Was Enjoyed by Paul (22b)
1. Paul mentions Timothy 24 times in his letter
2. That says alot about Paul. He was not a "lone-ranger"
3. Paul always had a team with him that helped him
a. Philippians 1:1
b. Philippians 1:21
c. It was not a career path but it was a passion of Timothy's heart
d. The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and give His life for the ransom of many
e. Luke 17:7-10 which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, "Come at once and sit down to eat'? 8But will he not rather say to him, "Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink'? 9Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. 10So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, "We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do."'
III. Influence ( 23-24 )
A. Therefore I have used him in the past and he has proven himself
B. Principle - If you focus excellence +experience = influence
C. Timothy was Paul's son in the faith then servant in the faith now substitute in the faith
D. What an honor for Timothy
E. Faithfulness will always lead to fruitfulness in the faith.
F. Do you know what the reward of a true servant is? More opportunities to serve
1. Matthew 24
2. Matthew 25
3. What is the joy of the Lord? To serve the Lord in greater ways
IV. What have we learned?
A. Reliable servants without an agenda is rare
B. Accountability is part of maturity
C. Faithfulness will always open the door to fruitfulness
V. Principles
A. Timothy was serving others while others were serving themselves
B. Do you realize how hard that is to do? That is a mark of maturity
C. Maturity means vulnerability you are going to get hurt while you serve
ACTION POINTS:
1. Who in your life is most “equal-souled” to yourself? How is that relationship being used to further the kingdom of God?
2. Think of that phrase, “all seek their own.” How true is that in general of your culture? Of your circle of acquaintances? Of yourself?
3. What are you doing now to prepare for future fruitfulness in service for Christ? How are your gifts and abilities being honed & tested? Are you being faithful NOW?
PS: You’re NOT fired! You’re just getting started!
MEMORY VERSE FOR THIS WEEK:
Philippians 2:21-22 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.