No Son Like Timothy

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. Timothy's - Singleness of Heart

2. Timothy's - Seeking the Will of Christ

3. Timothy's - Service in the Gospel

Introductory Remarks.

1. In our lesson today, we will discuss one of the greatest needs in the church of the 21st century. The book of Philippians is one of Paul's prison epistles. We believe his first imprisonment. In our lesson, we will examine three things he says about one of his fellow servants, his son in the gospel, Timothy. The setting of the lesson, Epaphroditus, a messenger from the church at Philippi, has made his way to Paul in Rome, bearing a gift from the church, Philippians 4:15-18. He informs them of his situation and that of Epaphroditus, "who was sick unto death, but God had mercy on him, and not only him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow," Philippians 2:25-27. Before speaking of Timothy, Paul wanted them to know some insight into his current state and desired to know theirs' as well. He wrote: "But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state," Philippians 2:19. Then he makes three critical things regarding Timothy that we need to discuss.

2. First, he wrote: "I have no man like-minded who will sincerely care for your state." The apostle conveys that he and Timothy had the same mind and soul; they were singleness of heart. Paul's imprisonment put him out of touch with the churches, so he used young men like Timothy to visit them, strengthen them, and then return to share this joy with him in prison. These visits would allow Paul to be of good comfort concerning their faith, patience, and love in Christ Jesus, whom he had preached unto them. Paul wrote: "Who will sincerely care for your state." His care would be genuine, just as that of the apostle Paul. What a profound compliment Paul gives to this young preacher!

3. Secondly, he penned: "While others seek their own, Timothy sought the things which are the will of Christ.” Many of Paul's companions sought their own will and not the things of Christ. Paul realized it took courage to contend for the faith when others were willing to compromise and even surrender because of trials and persecutions for being a Christian. Vincent Lombardy, the great football coach of the Green Bay Packard, once said: "fatigue makes cowards of us all." Satan has made cowards of many due to criticism and the need for personal sacrifice in serving the Lord. But not Timothy he was committed to the will of Christ. Paul used this young preacher to edify and strengthen the church, reminding them of their faith and commitment to Christ. It was always: "Not my will Lord, but thine be done," he learned this from Paul. We need sons like Timothy, who are unafraid in battle, unswerving in faith, unmovable from the course, and untiring in courage and devotion to the church. He, like Paul, trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ in all things. He knew all things were possible with Christ under any conditions. He was the son of a great example of service – the Apostle Paul!

4. Lastly, Paul recorded: "Timothy served with him in the gospel." They shared a unique bond in Christ's work and the saints' fellowship. Paul suggests that they were on common ground. Timothy was NOT under him, nor was Paul OVER him. He reminded the church that they knew of his character. He had worked among them with Paul. They labored in the love, patience, and faith of Jesus Christ. Paul would send his shortly to them so that they may hear of Paul's condition and concern for their faith. Paul and the church at Philippi recognized Timothy's work. Ministers and leaders should always appreciate the contribution and service of others. Paul appreciated Timothy's service and worked with him in the gospel of Christ. They were "laborers together with God" in Christ's great work and ministry. Let's notice their singleness of heart!

BODY OF LESSON

I TIMOTHY'S - SINGLENESS OF HEART

A. Paul wrote about Timothy. "I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you...For I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state," Philippians 2:19-20. "I have no man like-minded." The word "like-minded" in Gr., is "isopsuchos," from "isos," meaning equal or identical, and "psyche," meaning the soul or mind.

1. To have the same motives, be like, to be of one soul. Brethren, a good example, will do far greater things than the best sermons we will ever preach! Paul had surrounded himself with some great names, Apollos, Barnabas, Silas, Demas, Epaphroditus, Erastus, Luke, and others. But only of Timothy did he say, "I have no man like-minded." Paul so profoundly influenced Timothy that he became like-minded in his care for all the churches.