Proven Character Of A Son

Proven Character of a Son

Philippians 2:19-30

Good morning.

Happy Father’s Day.

Chip Ingram wrote a devotional titled, “Becoming the Priest they need”.

“What comes to mind when you think of a priest? An elaborate robe or a black and white collar? A holy demeanor?

An austere lifestyle? The image makes most people think of a special calling in a religious career-something that applies to a very small percentage of the population.

If you’re like most men, you think, that’s not me. But it is you.

That’s your calling-not the robe or collar, or church responsibilities, but the dedicated life as someone who stands between God and human beings to facilitate that relationship.

You are the head priest of your family!”

Please open your Bibles to Philippians 2, as we continue in our verse-by-verse study of Paul’s Epistle to the Church at Philippi.

Last week the Apostle Paul encouraged believers to live as lights in a dark world and Paul explained how he was being used as an offering to the Lord.

Paul spoke about complaining and disputing.

Complaining or grumbling means an utterance made in a low tone of voice or behind-the-scenes talk.

If the Lord is in charge, the worst part about complaining as a Christian is we are ultimately complaining against the Lord.

When Christians complain we are saying, that we either do not trust Jesus to supply for our needs or we want our will to be done, instead of His will to be done.

Then Paul gave a perfect rationale for not complaining or disputing …that we may become blameless and harmless Children of God without fault.

This world is in a state of decay, and it is also in darkness but God’s remedy for this dark world is for His children to shine!

The miraculous thing is the same Jesus Who said, “I am the light of the world”, also told us “We are the light of the world”

Then Paul said he was a Drink Offering to the Lord.

Remember, the Book of Philippians is known as the book of joy, not based on circumstances, but despite the circumstances, our joy is based on the relationship we have with the King.

Today, the portion of this letter commends Timothy, as a son with proven character.

I. Like-minded Timothy.

Read Philippians 2:19-21

This section starts with the words, “But I trust in the Lord” showing Paul’s complete reliance on the Lord even after he made a decision regarding ministry.

James 4:13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit";

James 4:14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

James 4:15 Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." NKJV

Paul was a prisoner during this time, and he realized that he did not have control of anything. When we get to a place where we realize we do not have control we will gain the peace of God.

When we started this study, Paul began the letter of Philippians with the words, “Paul and Timothy”.

Here, the Apostle Paul explains how Timothy was a faithful son during all the trials and attacks Paul had faced.

When Paul ended his first missionary journey about 5 years before the events of Acts 16, he met Timothy in Lystra.

Timothy was the son of a Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek. Timothy’s name means “one who honors God.”

This young man would become very important in Paul’s life.

1 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith.

Paul became a mentor to Timothy and Timothy became a mighty person for Christ.

Paul knew that he would be encouraged when he heard of the affairs of the Philippian Christians, unlike the correction he had to give to the Church of Corinth.

Notice Paul said he wanted to send Timothy because he was the only one in his life that was like-minded.

When we began Philippians 2, we discussed like-minded believers at length and said, the secret to maintaining peace within the body happens by having a single-minded focus.

Paul said Timothy had a like-mindedness, to care for these believers just like he would. Timothy had a pastor’s heart for these believers.

Matthew Henry said, “It is the duty of ministers to care for the state of their people and be concerned for their welfare.”

Notice, Philippians 2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. NKJV

The dictionary definition of self-seeking is having concern for one's own welfare and interests before those of others; self-serving.