◄ What Does Philippians 2:21 Mean? ►

Timothy was a godly man who had a genuine concern and Christ-like love for his Christian brethren - seeking their good above his own. He was a man whose spiritual walk eclipsed that of many other Christians, because he sought to carry out the will and work of God before his own preferences and desires.

He proved himself to be a blameless and innocent child of God who was above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. Timothy appeared as a light in a darkened world, for he held fast to the Word of truth and, like Paul, Timothy could be said to be 'poured out as a drink offering - of sacrifice and service'.

It was because of his gracious character and godly disposition that Paul was pleased to send Timothy as his representative to the Christians at Philippi, in preference to anyone else. Timothy and Paul were kindred spirits in the Lord who were genuinely concerned for the welfare of others. Both had a passion to give encouragement to their brothers and sisters in Christ and to share the good news of the gospel of grace with those that were lost.

In this passage, we read of Timothy - whom Paul loved to describe as his 'son in the Lord.' We discover that he exhibits the qualities, character, and fruit of the Spirit, that each one of us are called upon to produce, through the power of the indwelling, Holy Spirit.

But in this verse we find Paul contrasting Timothy with less-spiritual Christians, "who seek after their own interests, and not those of Christ Jesus." This is indeed a great commendation of Timothy, but what a sad testimony of those that placed their own interests above those of the Lord Jesus.

How easy it is to become engulfed in our own personal affairs and allow a tsunami of problems to overtake our spiritual walk. How quickly we can allow the cares and excitement of this world to drown out our concern for others, and cause us to leave our first love - the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul indirectly praised Timothy's gracious character, his godly disposition, and his Christ-like love, because he chose to send him to encourage the Christians in Philippi, in preference to others who, "seek after their own interests, and not those of Christ Jesus."

May we be those with a genuine concern and Christ-like love for our Christian brethren and sisters, and seek after their interests before our own - not for the praise of man, but out of love for our Saviour - and to the praise of His holy name.

Heavenly Father, may my life be one that exhibits the qualities, character, and fruit of the Spirit that You desire from all Your children. Give me a Christ-like compassion for others so that my life may be poured out as a drink offering of sacrifice and service to Your praise and glory. Give me quiet disposition and a peaceable spirit whose singular desire is to do Your will. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.