But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.
Summary: Timothy’s work for the Gospel of Jesus is revealed in Paul’s praise for his faithfulness as a son.
Each of us has a different idea of what a father is supposed to be. I sincerely hope that your situation includes a father who loves you and wants the best for you.
Sometimes, fathers fail us. Sometimes they become absorbed in self-interest instead of being absorbed by the well-being of their children.
Fortunately, our Father in heaven never falls short.
That doesn’t mean we do not sometimes accuse him of falling short. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking God should arrange the universe to suit our idea of right and wrong. Unlike our views, God’s views are perfect in every way.
An ideal son or daughter seeks to be attentive to their father, trusting even when understanding is limited. There is a trust between father and child that surpasses rational thought. The bond of love transcends criticism or questions and instead is filled with an ocean of trust.
Timothy wasn’t perfect, but he was close.
As a spiritual son of Paul, he devoted himself to Paul’s vision of the church. He proved himself by caring for the churches as deeply as Paul cared.
He also served in the “work of the gospel.”
The word “work” here might be misleading to some. The Amplified Version of the Bible provides us with a more literal translation:
“But you know of Timothy’s tested worth and his proven character, that he has served with me to advance the gospel like a son serving with his father.” (Philippians 2:22 AMP)
The word for Gospel is “euangélion,” literally, “good message” (Strong’s G2098).
To “advance” the “good message” requires a two-pronged strategy. The first prong is to proclaim the message and help people understand it so they know what is being proclaimed.
The second prong is to disciple those who accept the message (Matthew 28:18-20).
Jesus explained this as teaching people to obey what he commanded his disciples. His command was simple, “Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
The work of the Gospel then is this: Tell people about God’s gift of life through Jesus Christ, and for those who believe, help them learn to love each other.
Timothy excelled at both.
Application: Strive to serve Jesus as Timothy served Paul.
Food for Thought: What are some ways that we can advance the Gospel in our personal lives?
We can share it and we can live it.
Mark 16: 15: He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.“
Philippians 1: 27 – 30: Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, e striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
What are some ways that we can advance the Gospel in our personal lives?
We can share it and we can live it.
Philippians 1:21
Galatians 2:20
Colossians 3:22
Ephesians 5:15-16
John 12:25
Romans 12:1
Matthew 6:33
1 Peter 3: 10-11
Basically be in the word everyday and apply it.
Thank you, Tim!
True! And thank you for the EXCELLENT list of verses, too!
Thank you, Rich!
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
I appreciate you so very much because you live what you believe!
What are some ways that we can advance the Gospel in our personal lives?
We must begin by allowing God to give this new creation in Christ, priority/power over the old person who walked in this physical world. Turn from the power of our human attractions for this world, to the voice in our hearts calling us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Matthew 6:33, But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Our purpose for remaining on earth becomes submission to the will of God, allowing His purposes to be priority in our lives. We must focus on our new life. On knowing and serving our Lord Jesus Christ who has called us out of this world and become the power of God in our lives, ministering to those around us. Submit to His authority, His power over our lives as we experience the great pleasure of fully witnessing the salvation of those brought by God into our sphere of influence.
Colossians 3:2, Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Acts 1:8, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
1 Peter 2:21, For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
Thank you, Ron.
“We must begin by allowing God to give this new creation in Christ, priority/power over the old person who walked in this physical world. ”
Very true — and very challenging. It requires that we let go of the old self, and embrace Christ instead.