Faith and Hope: Meditation for November 9-15
Philippians 2:19–24 (NASB)
This is the Word of God. May the Spirit of Truth give us wisdom and insight to receive what has been conveyed through His Word by His Inspiration.
Who or what can separate us from the Love of God?!
2:19–24
19But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition.
20For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.
21For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.
22But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.
23Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me;
24and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly.
Even though his suffering seemed hard and certainly was undeserved, Paul accepted his circumstances as his God-appointed life of service to the Lord. His suffering for the ministry was an integral part of his commission to spread the Gospel. Instead of becoming bitter toward God, he rejoiced in his suffering for Christ because he was in God's Will. He was happy that God used his suffering to enrich the life of his spiritual children with the Gospel.
More surprising is Paul’s attitude in all this. Instead of abandoning all hope of getting out of prison, he was actually expecting to be released soon and was making plans to visit the Philippians in person.
He personally wanted to witness their continuing spiritual growth. He was so anxious to be free from prison and be with his spiritual children. He couldn't wait. So he promised to send Timothy in the meantime while he waited for his release. He was so anxious to hear from them about their own condition.
Paul loved Timothy and considered him to be his spiritual son in the Lord. Therefore, Timothy was the most suitable messenger to go to the Philippians on Paul's behalf. His life exhibited exactly what Paul taught. He shared Paul’s love and concern for the saints in Philippi. He was also deeply committed to the Gospel and was genuinely interested in the welfare of the Philippians. The Philippians also knew that Timothy was unmatched in his trustworthiness.
Paul compared Timothy to those who were around him. He lamented that there was no one else of a kindred spirit who would care for the Philippians as he did. Those around him were unwilling to commit themselves for the proclamation of the Gospel. These people were more interested in their own welfare instead of working selflessly for the spiritual benefit of others. In Paul’s view, many of his fellow servants were more interested in avoiding persecution even at the risk of compromising the Name of Jesus Christ and the Gospel.
On the other hand, Timothy was completely dependable because he was not self-absorbed. Like Paul his spiritual father, Timothy understood that God had absolute claim on his life. Because Timothy was completely dedicated to the Gospel, it was an easy decision for Paul to appoint him as his messenger to the Philippians.
The Christians in Philippi knew Timothy as well as they did Paul. Timothy accompanied Paul when he first crossed the Aegean Sea from Asia Minor to Europe. He worked side by side with Paul. Timothy’s character and commitment were evident by the way he served God alongside Paul, his spiritual father. His life and service to the Lord was an open book.
Timothy faithfully served God with Paul, undeterred by the drastically changing circumstances around him. He experienced the hostilities from both the world and the Judaizers. He was a tried and true soldier of the Gospel. Both Paul and Timothy were united in a common goal.
As spiritual father and son, they lived to proclaim the Gospel and nurture those whom the Lord saved. Paul was confident that the Lord would grant him the opportunity to visit his spiritual children in Philippi. Nonetheless, he was not naïve about his own future in a Roman prison. But he had faith. His hope in God was real.
Notes/Applications
After teaching the Philippians about the transforming Power of the Spirit’s sanctifying work, Paul urged them to understand and accept his suffering because it was according to God's Will. He was suffering for the advancement of the Gospel. At one point, Paul seemed to have given up any hope of getting out of prison. He was prepared to die and be with his Lord. He actually appeared eager to go through this.
Later however, Paul expressed his confidence that the Lord was going to release him from prison so he could visit the Christians in Philippi. He longed to see them. Paul expressed the depth of his faith, confidence, and enduring hope in God’s will whether he lived or died. He simply placed his total confidence in God’s will and surrendered his personal hopes to his Lord and Savior. In one sweeping conviction of faith and hope, Paul taught the saints of God—that's us—to deny themselves and live for Christ; to rely on Christ, and Christ alone.
Absolutely surrendered yet confident in faith and hope, Paul lived a life of obedience, courage, and bold anticipation of his future in Christ. Such a life of surrender and confidence is given to all who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Such a life of faith, confidence, and enduring hope is bestowed upon those who look to God for strength and perseverance. With absolute assurance, God’s people can say with Paul: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
