Philippians 2:22-24

Passage

But you know his proven character, how in the gospel he has served with me like a son to a father.  Therefore, on one hand I hope to send him as soon as I determine the things regarding my situation.  But on the other hand I have become convinced in the Lord that I will also soon arrive with you all.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul speaks about Timothy’s proven character.  Timothy has developed a pattern of righteousness.  He has not only said he follows Christ but also lived it out.  For Timothy – and for Paul observing Timothy – he has been about the practice of living out God’s will for his life.  Anyone can confess to follow Christ.  Some of those people will live it out for a while.  Only the true disciple will live it out such that their life becomes Christ-like forever.

What does a “proven” character mean to you?  How do you identify a proven character?  Who in your life has a proven character?  Would people in your life see you as one with a proven character? 

Second Thought:

Paul speaks about Timothy as a son working with a father.  There is clearly a bond between them that has grown out of years of ministry together.  They are not blood relations, but there is a clear spiritual familial bond here.  It is amazing to see how God knits people together when those people recognize that it is God that joins them together.

Who are you close to in your life?  Do you have a spiritual mentor (or mentors) in your life that you look to as a spiritual father or mother?  Do you have anyone in this life that you look to as a spiritual son or daughter?  How do you get to that point of spiritual connectedness?

Third Thought:

Paul is convinced that he will be with the Philippians soon.  This helps us understand what Paul said in the first chapter about the tension between desiring to be with the Lord but also desiring to do the work of the Lord.  Paul knows that the Lord is not done with Him and He will allow Paul to continue to do the work that has been set before him.  It is good to desire to be with the Lord; but it is even better to desire to do what the Lord actually wants us to do with our time.  This last verse in this section is a verse of submission.  For Paul, he is convinced that the Lord has more work for him to accomplish.

Why is it important for Paul to submit to God even in the midst of imprisonment?  What does it say to others when they see Paul’s commitment and joy with respect to doing the work of the Lord?

Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 2:25-30