Timothy’s Qualities
‘I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ’ Philippians 2:19-21
Paul doesn’t commend Timothy the way we hear ministers commended today. “He’s an amazing preacher.” “You know he has the gift of healing.” “She really knows how to pray.”
These might be commendable traits but notice how Paul elevates Timothy, ‘I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.’ Nothing about his spiritual gifts; nothing about him being an ascension gift ministry; nothing about the size of the churches he’s led. All we hear about is Timothy’s unselfish love for others.
Paul even laments another reason Timothy stands out, ‘I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.’ What an indictment on the church in Paul’s day.What an indictment on the church in our day!
At least Paul knew the qualities a leader should excel in. We don’t even seem to know this much today. We elevate qualities that don’t even make Paul’s list.
And notice that to Paul, having a genuine interest in other’s welfare is taken to be looking after Christ’s interests. Serving Christ’s people and serving Christ are the same thing.
Serving the church is serving Christ’s body.
To listen to this message, download in MP3 here