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An Outstanding Word of Commendation

20 September 2014

1. High commendation of Timothy

a) No one like-minded          Philippians 2:20a

b) Sincerely caring for your state          Philippians 2:20b

c) In contrast to others

i) They seek their own welfare

ii) They do not seek the things that are of Christ          Philippians 2:21

d) Proven character          Philippians 2:22

e) As a son he served with Paul (his spiritual father)          Philippians 2:22

2. The occasion

a) Plans to send Timothy to the Philippians          Philippians 2:19

b) Personal circumstances of Paul to be given due consideration          Philippians 2:23

i) Valid

ii) Even though personal

c) Paul expresses hope to see the Philippians personally in the near future          Philippians 2:24

3. An analysis of the character of Timothy and his relationship with the apostle Paul

a) Introduction to Timothy          Acts 16:1-5

i) He was already a disciple          Acts 16:1

ii) He was well-spoken of many (Lystra and Iconium)

iii) Chosen by Paul          Acts 16:3

iv) He underwent circumcision for the sake of the ministry          Acts 16:3

b) How did Timothy earn such high commendation from Paul?

Three things may be highlighted:-

i) Mind

He had the same mindset of Paul          Philippians 2:20

ii) Heart

He had a heart that deeply cared for others (to the point of worrying          Philippians 2:20)

iii) Character

Proven character          Philippians 2:22  (Cf. Romans 5:4; 1 Peter 1:7

4. Challenge

a) To stand out in life and service

b) To be commended by others because of proven worth

c) To humbly seek to emulate the example of Timothy

BIBLE MEMORY VERSE

But you know his proven character, that as a son he served with me in the gospel.
Philippians 2:22

YAG

There will be no YAG next week (27 September 2014)

We will be having a wedding service next Saturday.