Grace Reformed Baptist Church, Bangalore

Philippians 2:19-24: “19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. 23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.”

Culture, whether from a company of 30 to 4.5 million or one worth 10 billion, does not happen by accident. It is born from a mission statement and from living and conducting business with certain principles. When a crisis or a crossroads occurs, exemplary character is what leads to doing the right thing and never taking shortcuts. This is the importance of having an example or a model.

God chose to reveal His final, full revelation of truth through the method of incarnation. He made His Son become man and live as the revelation of full truth. The Word became flesh, lived a life, and set an example for us to follow in His footsteps. The apostles who followed Christ are also given as examples for us to follow. Do we realize the importance of an example?

We can teach others truth and good things with words, telling them, “You should be like this, disciplined, work hard, you should not sin, follow Christ.” But the greatest and most powerful way we can teach someone is by living an exemplary life. Teaching only tells us our duty. With all of our weaknesses and temptations, people may say, “Oh, we cannot live like that; nobody can live like that.” But when we see an example of someone living that way, it undeniably shows that the duty is possible. That life also powerfully demonstrates how blessed our lives can be if we follow that example.

As parents and as Christians, are we setting an example for others? Whether right or wrong, people will follow us. They may not listen to our words, but they cannot forget what we teach them through our example. Today, we are all what we are because of the models we have seen. We all need models and good examples to follow. In today’s passage, we will see a great example. If we can just learn from that person, our lives will not only be blessed in our families and in this life but also eternally blessed. Perhaps even history will speak about our exemplary lives.

Apostle Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament epistles, is in jail for the Gospel. His life is in danger, and he may die at any moment. The Philippian church is worried about Paul, so they send him gifts with their pastor, Epaphroditus. Paul writes back, thanking them. He first talks about his situation and tells them not to worry about him. He says that the things which happened to him have led to the furtherance of the Gospel, and so he is rejoicing in prison. Then he starts giving them exhortations to live a life worthy of the Gospel before the world. He gives them high standards for living the Christian life. He calls them to unity—to have one mind, the same love, and the same spirit. The way to be like that is to have the mind of Christ. How? “Have this mind among yourselves, which is in Christ Jesus,” not doing anything out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but considering others better than yourselves and looking not to your own interests but also to the interests of others. He gives the example of Jesus Christ. What would having the mind of Christ look like daily? “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life.”

We may be tempted to say, “That’s good to hear, but it’s not practical for anyone to live like that. It’s a very high standard.” So, he goes on to say, “I have taught the principles; now, let me give you three living illustrations of people who live with these principles.” He speaks about himself in verse 18: “so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.”

Then, in verses 19-30, just reading may seem like some ordinary travel plans of Paul, who wants to send two men to the Philippian church. He is saying, “I am writing in this letter about my situation, but I want to send two to know about your situation, and I am also planning to come to you.” At first glance, you may wonder why God used pages of the Bible for the travel schedules of these three men. You might think this should be at the end of the letter. Why is it in the center? But if the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to this passage about ordinary circumstances, we will see the most beautiful, profound, and practical living examples of the truths that Paul has been presenting in this entire chapter.

If you want to live an exemplary life, if you want a model to follow, it is as if the Holy Spirit is saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you two men in this passage whom you should closely observe and study.” The first one is Timothy, and the second is Epaphroditus. The name Timothy means “God honoring.” Epaphroditus means “graceful” or “charming.” I think these two men lived up to their names. Now let’s meet Timothy today, and we’ll learn about Epaphroditus next week.

Some of us may know Timothy. Paul wrote two letters to him, 1 and 2 Timothy. He was from Lystra, a town in Galatia. His mother was a Jew named Eunice, and his grandmother was Lois. His father was a Greek, so he had a Jewish mother and a Greek father. He had a regular formal school education according to Greek culture. His mother and grandmother taught him the Old Testament scriptures from childhood in a pagan culture. All these seemingly confusing providential events were used by God to save him and to use him powerfully in those two colliding cultures, Judaism and Greek culture. God used the knowledge of scripture given by his mother and grandmother to convert him. As the Gospel was spreading, he became a believer in Jesus even before Paul met him.

He meets Paul in Acts 16. Paul liked him so much that he took him on his missionary journey. He became Paul’s helper in ministry. He was extensively with Paul throughout his ministry. Paul speaks of him as his son in the Lord, his son in the faith, his true child, brother, and his coworker. He was with Paul in Philippi, in Thessalonica, he was with him in Berea, he was with him in Corinth, he was with him in Ephesus, and he is with him here in Rome as he writes this. He was associated with Paul in the writing of some of his epistles, such as 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 2 Corinthians, Colossians, and Philippians. When Paul wrote to the Romans, Timothy was there as well. He was of great use to Paul.

He had some weaknesses, as you will see if you read 1 and 2 Timothy. He was timid and fearful. As a young man, he had all the temptations of lust and the love of money. Paul had to tell him to “flee youthful lusts” and “run from the love of money.” He had a very frail body and a weak stomach. Paul told him to “use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.” The Philippians knew him, too, because he had been in Philippi from the very beginning. He was taken up by Paul in Acts 16. Later in the sixteenth chapter, the church at Philippi was founded, and Timothy was surely there at the very founding of the church. And so, they knew Timothy.

Now, in verse 19, Paul decides to send Timothy to the Philippian church with this letter. The purpose of sending Timothy is so that he could see them, find out all the good about them in verse 19, and he will come back and tell me about your state—your spiritual growth, progress, and joy—and I will rejoice in prison, knowing about your state. I will have “glory fits.” I will be encouraged.

When is he going to send him? Immediately? No. Verse 23 says, “Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me.” Now the apostle knows that if he sends Timothy immediately, the first question people will ask is, “Is Paul going to be executed? Will he get bail, like a chief minister of Delhi?” Instead of saying, “We don’t know,” Paul says, “I will wait and see how it goes with me. As soon as I find out what the Roman court will do, as soon as I hear the outcome of my trial, I’ll send Timothy on the first train to you so he can be the conveyor of this good news.” So that is the context.

Now, out of all people, why Timothy? Why not anyone else? Why Timothy? Some people have a teacher’s pet or a boss’s pet. Sometimes a teacher or a boss in an office will like someone for something in them—maybe their blue eyes or curly hair—and always call them, send them, and recommend them. We get so angry, “Why always him or her? I am so much smarter than him.” We feel that the teacher is not being fair; this is partiality. “I am so much better than him.” It can happen in church: “Why does that pastor always like and talk to that person, not to me?” Was Timothy Paul’s pet? No.

Paul says, “I purpose to send Timothy, not because he’s my pet or the darling of my heart for carnal or personal reasons.” No. He is going to give us reasons in verses 20 to 22 for choosing Timothy and no one else for this mission to the Philippian Christians. So, starting in verse 20, he gives us a profile of Timothy, and it is beautiful and magnificent. This is a real pattern, a model, and an example for us to follow—this choice servant.

Why is he an example? Why should we follow him? Last week, Pastor, you taught us to look to Christ. Why Timothy? Yes, Christ is our perfect example, but Christ has ordained that we follow the apostolic pattern. It is the apostles who wrote the gospels and epistles. Next to Christ, we are called to follow the apostolic model, especially Paul’s model. The Holy Spirit commanded through Paul, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” Yes, I need the model of Jesus, but that’s a model of sinless perfection. I need the model of Paul, who is a model of a victorious believer with a remaining sin in operation. So, if Paul is the apostle’s model, look at what Paul says about Timothy. “For I have no one like-minded.” Paul says, “I have no one with the same mind as him, except him.” This is an exceptional, like-minded man.

Wouldn’t you like to have that written about you? I know there were many things at which Timothy did not excel. With his frail body, he doubtless was not much of an athlete. He could very easily have been beaten at sports or possibly surpassed in learning. But there was one area, Paul says, where no one even comes close to this man. As a great apostle, he was like-minded with me. As I survey the people that I might send to you, I have only this man who is like-minded, “of a kindred spirit,” “one souled, two bodies.” He is one with me in mind, one with me in thought, one with me in feeling, and one with me in spirit. In other words, he thinks like I think. He acts like I act. Timothy was a classic apostolic model.

In 1 Corinthians 4:16, Paul says, “I exhort you therefore, be imitators of me.” He says immediately, “For this reason, I have sent to you… who?… Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ.” Wow! Timothy was a reproduction of the Apostle. Timothy is Paul’s clone. If you want to become like Paul, learn from Timothy. So, he is an apostle’s model we have to follow. What are the things we need to learn from Paul, where he is an apostle’s model? There are five things Paul notes about Timothy. I tried to find an acronym for memory, not great but useful: C.S.C.S.U.

• Caring
• Single-minded
• Consistent character
• Sacrificial service
• Useful

Maybe you can remember it like five fingers. Timothy was like Paul in these five things. We have to probably make a note of each of these and see where we are. This is where we should go. He is a unique young man. He lived a sacrificial life for the sake of Christ, and Paul notes five things as a model of spiritual virtue.

Caring

Notice verse 20: “For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.” Do we care? Paul says to the Philippians, “There are people who only care in words—they talk so caringly—but Timothy is one man who genuinely, sincerely cares for your state.” Will people describe you like that? Genuinely caring, not spuriously or hypocritically. He has the heart of a true shepherd. The Lord Jesus, who looked at the crowd and had compassion on them, had His “bowels melt with so much care.” The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. Timothy had the compassion of Christ in his heart, and that was expressed in his deep care for the church. A great sign of being close to Christ is a reflection in deep care for the church. The more a believer is far from Christ, the more he will be a careless, indifferent believer about the church. When Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 11 that the greatest burden in all the ministry was the care of the churches, that must have reflected the heart of Timothy. He was certainly deeply burdened for the church. He had a sympathy for the things that needed to be done: the growth of the church, holiness, and the spread of the Gospel. And so, Paul was not sending a cold, indifferent man to do a minimal duty or a program for someone else but a sympathetic, caring person.

Notice he says he is concerned for “your state,” which means your welfare, your growth in grace, and your spiritual needs. He is so concerned that the word used is a strong word also used in Philippians 4:6, “Be anxious for nothing.” It is translated as “deep worry” or “burden” in a very serious way. Timothy is genuinely anxious for your welfare, burdened for your welfare, and feels your needs deeply. That’s the idea.

But Pastor, Paul said, “Do not be anxious about anything.” How can Timothy be so worried? The command there is not to be anxious in a selfish way for your own needs or your own life circumstances. That is what we are always filled with: my needs, my future, what I will eat and drink. God says, “Do not worry about that, but worry about or seek the Kingdom of God.” We are called to worry about others’ spiritual needs and the needs of the Kingdom. One is unselfish, and the other is selfish, and that’s the distinction. So Timothy had great compassion and sympathy for the Philippians and was worried about their spiritual needs. Timothy was a man of great sympathy. That is why he is an apostolic model.

I have been telling you that the seed for every ministry is a burden or care for the spiritual needs of people. Remember, our Lord had compassion on the crowds, and then He told them to pray to send workers. No one can be truly involved in kingdom work unless they have a heart of burden, care, and worry for spiritual needs. Behind every successful ministry, there will be selfless care and a genuine and anxious concern for the welfare of others. Timothy was a man of sympathy, a man of tenderness, and a man of compassion—a man who carried burdens deeply and felt those burdens. This is a peculiar, distinctive mark of a man living in communion with Christ. Anyone who does not have that as a believer needs to seriously examine his heart. Do you have this burden and care? It is not just in words or prayers. Do you sincerely care and feel it in your heart? It all starts there.

Single-mindedness

The second apostolic model trait is single-mindedness. Timothy was single-minded. It is stated in a negative way: Why does Timothy have so much care and burden about other spiritual needs, and why don’t others have this kind of burden? Verse 21: “For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.”

What a tragic statement. And that is from the mouth of Apostle Paul. Do you hear the grieved pain of Paul’s heart in that statement? He is not generally talking about all Christians everywhere, as that would contradict some of the things he said about the Philippians in this letter. In this context, perhaps as Paul searched among his acquaintances there in Rome for someone to go to Philippi, he asked a number of them to do this. They will preach and pray, come to church, say they will give themselves to Christ, and they have a burden for souls. But when Paul asks, “Can you go to Philippi?” as they thought of what it would cost to leave Rome, take the long hazardous journey to Philippi, be separated from loved ones, friends, and facilities, and how difficult the sacrifices would be, they backed out. They were interested solely in their own concerns. They had perfectly good excuses. Maybe some agreed, but they had big conditions: maybe a big salary, or they would go when possible, maybe take a round-trip vacation and then go. They were not willing to take self-giving risks for this mission. Whatever the reason, it made the apostle make this general sad statement: “For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.”

Paul says, “When I looked for someone who selflessly really cared about your spiritual needs and was willing to take the journey, come, minister to you, and bring back the good news, I couldn’t find many. All are dominated by self-seeking instead of seeking the things of Christ.” The only one who had a single mind, to whom Christ’s business was his business, was Timothy. He had that same single-mindedness that Paul had when he said, “Even my life is not dear to me; I want to finish the work Christ gave me.”

Me or any pastor saying this is very painful, but for Paul to say this must be very painful. Here is the Apostle Paul so committed to the work of Christ, who poured out his life like he said, like a “drink offering” or “libation.” You would have thought that seeing this great selfless ministry would gather many fully committed, dedicated believers, all totally sold out to Jesus Christ. That is how he lived. Was there ever a man so consumed with his mission as Paul? The level of dedication is mind-boggling. He had come to a point in his life where he was a prisoner. He risked his life and brought many to Christ, saved so many, and built churches. And yet he says in verse 21, “They all seek after their own interests.”

A few years later, he comes to the end of his life in jail, and he says, “Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world.” I can understand a man forsaking us in the Lord’s work breaking our hearts. In another place, he says, “All in Asia have forsaken me.” I mean, the very people from whom he expected help in his trials and in the hard times of his life were bailing out when the pressure was on.

It must have crushed his heart to think that this apostle, who had set the standard of self-giving love and who had preached and taught self-giving love, now has to give a negative contrasting statement. “For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.” Think of what Paul would say about you and me if he saw us. This is the sad reality of ministry among vile, depraved men.

On the other hand, you can imagine what an encouragement Timothy must have been to the apostle’s heart as he was longing to send someone to the Philippians to help them with their problems, and everyone turned him down simply because of their own selfish concerns. But Timothy says, “All right, Paul, I’m ready to go—any time, any place, anywhere. Just say the word, no conditions.” If it is for Jesus, His church, or the Gospel, “I am on call 24/7.” Timothy was a single-minded man. He lived to serve Christ, consumed with the interests of Christ Jesus. He seeks the things of Christ. This single-minded devotion is the second trait of the apostolic model.

If there is one reason for the failures of today’s church, it is not that people will not serve Christ and the church at all. They will. It’s just that they are not single-minded. It is so rare. It is so important for all of us to be single-minded like Timothy. How much we hear in the world, the secret of all success is being a single-minded man. When we look at life, if we want to achieve something in life, we have to learn this trait of single-mindedness.

A great way to waste your life is to focus on 101 things. So many in the ministry waste their lives trying to do 101 things. Others single-mindedly pursue one goal, but it is the wrong goal, and they realize it when their years are over. If we are to live a life worthy of the Gospel, as scripture teaches, we must be single-minded. Our Lord said, “You cannot serve two masters.” “What does the Lord your God require of you? To love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” David said, “This one thing I seek.” In the same epistle, Paul says, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the one goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” What made Timothy so special in ministry was that he was utterly single-minded. While everybody else had a lot of interests, he had only an interest in the things of Christ Jesus.

As John Calvin wrote, “Involved in their own private affairs, people are the more negligent to promote the church, for it must necessarily be that one or other of two dispositions rules us. Either we are devoted to Christ and the things that are Christ’s, or that we are too intent on our own benefit or advantage. That way, we serve Christ perfunctorily.” He’s right. Perfunctorily means to do an action without real interest, feeling, or effort.

So the apostolic model is C.S., which stands for Caring and Single-minded in the things of Christ.

Consistent Character

Thirdly, C stands for Consistent, tested character. Verse 22 says, “But you know his proven character.”

Just that phrase, “you know of his proven worth.” “Proven character.” We are one person in church and another outside. We are one way when things are good and completely different when things are bad. Proven character means we are always consistent in character, wherever we are and whatever we are facing. Paul says Timothy has proven character. Timothy’s integrity was well-established. He doesn’t say “you have heard.” He says, “You know,” meaning you have experienced his validity and his proven worth. The word for “proven” means “to be approved after testing.” The word he uses is the very word you would use if you were talking about testing a metal or a coin. You have something that looks like gold and feels like gold. A goldsmith puts it to the test, sometimes putting it in the fire, and then says, “Yes, it is real gold.” That’s the word Paul uses. “You know the proof of it. He’s been put to the test. He has passed the test.” Not by school but by service. Not by one test but by testings and trials. Remember, under the qualification of deacons, it says, “Let these also first be tested.” “Prove their character in testing, then let them serve.” This is a tested man with a tested character.

His character has been tested on no fewer than three occasions, and possibly more. You can read about it in Acts 16, Acts 19, and Acts 20. Paul had been in the very presence of these Philippians when there were terrible trials and difficulties. Timothy did not run away, like Mark. He stood boldly for the Gospel and for Christ and served in the most difficult times, like the Macedonian persecution. He had proven his character, and they had seen him put to the test, and he had come out as real.

The third attribute of the apostolic model is Consistent, tested character. Think of it: How is your character? Is it tested and proven? It is so important. Today, the church and the Kingdom of God suffer because we don’t have men of character. We may be committed today, but tomorrow we have to search for them. We call it a “character certificate.” People regularly ask for a letter from pastors of other churches. You know, only those who see a person for years can give a character certificate. It is about consistency, predictability, and dependability, not just being godly and eager once in a while and then going down. Someone who, for years—consistently, week after week, month after month, and year after year—is eager and zealous, and when pressures and difficulties come, they stand faithfully serving. Not only in good times but in bad times. For years of serving, they have gained a reputation. “He is a tested metal character. He is a trustworthy guy; he never lets you down. You can trust him with your life.” People who own their own business or are managers know that nothing is more important than hiring and working with people who possess strength of character. The mission statement of a company is about exemplary character. If we ask Paul to give a character certificate, would he say he is a tested and proven character?

C.S.C.S. stands for Caring, Single-minded, Consistent character, and Sacrificial service.

I want to add humble and submissive sacrificial service. Even with all these traits, a man might become proud and think he has arrived, but Timothy was not. He was a humbly submissive man. How did he serve? Verse 22 says, “that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.” How beautiful. For many years, we learn from somebody, but after a few years, we think we have arrived and have grown more than them. That is why many preachers were preaching the Gospel with envious motives against Paul, wondering why he should be so popular. Not Timothy. He served with Paul as a son and a father share mutual love for one another, with the loving submission and humility of a son, honoring his father, and never competing. He never said, “I have grown and now know more than you.” He never rebelled or questioned. He lovingly and affectionately looked at his father, whom he loved and honored, and learned from him with joy. Timothy was not forced to serve; he loved Paul and followed Paul’s model. Paul loved to call Timothy his genuine son. He served with a heart that was meek and submissive to spiritual leadership. Do we know what it is to submissively and humbly serve for years under spiritual leadership, not only when we know little but also when we have grown and matured?

The word “served” means serving as a slave, not occasionally or when it is convenient, but like a willing bond-slave who always serves. Notice it doesn’t say he served me or served under me, but served with me for the furtherance of the Gospel. The reason I say it is sacrificial service is that as a young man who was educated in Greek culture with a Jewish mother, he would have had many career opportunities. He would have had many dreams in life. When Paul called him to serve with him for the spread of the Gospel, he realized it was God’s calling and there was a gift bestowed on him by the laying on of hands by an apostle; he was set apart. When Paul called, off he went with the Apostle Paul on an unending, non-stop adventure, a life full of risks, and that life finally ended with him being put in jail, according to Hebrews 13:23. He was later released.

He lived a totally sacrificial life of service. Whatever his own dreams were and whatever his plans were, he set them all aside and slaved alongside Paul for the furtherance of the Gospel. Paul could not have achieved so many things if not for Timothy; even this letter was delivered by Timothy. Timothy’s passion was the spread of the Gospel. He left his rich Greek house, and we don’t know if he got married, had children, or purchased a home. The sacrificial character of Paul had so impacted him that he literally gave his life up for the furtherance of the Gospel. You see, that’s why he’s so unique. Nobody else had that kind of spirit. Nobody else sought only the interests of Christ. Nobody else was so consumed with the extension of the Gospel as Timothy was. He lived for one great reality: the advance of the Gospel and the salvation of souls.

An amazing instance for the spread of the Gospel was a time when Paul said, “You are Greek; you have to be circumcised to avoid any offense to the Jews.” If we were in his place, we might say, “Why, Paul? In Christ, physical circumcision is nothing. What is external circumcision? If these foolish Jews still believe that, what can I do?” And then, “Oh, I cannot imagine the pain of circumcision as a Greek. I will never do it; there is no moral obligation.” Timothy, however, saw Paul’s example. If by going through the ordeal of circumcision, he could preach the Gospel to one Jew and save him, he would go through with it. He was willing to say “no” to himself so that he might serve others. So, he was caring for souls, single-minded in seeking the things of Christ, had consistent character—when he was told to be circumcised, he was put to the test and proved his mettle—lived a sacrificial life of service, and was useful everywhere.

So, the acronym is C.S.C.S.U.: Caring, single-minded, consistent character, sacrificial service, and finally, usefulness everywhere. If a man has character, he will be useful wherever he is.

No wonder the Holy Spirit filled such a man with such gifts. He was very useful to everyone, wherever he went. We don’t have much recorded about how useful he must have been; we will only know in heaven. Such a man must be eminently useful. He is greatly useful. Verse 23 says, “Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me.” He is so useful. He is always useful. Paul says “go,” and he goes. Paul says “stay,” and he stays. Paul says “come with me,” and he comes. That was his life: always useful, always available. Anyone ministering in the Lord’s service would long for such a man. The emotional usefulness comes through in this verse.

Paul, in his difficult situation, wants Timothy to be with him. If anyone goes, Timothy should always be with him. He longed for him so much that in his last letter, when he was put in jail again, not with freedom like this but in a dungeon and knowing he may die soon, he wrote the poignant and pathetic phrase, “Do your best to come to me before winter.” He was longing to have this man with him during the long, weary days of his last imprisonment. Timothy was the kind of man you wanted around in such times.

Here, on one side, he wants him so much, but he also sees he will be so useful to the Philippians. So Paul was willing to sacrifice his own comfort, with some hesitation. You see that in the verse: “I will send Timothy, not immediately, but as soon as I can.” Do we realize how difficult it must have been for Paul in prison to send the only one he trusted, who could comfort him? How he must have hugged, kissed, and broken down and sobbed with tears as he released this wonderful son for the sake of others, the darling spiritual son of his own heart. He was so useful to everyone, useful everywhere.

He was so useful in the ministry. Paul said in his first letter, “Timothy, be an example to the believers.” Oh, what an example Timothy was.

If you ask me what the mission statement of our church should be, it is our constitution, but practically, here it is: The apostolic model is Timothy. The C.S.C.S.U. is: Caring, Single-minded, Consistent character, Sacrificial service, and Useful everywhere. A glorious life, a victorious and useful life, doesn’t happen by accident. It is character that makes a life glorious. If you want a model that is pleasing in God’s sight and useful for God’s kingdom, a life that is worth living, there are these five things. When someone sees our life now or sees how we have lived, will they describe us as caring, compassionate, single-minded, of consistent character, sacrificially serving for the furtherance of the Gospel, and useful wherever we go?

Beauty makes ugliness ashamed. May this beauty make us ashamed of our ugliness. Where are we? If we were there with Paul when he sought someone to go to Philippi, would we have volunteered to do that? Are we ready to take some risks and make sacrifices for the furtherance of the Gospel? Very sadly, the only thing that is very relevant in this entire passage and is written over some of your lives is the words of verse 21: “For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.”

It is this self-obsession and focus that spoils our entire character. Because of this, we are not caring and are not worried about others’ spiritual needs. We are not single-minded; when it is a choice between self or Christ, we choose self. We have no consistent character; according to the situation, mood, and people, we change. We forget about doing any sacrificial service for the spread of the Gospel or being useful to anyone. When we see this beautiful character, may God help us to be ashamed of our ugly selfishness. We are not talking about gross sins like adultery or drunkenness, but just the pure seeking of self, not seeking the things of Christ. How crooked it can make our minds and lives. This passage should make selfishness appear ugly. I hope it looks as ugly to you as adultery, thievery, and sexual perversion. It is especially ugly for those who say they are the recipients of the benefits of the selfless love of the Son of God, for whom that selfless love died for His Church. When it’s a choice between Christ or our own things, the church or our own things, a church meeting or some personal thing, what is our priority? Where do we run?

This is the apostolic model we have to follow. Paul rebukes a group of people who do not follow that. Look at what he says in Philippians 3:17-19: “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.”

I was praying, “Oh God, we need Timothys for this generation.” How did Timothy become such a man as this? There is an application for us as parents. Yes, it is the grace of God, but the grace of God worked through means. We can see three means. First, the knowledge of scripture. Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:15, “and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

Second, the godly life of his mother and grandmother who taught him scriptures from childhood and set an example of a godly life before him. In 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul says, “when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” That knowledge of scripture and godly example saved him, and then the example of Paul’s model made him mature in Christ.

See, knowledge of scriptures is the first means. If we want our children to have an exemplary character like this, from a young age, we should teach them Holy Scriptures regularly. Then, we should show an example of genuine faith, like his mother and grandmother. Timothys will come from homes where parents are willing to pay the price and take the time, not just to feed and dress their children and buy them whatever they want, but to make them sit and to teach them God’s word from childhood. They may be ignorant of this and that, but not of the scriptures. We must make them wise in God’s word. The knowledge of scriptures leads to salvation. It is not easy. We must set an example of believers before them, and we must be willing to pay the price to mold them with a blameless example rather than by gentle, loving, prayerful, painstaking instruction and nurture with admonition and the rod of correction.

How can you and I become like Timothy? By God’s grace. When you and I are reading 2 Timothy, “Flee youthful lusts, the love of money, pursue righteousness…” 2 Timothy chapter 2, verse 21, “If a man cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the master, prepared for every good work.”