MARKS OF A TRUE SERVANT

Philippians 2:20-22

Part Two

“For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.”

In part two of “Marks of a True Servant”, we see that young Timothy followed his mentor’s example in his concern for the sheep at Philippi. He demonstrated a shepherd’s heart. Paul writes in verse 20, “For I have no one else of kindred sprit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.” The word for concerned or of “equal mind, soul or feeling” connotes that Timothy’s decisions or concerns would be the same as Paul’s if he were there (II Timothy 3:10). The word “sincerely” means genuine or legitimate. Elsewhere the word refers to a legitimate new birth (I Timothy 1:2) “My true son in the faith.” Timothy was Paul’s son in the faith. Paul had led Timothy to Christ and had discipled him. Paul is reminding the Philippian Church that Timothy will have a legitimate concern for them. His concern is as legitimate as his salvation. The word “concern” is a strong word. It is used in Philippians 4:6 where the idea is that of worry, anxiety or unwarranted concern. Here in this context the word does not carry the negative connotation as in 4:6. However, it does have the idea of pressure or anxiety that grows out of a true concern for others (II Corinthians 11:28).

The apostle writes in verse 21, “For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.” Of those available to Paul only Timothy was accessible and willing to make the sacrificial trip from Rome to Philippi. It wasn’t as if these other men were involved in their own ministries for the Lord, it was that they were immersed in their own pursuits and not in the interests of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:15,16; II Timothy 4:10,16; Isaiah 56:11.)

There are some leaders who have great speaking abilities but lack the necessary shepherds heart, which is a vital necessity in ministry. Timothy models the exhortation in 2:4, “Do not merely look out for own personal interests but also for the interests of others.”

It is churches with leaders like Timothy that make an impact in society. I believe ours is such a church. Lets continue to pray for our pastors and leadership. God bless!

In His matchless love and grace,