Immanuel - Mankato Bible Class
Study of Philippians – Lesson 10
March 18, 2001
Philippians 2:19-24

Literal Translation: "Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I also may be encouraged with knowledge concerning you. For I have no one of like mind, who is genuinely concerned about you. For all are striving for their own (things), rather than those of Christ. But you know from experience his character that as a son with a father he served with me in the gospel. Now, therefore, I hope to send him just as soon as I see how things go for me. Now I am convinced in the Lord that I also will come soon."

Having informed the Philippians of his personal circumstances and having encouraged them to follow the example of their Savior, Paul now turns to another matter—his plan to send Timothy to them, so that he might in turn receive news of them and thereby be encouraged himself. As is so frequently the case, Christians facing difficulties are interested and concerned about others as much, if not more, than themselves! The hymnwriter John Fawcett expresses that thought so well in several stanzas of his hymn "Blest Be the Tie That Binds":

We share our mutual woes, Our mutual burdens bear, And often for each other flows The sympathizing tear.

When here our pathways part, We suffer bitter pain; Yet, on in Christ and one in heart We hope to meet again.

I recall an anecdote passed on by Professor Gordon Radtke of an incident involving Pastor George Barthels and Pastor Hilbert Schaller. Pastor Barthels was the pastor of a large and troubled congregation in Red Wing, while Pastor Hilbert Schaller was hospitalized with cancer and close to death. Pastor Barthels visited Pastor Schaller in the hospital to comfort and encourage him, and Pastor Schaller’s greeting was something to the effect, "I am so glad you came. I have been praying for you in the midst of your difficulties."

Paul commends Timothy highly suggesting that he and Paul were "like-minded" with regard to the Philippians. Paul also knew that the Philippians would agree and receive Timothy readily, for they knew his character from experience. But what attitude did these men share, and what strengths of character would the Philippians have recognized in Timothy?

From the immediate context we see that Paul is talking about a genuine care and concern for the physical and spiritual welfare of the Philippians (cf. Verse 20). In addition, he states that their attitude involved "seeking…the things which are of Christ Jesus" rather than those things which would provide temporal, personal advantage. An illustration of this can be seen in the account of the time Paul spent in Philippi during his 2^nd Missionary Journey (cf. Acts 16). After Paul and Silas were illegally beaten and imprisoned, the magistrates of the town sent word to let them go. Paul made a point of having those magistrates come personally and publicly escort them out of prison. Why did he do that? It was not a matter of getting a "pound of flesh"—humiliating the magistrates who had humiliated them. No, it was a matter of removing the cloud, which false accusations and imprisonment would have left over the newly established church. Paul has endured the suffering as he sought the advancement of the kingdom, but he also wanted to ensure that the future witness of the church in Philippi was not unnecessarily hindered by what he had experienced.

In the near context we would certainly say that the "like-minded" attitude of Paul and Timothy would have included sharing the "mind of Christ" (Verses 5-11).
Those, who would serve God as did Paul and Timothy, must strive to exhibit humility, using their gifts to serve others rather than themselves. Their ultimate goal must ever be a clear confession of Christ Jesus and the further glorification of God the Father. This is so difficult to do, especially within a society that is materialistic in outlook and which has established personal happiness as the greatest good.

Paul, however, in other epistles further reveals his attitude towards his ministry and the people he served. For instance…

• Romans 9:1-5—He was willing to sacrifice himself for his fellow Jews.
• 1 Corinthians 9:19-23—He became all things to all men in order to win some!
• 2 Corinthians 11:1-4—His chief goal was to bring individuals safely to Christ!
• Galatians 6:11-15—His gloried in the cross of Christ, not at their expense!
• 1 Timothy 1:12-17—He recognized that he was the object of God’s grace!

Discussion Topics:

1. Discuss ways that we as individuals, families, and a Christian congregation can foster a genuine concern and commitment for the Christian ministry and for our fellow Christians.
2. Discuss why is it important to keep in touch with our fellow believers and the work of the ministry within our home congregation and within our synod.

[PDN]