As a son

Philippians 2:22-23     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.

I love how God works. How He will put just the right scriptures before you at just the right time. He will put Godly peers before you with just the right words for you at just the right time. Those who say they do not hear God speak are those who are not seeking God every day. A heart seeking God every day is a heart that hears God. Many of you know what my son Russell has been doing the last couple of days. He has been getting up early, spending time in God’s Word and writing short devotionals. I am in complete awe of God’s work in my 10 year old sons life. In my continued study of Philippians this morning I came to the passages above; of where Paul describes Timothy of his son, and Paul’s joy in the heart of Timothy. Thank you Jesus.

Timothy’s grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice had become Christians (2 Timothy 1:5). Timothy had spent 10 years with Paul; traveled with Paul on his missionary journeys; helped start the church at Philippi; and now was aiding and encouraging Paul while he was in prison. Timothy had a heart for God, and his only focus was to further the spreading of the Gospel, and to do whatever tasks where laid before him as a disciple of Christ. In all his years as Paul’s son, he had learned Paul’s trade (ministry), as all sons would do at that time. I too learned my trade from my father; an element that is missing in today’s society in the family and business world. Paul knew that Timothy would care for them as deeply as he would himself. Philippians 2:9 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.

Paul wrote two epistles to Timothy; the first he commissioned him, sending him out on his own. The second letter was Paul’s last words, his last encouragement to Timothy to remain focused on the tasks at hand as a minister of the Gospel. Paul had passed down all he knew to his son. He had poured himself into Timothy, and he had encouraged Timothy to remain focused on Christ. The letters in Timothy always encourage me; they seem to have a very real application side to them; very clear instructions. Paul reminds Timothy that life will be hard as a disciple; but as that minister of the faith he is to remained focused. 2 Timothy 2:3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. As my son Russell said; “You might think the way he makes for you will be as smooth as a baby’s bottom. It’s not. He puts bumps on your road on purpose. Not to make you a lousy driver that crashes cars and has no sense of direction. He does it for you to believe, trust, and love him.”