A Good Testimony

Dearly Beloved. I trust this finds you well and bubbling in the Lord. In Philippians 2:19-23 (AMPC) we see Paul give a wonderful testimony about Timothy saying “But I hope and trust in the Lord Jesus soon to send Timothy to you, so that I may also be encouraged and cheered by learning news of you. For I have no one like him [no one of so kindred a spirit] who will be so genuinely interested in your welfare and devoted to your interests. For the others all seek [to advance] their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ (the Messiah). But Timothy's tested worth you know, how as a son with his father he has toiled with me zealously in [serving and helping to advance] the good news (the Gospel). I hope therefore to send him promptly, just as soon as I know how my case is going to turn out.”

 

Timothy is portrayed as someone who cares about the interest of the Lord Jesus and the interest of others. Paul particularly notes that others seek to advance their own interests and not that of Jesus. How can one then think continually about the interests of Jesus? Colossians 1:1-4 (NLT) provides some guidance - “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.” In essence, you have a new life now in Christ and let that be your reality as you go about your daily affairs, knowing you are in the world but not of the world.

 

Prayer

Father, we thank You for Your word. Help us to be about Your business, to seek to advance the interest of the Lord Jesus and to take genuine interest in the welfare of others. We thank You because we do not do this in our power or might but by Your Spirit. We thank You for You always give us the willingness and the ability to please You. Blessed be Your holy name forevermore. In Jesus name we pray, amen.