Philippians 2:21-25
 
Phil 2:21 (KJB)
For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
 
Here is a definite word of admonishment to all Christians. Sometimes we tend to put our own business above the Lord. We must be careful not to place the Lord’s business second to ours. Here Paul is contrasting the attitude of Timothy and some others he must have been acquainted with. Timothy had a mindset of the Lord’s work first and it looks like the others had a mindset of them first and if they have time, then comes the Lord. I remember about 20 years ago I was on a fundraiser for America’s Keswick
(www.americaskeswick.org) for the purpose of building the Activity Center for the colony men and for other events. I was given a list of people to call. It contained those who had been good contributors to Keswick. One phone call stands out in my mind. We were not calling for donations at that time but for people to get involved and to help raise some funds for the project. This person responded to my appeal as follows, “…my time is very complicated…” In other words, I come first and my worldly endeavors and then if I find time, maybe I can help. Of course, I never heard from him. I wanted to ask him, “who gave you your time?” Since I was representing Keswick, I did not pursue any form of communication which could have hurt them. The problem is that this man’s response is typical of many Christians. Some use the excuse that their family takes up all their time. Hey, pull your kid out of a soccer game and go hand out tracts on the street instead. The problem is that too many children run the households. It is their demands that the parents rush to fulfill. Too many Christian parents forget they are the parents and the children are the children. God did not give the family to come between Him and them. We must never make excuses when the Lord has a task for us.
 
Phil 2:22 (KJB)
But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
 
The proof - Approved character
 
Here the Apostle Paul treated Timothy with a father son relationship and was willing to release him for the purpose of visiting the Philippians. They knew full well the character of Timothy and how he was sold out to the Gospel. Timothy had served with Paul in his gospel outreach and had earned the respect of Paul to be given such a recommendation. Paul’s approval was given only after you passed the test of faithfulness.
 
Phil 2:23 (KJB)
Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
 
Presently - At once
 
Here Paul is stating that he is going to dispatch Timothy immediately because he wanted to know how the Philippians were getting along and what their spiritual state was. Paul was also probably going to find out about his situation in prison, he may have believed that he was soon to be released but no matter what the situation was, Paul always left his life and situations in the hand of the Lord knowing that God guided him every step of the way.
 
Phil 2:24 (KJB)
But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
 
While Paul was not totally sure what was going to happen next, he trusted fully in the Lord who did know what was going to happen next. He had hoped that he was going to be able to pay the Philippians a personal visit but he always knew the Lord knew what was best for him. Paul had set a goal of seeing the Philippians. Goal setting is a good practice for Christians. Sometimes God may decide to cancel the goal or to reroute the way it is accomplished, but nevertheless it shows an anticipation of accomplishment.
 
Phil 2:25 (KJB)
Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
 
Fellow soldier - A fellow companion in Christianity
 
Epaphroditus was a member of the church at Philippi. He had been a help to the Apostle Paul and Paul called him his minister. He considered him a fellow worker in the labor of the gospel. He also considered him a fellow soldier which means that he saw him as another warrior in the fight against the enemy. Epaphroditus had helped Paul but now Paul was sending him back home probably in believing that he was soon to be released from prison. The name Epaphroditus means lovely or charming.

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