INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:
Background to Philippians…
The Apostle Paul wrote the epistle (personal letter) (1:1) to the Philippian church, probably during his imprisonment in Rome. The letter was written from a heart of love and concern for the Philippians. Due to Paul’s imprisonment, he could not personally visit with the church so he sent this letter with Timothy to encourage them and bring back news of their condition to Paul. (2:19).
Some of the main divisions of the book include:
1. Introduction to the book: 1:1-2
2. Paul’s thankfulness for the Philippians: 1:3-11
3. News of Paul’s imprisonment and dedication: 1:12-26
4. Following Christ’s example is our duty: 1:27-2:18
5. Paul’s representatives and the need to treat them kindly: 2:19-30
6. Paul’s example of living a joyous life: 3:1-11
7. The Christian’s heavenly calling: 3:12-21
8. The need for Godly living: 4:1-9
9. The love offerings of the Philippians: 4:10-20
10. Closing to the book of Philippians: 4:21-23
TODAY’S TEXT:
Php 2:19-21 – “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.”
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
Paul voices his concern for the believers at Philippi. Because of his concern, Paul sent Timothy to them to deliver this letter, encourage them, and find out how they are doing….
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you,
Paul was trusting the Lord to watch over Timothy and give him a safe arrival at Philippi.
that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
Timothy’s return to Paul, with a good report of the Philippian’s condition, would encourage Paul and put him in good spirits.
For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
Paul knew he was the only one with the same care and concern for his Philippian brothers and sisters in Christ. It was only a natural set of feelings for Paul to have for them. After all, he was instrumental in their salvation, the founding of their local church, and the situation they faced there.
There was no one else who played this same role in the lives of the Philippian believers. He is ending them Timothy because he is the only one currently with Paul who shares in some of Paul’s concern for the Philippian believers.
For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
The prevailing attitude among Christians was an attitude of selfishness, possessing an attitude of care for their own self only. They did not have a servant’s heart towards Christ and others. They did not have a concern for the wellbeing of others, nor did they want to help others to serve Christ in greater ways.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
Stop and think about it. The heart of a Christian should be to place the Lord and others before self. Christ gave Himself for us. It should be only a “natural” thing to give of ourselves in return. We all were lost but now we are found. It should only be “natural” we want to give of ourselves for others so they can see Christ in us and come to a saving knowledge of Him as well.
Sadly the “norm” among Christians today, as in Paul’s day, is to possess a selfish attitude centering on our own needs, wants, and desires. This stands in stark opposition to the “natural” attitude for the Christian should be to possess a humble spirit placing the Lord and others above ourselves.
What personal sacrifices have made for Christ and others? This will help us to understand what is in our heart…
Do we have “naturally” a heart like Paul and Timothy or are we the “norm” among Christians?
Questions, Comments, or Suggestions?
Email me at: rob.barkman@settledinheaven.org
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