I Hope to Send Timothy Unto You

In this part of the sermon: Martin transitions to Paul's assessment of Timothy, beginning with a positive assertion that Timothy is uniquely 'like-minded' and genuinely anxious for the Philippians' spiritual…

Martin uses the analogy of a 'teacher's pet' to explain that Timothy was not chosen due to favoritism, but due to his proven character, contrasting it with the unfairness perceived in a teacher's pet.

And the apostle is going to tell us why it is that he intends to send Timothy and no one else. And in the original, and this is something you cannot get in an English translation, there is in the structure of the original a forceful emphasis upon the fact that it's Timothy that he hopes to send, and it comes through in the opening verse, and it comes through again later on in the passage. Now, was Timothy the teacher's pet? A few kids know what we mean by teacher's pet, don't you?

16:28 - 17:02 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin elaborates on Timothy's 'proven record,' likening it to testing metal for genuineness. He emphasizes Timothy's service 'as a child serves a father' in the furtherance of…

The process of testing a metal or coin for genuineness is used to explain the word 'proof' regarding Timothy's character, showing that his worth was verified through trials.

And the word he uses is the very word you would use if you were talking about testing a metal or a coin. Now we have all kinds of coin collectors in our day. Substantial goods are the in thing for economic stability in the minds of many. Well, do you have a genuine Mexican fifty peso piece?

24:55 - 25:17 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin underscores the depth of Paul's love for the Philippians, noting the personal sacrifice involved in sending Timothy, his 'dearest son in the faith,' despite the emotional…

Martin imagines Paul's deep emotional pain and 'bitter tears' as he released Timothy, his 'darling spiritual son,' for the sake of the Philippian church, illustrating Paul's profound self-giving love.

A man who was so socially sensitive that he had to say God who comforts those that are cast down comforted us by the coming of Titus. And I can only imagine the bitter tears that dear Paul must have shed when the time came for him to embrace Timothy and say, Timothy, go. Go to my dear Philippians, my dear Timothy, and tell them all is well. Oh, Timothy, pour yourself into that congregation.

29:21 - 29:49 Read in full sermon

The point: Count it a privilege to adjust your personal plans for a church need, demonstrating that you seek the things of Christ, not your own.

The example of someone making excuses for not helping with a church need due to 'own plans for Saturday morning' is used to concretely illustrate the ugliness of self-centeredness.

Where does the selfishness surface? The deacons make an announcement for help. And back come the words I pray they have me excused. I've got my own plans for Saturday morning.

38:29 - 38:41 Read in full sermon