Daily Devotions

Philippians

Philippians 
Day 
Day 49

"For I have no one like-minded..."

Text: Philippians 2:20

HIGH COMMENDATION

The apostle Paul had very high standards for ministry. Not everyone was able to keep up with his understanding of life and ministry. One of the people among the younger generation whom Paul had high regard for was Timothy.

“For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.
For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 2:20-21

1. “I have no one like-minded”

a) The word “like-minded” (Greek “isopsuchon”) speaks of Paul and Timothy sharing the same soul/spirit.
b) This is high commendation indeed.

2. “Sincerely care for your state”

a) Two words are to be noted.
i) Sincere
ii) Care
b) The word “sincerely”
i) This word may be translated “genuinely”.
ii) Timothy’s interest in the well-being of the Philippians was “genuine”.
c) The word “care”
i) This same word is sometimes translated “anxiety” or “worry”.
ii) Timothy did not just have a casual sense of concern for the Philippians.
iii) He was deeply anxious about the well-being of the Philippians just as Paul was concerned.
d) “For your state”
i) Timothy was concerned about all the circumstances of the Philippians.
ii) The word “state” is almost limitative.
iii) “Concerning all the things (about the Philippians)” is a better idea.

3. “For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus”

a) Many had personal self-interest.
b) Timothy was outstandingly different.
c) He sought, like his mentor and spiritual father, the things of the Lord Jesus Christ.