Young People's Group

The Example of Timothy as a Servant of God (II)

by Mitchell Tan
November 07, 2018

TIMOTHY’S PROVEN CHARACTER

Character is key to succeeding as a servant of God. Without character, we would not have a foundation for our life and ministry. Timothy was someone who had proven his character to Paul. And he was commended for this.

“But you know his proven character”
Philippians 2:22

The phrase “proven character” is the Greek word “dokime”. It has the idea of proving one’s own genuineness or character through being tested. Timothy had commenced following his mentor Paul in the ministry (Acts 16:3). He had proven himself as a disciple to be humble and dependable. He had further shown himself to be true and exemplary as he served the Lord with Paul. This was demonstrated to the Philippian Church again and again. They knew his proven worth as a fellow servant of Paul.

TIMOTHY PROVING HIMSELF IN THE MINISTRY

“But both Silas and Timothy remained there. So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed.”
Acts 17:14-15

After Timothy had joined Paul (Acts 16:3), it is interesting to note that his name was not mentioned again until they were in Berea. During this period of time, Paul and Silas were in the forefront. Timothy was happy being in the background. He humbly sought to support Paul wherever he could. He served and ministered to Paul and Silas when they were in prison. Timothy did not mind being in the background. When he was ready, he was serving beside Silas. When Paul wanted them to be with him in Athens, they went there as soon as possible. Timothy had proven himself to be most reliable in ministry. He was able to serve wherever he was needed. How did he go about having this proven character in ministry?

1. PRACTISING SONSHIP IN SERVICE

“That as a son with his father…”
Philippians 2:22

Timothy had a closeness of relationship with Paul. He understood what it meant to be a son to his spiritual father and mentor. He understood sonship. Paul called Timothy his “true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). This was a tender way of addressing Timothy. He saw him as his genuine “child” in the faith. He was also called “beloved son” (2 Timothy 1:2). This was a son that Paul had come to love. Timothy had proven himself to be a wise and complying son in the Lord. They trusted each other. He had proven himself again and again as he served with his spiritual father.

2. SERVING TOGETHER IN THE GOSPEL

“… He served with me in the gospel.”
Philippians 2:22

Timothy also proved himself in the way he served with Paul in the gospel. Their focus was the gospel of the Lord Jesus. Their concern was for the furtherance of the gospel in all things (Philippians 1:12). They were willing to serve as slaves of the Lord Jesus. In his opening address to the Philippians, Paul called himself and Timothy, bondservants of the Lord Jesus (Philippians 1:1). The word “bondservants” in Greek is the word “doulos”. This noun means “slave”. The word “serve” is the Greek word “douleo”. This verb form means to serve as a slave. Timothy served faithfully with a “slave” mindset. This was how he proved himself as a fellow servant with Paul. Let’s also learn to have a proven character in service. Let’s learn to have a heart of a slave in serving together in the gospel.

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