A Model of Discipleship

Philippians 2:22

“But you know of his (Timothy) proven worth that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.”

Timothy provides for us a model of discipleship. Paul wrote two letters to him that are a part of our Bible and they provide good insight into his character. Paul must have met him as a young man and developed a deep relationship with him. We see in II Tim. 1:2 he calls him “my beloved son”. Timothy traveled with Paul to some extent and was obviously with him when Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians (Phil. 2:19).

There are three characteristics we can note about Timothy. First he and Paul had a kindred spirit. That is probably what drew them to each other. As you go through life you will meet many friends and casual acquaintances, but few who really think like you, react to situations like you; someone you don’t have to work hard to have a relationship with. That person understands your motives and needs without them being expressed. I believe another Biblical relationship like this existed between David and Jonathan. These are valuable relationships and I urge you to carefully develop them.

Secondly, Timothy had a genuine concern for others. He was not like those mentioned in the previous verse that “seek after their own interest”. He really regarded others as more important than himself (Phil 2:3-4).

Finally, Timothy had a servant’s heart. We can see that in our verse today as Paul said he “served with me…like a child serving his father.” Although we see Paul as a very strong character, I believe he also had a servant’s heart after his salvation. He was so concerned about the welfare of others he was willing to give his own life on their behalf.

The world we live in today doesn’t provide much encouragement to develop the attitudes we see in Timothy. Do you have a special friend with a kindred spirit? Consider sending them a note today about what their friendship means to you.