Mind of Christ on Display -- Timothy -- 3/28/10

Sunday, March 28, 2010

THE MIND OF CHRIST ON DISPLAY -- TIMOTHY

Phil. 2:19-24

Philippians 2 is all about the mind of Christ, that attitude that we find in the Lord Jesus Himself. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Phil. 2:5-8). Now we have come to the last half of the chapter, where we find Paul giving us three examples of men who demonstrated the mind of Christ. The first was Paul himself, as we saw last time in verses 17-18. This week we come to the second example, a young man named Timothy.

Let’s go ahead and read Phil. 2:17-24…

Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. 18. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. 19. 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. 20. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. 22. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. 23. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. 24. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

Paul and the Philippian believers were rejoicing together, but Paul had a desire to know how they were doing. He had a desire to send someone to Philippi. Why? So he could get a report and be comforted by good news from these beloved brothers and sisters. Though it is not stated explicitly here, I am quite sure Paul also wanted to give them good news about his own state of affairs. That is what he is doing in this letter, but news brought by a certain faithful coworker would be even better.

So here is the question: Whom would Paul send? I suspect he had a number of choices. Best we can tell, Paul wrote this letter during his imprisonment in Rome. But don’t get the idea that he was locked away in some inaccessible cell. On the contrary, Paul had a great deal of freedom within his imprisonment. We read in Acts 28:16-17…

And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. 17. And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

Paul was able to invite people to come to him, so that he might proclaim the gospel to them. Now come to Acts 28:30-31, "And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31. Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him."

No doubt, there were believers who aided Paul in his prison ministry. Paul had certain freedom, but he didn’t have the freedom to go where he wanted; he was still a prisoner. Surely he had assistants who were able to arrange for people to meet with Paul. Perhaps some worked hard to invite people to come listen to this unique prisoner. Remember that Paul wrote two other epistles from his Roman imprisonment -- Ephesians and Colossians. Especially at the end of Colossians, he names some who were with him (Col. 4:7-14).

So out of the brothers who were with him, whom would Paul send? As we have just read, Paul was hoping in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy. The King James translates the word “trust,” but it is literally “hope.” Biblical “hope” is not a weak “wishing.” Rather, it expresses a confident expectation. This was Paul’s plan, but notice that he was hoping “in the Lord Jesus.” In other words, any and all of his plans were subject to the will of the Lord. He couldn’t do anything on his own. At that point, he was confident that it was in the Lord’s will that Timothy go. Nevertheless, if the Lord indicated otherwise, he would certainly follow His divine direction, as he had been doing for years.

This is not the first mention of Timothy in this letter to the Philippians. Go back to the very first verse of chapter 1, “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints which are at Philippi…” Though Paul was the one who actually dictated the letter, Timothy was so much a partner with him that Paul names him in the introduction of his letter.

Now the big question: Why Timothy? Why did Paul choose to send Timothy? Why not someone else? What was it that qualified Timothy for this mission? That is what we want to look at this morning. There are many ways to outline this passage, but we are going to look at three qualities in Timothy that suited him to be Paul’s choice for this special mission.

I. Timothy Cared for Others

“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” (2:19-20). As will be confirmed by the context, the implication is that Timothy is the one man who will care for their state, who will care for the things concerning the Philippians. Of all the people with him, Paul sensed that Timothy was the only one he could trust to truly care for the Philippians. The word translated “naturally” means “genuinely, truly, sincerely.”

The use of the word “care for” is very interesting. It is a very strong term. Some have defined his word to mean “care to the point of distraction.” When this particular word is used, we must always look at the context to discern its exact meaning. It is the word that is used in Phil. 4:6, “Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” That is, take care for nothing. Be anxious about nothing. Yet here Paul indirectly commends Timothy for this very attitude of care. Paul will send Timothy, because he knows that Timothy will be deeply concerned about the things which concern the Philippians. Timothy won’t worry about those things, but he will exercise a godly concern, a concern that will take precedence over other things.

So where did Timothy get this attitude? Certainly it was God’s work in him, but his human example was Paul. Remember that Timothy had spent a great deal of time working with Paul, as they traveled together to share the gospel and plant churches. Notice again what Paul says, “For I have no man likeminded…” The idea is, “I have no other man likeminded.” Timothy is the only one. And what did Paul mean by “likeminded”? He was simply saying that Timothy had the same attitude that he himself had. As Paul was given grace to deny himself and give himself on behalf of others, so it was with Timothy. As Paul followed the example of his Lord in taking the low place and focusing on others, so Timothy followed that same example. Timothy and Paul were of kindred spirit. Some commentators (for example, William Hendricksen) insist that “likeminded” refers to the fact that there is no one who has an attitude like Timothy. However, it seems impossible to separate that thought from the fact that Timothy has an attitude like Paul.

Consider Prov. 25:19, "Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint." Perhaps that Proverb was behind what Paul later wrote to this same Timothy in 2 Tim. 2:2, "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." Paul viewed young Timothy as a faithful man. He saw Timothy as a man who was trustworthy.

Here again we see the unselfishness of Paul. Timothy was the brother he valued the most. Nevertheless, he was willing to let go of him and send him to the Philippians. We gather from verse 23 that Paul’s plan was to send Timothy to Philippi after he had received the verdict about himself. That way the Philippians would know the result of Paul’s trial. Paul wasn’t thinking of himself; he was thinking of those precious brothers and sisters in Philippi. Because of that unselfish attitude, he sent his most faithful associate to care for them.

Now verse 21, “For all seek their own, not the tings which are Jesus Christ’s.” We find it a bit difficult to get hold of this statement. How can Paul say that “all seek their own interests, and not the interests of Jesus Christ? Doesn’t that sound kind of harsh? Regardless of how it sounds, that’s what Paul said. To help us understand Paul’s meaning, we must be aware of a couple of things. Surely his use of the word “all” does not include everyone who is associated with him. For example, Paul speaks affectionately of Luke in Col. 4:14, "Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you." Later, he writes these words to Timothy in 2 Tim. 4:11, "Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry." There is no reason to believe that Paul intended to include men like Luke. By the time he wrote to the Philippians, Luke must not have been with him, because he does not include greetings from Luke in this letter. Rather, he must be speaking of those who are available to go to Philippi. Of all those who are possible candidates, he can’t sent any of them, because they seek their own interests instead of the interests of Christ.

But how can this be? Wasn’t Paul evangelizing and discipling while imprisoned in Rome? He certainly was. Remember from chapter 1 that some of the gospel workers there did not have the highest motives. Or think of it another way. Suppose the leaders of the church approached you and asked you to take on a special assignment. “We would like you to prepare to go on a mission trip to China. You will need to be ready to leave in two months. We don’t know exactly how long your services will be required there, but it will be at least six months.” Who is willing to go? “But I can’t do that. I have a job. There are things already scheduled. I could do many things, but not that.” If we don’t get any positive response, might it be said, “All seek their own interests, not the interests of Jesus Christ”? That kind of puts a different light on things, doesn’t it? Paul was asking for sacrificial service. Either he approached some people about the assignment, or he just went over the possibilities in his mind. Either way, he came to the conclusion that Timothy was the only one that would truly care for his beloved Philippians.

Go back for a minute to the first part of chapter 2, when Paul was urging them to be likeminded, to think the same thing. Part of that attitude included verse 4, “Look(ing) not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Timothy demonstrated that attitude. While those around him were consumed by their own interests, Timothy did indeed look on the interests of others.

II. Timothy Was a Faithful Servant of the Gospel

Now come to verse 22, “But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.” Paul once again contrasts Timothy with those who seek their own interests and not the interests of Christ. Timothy isn’t like that. Not only will Timothy care for the Philippians, but he has proven himself faithful as a servant of the gospel. Truly, he has demonstrated that he seeks the things of Jesus Christ.

Notice that word “proof.” Some translations render it “proven worth” (NASV), and that is a good translation. The word is dokimh, and it comes from a word that means “to test, to examine, to prove.” The word used here refers to proven character, exemplary character which has stood the test. In other words, over time Timothy had proved himself as a faithful servant of the gospel.

Now just consider Timothy for a moment. What do we know about him? His grandmother was Lois and his mother was Eunice. Paul spoke of Timothy’s unhypocritical faith, which dwelt first in his grandmother and mother (II Tim. 1:5). Later in that same letter, Paul reminds Timothy that he had known the holy scriptures from childhood. No doubt, he had learned those holy scriptures from Lois and Eunice, his grandmother and mother. Such training in the scriptures were able to make him wise unto salvation which is in Christ Jesus (II Tim. 3:15). When Paul chose to take Timothy with him on his second missionary journey, this young man had come to Christ (probably during Paul’s first visit) and was well respected by the believers in both Lystra and Iconium. But didn’t Timothy have plans of his own? How could he drop everything and go with Paul? It was because he wasn’t seeking his own interests, but the interests of Christ. His faithfulness to the gospel was more important that his personal plans. It seems quite clear from the New Testament that Timothy spent the rest of his life in the service of the gospel. We have no record that he did anything else.

While Paul mentions many brothers and sisters who helped him in his ministry of the gospel, none is nearly so prominent as Timothy. Timothy is mentioned 24 times in the New Testament. Of the 13 letters that Paul wrote, we find Timothy’s name in ten of them (absent only in Galatians, Ephesians, and Titus). In six of them, Paul begins something like he does here in Philippians: “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ…” (Phil. 1:1). And, of course, two of Paul’s letters were addressed to Timothy.

There is a sense in which Timothy had no will of his own. As we have seen here, Paul planned to send him to Philippi. He also sent him to Thessalonica (I Thes. 3:2). On another occasion, Paul sent Timothy as his representative to the church at Corinth (I Cor. 4:17), which obviously was no easy assignment. When we come to Paul’s first letter to Timothy, we find that Paul left him at Ephesus to deal with some thorny issues there (I Tim. 1:3ff). Wherever Timothy was needed in the service of the gospel, that’s where he went. While exact dates are a bit difficult to ascertain, it seems clear that Timothy was associated with Paul in the service of the gospel for more than 15 years.

We should understand that being a faithful servant of the gospel was no picnic for Timothy. When Paul chose Timothy and asked him to accompany him and Silas on their journey, there was one little matter that had to be taken care of first. Timothy agreed to be circumcised, a requirement upon which Paul insisted. This was due to the fact that he was a Jew and had not been circumcised as an infant. Did Timothy know that there were dangers involved in traveling and ministering with Paul? He certainly did. Remember that Timothy was from Lystra. The first time Paul was in Lystra, the people tried to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods. A short time later, after being stirred up by Jews from Antioch and Iconium, those same people stoned Paul, dragged him out of the city, an left him for dead (see Acts 14:6-20). Timothy was well aware of the dangers he would face.

What a shining example is Timothy. Though we are not given all the details, we know from Paul’s words that the Philippians themselves knew of Timothy’s proven character. We gather from references in Acts (see 19;21,22; 20:3-6) that Timothy went back to Philippi more than once after he accompanied Paul in founding the church there. Though having Timothy come to them would not be quite the same as having Paul there, his presence would no doubt be a great comfort to them.

III. Timothy (and Paul) Demonstrated a Spirit of Cooperation

Think with me for a moment about Paul’s ministry. First of all, remember that we are talking about the apostle Paul. In all of Christian history, no one could argue that there has been a more faithful servant of the Lord. Not only did He see Jesus and have a special commission from the risen Lord, but Paul served faithfully from that day forward. Though on three occasions he told his readers to be followers of him (I Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Phil. 3:17), after reading his history and the letters he wrote, we are wondering who can follow in his steps. I think it would be a bit humbling even to shake hands with that man. Having said that, we must also remember that Paul was a man. Just as James comments that Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are (James 5:17), so it was true of Paul.

So we are left to consider Paul, who was indeed a human being just as we are, but who seems to tower above us. How would such a man fit in with other believers? We have already read in 2:17-18 that he put the focus on the sacrifice and service of the Philippian believers, rather than upon himself. But what about his association with fellow-workers? There were a number of names that are associated with Paul and his work -- Mark, Luke, Aristarchus, Titus, Demas, Tychicus, and many others. And we must not leave out Timothy, the young man that he commends so highly in this present passage. How did Paul relate to these other servants of God? While you are pondering that question, let me ask you another: How did Timothy relate to Paul? Did he stand in awe of the great apostle? Was he intimidated by this giant of the faith?

Come again to verse 22, “But you know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.” Some have suggested that when Paul began writing this sentence, he was going to say that Timothy had served him, as a son serves his father, but then he modified it. We don’t know if that is true or not. If Paul had said that, how could we find any fault with it. There was a sense in which Paul was his father. When Paul began his first letter to Timothy, he addresses him as his son in the faith (1:2). Later in that same chapter he refers to him as “son Timothy” (1:18). In the second letter, Paul addresses him as “my dearly beloved son” (1:2) and simply as “my son” (2:1). Timothy was indeed like a son to Paul, and Paul was like a father to Timothy. Though he had learned much from his mother and grandmother, it was Paul who came alongside Timothy and nurtured him as a young man. He taught Timothy and gave the young man more and more opportunities for ministry.

So if Paul had talked about Timothy serving him as a father, who could argue with him. However, that is not what Paul says. Notice the closing words of verse 22, “… he hath served with me in the gospel.” Literally, “together with me in the gospel.” Though Timothy was like a son to Paul, they served together in the gospel. When Paul took Timothy under his wing, he had already been walking with the Lord for some 15 years. Humanly speaking, we would have to conclude that Paul and Timothy were not even in the same ballpark. But Paul isn’t speaking from a human perspective; he is speaking from God’s perspective, and he says that Timothy had served together with him in the gospel.

Make no mistake about it, Timothy was a very submissive servant. He did indeed submit himself to Paul. We have already talked about that. Wherever Paul asked him to go, he went. Wherever Paul asked him to stay, he stayed. Timothy recognized his position, and there was a sense in which served Paul, but that was not what Paul himself emphasized. The apostle Paul saw himself and Timothy as fellow-servants.

Though these two men differed greatly in age (perhaps 20 years) and experience, they were partners in the gospel. It is obvious that Paul regarded Timothy very highly. That is why he gave him such important assignments. Paul loved this young man, and no doubt Timothy loved Paul. 2 Tim. 1:3-4, "I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4. Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy." Why was Timothy crying? It was likely at the time they had last parted. And then come to the end of the last letter that Paul wrote. “Do your best to come to me soon… Do your best to come before winter” (II Tim. 4:9,21). When Paul was awaiting his sentencing (most likely his execution), he longed to see Timothy.

Best we can tell, Timothy did not stand in awe of Paul; he stood in awe of Christ. Though he highly respected Paul, he knew that Paul was a brother in Christ. There is no evidence that he was intimidated by the great apostle. He loved him and appreciated his ministry for the Lord.

Brothers and sisters, this is the fellowship we have in Christ. All who are in Him are fellow-servants. If the apostle Paul could embrace this young man as his fellow-servant, surely there is no Christian with whom we cannot do the same. Paul was older, but there is no generation gap in the family of God. Listen to what Paul wrote to Timothy in 1 Tim. 5:1-2, "Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; 2. The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity."

Praise God for the age differences in this church. We are blessed to have Brother Fountain, who is 91 and has walked with the Lord longer than most of us have been alive. But on the other hand, we have believers in Christ who have not yet reached their 20^th birthday. And though they are not yet Christians, we have a host of little ones who are learning the ways of the Lord.

Let me say another word about the generation gap. If you want to contend that there is a generation gap, then let me explain it. I am 57 and Norman is a few years older. This church recognizes us as pastor/elders in the body, and we are humbled by that responsibility. On the other hand, we have a number of younger men in their 20’s and 30’s whom God is using as His servants. Humanly speaking, we are talking about a generation gap. As a matter of fact, Noman and I are old enough to be Jake’s grandpa. To be honest, we do see some differences. Let me give you an example by reading a quote from H. A. Ironside…

As a son with a father, Timothy had commended himself to the aged apostle, serving with him in the gospel in all lowliness and humility. Youth is often exceedingly energetic and impatient of restraint. Age is inclined, perhaps, to be overly cautious and slow in coming to conclusions, and it often is a great difficulty for two so wide apart in years as Paul and Timothy to labor together happily. But where the young man manifests the spirit that was in Timothy and the elder seeks out the glory of God and the blessing of His people, such fellowship in service becomes indeed blessed. (Quoted by Jonathan W. Sims, in The Book of Philippians, p. 101)

I praise God that we are experiencing that blessing. I can talk about Jake, since he isn’t here to defend himself. Though he is young, he does serve in lowliness and humility. Though he is well aware of the faults in Norman and myself, he serves with us for the glory of God. And I could say the same thing about young men like Justin, Alex, Tracy, and Lee. There are areas where they are wiser than their leaders, and yet they serve together with us in love and humility.

Conclusion

So you want to demonstrate the mind of Christ? Then care for others, even as Timothy did. Do you want those around you to see the mind of Christ in you? Then be a faithful servant of the gospel. Notice that the great problem with both of these is the tendency seek our own, to focus on our own interests. And finally, demonstrate a spirit of cooperation. Work together with other believers in the service of the gospel.

But how do we do these things? You will not do it by determining that you are going to care for others, to be a faithful servant of the gospel, and cooperate with others. Remember, Timothy was an example, a model, of the mind of Christ. This is the outgrowth of having Christ’s attitude. We cultivate that attitude by spending time with Him, by seeking to know and love Him. This kind of life is the result of a growing fellowship with the Lord Himself. It happens as we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. One of the great values of Timothy’s example is simply this: if we are truly cultivating the mind of Christ, then we will increasingly find ourselves living like this.

Let me close this morning by going a step further with this idea of cooperation. We find Paul’s humility somewhat amazing in that he was able to serve together with a younger man who began with no experience. Where do you think Paul learned that? I remind you of the example of our Lord Jesus. After Jesus rose from the grave, He could say to His apostles, “All power [literally, ‘authority’] is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matt. 28:18). Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords and some day will be revealed as such to all the world. No wonder we call Him “Lord,” for so He is. Now listen to Heb. 2:10-18…

For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12. Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 13. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. 14. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Did you notice the use of the term “brothers” in that passage? He is not ashamed to call us “brothers (and sisters).” Isn’t that amazing! It is beyond our comprehension that King Jesus would give us such honor, and yet He does. If that doesn’t motivate us to love Him and serve Him, what will?

Modeling the Mind of Christ -- Paul 3/14/10

Sunday, March 14, 2010

THE MIND OF CHRIST ON DISPLAY -- PAUL

Phil. 2:17-18

Let’s read Rom. 12:1, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." This is not a harsh command from Paul, but rather a loving exhortation. “Brothers and sisters, I am coming alongside you to urge you to present your bodies a living sacrifice to God. In light of God’s great mercies toward you, give Him your bodies as a living sacrifice, a sacrifice that is holy and acceptable to God. Surely this is your reasonable service to our God.”

We know about the roots of the biblical concept of sacrifice from our reading of God’s Word. Though we have not seen with our own eyes people sacrificing animals, we read about it again and again in the scriptures. You will remember that both Cain and Abel brought an offering to God, but He accepted only one of them. While Cain brought of the fruit of the field, Abel brought a firstborn from his flock, and God was pleased with Abel’s offering. That practice was repeated hundreds and thousands of times among the people of God, including the offering of the ram that became a substitute for Abraham’s son Isaac. The act of offering sacrifices to God came to its climax when Christ our Passover was sacrificed for us (I Cor. 5:7). We read in Eph. 5:2 that “Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor.” And what was the point of Jesus offering Himself as a sacrifice for us? Heb 9:26, "…but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself."

Now Paul tells the Roman believers and us to present our bodies a sacrifice. But how can we get up on an altar and offer ourselves as a sacrifice? We must not miss the word “living.” We are called to present our bodies a living sacrifice, not a dead sacrifice. This offering is a continual sacrifice. Though we continue living, we die daily. These living sacrifices have been crucified with Christ. Nevertheless, we live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me.

Isn’t it interesting that Paul uses the word “sacrifice” to describe our service to God. We must get our definition of “sacrifice” from the Word of God, not from the world around us. We are not called to sacrifice in the sense of giving up this or that. While it is true that our sacrifice may involve such, that is only a small thing. What we are really giving up is ourselves, even as the animal was given up completely when it was laid on the altar. Remember, we are not our own, but we are bought with a price. We do not belong to ourselves.

This idea of sacrifice is the background of the verse we are going to look at this morning in Philippians. But before we look at it, I want to give us a quick review of Philippians 2. From time to time, it is important that we remember the flow of the passage. Chapter 2 is all about the mind of Christ. 2:5, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” In other words, have the same attitude that Jesus had. That attitude is the secret of the first four verses, which emphasize the unity among believers in the local church. Ultimately, the only way we will be likeminded is by demonstrating the mind of Christ. When it comes to thinking the same thing, we are to think as Jesus thinks. The goal does not begin with all of us trying to think the same thing. Rather, as we think like Jesus thinks, as we conform our attitude to His, we will find that we are indeed thinking the same thing. What we must understand is that there is a standard for this thinking the same thing, and the standard is the mind of Christ. It is only as we are conformed to His way of thinking that we will be able to esteem others better than self and look on the things of others.

The verses that follow verse 5 bless us with the details of Jesus’ attitude. Though He was equal with God, He humbled Himself, being made in the likeness of men. He not only came into this world as a man, but He made Himself a servant of all. But even that was not low enough. Jesus obeyed His Father even to the point of death. It was not any death, but death on the cross. It was there that He became the propitiation for sin, taking upon Himself the wrath of God. What humility; what sacrifice; what unswerving obedience.

But praise God that isn’t the end of the story. “Wherefore God also has highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (2:9-11). Jesus came into this world and took the lowest place, that He might effectively deal with sin by becoming the sacrificial Lamb of God, but when He comes again, every eye will see Him and every knee will bow before Him. He will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And those of us who have suffered with Him will also reign with Him (II Tim. 2:12).

Then in verses 12-16 we see the results of the mind of Christ. Because that same Jesus lives in us who have been reconciled to God by Him, we are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. We are to live out day by day what God has put in us. We are to faithfully bring to completion that which He has begun. But how can we do such a thing? It is because God works in us, to give us both the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. No, it won’t be easy. There will be plenty of opposition, but even in the midst of that opposition, we are to do all things without grumbling and questioning, so that we will be blameless and pure and without blemish. That is the picture of God’s children. No we aren’t there yet, but that is where God is taking us, as He conforms us to the image of His Son. This working out of our own salvation without murmurings and disputings doesn’t take place in heaven, but right here in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation. In that dark setting, we shine forth as lights, like the stars in the universe. As we shine in the way we live, we hold out to people the Word of life, the truth about our Lord Jesus. And in so doing, we bring joy to our spiritual leaders and to one another, as we continue to practice the “one anothering” that is characteristic of God’s people.

That brings us to verses 17-30. We have seen the nature of the mind of Christ, the results of the mind of Christ, but now we have something in addition. I have already acknowledged that this is a high standard. Remember those terms “blameless,” “harmless,” “without blemish.” And in this messed up world, is it realistic to believe that we can live without griping and complaining? Let’s just ask the question: Is this kind of life really possible? Is the apostle Paul in touch with reality?

In verses 17-30 we have the examples of the mind of Christ. In the rest of this chapter Paul gives us three examples of people who demonstrated the mind of Christ. Those three examples are Paul, Timothy, and Epaphtroditus (an apostle, a young preacher, and a man in the Philippian church). If they demonstrated the mind of Christ, so can any child of God. Yes, it is possible to live in this world with the mind of Christ.

This morning we are going to look at the example of Paul himself in verse 17. The apostle Paul clearly demonstrated the mind of Christ. We will organize our thoughts around two simple statements: 1) Paul lived a life of service; 2) That service brought great joy.

I. The Mind of Christ Seen in Paul’s Service

A. An Attitude of Humility

Let’s begin in verse 14 and read 2:14-18…

Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15. That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16. Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 17. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

As we saw two weeks ago, Paul brings himself back into view in verse 16, “That I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” As the Philippian believers work out their own salvation, doing all things without murmuring and disputing, that will allow them to cultivate godly character, shine as lights in the world, and hold out the word of life to those around them. Their living of such a life of faithfulness will bring Paul great joy when he stands before the Lord Jesus. At that time, he will be able to rest assured that his work has not been in vain.

That brings us to verse 17, “Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy and rejoice with you all.” Most translations begin verse 17 with the word “but,” and that is a very accurate translation. (I can’t explain why the King James doesn’t retain the word “but”). The NASV reads, “But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and are my joy with you all.”

Let’s begin by looking at that word “offered.” But even if I am offered… Again, most translations will say something about being poured out as a drink offering or as a libation. That is the idea of the term that is used here. Drink offerings were common in both the religious practices of Israel and the pagan nations around them. This was most commonly an offering of wine or oil. The drink offering accompanied other sacrifices and offerings, such as the burnt offering (Ex. 29:41). Drink offerings were presented during the major feasts of Israel (Lev. 23:13,18,37). Even in the Bible itself we have record that the heathen offered drink offerings (see Dt. 32:38).

The drink offerings were not presented alone, but accompanied the burnt offering, the grain offering, and the peace (fellowship offering). Along with the sacrifice that was placed on the altar, the wine (or oil) was poured out on the ground at the base of the altar. The drink offering accompanied these free will offerings which came before the Lord as a sweet savor (smell). It has been pointed out that the drink offering was never to be offered with the sin offering or the guilt offering. There was no joy in dealing with sin, but there was to be joy in freely offering to God from a heart of gratitude. The sweet savor represented the truth that God was pleased with the offering.

Now let’s come back to Paul here in Phil. 2:17. “But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice.” First of all, notice that Paul did not consider the offering of himself to God to be the most important thing. Hear it again, “But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith…” Paul’s service was only the drink offering. Remember that the drink offering was not the main thing. It wasn’t offered alone. Rather, it went along with the main sacrifice. We might think of the drink offering as the icing on the cake, but not the cake itself.

Here was Paul, who at the time of writing was imprisoned for his faith. He has faithfully served the Lord for years, preaching the gospel, planting churches, and then nourishing those churches. Best we can determine, Paul would be released from prison, but he would be imprisoned again. It was during that last imprisonment that Paul once again used this word that means “to be poured out as a drink offering.” Phil. 2:17 and II Tim. 4:6 are the only places in the New Testament where this word is used. Listen to 2 Tim 4:6-8, "For I am now ready to be offered [poured out as a drink offering] and the time of my departure is at hand. 7. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." Some have concluded that Paul’s being poured out as a drink offering speaks of his martyrdom. However, that is not the case, because here in Phil. 2:17 Paul uses the word in the present tense. He was being poured out as a drink offering long before he was martyred. His offering would culminate in his martyrdom, but it included all of his selfless service to the Lord.

Don’t miss this concept. As great as his service was, even describing it as being poured out as a drink offering, it wasn’t the main thing. So what was the main thing? It was the sacrifice and service of the Philippian church. Paul’s service went along with their great sacrifice and service, just as the drink offering accompanied the main sacrifice presented to the Lord. Paul didn’t have the attitude that said: “Listen, I am a great servant of the Lord. I’m so glad that you can come along and give me some help.” No, Paul’s attitude was the exact opposite: “I praise God for your sacrifice and service of our Lord Jesus, and now I am pleased to add my own life and service as a drink offering to the glory of God.” This is the one of the great significances of the drink offering -- it wasn’t the main thing.

Can you see the mind of Christ here? Just as Jesus took the lowest place, so did Paul. Though we have no record of a greater human servant of God than Paul, this dear saint put the emphasis on his brothers and sisters, not on himself. Paul was the very one who had shared the gospel with these Philippians. God had called him to be an apostle, but who were these Philippians? They were just “ordinary Christians.” Yet Paul turned the spotlight on them. Brothers and sisters, there are no ordinary Christians. We came to Christ through extraordinary means and we live His life by His extraordinary power. By God’s grace, we can always take the low place and call attention to our brothers and sisters in Christ rather than ourselves.

Paul spoke of their sacrifice and service. We have already talked this morning about this idea of sacrifice, as Paul urged the Roman Christians to present themselves as a living sacrifice to God. This is the exact same word. These Philippian believers to whom Paul wrote were indeed offering themselves to God as living and holy and acceptable sacrifices. The word translated “service” is also found in Rom. 12:1, right at the end of the verse: “which is your reasonable service.” Some translations render it, “which is your spiritual worship.” That word “service” was the word that was used of the service of the priest in the temple. But now all of God’s people are priests, and as holy priests we are offering up “spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (I Pet. 2:5).

Paul knew firsthand about the sacrifice and service of his Philippians brothers and sisters. Later in this same chapter, he will speak about Epaphroditus. We are going to look at this man as another example of the mind of Christ. But why does the name of Epaphroditus come up in this letter? It is because the Philippians had sent Epaphroditus to minister to Paul. Let’s read Phil. 2:25, "Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants." He ministered to the needs of Paul. No doubt, his presence was a great encouragement the apostle, but that isn’t the whole story. Come over to chapter 4. 4:10, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.” Now sip down and read verses 14-19…

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Christians commonly quote Phil. 4:19, but rarely is it quoted in the context. Their God would supply all their needs as a result of their great generosity in meeting the needs of Paul. They had sent help to Paul more than once when he was in Thessalonica, and now they had come to his aid again while he was imprisoned in Rome. While these good deeds were directed toward Paul, the apostle recognizes their service as “an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God” (4:18).

Now please hear me carefully. Though Paul was an apostle, even though he was a faithful servant, though there has never been a greater servant of God, he understood clearly that his service was not the main thing. The focus was on the church, not on the individual servant, no matter how great that servant might be. If that was true of Paul and his situation, how much more so in our day. Jesus did not say, “I will build up great preachers and teachers for my service.” What did He say? “I will build my church.” But He does raise up preachers and teachers. While that is true, don’t ever forget that God has given apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers for a definite purpose. And what is that purpose? Is it so they can advance the kingdom of God? NO. According to Eph. 4:11-12, those leaders are God’s gifts to the church, in order that they might help the saints to mature. Why? So that they saints might do the work of the ministry? Why? So that body of Christ might be built up. How will God receive the greatest glory? Will it be through the great preachers of our day? NO. Eph. 3:20-21, "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21. Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Did you catch that? “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus.”

Praise God for the church that Jesus is building. Brothers and sisters, you are that church. If anyone ever gives the impression that the church consists primarily of its pastors or some other leaders, lovingly but firmly rebuke him. That is a lie. The glory is in the church, not the individual. I praise God for this church. You are coming to maturity in Christ. And as you are maturing, you are increasingly doing the work of service. And as a result, the church for whom Jesus died and rose is being built up for the glory of God. No, you may not be doing it perfectly, but you are doing it, because you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

Sometimes people get a bit tired of me reminding them of who owns the church. When someone says something about Ron Tyson’s church, I am compelled to say something like: “I don’t have a church. It is Christ’s church.” “But Brother Ron, you know what I meant.” I’m not sure I know what you meant, but I know what you said, and what you said can lead people astray. Roman Catholicism has been accused of promoting the concept that the priest is the church, but sometimes that idea is promoted in the practice of other churches. Christ is the head of the church and the church is His body. That can never be said of any individual. I am not the body of Christ. Norman is not the body of Christ. We are the body of Christ, and I count it a privilege to be a part of that body. The church and its life is not about stars. We have a tendency to look at Paul and see him as the great star of the early church. That wasn’t Paul’s view and it must not be ours. Brothers and sisters, all of you are like stars that shine in the world, as you hold forth the Word of life.

B. A Willingness to Sacrifice

Now come back to the apostle Paul, who was being poured out as a drink offering. His description emphasizes the truth that his service was not the main thing, but it also emphasizes something else. Think about the pouring out of the wine at the base of the altar. If we restrict ourselves to logic and practicality, we might say, “What a waste.” Why pour out the drink offering? This offering couldn’t stand alone. It was always just in addition to the main sacrifice. Once the wine was poured out, it couldn’t be used for anything else. What a waste!

Think about Paul for a minute. Why did that man insist on being so radical? If he had just toned things down a bit, wouldn’t he have been more effective for God? If he hadn’t been such a fanatic, he could have gone to Philippi and worked with these brothers and sisters in person, rather than having to send them a letter. If he would have eased off a bit, he might have stayed in this world a few more years and been a great blessing to many of the churches. After all, who could replace the apostle Paul? Nevertheless, Paul was content to be poured out as a drink offering for his Lord.

Remember Jim Elliot and his four fellow-missionaries who longed to take the gospel to the Auca Indians in South America. Why didn’t they recognize the dangers of such a mission? They did recognize the dangers, but they went any way. And what did they get for it? They were killed by the very people whom they went to tell about Jesus. These were bright, young, capable missionaries. What a waste! Was it? They didn’t think so. Time would prove that God used their service in a mighty way. But even if that hadn’t been the case, nothing done in service to the Lord is ever a waste. Those young missionaries gladly poured out their lives as a drink offering, and it started long before they were martyred.

I’m thinking of a precious sister who was accused of wasting her valuable resources. Do you remember? She took that perfume which was worth a year’s wages and recklessly poured it out upon the Lord Jesus. Jesus disciples criticized her severely, suggesting that the perfume might have been sold and the proceeds given to help the poor. But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. You will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. She has anointed my body for burial.” Like the drink offering, that perfume was poured out and could never be recovered. Nevertheless, to our Lord how precious was that perfume and the one who poured it out sacrificially to Him. What was her name? Yes, Mary. Jesus said that wherever the gospel is preached, Mary will be remembered for this special service.

Again, can you see the mind of Christ in Paul? Jesus’ life was poured out to the point of death on a cross, and that is exactly the case with Paul. No, he didn’t die for our sins, but he was willing to be poured out for the sake of the One who died and rose for him. As Jesus was obedient to His Father, so it was with Paul.

II. An Abundance of Joy

Now let’s read together verses 17-18, "Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. 18. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me." Paul’s life was being poured out as a drink offering for his Lord. Though he apparently would be released this time, he would land back in jail and would finally be executed. What was his attitude in light of this impending danger? “I rejoice.” His life of unselfish service brought him great joy. Can you read between the lines and hear Paul saying, “Don’t worry about me. I’m doing just fine; my heart is full of joy.” Paul was practicing what he preached in verse 14. There was no grumbling or questioning God. Murmurings and disputings were choked out by an overflowing joy.

Let me pause right here. Our goal is not joy. In our day the gospel is often presented something like this: “If you will just come to Christ, you will have real joy and peace.” Is that true? Absolutely. However, that isn’t the message that Jesus preached, nor is it the message that Paul preached. Our goal is the glory of God, but amazingly enough, one of the great by-products is joy unspeakable and full of glory. Following Christ is a life of joy.

Why is it that all too often we find more joy among Christians in a country like China or Iran than we do among Christians in our country? Is it not because they are learning the secret of being poured out as a drink offering to the Lord? Brothers and sisters, if we get a taste of that, surely we will want more. The joy which is the fruit of the Spirit is not found in the comfort and security and happiness this world offers. This unexplainable joy is found in giving our lives away in the service of our King.

There is a principle here, and it is a very simple principle. It goes like this: The greater the sacrifice, the greater the joy. The more fully you give yourself to the Lord, the greater the joy you will know. I am not saying that we should serve the Lord sacrificially just so we can have this joy, but on the other hand, let us be clear that when we give ourselves to the Lord in sacrificial service, it will be worth it. No one will ever regret being poured out for Him.

For just a moment, ask yourself this question: What are the greatest joys I have ever experienced? Was it when you were able to ride that monstrous roller coaster at some amusement park? Was it when you inherited a large sum of money? Was it when you received a promotion on your job? No, of course not. Those were nice experiences, but they cannot compare with serving our Creator and Redeemer. If we go back to logic and practicality, the greatest waste in all of history was when Jesus of Nazareth was crucified on that hill outside Jerusalem. After only 33 years of life and a little over three years of ministry, He was gone. What a waste? Oh that we might waste our lives in the same way. Paul put it like this in 2 Cor. 4:7-12…

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9. Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10. Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12. So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

Listen to what Paul says here in Phil. 2:17-18, “… I rejoice, and I rejoice together with you. For the same cause also do you rejoice and rejoice together with me.” Out of the last 14 words, four of them are the word “rejoice.” Twice it is the simple word “rejoice,” and twice the word is combined with the little preposition that means “together with.” Now Paul has in mind the whole picture -- his being poured out as a drink offering in addition to their sacrifice and service of faith. Take it all together and it can mean only one thing -- rejoicing. Paul and those in the Philippian church were working together. The main thing was their sacrifice and service; Paul’s unselfish sacrifice and service was the icing on the cake. They were working together, and they were rejoicing together.

Oh the joy of serving the Lord together with our brothers and sisters in Christ. That’s what Paul is saying here. There is no greater joy. This is why Paul could come to the end of his life and speak with such resolve and with such joy. 2 Tim. 4:6-8, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." How do we love His appearing? Primarily by being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of those who make up His church.

When Jesus said, “I am come that ye might have life and that ye might have it more abundantly,” this is the abundant life that He was talking about.

Conclusion

So let me conclude with a final question. Where did Paul learn to live like this? We look at his life and we are all agreed that he is a wonderful example of demonstrating the mind of Christ. We see in him the humility of Jesus. There are no hints of grumbling and complaining. His joy leaves no room for muttering. But how did he get there? Yes, he was an apostle, but he was fully human, as much a man as any of us.

The answer is very simple. The key was his constant communion with the Lord Jesus. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Ps. 91:1). Paul could say with David, “O God, you are my God; early will I seek you” (Ps. 63:1). How easy to put in Paul’s mouth the words of Ps. 73:25-26, "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. 26. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." Let me remind you of Paul’s great desire, as expressed in Phil. 3:10, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.”

One of the great trends today is to emphasize sanctification with little of Christ. There are all kinds of gimmicks presented to help us grow in holiness, but the key is Jesus Himself. In order to be continually set apart to God, do we need to pray and study the Word? Indeed we do, but our motive must be based on a great longing for intimate fellowship with the Lord Jesus. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” That mind will be in us, as we consistently walk with Him. It was Jesus who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, counting the shame as nothing (Heb. 12:2).