Lesson 13: Joy’s sharing
Philippians 2:1-30 – www.bible.com/bible/59/php.2
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.
20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.
21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.
23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me,
24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
Our verses today show another face of joy – sharing. Paul loved Timothy like a son. We would not think badly of Paul if he wanted to keep this much-loved young man near him during this time of his own imprisonment, so Timothy would be able to encourage him. Instead, Paul wanted to send him to the Philippians with a message from himself, so Timothy could be a joy to them and also bring back good news to Paul of how these beloved friends were doing in their faith in Jesus Christ. Timothy would be sent in Paul’s place just as soon as there was news to be passed on, so these friends would also know how to pray for Paul.
Sharing the good things God gives us with other believers is an important part of being a Christian. In Hebrews 10:25 we read that we are to gather together as believers, and sharing the good and the bad things happening in our lives is an important part of such gathering. We share the bad things which happen, as Paul did here with the news of those who had left him because they were no longer faithful, so others can join us in prayer for such people or events. As the united body of Christ we must never forget the power of prayer (James 5:16). We share the good things in our lives because they bring joy and encouragement to others.
It is also a fact that God uses others in our lives to help us see where we cannot see clearly – when we are too close to our problems to see a solution. Another believer can often see a way out or through which we might not have considered. We are His gift to each other to help all of us grow stronger in faith and more effective in ministry in His kingdom. We will see more on this in the next lesson.
*When you ask others to pray, share specific details (without gossiping or slandering) so those who pray along with you can thank and glorify God with you when He answers. This is one reason God wants us to pray specifically … even though He already knows all the details!