Paul and Timothy's Example
Php 2:22-24 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
Note that the argument here is not that Timothy be trusted in some kind of overseer role simply because he is assigned the task or the position, but rather he has proven himself to the Philippians. Spiritual leadership under the New Covenant is not like that under the Old. It is not like that of the world's. The idea that you submit to someone as a spiritual authority over you simply because they allege to hold that role is not the concept of spiritual authority under the New Covenant. Under the New Covenant authority is not based on titles, but function. Paul was over Timothy by function insomuch as he actually practiced the role of a father over him. And likewise Timothy proved himself worthy of ministry to the Philippians in practice.
I say this because throughout the history of Christianity there are those who simply make a claim of authority while first, not having proved themselves, and secondly not actually carrying out the Biblical function of that role.
The relationship between Paul and Timothy is the ideal example of personal discipleship. While Jesus set the example, apparently few followed through. It's rare first of all to find anyone who is willing to be personally discipled on any other terms but their own. And as such it's likewise rare to find mature Christians who are willing and competent to devote themselves to discipling individuals, seeing as few among them have themselves been personally discipled. But this should come as naturally as raising children.
Likewise one can learn about fathering from Paul's relationship with Timothy, as also we see in Jesus' relationship with his Father. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does." John 5:19 And it is with this in mind that Paul sends Timothy, as he also says in 1Co 4:17 "For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church."
Php 2:22-24 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
Note that the argument here is not that Timothy be trusted in some kind of overseer role simply because he is assigned the task or the position, but rather he has proven himself to the Philippians. Spiritual leadership under the New Covenant is not like that under the Old. It is not like that of the world's. The idea that you submit to someone as a spiritual authority over you simply because they allege to hold that role is not the concept of spiritual authority under the New Covenant. Under the New Covenant authority is not based on titles, but function. Paul was over Timothy by function insomuch as he actually practiced the role of a father over him. And likewise Timothy proved himself worthy of ministry to the Philippians in practice.
I say this because throughout the history of Christianity there are those who simply make a claim of authority while first, not having proved themselves, and secondly not actually carrying out the Biblical function of that role.
The relationship between Paul and Timothy is the ideal example of personal discipleship. While Jesus set the example, apparently few followed through. It's rare first of all to find anyone who is willing to be personally discipled on any other terms but their own. And as such it's likewise rare to find mature Christians who are willing and competent to devote themselves to discipling individuals, seeing as few among them have themselves been personally discipled. But this should come as naturally as raising children.
Likewise one can learn about fathering from Paul's relationship with Timothy, as also we see in Jesus' relationship with his Father. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does." John 5:19 And it is with this in mind that Paul sends Timothy, as he also says in 1Co 4:17 "For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church."
