Timothy: Faithful Servant

Paul had presented the purpose of his letter - commanding them to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel (1:27). This command was explained generally (2:1-4) and then made very clear in the specific example of Christ Himself (2:5-11). The Philippian believers were to take this seriously in their own lives (2:12-18), and realize that it really was possible to obey, since God even produced Christlikeness in Timothy - a young, timid half-breed from Galatia, whom Paul led to the Lord. This trusted disciple was now sincere, sympathetic, selfless, successful, sacrificial, submissive and surrendered - the perfect servant to minister to the Philippians for Paul.