Phil. 1:12-26, Timothy: Give Yourself Wholeheartedly

We need to be sure and keep the entirety of 1 Tim. 4:15 in mind: Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.  We have seen that Timothy is not to “worry” but is nevertheless to be focused in mind and heart on Paul’s “imperatives.”  Obviously, to “give yourself entirely” is the obvious step in application: think about these things and not other things, and then make your decisions and plans accordingly.  The reason Paul gives is to that Timothy’s “progress” may be evident to all.  He should not let them despise his youth, but they should be able to see that he is growing and maturing as a believer and servant of the Lord.

Let me say this about “progress.”  Paul used this term two other times, in Philippians 1:12,25.  The first has to do with the “furtherance” of the gospel, the second with the spiritual “progress” in the faith of the Philippian believers. We could say that these are the things in which we must “progress” in ministry.  As Timothy sets his mind on the things related to the word of God it will be possible for the gospel to be spread about and the believers to grow in Christ.

This word translated by the phrase “give yourself wholly” is a form of the verb “to be.”  But it is emphatic, indicating you are in the place you want to be and are intent on staying there.  For example, Joseph was to take the infant Jesus and His mother Mary to Egypt and “stay” there (Mt. 2:13).  Jesus told the woman to go in peace and “be” healed of her affliction, meaning a healing that would hold (Mk. 5:34).  Again, in Luke 19:17 the master tells the servant “have authority” over ten cities.  It means the reward is certain and continuing.  The word is not used very often, meaning that when it is used it adds a significant emphasis.  This is why the NKJV adds the word “wholly.”  It is not a separate word but a recognition of the extent to which Timothy is to apply himself.

We talk a lot about being filled with the Holy Spirit and about Christ living His life in us.  And we must speak of this.  The life that pleases God is one that is “strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus,” not strong in the fleshly strength and ability of the servant.  But let us be clear: when the Spirit controls, when Christ is alive in us, it will result in a wholehearted service and it will manifest itself in “progress” the maturing of the believer.  Paul is right to encourage Timothy in this.  There will come a time when Paul is no longer around to check up on his spiritual son.  Timothy needs to understand that there is no place for slothfulness in the ministry of Christ.  I need to know this too!  Thank you Lord for these imperatives.