The apostle Paul makes it a point in the book of Philippians to make it known that Timothy has genuine concern for people. He's been saved by Jesus, and that leads to a concern for others. If we look at verse 21 of Philippians 2, we see in this passage what Paul says about Timothy: Everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ; implying that Timothy is the opposite. Timothy is looking out for the interests of Jesus Christ. The phrase “looks out for everyone” comes from a single Greek word, and it's a word that implies an active seeking. It's a seeking after something; it's not just being aware, it's looking for it. It's the same word that's used in Luke 19:10 when it says that Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. Jesus is actively seeking. And here, Timothy is actively seeking the interests of Jesus. He's not just passively curious about what Jesus is interested in. He's actively seeking it out.
Here's another way to say this: Jesus doesn't just want your salvation. He wants your attention. He wants your attention because he knows if this really changes you deep inside, it's going to change what you see. It's going to change what you look at. It's going to change what you seek after. And when that starts to happen, everything around you gets reframed in a whole new light. Jesus doesn't just want your salvation. He wants your attention.
Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus are all interested. These guys are interested in what Jesus is interested in. Jesus has their full attention, so their interests have been totally reframed. And through this letter, Paul is inviting us to do the same.
Reflection/Discussion Questions: What are you actively seeking in life? Are you seeking the things of Jesus?
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