What Makes Timothy Stand Out in Gospel Work?
Timothy became a key player for the Gospel by serving as an apprentice or disciple to Paul, who himself was an apprentice to Jesus. What's fascinating about Timothy is that his defining quality wasn't his gift or life calling. Among the Spirit-empowered and authoritative workers in the New Testament, it wasn't Timothy's spiritual gifts that set him apart.
Paul says, "I have no one like him who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. They all seek their own interest, not those of Jesus Christ." What distinguished Timothy was that he was all in for Jesus. Therefore, he was all in for other people and their benefit and growth in Christ.
Can I Become More Valuable in God's Work Over Time?
Timothy became more valuable to the Gospel work over time. This should encourage us! Your value in serving Jesus and making a difference in your community can grow over time. You're not limited by:
- What you brought to the table initially
- How supernatural or miraculous your life is
- How grand your calling or position is
The main limitation in your fruitfulness for Jesus is how much you are given over to doing the things of Jesus:
- How submissive are you to His ways?
- How willing are you to be changed by Him?
- How willing are you to adjust yourself in love to Jesus and to other people?
If you're willing to adjust to Jesus and to other people, you will grow in value to the Lord and to others over time. You'll even outpace those who put all their emphasis on gifts and position.
Is Support Ministry Really Gospel Work?
Epaphroditus advanced the Gospel and served Christ in support ministry. He brought reports and financial support between Paul and the church at Philippi. This might seem unimportant, but Paul called him "my brother, my fellow worker, and my fellow soldier."
If we're an outpost for the Gospel—where all of Jesus's benefits, power, and authority come to earth through us for the benefit of our neighborhood and the nations—and if we're a hospital where hurting people can find a safe place and restoration, then everything we do serves Jesus:
- Every dollar we give
- Every hour we serve
- Preparing food or Bible studies
- Maintaining the lawn or relationships with homebound members
- Handling logistics or auditing books
All of this is serving Jesus. All of this is Gospel work.
Does My Suffering Have Meaning in Gospel Work?
Epaphroditus became seriously ill while delivering financial support to Paul in prison. Paul writes, "Indeed, he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him...For he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me."
Physical limitations had both practical and spiritual meaning for these disciples of Jesus:
- Practically, Paul didn't want Epaphroditus to die and wanted him to get better
- Spiritually, the suffering had meaning—it was "for the work of Christ"
If you're living your life for Jesus, even your suffering has meaning. Whether it's a diagnosis, job loss, or other hardship, if you're serving Jesus, these challenges are "for Christ." They can shape your character and even help spread the Gospel.
We can pursue full restoration from all that goes wrong and believe that we're suffering for the Gospel at the same time.
How Can I Join the Gospel Work Where I Am?
Concern about what matters to Jesus should lead each of us to join in the Gospel work. This will:
- Mature our love for others
- Challenge us to see every support ministry as priestly ministry and spiritual warfare
Everything done in service to Christ's mission has spiritual significance.
Life Application
Take time this week to honestly evaluate your involvement in Gospel work by asking yourself these questions:
- In the last 18 months, what has caused me to progress in the things that matter to Jesus?
- How is my life currently invested in Gospel work? Am I involved in a support ministry? Do I see the Lord opening doors to talk about my faith?
- What could I do differently? What routines am I engaged in that are making me more like Jesus?
- Who am I helping take one step closer to Jesus?
Remember, you don't need to be in a prominent position to make a significant impact for the Kingdom. Like Timothy, your value in Gospel work can increase over time as you submit to Jesus and adjust yourself in love toward others. And like Epaphroditus, even what seems like "support ministry" is vital to the advancement of the Gospel.
This week, identify one specific way you can join the Gospel work where you are—whether that's through serving in a support role at church, intentionally building a relationship with a neighbor who needs Jesus, or faithfully enduring suffering in a way that glorifies God. The Gospel work should increase your love for others and for Jesus Christ. Will you join in?