Philippians 2:19-24 “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.”

Text Proverbs 22:1 “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.”

The saints at Philippi captured the heart and attention of the Apostle Paul. Unable to make the trip for himself, Paul felt it necessary to pick a replaced to go in his stead. Of the numerous individuals he could chose, Paul picked Timothy. In verses 20-21, we have the testimony of a mentor. Timothy was Paul’s understudy! In verse 20, Paul is saying that Timothy is not a phony; he has the same spirit that I do. He will love you like I love you. In verse 21, Paul said, “While others are thinking about self, Timothy is thinking about the Saviour. Timothy had died to self and was looking for the opportunity to magnify and exalt Christ through his lips and his life. In verse 22, we have the testimony of a man. The people at Philippi had observed Timothy and they “knew the proof of him.” They could say that when he was put to the test, he was submissive to spiritual authority. He was easy to work with! Paul was saying to the believers at Philippi, I’m sending Timothy because you know and I know; he’s the real deal! While it is a blessing to have a good testimony before a mentor and before man; the most important is the testimony of the Master. When we stand before Him will He say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21). Men may be fooled by our habits, but the Master knows our hearts! What will the Master have to say? God knows your heart as well as your habits!