"I have no one else like [Timothy], who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy ..."

- from Philippians 2:20-22

In a world where it seems like everyone is only looking out for their own interests, Timothy stands out. Timothy looks out for the interests of Jesus Christ and, as a result, can be depended on to show genuine concern for the welfare of the church in Philippi.

Timothy's faith motivates his service. His commitment to Christ creates concern for people.

As we heard in Alex's message on Sunday, there are all sorts of motives for service. And on the surface, all of these different motives (duty, leverage, faith, pathological people pleasing, etc.) may produce the exact same type of serving-activity. The hungry and thirsty might be nourished, the naked clothed, the newcomer welcomed, the sick and imprisoned visited.

So, why do our motives matter? Why does it matter that Timothy cared for the church BECAUSE he already cared for Christ?

Our motives determine the kind of person we're becoming. 

When God gives us new life in Christ, he doesn't just shape our actions, he also shaped our motives. He does this because God cares about who we're becoming, not just about what we're doing.

Take a minute to examine your own areas of service. What's fueling your service?

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