I Trust In The Lord Jesus
Our Bible passage, introduction to Sunday 19th July service and hymns are below.
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Our principal verses are:
Php 2:19 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.
Php 2:20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
Php 2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
Php 2:22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
Php 2:23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
Php 2:24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
I Trust In The Lord Jesus
Our opening verse contains this telling phrase, ‘I trust in the Lord Jesus’. As it is used here it is a meaningful statement about the Apostle’s dependence upon His Lord and Master in all things pertaining to his own life and death. It contrasts greatly with the widespread modern usage of the same expression as a totem for the new birth and saving faith. For many people professing faith in Jesus Christ is limited to repeating these few words as though the mere spoken phrase itself is sufficient to secure everlasting life. It is not.
Making plans and trusting Christ
Paul’s trust, or ‘hope’, in the Lord Jesus was as statement of his readiness to abide by the will of Christ in all things. It was a statement of contentment to accept and follow the Lord’s will. Paul believed his all-wise and all-powerful Saviour was working all things together for the spiritual good and eternal wellbeing of His church and people. Paul was ready to rest in the care of His Lord and abide by His purpose. Trusting in the Lord Jesus is more than the glib expression of freewill, it is a living experience that all true believers struggle daily to fulfil.
A substitute preacher
The Apostle hoped soon to send Timothy to visit the church at Philippi. His purpose in doing so was to help and encourage the church and to obtain news of the congregation’s spiritual health and its gospel ministry. Timothy was well known to these believers. He was with Paul in the early days when Lydia, the gaoler, and their respective families were converted and the church established. Nevertheless, Paul sets forth Timothy’s qualities and qualifications as a preacher, pastor and as his own personal co-worker, so that we all may discover the attributes of a Christian minister.
Qualifications for the ministry
Timothy was likeminded with Paul in the service of the Lord Jesus and the work of the gospel. Together they were of one heart and one soul in the cause of God and truth. In this Timothy was distinguished from all others who were with Paul in Rome. Too many there were using the gospel in a self-serving way, seeking their own good, promoting their own reputation. They did not labour for the greater glory of the Lord Jesus or the good of the church. Timothy was different. His heart’s concern was for the welfare of God’s elect.
A heart for Philippi
Paul knew that Timothy would care genuinely for the believers at Philippi. It was part of his very nature to do so. That care would be manifested foremost in lifting up the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ and in his preaching the gospel of God’s free grace. Timothy, though still a relatively young man, had demonstrated his character as a loyal servant of Christ. Paul tells us Timothy proved himself by faithfully serving with him. Both men serving Christ together. Timothy could be trusted. He was a known quantity of proven worth.
Faithful to the word
Paul knew Timothy would care for the souls of the Philippians. This is a feature of a true pastor. Caring for men’s souls means preaching God’s gospel, the gospel of free grace and imputed righteousness that alone benefits men’s souls. It means standing for the truth and resisting every deviation from the truth. Timothy had a sincere love and genuine concern for these people. He preached the gospel in power and purity for the glory of Christ and the good of the church. If Paul could not be personally present he trusted Timothy would come in his stead and the very same message would be preached.
Three examples
Three faithful preachers are set before the church in this passage. Paul himself, Timothy and later Epaphroditus. These men are examples of what every pastor should be. Such men are God’s gift to the church of Jesus Christ. They study to show themselves approved to God; workmen, ministers, labourers in the word of truth. They are highly valuable to the church and are to be respected as such. God is to be thanked when he bestows such a man upon a congregation of His people.
Trusting Christ day by day
None of us can tell what the future holds day by day. For Paul, as his trial approached, he was uncertain about whether he would be released from prison or executed. Nevertheless, he trusted the Lord. Again, the faithful Apostle commits the matter into the hands of His Saviour, saying, ‘I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly’. This was the Apostle’s hope. Love, care and concern for the saints in Philippi filled his heart. Should Paul die Timothy would come, should Paul live, they would come together. The Lord’s will be done.
Amen
Hymn 361
The Church. Ps. 100. 4; 122
I. Watts C.M.
1
How did my heart rejoice to hear
My friends devoutly say,
“In Zion let us all appear,
And keep the solemn day”!
2
I love her gates; I love the road;
The church, adorned with grace,
Stands like a palace built for God
To show his milder face.
3
Up to her courts, with joys unknown,
The holy tribes repair;
The Son of David holds his throne,
And sits in judgment there.
4
He hears our praises and complaints,
And, while his awful voice
Divides the sinners from the saints,
We tremble and rejoice.
5
Peace be within this sacred place,
And joy a constant guest;
With holy gifts and heavenly grace,
Be her attendants blest.
6
My soul shall pray for Zion still,
While life or breath remains;
There my best friends, my kindred dwell;
There God my Saviour reigns.
Hymn 365
At the Settlement of a Church. Ps. 132. 5, 13-18
I. Watts L.M.
1
Where shall we go to seek and find
A habitation for our God;
A dwelling for the Eternal Mind,
Amongst the sons of flesh and blood?
2
The God of Jacob chose the hill
Of Zion, for his ancient rest;
And Zion is his dwelling still;
His church is with his presence blessed.
3
“Here will I fix my gracious throne,
And reign for ever,” says the Lord;
“Here shall my power and love be known,
And blessings shall attend my word.
4
“Here I will meet the hungry poor,
And fill their souls with living bread;
Sinners that wait before my door,
With sweet provisions shall be fed.
5
“Girded with truth, and full of grace,
My priests, my ministers shall shine;
Not Aaron, in his costly dress,
Made an appearance so divine.
6
“The saints, unable to contain
Their inward joys, shall shout and sing,
The Son of David here shall reign,
And Zion triumph in her King.”
The Apostle Paul trusted in the Lord Jesus, not only for grace and salvation but for all things in life as Christ’s servant. He hoped to send Timothy to Philippi to preach to the saints there and commended his young friend as a faithful preacher who would lift up Christ and preach the gospel.