Paul highlights not just what Timothy has done with him and for him, but the ‘proven worth’ of this young man… 

Philippians 2:19-24

“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will also come.”

His ‘proven worth’. Paul is saying that Timothy is a man that has been there and done that. He has ‘proved his worth’ to the community of the early Church. His life bears consistent fruit. 

Paul needed to remind Timothy of this and exhort him because of some self doubt…

I Timothy 4:12

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way that you live, in your love, in your faith, and in your purity.”  

Timothy did not need to be an elder or as old as most elders to have proven worth.  He was a man that anyone and everyone in the church could follow. 

*Reflection: Am I sharing this same principle and exhortation with young adults – including my own kids?

*Question: How are you building up and exhorting the young people in your life? Share in the comments below!