God-Honoring Selfless Ministry

TITLE: God-Honoring Selfless Ministry

MAIN IDEA: Selfless Service to Christ and His church is a Life Worthy of the Gospel

Last 3 Weeks: Living Worthy of the Gospel Parts 1-3

The last 3 weeks followed a central theme that was reflected in the titles of the messages. The exhortation to live a life worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ comes from the end of Philippians 1.

Philippians 1:27 ESV

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

This idea is reflected in Philippians 2.1-11 where Paul encourages the believers in Philippi to be of the same mind, unified in their love for Christ and for one another. Paul urges them to seek not themselves, but instead look to the interests of others in humility.

A perfect example of such humility was displayed by the Son of God who emptied himself, took on flesh, and was obedient to the will of God to the point of death on a cross.

Again in Philippians 2.12-18 we saw that a life worthy of the gospel understands the personal responsibility to pursue holiness. God is at work in His people by perfecting and purifying what has been stained by sin.

We do all things joyfully without arguing or grumbling, and in doing so we shine as bright lights, distinct from the world by reflecting Christ to one another and to the nations among a twisted generation. Paul calls the Philippians to rejoice with him in such things.

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This Week: Philippians 2.19-30, Timothy and Epaphroditus

First of all, based on the title talking about “selfless ministry” you may be thinking you are off the hook this morning since you are “not in the ministry”. Let me encourage you this morning: If you are in Chirst then you are in ministry, regardless of what position you hold in this church family.

Living a life worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Phil 1.27) appears to be a daunting task to anyone that is being honest with themselves. You may be thinking: That sounds nice and everything, but how is that possible for me?

As we consider our lives in response to this command and the example of humility we have in Christ (Philippians 2.1-11), I pray we are thinking about practical ways we can put this into practice in our lives. With such a high call of responsibility for our lives in Christ, wouldn’t it be great if we were given a model to follow?

My prayer today is that we would respond to our Lord in praise and thanksgiving, for He has not left us to wonder in our ignorance.

To show us all what God-honoring Selfless Ministry looks like, He has given us the examples of Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus.

Knowing that such a life worthy of the gospel is possible by the work of God through us, I pray we will serve one another, give ourselves freely, and labor together for the sake of making disciples in all nations.

PRAYER: Spirit’s Guidance to the Truth

Philippians 2:19–30 ESV

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. 25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

1. The Selfless Servant - Paul

Before we dive into this section of Philippians, let’s consider the God-honoring selfless ministry of the one writing this letter - PAUL.

I know we spent over a year studying through Acts together, so my intention this morning is not to recount the full ministry of Paul. Instead, my aim is to make Paul seem more human, more relatable than we often think of him.

Yes, Paul is widely known in the church as the greatest missionary of all time. It all began back in Acts 9 when Paul’s eyes were opened to his sin and the truth regarding Christ.

Saul, the Persecutor of Christ

Acts 9:3–6 ESV

3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”

Paul was a SINNER

Yes, this is the moment when Paul was transformed by the truth! But for us this morning, maybe its more important that we see together that Paul was a sinner just like me and you.

Paul’s rejection of God and suppression of the truth (Romans 1) had created an infinite separation between him and God. Listen to Paul describe his former life apart from the truth.

Galatians 1:13–14 ESV

13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.

One of our greatest models of faith in the scriptures used to terrorize the people of God and sought out its destruction! In our flesh, we have a tendency to respond saying “Whew! At least I am not than bad.”

In doing so, we would show our misunderstanding of sin, God, and salvation altogether. Like our brother Paul, we are not sinful because we sin in our lives.... instead we sin because we are sinful in nature.

In light of this understanding, Paul’s continued words in Galatians 1 become much more God-glorifying.

2. Paul was saved by GRACE

Galatians 1:15–16 ESV

15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;

Like you and me, Paul was called out of sin by God’s grace and for His glory. The Lord was pleased to reveal Christ to him SO THAT the Lord’s will would be accomplished through Paul. Just like us, Paul was in desperate need of the grace of God in salvation. Only the power of God through the gospel could do such a work in transforming a terrorist into a saint.

Paul says that he was chosen by God before he was born, exalting God’s sovereignty in our salvation. From the beginning of time, God has been working out His great redemption plan, and if it was not for His perfect timing, providence, love, grace, and mercy towards us, we would have never chosen Him. Like us, Paul was set apart for selfless ministry and service to Christ.

Charles Spurgeon

I believe the doctrine of election, because I am quite sure that if God had not chosen me I should never have chosen him; and I am sure he chose me before I was born, or else he never would have chosen me afterwards; and he must have elected me for reasons unknown to me, for I never could find any reason in myself why he should have looked upon me with special love.

Lectures To My Students, Volume 2, Page 47

Charles Spurgeon

3. Paul’s Selfless Service of the Church

Because of God’s grace, we have the selfless servant Paul as our example of Christ centered ministry.

Throughout the Book of Acts, we see that the will of God called Paul to suffer much for the sake of the name of Christ (Acts 9.16) and from that moment it is clear that the aim and mission of Paul’s life was proclaiming the Gospel and making disciples among all peoples, especially the Gentiles.

Consider what is going on in this text alone.

Philippians 2:19 “19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.”

Paul’s hope, not in himself but in the Lord’s will, is to send Timothy to them soon. Think of Paul’s present situation in prison. Yes, he is afforded certain freedoms, but the care of those close to him was likely very beneficial while in prison.

And yet, Paul deems the Philippians church is in greater need of Timothy’s love, care, and instruction.

Philippians 2:20 “20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.”

Paul’s concern here is for the welfare of the church! This is why he is sending Timothy, who he trusts completely, to care for them physically/spiritually and then reutrn to Paul at some point to deliver cheerful news of their faithfulness.

Philippians 2:28 “28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.”

Paul is returning Epaphroditus to his church family out of great care for them all. Epaphroditus was sent by the church to specifically deliver aid and care for Paul personally! Due to his longing for them, Paul send him home likely weith this letter (this is not being homesick.... More during point 3).

APPLICATION

In our ministries in the church, why do we often get caught up in seeking our own self interests?

The ministry model of Paul shows us that he endlessly gave of himself to those still in need of Christ and to those already in the church.

He travelled thousands of miles, battled through hardships that would likely cripple us, and endlessly sought the spiritual good of His brothers and sisters in Christ through personal teaching, instruction, and prayer.

How was this possible? Great zeal for the name of Christ and not self.

Paul Speaks to the Ephesian Elders

Acts 20:17–24 ESV

17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

If we want our lives to count, Selflessly serve God, His church, and the world by proclaiming Christ and making disciples continually. He is worth such sacrificial giving of ourselves to one another.

2. The Selfless Servant - Timothy (v.19-24)

Paul hopes that it is the Lord’s will for him to send Timothy to the Philippian church.

We know the context of this visit is good and cheerful! Paul expects Timothy to arrive and hear how the brothers and sisters have been faithful and bold in the face of difficulty (v.29). Paul knows such news will make its way back to him and his joy in the Philippians will once again increase.

Why Timothy?

Paul makes an interesting statement in v.22, a simple defense to why Timothy is the right person to send: “For I have no one like him…”

This means that Timothy was one in thought, feeling, and spirit with Paul in love for the church.

Timothy joined the apostle and Silas back in Acts 16 where we learned some about his background. He was from either Derbe or Lystra, and Paul describes him as a disciple upon meeting him. His father was Greek, but his mother and grandmother had raised him in the scriptures and taught him salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone.

With his background rooted in both Greek and Jewish cultures, Timothy was uniquely suited for such work among the nations.

Timothy is Unique

There is no other among Paul suited for the job! This is not a knock to Luke in any way since he was more than likely not with them at this time.

Paul says that all others are self-seeking, looking after their own interests. Look back at Philippians 1 where he already uncovered the intentions of other fellow believers once.

Philippians 1:15–17 ESV

15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.

They were all seeking to establish themselves in positions of influence in the church.

Timothy sought the interests of Christ above his own. And like Paul, Timothy would strive and toil for spiritual growth among the Philippian believers.

2. Timothy’s worth was proven

Timothy was Paul’s protege, one whom Paul was training personally for the work of the ministry. Here in Philippians and across the NT, Paul refers to his relationship with Timothy like that of a father and son. He has been providing for him, raising him up for the sake of Christ and His church.

1 Timothy 1:1–2 “1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

2 Timothy 1:1–2 “1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

As Paul’s spiritual child, he has proven himself with Paul “in the gospel”, meaning timothy has proven himself to be faithful, trustworthy, reliable, and above reproach. Consider Paul’s words to the church in Corinth why he was sending Timothy to them as well.

1 Corinthians 4:15–17 ESV

15 For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 17 That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.

Paul has on multiple occasions encouraged brothers and sisters to be imitators of him as he imitates Christ. Some may likely receive this as a boast in some way, but Paul’s boast has always been in Christ and his saving power. Never in himself.

Here Paul tells Corinth to imitate him, and THAT IS WHY he is sending Timothy to them! Timothy has been with Paul throughout a great portion of his ministry, and just like in Corinth, Paul is trusting the full spiritual care of his beloved Philippians to Timothy, a brother who has proven himself faithful again and again.

2 Timothy 3:10–11 “10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me.”

Once Paul figures what will become of his trial, he hopes to send Timothy and again appeals to God’s will in him hopefully coming to the Philippians himself.

APPLICATION

Notice here as well that Timothy’s concern while in Rome would be serving Paul (v.24) and likely the brothers and sisters in Rome. And being sent to Philippi, Timothy’s primary concern would be shifted to the welfare and discipleship of the the church there.

It almost seems like a pattern is forming here! A manner of life seems to be less focused on ourselves and instead focused on the spiritual growth/care for others while remaining united in the mission of Christ together.

But let’s not put our flag in the ground just yetand see what is said regarding Epaphroditus.

3. The Selfless Servant - Epaphroditus (v.25-30)

Paul ends this section of the letter by turning to our final model for God-honoring Selfless ministry in Epaphroditus. Let’s look at the details of how Paul describes him and the reason behind his decision to send Epaphroditus back home.

What do we know about Epaphroditus?

Not much.

We know him to be from the church in Philippi base on Phil 4.18, where we see he came to Paul bearing gifts from the Philippians church.

Philippians 4:18 ESV

18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

From here in Philippians 2, that Paul first describes him as “my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier” (v.25). These words are clearly chosen by Paul to honor this man.

He was a brother, saved by the grace of God just like Paul. He is saying that they are family together in the Lord.

He was a fellow worker, which possibly indicates some former relationship between the two but certainly attests to Epaphroditus’ commitment to accomplishing the church’s mission with Paul. He uses this term also to describe Priscilla and Aquila in Romans 16, Titus in 2 Corinthians 8, and Timothy on multiple occasions to name a few.

He was a fellow soldier, fighting for the truth regarding Christ. Like we say in Phil 1.29, it has been granted to Epaphroditus to believe and suffer for the sake of Christ in an age full of hatred towards this new, rogue teaching.

Paul says the Philippians have sent him as a “messenger and minister” to Paul’s need (v.25). So we know that Epaphroditus would be delivering these gifts and then remaining to serve Paul in any way that he needed. Even so, Paul says this it is necessary to send Epaphroditus back to them.

Why is Paul sending him back to Philippi?

It tells us in v.26 that Epaphroditus had been longing for them all and was distressed. At first glance, can we identify with this? We certainly long for one another when we are apart.

Whenever I get the chance to go to Nepal, after about day 4-5 Logan’s feeling is “I do hope you are having a good time and the trip is going well,.....but I’m ready for you to be home.”

This is natural with the close relationships we have in this life, BUT this is not what is going on here in Philippians 2. Epaphroditus is not home sick, distressed and worried about being back home soon.

Philippians 2:26 “26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill.”

His longing and distress is not centered on his present situation. Paul says that Epaphroditus was near to death! He had been sent to Paul on a mission to deliver aid on many levels to a fellow brother in prison, and he almost died in doing so. And if that was not enough, he hears that his brothers and sisters in Christ at Philippi are aware of his illness.

This term distressed in the Greek describes a confused, chaotic, heavy state of restlessness that results from trauma. This is his response when he hears that his church family knows of his illness but likely does not know of God’s great mercy in healing him.

In a situation where his life is threatened, this heavy state of restlessness arises out of love and care for his church family and how they could be feeling.

Again Paul forsakes his needs while in Rome, and eagerly plans to send Epaphroditus back to Philippi which was necessary so they can rejoice in being reunited with their brother (v.28). Such care for Epaph and the church was of great importance compared to what care Epaph would provide fro Paul in Rome.

Paul tells the church to receive him with great joy and honor him. According to Paul, such giving of oneself to the interests of Christ and selflessly serving others was worthy of great honor.

APPLICATION

Church family, do not miss this today. Notice the lack of concern in these men and in this church for themselves.

I do not mean they did not care about themselves at all, but instead these model servants and model church family are displaying to us what a life worthy of Christ and His gospel looks like.

Philippians 2:3–4 ESV

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

What seems like an impossible task sometimes is laid out for us pretty simply. A manner of life worthy of Christ and His gospel is primarily focused on the giving of ourselves for the sake of Christ, His mission, and others care both physically and spiritually.

The Christian life as it matures becomes far less about being sure your needs and wants are met. Our Lord knows the needs of all things! Far beyond the flowers of the field and the birds of the sky will He provide what his people need. Instead our lives becomes far more outward focused towards others and their needs, both spiritual and physical.

God-Honoring Selfless Ministry will be difficult if we refuse to deny ourselves and follow Christ’s example of humble service. I pray this over us today.

“Give yourself away for a cause other than your own fulfillment.” - John MacArthur