Servant Partners in the Gospel

Philippians 2:19-30

Announcements

Fall Retreat sign ups. When i double checked the budget, it will only cost $20. That includes 5 meals, a shirt, and a whole slew of fun, time in the word, and fellowship. It will be a ball!

High school small groups

No Wednesday Night activities next Wednesday. It is fall break and I will not be in town.

Do not forget about our outreach challenge. Last week we had 14 church invitation and 3 gospel. As of this morning we now have

I have a question, don’t say it out loud. But I might plan a 5th quarter event for after the last home game in. That is October 18th. Would you all be interested in that?

Introduction

Over the last few weeks we have been discussing the servant nature of the Christian life. It has been how to serve the church, your friends, family. But i want to start of with a quote and question tonight.

When you think through living a sacrificial life for Jesus, what do you imagine it looking like?

Exalting Jesus in Philippians (Understanding the Importance of the Travelogue)

Let me use an illustration. Fred Craddock once said,

To give my life for Christ appears glorious. To pour myself out for others … to pay the ultimate price of martyrdom—I’ll do it. I’m ready, Lord, to go out in a blaze of glory.… We think giving our all to the Lord is like taking a $l,000 bill and laying it on the table—“Here’s my life, Lord. I’m giving it all.” But the reality for most of us is that he sends us to the bank and has us cash in the $l,000 for quarters. We go through life putting out 25 cents here and 50 cents there. Listen to the neighbor kid’s troubles instead of saying, “Get lost.” Go to a committee meeting. Give a cup of water to a shaky old man in a nursing home. Usually giving our life to Christ isn’t glorious. It’s done in all those little acts of love, 25 cents at a time. It would be easy to go out in a flash of glory; it’s harder to live the Christian life little by little over the long haul.

Living a sacrificial and servant minded life for Jesus is more than likely not going out in a blaze of glory. Rather it is a life long sacrificial giving to the Lord. And we will be looking at 2 examples of that type of life tonight in our study.

Philippians 2:19–30 “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 come also. 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, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 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. I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So receive him in the …”

Pray

Context

Have a Genuine Concern for Others (vs. 19-21)

Paul begins by expressing his desire to send Timothy to the Philippians so that he can bring back news of their well-being. In this, we see that Timothy stands out for his genuine care for others. Paul says in verse 20, “I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.”

This is a striking statement because it tells us two things:

First, not everyone has this kind of care. Paul notes that many are “looking out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ” (v. 21).Second, true concern for others is connected to seeking the interests of Christ.

Timothy's example calls us to examine ourselves. Are we genuinely concerned about others, or are we more focused on our own well-being? The Christian life is one of looking outward, of loving others as Christ loved us. This isn’t easy, but it is our calling.

Application:

In your own life, how often do you take time to really think about and act upon the needs of others—family, friends, neighbors, or even your church community?Christ calls us to love sacrificially. Are we willing to follow His example and the example of Timothy?

Have a Proven Character (vs. 22-24)

Paul goes on to describe Timothy as someone who has proven himself. In verse 22, Paul states, “But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.”

Timothy's character wasn’t proven in a moment. His faithfulness came through consistent, long-term service alongside Paul. The relationship described here is like that of a father and son working together. This close partnership in the gospel shows how important it is to be committed and reliable over time.

Faithful service doesn’t always come with recognition. It’s often done behind the scenes, in the ordinary and mundane tasks. But Paul reminds us that God sees this faithfulness and that it builds our character.

Illustration

Bandwagon fans

Application:

Reflect on your own journey of serving God. Has your character been shaped through the work He has called you to do, even when it’s hard or unnoticed?

Timothy wasn’t seeking his own glory; he was focused on faithfully serving Christ and others. What are your motivations when you serve in the church or community?

3. Sacrifice and the Joy of Partnership in Suffering (vs. 25-30)

Paul then shifts to talk about Epaphroditus, whom he describes as a “brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier” (v. 25). Epaphroditus had been sent by the Philippians to care for Paul’s needs while he was in prison, but during his service, he became seriously ill—almost to the point of death.

Yet, Epaphroditus continued to serve. Paul commends him for his willingness to sacrifice even his own health for the sake of the gospel. He urges the Philippians to honor people like him, saying, “He almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me” (v. 30).

Sacrifice and suffering are often part of following Christ. We are called to take up our cross daily, which means laying down our comfort, our plans, and sometimes even our health for the sake of the gospel.

But notice something important: Paul isn’t presenting sacrifice as a burden without reward. There is joy in this partnership. Both Epaphroditus and Paul find deep meaning and joy in serving Christ, even in suffering.

Application:

Epaphroditus’ example challenges us to be willing to go the extra mile in our service to others and the gospel, even when it’s difficult or risky. What sacrifices are you willing to make for the sake of the gospel? How can you embrace the joy that comes from partnering with Christ, even in hard times?

Conclusion

Small Group Question

Are you genuinely concerned for others more than yourself?

Does your character show you are a true follower of Jesus?

In what ways do you need to begin sacrificing to advance the gospel?