Philippians 2

Timothy plays a very important role in the bible as he wrote back and forth to Paul and was taught by his mom and grandmother Eunice and Lois. TImothy would also be circumcised which will see has a little something to do with the second half of the sermon today in chapter 3.

Paul is going to send Timothy. Not just a friend that he can trust but a disciple that he knows is like minded and of one mind just like him. But not because of his own interest but because of Christ.. that’s the message that we need today. For all of us need that person in our lives. Whether it’s But someone we can send out or we are the one that goes. But we need that partner. Let’s share the gospel together partner.

Proverbs 27:17 ESV

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Philippians 2:18–30 ESV

18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. 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.

Epaphroditus is a mentioned in Philippians 2:25-30 and Philippians 4:18. He was a member of the Philippian church who traveled to Rome to assist the Apostle Paul during his imprisonment. Epaphroditus served as a messenger, delivering financial support from the Philippian church to Paul. He also served Paul personally, becoming dangerously ill during his service. Paul highly esteemed Epaphroditus, calling him his "brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier". Here's a more detailed look at his role:

Messenger and Minister:Epaphroditus was sent by the Philippian church to deliver their gift to Paul, who was under house arrest in Rome. He also served as Paul's personal assistant and minister, helping with his needs. 

Sacrificial Service:Epaphroditus risked his health and possibly his life in his service to Paul and the gospel, becoming seriously ill during his stay in Rome. 

Paul's Esteem:Paul held Epaphroditus in high regard, recognizing him as a brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier. He valued Epaphroditus's dedication and selfless service. 

Return to Philippi:After recovering from his illness, Epaphroditus was sent back to Philippi with Paul's letter to the Philippians, likely to reassure the church of his well-being and to thank them for their support. 

Paul starts out with finally my brothers but hes not coming to a conclusion here. Hes just making a transition from talking about timothy and Epaphroditus

Philippians 3:1–11 ESV

1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. 2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

he claims the circumcision which was a Jewish \ old testament covenant sign of Gods chosen people

and then claims the joy as which is the theme of the book of Philippians. vs 10 is that i may know him and the power of his resurrection