Servants in Action

Good morning church! If you have your Bible and I hope that you do, please turn with me to Philippians 2 this morning. We are going to be in verses 19-30 today.

Over the last two weeks, we’ve seen Paul build a powerful picture of what life in Christ’s church ought to look like. In 2:1–11, he showed us that gospel unity flows out of gospel humility, and he gave us Christ Himself as the ultimate model of laying aside rights for the good of others. Then in 2:12–18, Paul reminded us that this humility must shape our obedience — that as God works in us, we work it out together in holy reverence, putting away grumbling, and shining as lights in a dark world. But Paul doesn’t leave humility and obedience as abstract ideas. Here in 2:19–30, he points us to two real men — Timothy and Epaphroditus — who embody these truths in everyday life. They are living testimonies of what it looks like to have the mind of Christ and to live in obedience to Him.

Let’s stand together in honor of God’s Word as we read

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.

Some people are like natural harbors for the soul. Along certain stretches of coast, ships in a storm find no shelter. But then you come to a bay — a place where the vessel can immediately find rest, safety, and relief. In the same way, some men and women are spiritual harbors. You instinctively trust them. You find comfort in their presence. They welcome your burdens and help steady your soul.

Florence Nightingale was one of those people. She was raised in a godly home by wealthy parents back in the mid 1800’s. She received a great education and was called to serve as a nurse. Back then, nursing was considered a terrible profession. Women that were too old for selling their bodies often went into nursing where there was no training, no care, and was full of immorality and drunkenness.

Yes, because of God’s calling in Nightingale’s life to simply minister as a nurse in a Christian way elevated nursing and changed modern hospitals in radical ways. Under her leadership, the mortality rate in her hospital dropped from 40% to 2%. She started a school in London for nursing which focused on Christian care and hospitality while also incorporating science.

Through her, she was used to bless others and to train others. It’s the same in the church. God gives certain people to His people, sanctified by His grace, so that they might be safe harbors and nurses for weary souls.

In our text today, Paul highlights two such men: Timothy and Epaphroditus. They are not apostles. They are not the famous names of Scripture. But they embody everything Paul has been teaching in this chapter.

In verses 1–11 we learned about Christ’s humility. That though He was God, He emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant which led to his death and glorification.

In 2:12–18 we saw our call to obedience by working out our salvation and shine as lights in a dark world through our peaceful attitudes.

Now, in our passage today, Paul uses additional examples that the Philippians are familiar with — men who embody Christ’s humility and obedience in their ordinary lives through faithful service, and humble minds.

This passage teaches us that trusting the Lord is not only primarily communicated in our words but is practically lived out in people.

Timothy

Timothy was a young disciple from Lystra who became Paul’s closest co-laborer in the Gospel, often described as his “true son in the faith”. For over a decade he traveled with Paul through persecution, church planting, and pastoral work, showing proven character and genuine concern for the churches.

1. He Refreshed Others

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

The word cheered is literally “well-souled”. It was found on grave stones during this time as a way to alleviate anxiety. Almost like saying that my loved one’s soul is at peace. It helps with the sorrow of loss. It’s the only time this word appears in the New Testament.

Paul expects that when Timothy returns with news of their growth in Christ, the unity will be held to and anxious souls will be at peace. And it is this harmony, this obedience to Paul’s teaching that will bring an end to Paul’s anxiety.

So Paul, instead of holding on to Timothy as a capable servant and support while he is suffering in chains for Christ chooses to send him because he loves the church at Philippi more than himself.

You see Christians ought to be a blessing to others. Whether its in our interactions, discussions, or service. We see in Timothy, a man that refreshes others through his service. It’s not just Timothy either, Paul said this about Philemon

Philemon 7 ESV

7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

There are refreshers and there are drainers. Some people are like a phone charger, right? When you’re around them, they build you up, and fill you up. Other people have way too many apps going on in the background and simply are draining. Let me ask you, when you interact with others are you a blessing in Christ or a drain?

Timothy refreshed Paul with good news, but ultimately his example points us to Christ. Jesus Himself says, ‘Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.’ Timothy’s presence gave Paul peace for a season, but Christ’s presence gives His people peace for eternity.

2. He Genuinely Cared

Paul says, “For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.”

The word “like him” means “same-souled.” Paul continues with the sameness verbiage that he’s used throughout the book of Philippians. Timothy is united with Paul in heart.

There was no one better suited for the task than Timothy. And this teaches us that faithful Christians are genuinely concerned for others. In our world today, we live in a society where biblical confrontation is taboo. Many Christians believe that to confront someone in sin is worse than the sin itself! How sad.

Timothy’s task will be to make certain that the church is united and that the people that are causing the division are handled. This is true, genuine concern. He is not concerned for himself or his desires. Timothy wants what is best for the church at Philippi and what is best is pursuing the Lord Jesus Christ!

Spurgeon said, “We do not serve the church of God if we serve ourselves; our Lord’s glory must be the first, the midst, and the last of our motives.”

Timothy’s care for the Philippians reflected Paul’s own pastoral heart. But deeper still, it reflected Christ’s heart for His sheep. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His flock. Timothy’s concern could point them back to Christ’s greater concern for their souls.

3. He Rejected Self-Interest

Paul writes that: “they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” Is this every single person? No. He’s not slamming the faithfulness of men like Epaphroditus or Luke or John Mark. He is simply saying that there is no one better suited for this pastoral task for the Philippians than Timothy.

But Paul is calling back to

Philippians 2:4 ESV

4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

We have to remember that Paul is saying that the path of Christ is the way. That we are to be humble, meek, and a servant. When we are not those things, it means that we are full of self-interest and we are leaning on our own desires and wisdom.

You see, the world lives for self. How many books and podcasts and social media influencers do we see that are preaching the gospel of self? “Your happiness is the ultimate goal! Pursuing peace should be your sovereign prize!” I mean, you have people teaching others that if anyone drains you, that you should cut them off. It could be a parent. It could be your child.

The whole thing comes from individualism. That self-fulfillment is the ultimate fulfillment.

I know some people like this. If they need something from my wife or I, suddenly we are being contacted. But as soon as there is a small request the cost doesn’t help the benefit so they move on.

Roman culture also prized self honor, ambition, and advancement. But the Christian way says

John 15:13 ESV

13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

The Christian path says, “Love hurts sometimes. It costs you something. But for the sake of Christ, it’s worth it.”

Romans 15:1–2 ESV

1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

Thomas Boston said, “The great end of a Christian’s life is not to advance himself, but to advance Christ in the world.”

Which path are you walking? Are you walking the path of self-interest of Christ interest? Are you prioritizing others? How?

4. He Proved His Value

Paul says, “But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.” That phrase about “proven worth” is understood as “battle tested”. In other words, Timothy doesn’t just have the character, he has the resilience to endure and serve well.

Timothy’s worth was proven to Paul after over a decade of knowing and serving alongside each other. Their first stop when Timothy chose to go with Paul was Philippi in Acts 16. Timothy endured through the persecutions, he ministered with Paul through the mess at Corinth, he served with Paul in Ephesus for three years and much more we don’t even know about.

Timothy traveled, suffered, shared the Gospel, administrated, taught, ministered, and prayed. Faithful ministry over years has the good effect of building trust.

It takes time to build trust in ministry. It doesn’t matter the successes, what matters is faithfulness. You see, ministry faithfulness is proven not simply during the hard times, but in long term commitment to Christ.

Its this kind of relationship that defines Paul affection for Timothy, calling him a son. He’s learned the trade just as a father would teach a son. Here is how you minister.

5. He Trusted God’s Plan

Here Paul picks us his thought from verse 19. Paul is sending Timothy just as soon as he figures out what is happening to him. Will he die? Will he be imprisoned for a long time?

Paul didn’t know and neither did Timothy, but they could trust their futures to a known God. God knows what will happen and is working things out in an amazing way for His people.

Verse 24 says “I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come”. We can have confidence in God’s plan. You see, Paul didn’t know. He had feelings and instincts, but he didn’t know. He simply had confidence that God is the King over all things that God will work it all out.

This is Timothy’s example and Timothy, according to church history, lived this out until his death. Timothy was a bishop at Ephesus and while the crowds were celebrating in the streets in a pagan festival, Timothy preached to the masses who turned on him and killed him. We do entrust our unknown future to a known God.

Epaphroditus

Epaphroditus was a member of the Philippian church who risked his life to bring their financial gift to Paul in Rome. Paul calls him “my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier,” showing that he was not just a courier but a true partner in Gospel ministry. He became dangerously ill on the journey and it nearly cost him his life.

His Titles

Ephaphroditus means “belonging to Aphrodite”. It was a common name and shows his pagan roots. Paul doesn’t bring up his past, but elevates Epaphroditus through several descriptions: “my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need.”

By calling Epaphroditus his brother, Paul shows the beautiful truth of adoption into the family of God. Epaphroditus was not just a supporter or secondary person. He was a beloved brother who was unified with Paul in Christ.

When Paul calls him a fellow worker it points us to the truth that the Gospel is not advanced by lone pastors and Gospel laborers. It is Christians working side-by-side for the Kingdom of God. I thank God for the many many people that serve in our church. They make our church better. If you’re not serving then I challenge you to serve and be a part of the work of ministry.

There’s also this title of a fellow soldier. Being a solder is marked by warfare, hardship, and sacrifice. Epaphroditus had risked his life to minister to Paul and Paul’s affection for him grew by leaps and bounds!

Epaphroditus was entrusted by his church to deliver the gift and to encourage Paul. By Epaphroditus’ service, he became an example of how God uses his children as His messengers to bless others.

Paul calls Epaphroditus as minister. This word shares the root word that we have for liturgy. It means devotions and priestlike service. It’s meeting needs with selflessness and compassion. His attitude was to lay down his life so that Paul would experience the love of his congregation back in Philippi.

Paul calls Epaphroditus a brother, worker, soldier, messenger, and minister. Each of these roles points us to Christ — the elder Brother who saves us, the laborer who came to do His Father’s work, the Captain of our salvation, the One sent from the Father with the word of the Gospel, and the true High Priest who ministers on our behalf.

His Distress

But note, Epaphroditus was “distressed”. It’s the same word used about Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane in

Matthew 26:37 ESV

37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled.

It implies almost a mania and despair because the Philippians heard he was sick. This is the care that Epaphroditus has for his church in Philippi. And we learn that genuine care moves the heart.

His love was so great, not for his life, not for his reputation, but for his brothers and sisters. His church at Philippi. That’s Christlike concern.

Application: His anxiety wasn’t for himself but for his brothers and sisters. That’s Christlike concern. In

Luke 19:41–44 ESV

41 And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”

He has such a love and compassion for the same people that would ultimately crucify Him! He wept over them with tears!

His Recovery

Paul says, “Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him…” As his body fought this sickness, he continued on. Walking, sailing, and declining. His body wasting away day by day until finally, the Lord allowed for Epaphroditus to live!

For Epaphroditus, it was a tremendous risk. He didn’t know how it would all work out for him. Paul called it “risking his life” which was a gambling term that implied a calculated risk. It means that this sickness was directly tied to the task that the church at Philippi had given to him.

But this begs a question for us: why does God allow sickness for a Christian? Christians are still permitted to get sick because while our souls have been redeemed and born again, our bodies remain subject to the effects of sin until the resurrection. Illness, weakness, and death remind us of sin’s reality, keep us humble and grateful for Christ’s redemption, and stir our longing for heaven where sickness will be no more. Every recovery from sickness is a small preview and pledge of the final resurrection, when God will raise our frail bodies into incorruption and glory.

So here we learn that every recovery and healing, is a mercy. Healing is not a right but a gift from the Lord for His glory!

Now Paul did send Epaphroditus away and instructed the church to receive him and honor him. Receive him for a job very well done and honor him because he proved himself to be a faithful minister of the Lord Jesus Christ.

So yes, be like Timothy, be like Epaphroditus — but only because you belong to Christ. They cannot save you, and neither can following their example. Only Christ can. Without Him, we are drains, not refreshers; self-seekers, not servants. But in Christ, God makes us safe harbors for the weary. He lived the life we could not, died the death we deserved, and rose again to make us His own. That is the Gospel — our only hope and our transforming power.

So what does all this mean?

Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus — and Us

In Philippians 2, Paul has been painting a portrait of life in Christ’s church. First, we saw that gospel unity flows out of gospel humility in verses 1-11, and Christ Himself is the ultimate picture of self-emptying love. Then we learned that this humility leads to gospel-shaped obedience in verses 12–18, where together we work out what God is working in, shining as lights in a crooked and dark world.

Now, Paul brings it home with living examples. Timothy and Epaphroditus are flesh-and-blood pictures of what it looks like to live this out. Timothy shows us the heart of one who refreshes others, genuinely cares, rejects self-interest, proves his faithfulness, and trusts God’s plan. Epaphroditus shows us the heart of one who takes up the costly work of the Gospel, a brother, worker, soldier, messenger, and minister — even risking his life in sacrificial service.

Here’s the point: Christlike humility and obedience are not abstract virtues. They take shape in ordinary Christians like Timothy, Epaphroditus, and you. God calls each of us to be “safe harbors” in His church, men and women who refresh the weary, who care more for the good of others than for themselves, who endure hardship for Christ, and who trust God with their very lives.

Thomas Boston put it simply: “Religion that is not seen in the life is not true religion.”

So what about you?

The good news is not that God is looking for Timothys and Epaphrodituses to save the church. The good news is that Jesus Christ has already come, lived, died, and risen again — and by His Spirit He makes us into the kind of people who refresh, who serve, who risk, who endure. He calls sinners, redeems them, and then shapes them into safe harbors for others. Without Him, we are all self-seeking drains. With Him, we become vessels containing springs of the Living Water of Christ!

Head: God wants you to know that Jesus is the safe harbor for your soul — faithful, selfless, and life-giving.

Jesus is the true safe harbor for your soul, the One who is always faithful, perfectly selfless, and endlessly life-giving.

Heart: God wants you to believe that you can entrust yourself to Christ, because He alone is faithful and sufficient.

You can entrust yourself fully to Him, because His faithfulness and sufficiency never fail.

Hand: God wants you abide in Christ so that you might minister to the needs of others.

As you abide in Christ, His Spirit enables you to be a safe harbor for others through humble, sacrificial service.