A True Love For Jesus

Philippians 2:25-30

Introduction:

Today is our 11th message in the series, Joy In The Journey and the title of todays message is “A True Love For Jesus”

Recap where we’ve been in Philippians 2 up to this point.

Prayer:

Read The Text:

Philippians 2:25-30

Context:

Who is Epaphroditus?

His name gives away his upbringing in the culture of Rome at the time. His name means “devoted to or beloved of Aphrodite" (a Greek pagan Goddess of love & fertility that was worshipped throughout Rome). Paul most likely was part of Epaphroditus becoming saved and converting to Christianity.

Goes to show you that our past does not define us!

A trusted part of the Philippian church, Epaphroditus journeyed to Rome to aid the apostle Paul, delivering gifts on the church’s behalf (Phil. 4:18) and ministering to him (Phil. 2:25). On his way to Rome, he became very ill, nearly losing his life. By God’s mercy he recovered and eventually returned to Philippi, carrying Paul’s heartfelt letter.

Paul urged the church to receive him with gladness (Phil. 2:29), honoring his courage and devotion. To Paul, Epaphroditus was more than a helper—he was a “brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier.”

We will see that an overflow of your love and relationship with Jesus, will lead each of us to serve and be used like Epaphroditus was.

Walk Through The Text:

POINT ONE: A Heart for Jesus Puts Others First

Read Verse 25

Paul is introducing us to Epaphroditus who is defined in multiple ways.

His brother (brother in Christ)

Fellow worker or co-laborer

Fellow Soldier (partner in the Gospel), was in Rome visiting/ministering to Paul before being sent back by Paul).

He is also their messenger (part of the Philippian church and minister to Paul while he was in Rome, where Paul is in prison).

He believes now is the right time to send Epaphroditus back to the church at Philippi

Read Verse 26

He is desiring to be back with his family and friends in Philippi. Longing or desiring paints the picture he missed being with the Philippians and was ready to be united with them!

He was distressed and full of heaviness because they heard that he was sick or ill.

POINT TWO: A Heart for Jesus Embraces Sacrifice

Read Verse 27

He was so sick that he almost died. Scholars and commentators believe this happened on his journey from Philippi to the Roman prison where Paul was. Yet God had mercy on him and spared his life.

Not only did God have mercy on Epaphroditus' life, he also had mercy on Paul's life because he would have been extremely sorrowful (Sorrow on sorrow) because of his potential death and also sorrow for the church at Philippi if that happened.

Read Verse 28

The fact he is more eager to send him now means this was not planned. Because of what has transpired with his illness/potential death and readiness to be back with the Philippians, Paul feels this is the right time to send him to be back with his people!

He will be less anxious or sorrowful knowing that Epaphroditus is rejoining with the Philippians. He wants them to welcome him back with open arms, rejoice in what he did (bring the financial offering to Paul, a co-laborer for Christ, and safely make it back home to deliver the letter they are reading now).

POINT Three: A Heart For Jesus Faithfully Endures

Read Verse 29

One commentator said "Such honor is not drawing glory away from God, but is properly given to one of God’s own, who nearly “poured out his life” on behalf of a brother."

Men like Epaphroditus should be honored. He traveled over 800 miles to and from Rome from Philippi. He was carrying a financial gift and at any point something could have happened to him.

He got so sick that he almost died. And he did all of this so his brother in Christ Paul could be encouraged, supported, and lifted up during his imprisonment. All of this was done in the name of Jesus!

Application: A heart that truly desires Jesus and a life that honors Him will, like Epaphroditus, be a vessel God can use in powerful ways.

Read Verse 30

Epaphroditus stood in the gap on behalf of the Philippians. Not all of them could travel the many miles he did to bring the financial gift and minister to Paul while he was in prison in Rome. The work he was doing was because of his love for Christ.

He was willing to be used by Jesus. His actions spoke louder than any words he could use. He almost died on his journey. He surely knew the risks that came with a trip like this, but he accepted them, because his focus wasn’t on himself—it was on Christ.

Examples of Paul, Timothy, and now Epaphroditus have convicted my own walk. Their love for Jesus drove them to live their lives the way they did. It truly is out of the overflow of Jesus in our hearts that we tell others about Him, desire to serve others, and want to honor Him in everything we say and do.

Illustration: We do more and more for Jesus yet spend no intimate time with him. I have been guilty of that recently- Sermon prep, seminary classes, bible study prep. Yet quality one on one quality time with Jesus- reading the Word of God for my own spiritual nourishment, not just for preparing to preach today. He cares more about our walk with Him than what we do for Him. It’s about a radical love relationship with Jesus. Let’s think about that as we approach this new week.

Applications:

Assess your love for Jesus this week

Where Do We Go From Here:

Spend the next few minutes in prayer. God may be calling you to repent. God may be calling you to draw closer to Jesus this morning if you have strayed. God may be calling you to surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and start your relationship with Him today. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus, if he truly is not your Lord and Savior, I would love to talk to you right now about how you can leave here with a relationship with Jesus Christ today!

However God has spoken to you this morning to respond, do it!