Lives Worth Imitating

Read Philippians 2

INTRODUCTION

Thomas Brooks, Puritan preacher “Example is the most powerful rhetoric.”

God is not just not in the command giving business. He also gives examples to follow.

In chapter 2, through the Apostle Paul, He tells us:

Philippians 2:3 ESV

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

He then proceeds to expound the greatest example for us: Jesus.

The Kenosis (emptying) as the ultimate example of humility

As we saw last time we were together, the Apostle Paul serves as an example of humility and considering others above himself.

Philippians 2:17 ESV

Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

Paul’s ministry, and death, was viewed as an offering to the Lord

Paul was full of joy, if his life was being added to the sacrificial offering of the faith of the Philippians (rejoice always: in prison, in suffering, in sacrifice)

Now, we move from Jesus and Paul to two “regular” guys in Timothy and Epaphroditus.

Example: Timothy

Timothy was Paul’s most trusted coworker.

The ESV loses a point in verse 20, but the KJV does a swell job:

Philippians 2:20 KJV 1900

For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

Timothy had become like Paul because he had been discipled by him.

True disciples become like their teacher.

Matthew 10:25 ESV

It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master.

In his like-mindedness with Paul, we see in verse 21, that Timothy was genuinely concerned for the well-being of others.

Many leaders can be self-focused, not Christ-focused.

Timothy cared about people and he cared about gospel work

Even beyond his similar mindset, Timothy was a proven commodity.

proven worth means tested and approved

It is estimated that Timothy may have served with Paul for about 10 years.

His character had been proven through:

hardship

ministry challenges

faithful service

A Godly leader is not identified by talent, but by tested character.

3. Epaphroditus – The Loving Risk-Taker

Philippians 2:25–30

Epaphroditus may be the most relatable example.

He was not an apostle or famous leader.

He was simply a faithful servant.

A. His Character (v.25)

Paul gives him five titles:

Brother – shared spiritual life

Fellow worker – shared ministry

Fellow soldier – shared struggle

Messenger – sent by the church

Minister – serving Paul’s needs

These describe a deeply devoted servant.

B. His Love for the Church (v.26)

Epaphroditus became severely ill.

But what distressed him?

Not his illness.

He was distressed because the church was worried about him.

That is true Christian love.

C. His Risk for the Gospel (v.30)

Paul says:

“He came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life.”

The word “risking” literally means to gamble.

He put his life on the line for the work of Christ.

Early Christians later formed a group called the Parabolani (“the gamblers”) who:

cared for plague victims

buried the dead

risked their lives for others

They were inspired by this example.

The Principle: Courageous Love

Epaphroditus teaches that faithful service often happens:

behind the scenes

without recognition

at personal cost

Yet God honors those servants.

Paul says:

“Hold men like him in high regard.”

Discussion Questions

Why are behind-the-scenes servants often the most valuable in the church?

What risks might God be calling believers to take for the gospel today?

The Big Picture: Three Examples of Christlike Living

Person

Key Trait

Example

Paul

Sacrificial joy

Life poured out for Christ

Timothy

Single-minded service

Seeking Christ’s interests

Epaphroditus

Courageous love

Risking life for the gospel

All three lived out the earlier command:

Philippians 2:3–4 “Do nothing from selfishness… but regard one another as more important than yourselves.”

Final Application

The Christian life is not just about believing truth.

It is about becoming an example worth imitating.

Paul said:

1 Corinthians 11:1 “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”

Ask yourself:

Is my life marked by sacrifice like Paul?

By Christ-centered focus like Timothy?

By courageous service like Epaphroditus?

The world needs believers whose lives say:

“Follow me as I follow Christ.”

✅ If you'd like, I can also help you turn this into:

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