The Joy of Serving Christ

Serving the Lord Jesus Christ brings joy that overcomes suffering, encouragement in the gospel, and fellowship through ministry.

Every believer is called to have the “mind of Christ” (v. 5) in humble service. Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus provide three examples of Christian service.

Paul - the revered apostle. Timothy - the likeminded assistant. Epaphroditus - the faithful aid bringer.

The Joy of Living Sacrifice

Paul uses the term for a “drink offering” (libation offering) to describe himself. He refers to the Philippians sacrifice and service of faith. The picture is where a sacrifice was placed on the altar and then a drink offering was poured out along with the sacrifice to provide an aroma and thank the Lord for providing the rains.

The most famous drink offering is David with the well of Bethlehem - Read

Paul was humbled by the sacrificial gift of the Philippians and viewed his own life as the drink offering poured out to the Lord.

Every believer is called to be a “living sacrifice” in thanksgiving to God for His great salvation.

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

We belong to the Lord and true joy comes in service to Him. Just as Christ sacrificed himself for us, so we now have to the joy of living life unto him.

2 Corinthians 5:14–15 NKJV

For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Notice that Paul counted it a joy to suffer for the sake of Christ!

Acts 5:40–42 ESV

and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

Acts 5:24 ESV

Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to.

Are you living today as a sacrifice unto the Lord?

The Encouragement of Single-mindedness

Timothy was Paul’s constant companion and trainee in the ministry beginning with Paul’s second missionary journey.

Timothy was from Lystra in Galatia. His mother was Jewish (Lois), but his father was Gentile.

Timothy was sincere - caring for the wellbeing of other believers.

Timothy was single-minded. He made it his goal to seek Christ’s interests, not his own.

Timothy was seasoned. He had ministered with Paul faithfully for over a decade.

Timothy was a servant of the Gospel.

Paul wanted to send Timothy as soon as he knew the outcome of his trial for both the Philippians encouragement and his own.

He encouraged the Philippians to be of the same mind, just as Timothy was of the same mind with Paul in seeking the Lord.

Philippians 2:2 ESV

complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

When believers put Christ first, seeking to honor him in all things, it brings encouragement to all.

The Fellowship of Faithful Service

Epaphroditus was a Gentile. He as a trusted messenger that risked his life to bring an offering to Paul. He was

“The problem in our churches is that we have too many spectators and not enough participants. Epaphroditus was not content simple to contribute to the offering. He gave himself to help carry the offering.” - Warren Wiersbe

True fellowship come about when you engage in the work together!

Paul called him a brother, a fellow worker, and a fellow soldier. He was in the fight with Paul in order to bring encouragement.

Two essential characteristics of service:

Be willing!

Be Faithful!

Paul said that he was worthy of honor by the Philippians. This man is never seen to have preached a sermon. He was not an apostle, or a pastor, but he was a servant and an essential part of God’s work!