Epaphroditus

Psalm 68:1-10,34-35

Psalm 68:1–10 NIV

1 May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him. 2 May you blow them away like smoke— as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God. 3 But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. 4 Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the Lord. 5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. 6 God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. 7 When you, God, went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, 8 the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. 9 You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance. 10 Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, God, you provided for the poor.

Psalm 68:34–35 NIV

34 Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the heavens. 35 You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!

Opening:

Too many families are fractured anymore. Some are fractured from divorce yet others may live together but are alienated from each other by drugs, alcohol, and pornography. Gone are the days when families worked alongside each other in the common pursuit of survival. For this reason, the church is full of people who do not have any family to speak of.

In the church, many find the family they so desperately need. A couple weeks ago, I spoke of the special relationship between Paul and Timothy. Paul never married for the sake of ministry, yet he finds family in the people he ministers to and with. Several times he refers to Timothy as his son.

And there is Timothy. Timothy lost his father at a young age. Now he has a new father in Paul. Timothy had left a mother and grandmother in Lystra in order to serve alongside Paul in ministry. We know that Timothy, like Paul, was extremely fond of the people of Philippi. In the Philippian church, we find people like Lydia. I spoke of Lydia for Mother’s Day. I suspect Lydia was the type that was probably a mother figure for Timothy as he was away from his mother.

Today we are observing Father’s Day. I have already shared about the relationship between Paul and Timothy, but I wish to look at Epaphroditus this morning, much as we looked at Lydia for Mother’s Day. In Epaphroditus we find another individual of faith who most likely was a father figure for others in the church of Epaphroditus. As we continue in the subject of partners of faith. Paul had previously given a letter of recommendation of Timothy in his letter to the Philippians, but he also commends Epaphroditus who is a member of their church. Look with me at these final verses in chapter two of Philippians.

Philippians 2:25–30 NIV

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

Pray

Sermon Introduction:

As a person goes through the process to be a pastor in the Nazarene church, they are annually reviewed by pastors on what is called the “Credentials Board.” This group of pastors ask questions regarding your understanding of the things we believe as Nazarenes. They also ask personal questions giving voice to areas of a persons life they feel may be a weakness for them in ministry. Many of those questions are regarding family; “Where does your family live?” “Have you ever been divorced and how has this effected your spiritual life?” are some examples of questions that may be asked. In my case, there were questions regarding the issue of my being a single mom.

When I went to Colorado Springs to attend the Bible College, I was in one of these interviews. One man asked me about my relationship with my parents. I had shared that we were quite close. He asked me, how I would manage in ministry living so far away from family. At this point, another pastor asked if he could answer that question for me. This other pastor had been my pastor in Yakima, WA for several years. He had moved to Colorado Springs just a couple months before I did. It was most unusual for a pastor to answer such a question for an interviewee. I was quite surprised. I have never forgotten what he said.

“In all the years I have known Lauri, I have come to appreciate that to her, the church is her family. The church members become her father, mother, brothers and sisters. I feel confident she will do well wherever she is placed in ministry for this reason.”

The church is our family! We are born into one family then adopted into this family when we become Christians. We do not know a lot about Epaphroditus, but what we do know shows that he understood this concept. He was a man of God that is a great example to men even today. So take a journey with me today as we look at the man...

2. Epaphroditus (Phil 2:25-30)

Epaphroditus was a fellow Philippian. One of their own congregation. There were several characteristics that commend him to the faith. Like Lydia whom I spoke about on Mother’s day, we do not know a lot of personal details. We do not know how old he was or if he had a family. However, like Lydia, I suspect he was like a father or brother to many in the church. It is safe to assume this based on the things we do know about him. Specifically since Paul is using him as he did Timothy, as an example of someone who is following in the footsteps of Christ’s example. So lets look at the example set by Epaphroditus.

The first thing we observe is that...

a. He was a balanced Christian (v 25)

Philippians 2:25 NIV

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.

Look at Paul’s descriptions of him.

My brother

My co-worker

My fellow soldier

Let us break this down and find the differences between these. First, we have...

1. My brother

What does Paul mean by “my brother?” Lets see what we find in scripture.

Proverbs 17:17 ESV

17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Or as the NRSV states it, “kinsfolk are born to share in adversity.”

Proverbs 17:17 NRSV

17 A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity.

Brothers are those who share in adversity. Paul and Epaphroditus had a brotherhood kind of companionship as they had both shared in the adversity that comes with being a Christian sold out to God 100%. In other words, they both risked everything for Christ.

Ecclesiastes 4:10 NASB95

10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.

Another thing brothers do is support each other. They are there to lift each other up when they need it.

Romans 12:10 says...

Romans 12:10 NASB95

10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;

Brothers love each other and encourage each other. They spur each other on to do their best.

I love the accounts of David and Jonathan in the Old Testament. What a great example of brotherly love between two men who were unrelated. Jonathan was even willing to surrender up the crown that by the laws of the land should have come to him, for David. He recognized that David was the one truly called by God to succeed his father and he worked to protect David until such time as God placed him on the throne. Jonathan chose God and David over his own father. I think it is safe to say, he felt closer to David than his own father.

Brothers of the faith have this special kind of connection.

Unfortunately, many men in the church are lonely. There are many seminars and workshops on this subject. Women get lonely also, but women are better at seeking out other women. Now, it is true some are shy and this is a little more difficult, but when they find a friend, they are better at connecting more and staying connected. This is much more difficult for men. However, it is still needed. This was never more evident than when Promise Keepers began in 1990. It’s success really was an eye opener to this need. We really need something like that again.

Our community churches have hosted a monthly Men’s breakfast. It used to draw a lot of men. I am sorry to see it is dwindling. I see many men that are lonely wanting the companionship of other men. Yet they do not seem to be taking advantage of this opportunity. I am not sure why. I suspect two reasons. One, is that they may fear seeming needy. Second, they are looking for what they need in the wrong places.

I am concerned that too many seek to satisfy this loneliness through relationships with women. Unfortunately, they are not too picky regarding the women they choose as they just really want “someone.” This can become an idol. Instead of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in fulfilling this loneliness, they go for the fast fix, but it is not the right fix and it will eventually just lead to more pain and loneliness.

The right kind of brotherly companionship can help. However, if you think some man is going to walk up and ask you to be his buddy, it is not going to happen! I can promise you that! One way to find this kind of brotherly companionship is by getting involved in ministry together. Find work projects you can do together. Some of the men in our church are working on a repair project together at this time. There was talk at one time of building beds for children who do not have one. Go to the Men’s breakfast, even more, get involved with a group of men in preparing the breakfast. There are very few willing to try cooking it, yet many more willing to eat it. Try doing both!

Take the lead! Try thinking of a project that you can do to serve others. Then advertise to the men at church what you are thinking and see if it appeals to others. If so, ask them to join you in the project. You are more likely to carry it through if you find companions to do it with you.

The “brotherhood” of faith is extremely for men of faith.

But Epaphroditus was more than just a brother. Paul also calls him...

2. My co-worker

Epaphroditus was not only a brother but a coworker. They were working for the same purpose. Paul states that purpose in Philippians 1:12...

Philippians 1:12 NIV

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.

Epaphroditus was working to further the gospel just as Paul and Timothy were, making him a co-worker with Paul and Timothy.

Not only was Epaphroditus a brother and co-worker, but he was also...

3. My fellow soldier

Epaphroditus recognized that he was in a battle with an enemy and he was fighting the good fight if you will.

1 Timothy 6:11–12 NIV

11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Epaphroditus had proven that he was fighting the good fight. When you are in a war, you have to put your needs behind you and focus on the battle. If your focus is on the wrong things, the enemy will strike you down. It is the same in the battle we fight as Christians. Men, you are fighting this battle not just for Christ, but for yourself and your family. If the enemy strikes you down, it will not only cost you but also your family. They need you to fight that fight to be an example for them. You are the one who has the most power in setting the course for your family.

I stated in the beginning of this that Epaphroditus was a balanced Christian. Here is where the balance comes in. Our churches are full of people willing to fellowship. They are willing to be brothers (and sisters) of faith. However, there are very few who are co-workers and fellow soldiers of the faith. We are called to be all three. Often times, women are faster to get involved than men are. Once again, this is due to their relational and nurturing natures. But the church needs men who are co-workers and soldiers of the faith. Men are more likely to be lead to the Lord by another man than they are a woman.

Epaphroditus offered companionship as well as worked alongside of Paul. There was no task too great or too small that he wasn’t willing to perform it.

The next thing we see is that...

b. He was compassionate (vv 26-27, 30)

Philippians 2:26–27 NIV

26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.

Philippians 2:30 NIV

30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

Epaphroditus was a compassionate man concerned for others. He was concerned for Paul and willing to risk his life to make this trip to Paul. He was concerned for his fellow Christians in Philippi. His concern was more for those who were concerned for him than for what was wrong with him. I recently read of a pastor who had cancer and had this to say about it. “I was not so concerned about my cancer as I was for the concern my congregation had for me.” I personally understand this sentiment. I felt that same way as I was going through my thyroid cancer. I had no fear or concern for my personal health. I just felt bad that so many people were worried and concerned for me. That is exactly the feeling you get about Epaphroditus. He was not concerned or panicked over his personal health, but felt bad that those back home were worried for them. He wanted to go to them to relieve them of their concern.

We do not know what caused his illness. Perhaps Paul’s need for the assistance he was bringing was great and Epaphroditus pushed himself to the extreme to get it there as fast as he could. Whatever the case, we know that it nearly cost him his life. However, like Paul, Epaphroditus could claim Phil 1:21 as his hearts desire.

Philippians 1:21 NIV

21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

But he also know that if he did die, those who love him would mourn and that included Paul as Paul shares the sorrow that the loss would have meant to him. If Epaphroditus had died, both the church and Paul would have felt both the loss and a sense of responsibility since he was serving them both.

Sometimes bad things happen in the church. I know that early in the history of this church, a pastor died while trying to build the church. He fell from a ladder and was killed. I am sure many felt responsible and struggled for the loss. However, in such times, we need to remember that God is in control. He knows all things and has control over all things. It may not make sense to us, but God has a purpose and plan in all things regarding to our lives.

Paul was trying to help the Philippians to see that they needed to be of one mind. Both Timothy and Epaphroditus are examples of what that looks like because they are both focused on the concerns of others not themselves.

A couple week’s back I mentioned that when we are focused on the needs of others our concerns do not seem so large. For that reason, we are quicker to abandon “our plans” for the better good of all. That may seem like a sacrifice, but it is not. Let me show you why as the answer is found in the next thing we see in Epaphroditus.

c. He was a blessing and was blessed (v 28-30)

Philippians 2:28–30 NIV

28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

Epaphroditus was a blessing to the people in Philippi. He was able to leave his responsibilities at home in order to deliver their much needed gift to Paul. It is easy to give from our pocketbooks, but giving of our time and physical labor is by far a greater blessing and gift. I am sure Epaphroditus gave both.

Epaphroditus was a blessing to Paul. He was able to provide for Paul, not only the gift, but as we saw in verse 25 he provided love, encouragement, support, and a helping hand.

He was also a blessing to Timothy. Timothy probably had a lot of weight on his shoulders as he alone was taking care of Paul’s needs during this time of house arrest. I suspect that once Epaphroditus arrived, Timothy had some time to take a break. A little vacation if you will, in order to have some time of restoration himself.

Not only was Epaphroditus a blessing to others, but he was blessed in return.

There is no better feeling than the feeling we get when we have fulfilled a purpose. Especially when that purpose blesses others. It warms our heart to see the joy and appreciation in the faces of others. Epaphroditus was a blessing to others and Paul called upon the people in Philippi to honor him and others like him. We should honor such people. It is appropriate to do so. But even if we do not, it is a blessing in itself to serve God and others. God has a way of blessing us for the sacrifices we make even when others do not. The key is in who we are looking to for that appreciation. If we do it for the appreciation of others, we will often be hurt and disappointed. But if it is for God’s approval we never go wanting. He always delivers!

In our church, we are hoping to start a different kind of Compassionate Ministries. Our ministry before required a lot of physical labor that we were unable to fulfill anymore. However, this new one will require a different kind of labor. We will need people to interview people. We will need people to prepare donated items for distribution. We will need people to come during times to allow people to look through those donations for things that meet their needs. We will need people that are loving, welcoming, compassionate, yet can also provide tough love when needed. We may need people to teach skills they have to others. It is early and I do not know just what all our needs will be just yet, but I do know one thing.

We will need men of spiritual balance, willing to step out of their comfort zones to meet the needs of others.

We will need men of compassion who care about those we serve and are willing to go an extra mile at times.

We will need men who are a blessing to others instead of seeking to fulfill their own needs.

We need men who can be role models to other men on how to be loving husbands, good fathers, and devout men of faith.

Men who can be brothers, co-workers, and fellow soldiers with each other. These are the kind of men that will attract other men to Christ.

There are a lot of promotions on how to win the lost to Christ, but I believe men who fit the above descriptions have the best chance of making it happen. It is often a lot easier to win women to Christ than it is to win men. However, it is difficult for women to lead men to Christ. It is far easier for men to accomplish that task. If you win the men of the town, I believe the women and children will follow.

Conclusion:

Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus demonstrate for us that living as Christ lived is not beyond our human ability. The Holy Spirit works in us and gives us the power to look beyond ourselves to others. We do so without grumbling and complaining. When we do so, we become a blessing and are in turn blessed. Evidence of the blessings are seen in the many times Paul mentions joy throughout this letter.

Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus were men that were 100% sold out to God. There was no task too great or too small that they were not willing to fill. I am sure that many times they had to step outside of their comfort zones to do so.

Is there an area in your life you need to submit to God? Something that is preventing you from doing what God is calling you to do? Is there some difficulty that you are experiencing that you are grumbling about? This pandemic has been a lot longer haul than we first expected. Are we grumbling about it or are we recognizing the opportunities it has given to share the gospel? Are we afraid for our health or are we focused on the fears others have realizing we have an answer for them that can relieve their fears?

As fathers, what example are you setting for your children? Your sons? Are you a healthy role model for them as Christians, husbands and fathers?

What kind of role model are you for men in the church who may not have Christian fathers? Have you ever looked beyond your own needs and comfort to offer companionship to them? What about men in the community that you know? Do you ever think of their needs and reflect how you can reach out to them?

On the flip-side, who can we honor for their faithfulness? As a pastor, you do me great honor frequently on many occasions. However, there are many others in our congregation who serve faithfully in good spirit no matter what it costs them. They give of their time, talents, finances, and make sacrifices that we do not always acknowledge. I can name a lot of them. Can you? If so, please take a moment to send them a card or give them a call and thank them for their Epaphroditus spirit.

Pray

Precious Father,

I feel so blessed to serve in a church where there are so many Epaphroditus’, Lydias’, and Timothys’. People of prayer, grace, mercy and self-sacrificing service. May we never take each other for granted. May we maintain order and unity in all we do. Help us to follow your lead and to take our eyes off ourselves and others and follow Your direction alone Lord. For thine is the kingdom, the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen

In closing today, I wish to share this quote from Billy Graham…How very true, but even if your do not have children at home, you can be a father to others. Be a father of the faith. Share your love and time with someone who does not have a father in the faith. That is also an asset in our society.

To each of you and to my father, I wish you a wonderful day also. Dad, thank you for the vacation it was much appreciated! Love you! Until we meet again, Love and God bless to each of you!