JOY EXEMPLIFIED: GOSPEL PARTNERS

Philippians 2:25–30 NKJV

Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

Main Idea: God desires to raise up gospel partners.

Key Question: How are you a partner?

1. Gospel partners minister to one another. (v. 25-26)

Philippians 2:25–26 NKJV

Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.

v. 26 - “distressed” - used to describe Jesus at garden of gathsemene

1 Timothy 4:6 NKJV

If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

Philemon 13 NKJV

whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel.

2. Gospel partners receive God’s mercy. (v. 27)

Philippians 2:27 NKJV

For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

Hebrews 4:16 NKJV

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Psalm 145:9 NKJV

The Lord is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.

grieve yes always rejoicing = 2 cor 6:10

3. Gospel partners bring joy. (v. 28-29)

Philippians 2:28–29 NKJV

Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem;

2 Timothy 1:4–5 NKJV

greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

4. Gospel partners ought to be welcomed. (v. 29)

Philippians 2:29 NKJV

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem;

Matthew 10:40–41 NKJV

“He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

5. Gospel partners are to be respected. (v. 29-30)

Philippians 2:29–30 NKJV

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

1 Timothy 5:17 NKJV

Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.

Philippians 2:4 NKJV

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