Untitled Sermon

Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus. Examples of Faithfulness.

Paul as an Apostle and Christian was a powerful example of faithfulness. Paul was faithful to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Paul was faithful is discipling new converts, and Paul was faithful in service to the church and to his Lord and savior Jesus Christ.

In the today’s text, we have two men Timothy and Epaphroditus. They were positive examples of Christian service due to Paul’s example in his service to God.

Paul’s faithfulness provided influence and his influence was seen; therefore, allowing others to pay attention to his faithfulness, and as a result he was imitated. And these two men imitated his example.

It is often said that imitation is the highest form of flattery. But imitation is best implemented by those who see God’s servants as they imitate their Master, Jesus Christ.

In 1 Corinthians 11:1 Paul said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. “ Thes two men did just that. Now, verse 19-24.

Timothy Commended

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. 23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

vs. 19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.

Paul in the text illustrates faith.

Faith not in himself or of his capabilities, but in God.

The phrase “But I trust is further understood as—Yet my death is by no means certain; yea, “I hope (Greek) in the Lord (that is, by the Lord’s help)”

Paul is forced to remain away from the church. But he has an excellent contingency plan. He had two follow workers who were committed to the cause of Christ, committed to the spread of the Gospel. Paul’s Plan is God’s will.

A. The plan is to send Timothy

Paul has plans; yet his plan is not on a strictly human level. Paul’s plan in the Lord is for God to use his son in the faith, Timothy.

B. Let’s look at the meaning of his name. First, let us look at Timothy. He is a “Faithful servant” who is proven faithful.

Timothy lives up to the name given to him by God. A third-generation Christian. His name is the combination of two Greek words: τιμή (timē) meaning “honor, reverence,” and θεός (theos), meaning “God.” His name means honor and reverence to God!

And Timothy is living up to his name

Although Paul’s circumstances are uncertain, he is hopeful, and confident about the days ahead because he had already submitted himself to the Lord and the Lord’s will for his life.

And God’s will is to use Timothy. Timothy's great use was the “Lord’s will for Paul”, whenever Paul wished for information from some Church or wished to send advice or encouragement or rebuke and could not go himself, it was he (Timothy) whom he sent.

Here are the places Timothy was sent to: Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 3:6); to Corinth (1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 16:10-11); to Philippi. In the end Timothy, too, was a prisoner for Christ's sake (Hebrews 13:23).

Vs. 20-22 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.

Paul describes Timothy’s value when he said, “I am sending Timothy because I have no one like him.

A. Timothy's great value was that he was always willing to go anywhere; and in his hands a message was as safe as if Paul had delivered it himself.

B. Others might be consumed with selfish ambition; but Timothy's one desire was to serve Paul and more importantly, Jesus Christ.

Paul tells the church His reason for sending Timothy above all others: I have none so “like-minded,” literally, “like-souled,” with myself as is Timothy. Compare De 13:6, “Thy friend which is as thine own soul” (Ps 55:14). Paul’s second self.

With truth of Timothy’s worth being established Paul makes known Timothy’s value to himself and to the church. So, Paul makes known 3 valuable things concerning Timothy:

1. Timothy cares. Paul says, Who will sincerely care for your state: When Paul sent Timothy, he sent his best, a man who showed a pastor’s heart and had greater concern for his sheep than for himself.

2. He is concerned for the things of Christ. He is the patron saint of all those who are quite content with being second place, so long as they can serve. He does not seek his own, but the things of Christ.

3. He is Trustworthy. And the Philippians knew his relationship with Paul. Paul reiterated these things when he said something remarkable about their relationship. Paul informed the church saying, Timothy serves me like a son (a child) who serves his father.

Illustration: Since he was little, he was always by my side. I’m talking about my middle son Manuel. If I need something in a hurry, I call him and he immediately provides what I ask for. He is a blessing beyond measure and he is my son and I love him. Paul felt this way about Timothy because Timothy was trustworthy. This is why Paul makes these things k own about Timothy because he serves faithfully and can be trusted.

(23-24) Paul repeats his desire to come to the Philippians in person, not only to send Timothy to them.

23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

Paul said that he would send Timothy soon, but not immediately. The primary meaning is because Timothy is presently indispensable to Paul in Caesarea.

And that his stay with him now is more important than he (Timothy) coming to them immediately.

Here is why Paul delayed sending Timothy:

A. Paul needed Timothy to do the work that he couldn’t do.

B. Timothy was needed to aid Paul. Here’s a question for you regarding this passage, do you take care of others house before you take care of yours?

People often say I’m doing God’s work while their homes are crumbling and things aren’t right. You are not pleasing God with business. You must first be faithful to take care of the the things that God has given you.

C. Paul is taking care of his affairs so that if God permits, he will be able to ensure that others house is taken care of, but his house must be taken care of first!

D. Understand that there are times when one’s house must be in order in order for you to aid anyone else. (Timothy is this person that Paul needs during this time in his life).

E. Paul is taking care of his house now, so that if permitted he can assist others later.

Illustration: Our move, My wife Michelle, and my mentor and Pastor Rob Pedersen. They both cared for my state my wife is my best friend and Rob is as Paul said “like-souled.” My wife was concerned about commute (I was getting home late and extremely tired). A 1 hour drive quickly became 2 hours. 4 hours total away from family. My mentor was concerned about my physical well-being. They both wanted me to take care of my house. I am glad that they did. We sold our home and moved closer to work. I’m not tired anymore and I have time. I had to take care of my house in order to take care of others. In this God is glorified! My wife and Pastor Rob were invaluable to me, Just like Timothy was invaluable to Paul. Now verses 25-30.

Epaphroditus Praised

25 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; 26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 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. 28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; 30 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.

25-26) Paul writes about Epaphroditus and his coming to the Philippians

25 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; 26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.

Paul begins to speak of another faithful servant, Epaphroditus,. Just as Timothy was faithful, so is this man.

A. I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus took this letter to the Philippians.

It seems that Epaphroditus came to Paul from the Philippians as a messenger and became sick while he was with Paul.

Just like Timothy his name has meaning. Epaphroditus-name means fair and graceful (kindness, friendship).

B. Paul describes him as his fellow worker, soldier, and brother. And gave a direct evaluation of him coupled with titles which speak of his value and of his service.

There are three special relationships attached to Epaphroditus here:

1. · Brother speaks of a relationship to be enjoyed.

2. · Worker speaks of a job to be done.

3. · Soldier speaks of a battle to be fought.

These are the purposes for all three: The brother, the worker, and the soldier:

A brother is someone who is close and someone who is trusted. Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.

A worker is someone who is given an assignment and who always gets the job done. He has his master’s interests at heart.

A soldier is on who reports for duty and follows orders without compromise. They follow orders, they don’t give up, they are always engaged in the fight, and they are battle tested.

What all three have in common is that they are all messengers for good and do good.

Paul deems Epaphroditus as “your messenger” and the one who ministered to my need: This means that Epaphroditus brought a gift of financial support from the Philippians to Paul (Philippians 4:18).

The word “ministered” is significant and has a proper evaluation in regard to the context it is given: Ministered has in it the idea of a priestly service.

When Epaphroditus brought the support money from the Philippians to Paul in Rome, he brought a sacrifice.

In v. 26 we see that Epaphroditus was sick at one time.

In Rome Epaphroditus fell ill, perhaps with the notorious Roman fever which sometimes swept the city like a scourge, and was near to death.

He knew that news of his illness had filtered back to Philippi, and he was worried because he knew that his friends there would be worried about him.

But God in his mercy spared the life of Epaphroditus and so spared Paul yet more sorrow.

Paul knew that it was time that Epaphroditus went back home.

Paul sends Epaphroditus for many reasons:

1. Neither Paul nor Timothy were free to travel at this moment only Epaphroditus was able to travel.

2. Epaphroditus was from Philippi and became homesick

3. Epaphroditus had become gravely ill. News of his illness had reached Philippi and many of his friends were concerned.

4. As long as Epaphroditus was under Paul’s charge, his concern over his welfare was of the greatest concern. This decision on Paul’s part resolved all of these issues.

The way Paul handled this situation notes that Paul was a true Christian in his attitude to others; for he was never so immersed in his own troubles that he had no time to think of the troubles of his friends.

Take to heart that the text doesn’t say if Epaphroditus was miraculously healed; Paul still saw God’s hand of mercy in Epaphroditus’ recovery.

 (27) Epaphroditus’ sickness and his recovery.

27 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. 

Paul would have had sorrow upon sorrow because a valued brother, worker, and soldier for Christ who was no longer on this earth.

He would also have sorrow upon sorrow because Epaphroditus became sick when he came on behalf of the Philippians to minister to Paul’s material and spiritual needs while Paul was in prison in Rome.

Sorrow—namely, the sorrow of losing him by death, in addition to the sorrow of Paul’s imprisonment. Here only occurs anything of a sorrowful tone in this Epistle, which generally is most joyous.

(28-30) Paul’s instructions to the Philippians on how to receive Epaphroditus as he returns to them.

28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; 30 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.

Paul recommends him to their esteem and affection: that you may yourselves see how well he has recovered, and what reason you have for the thankfulness and joy upon his account.’’ He gave himself the pleasure of comforting them by the sight of so dear a friend. 

" Paul wrote, I sent him the more eagerly: Paul was eager to re-unite the Philippians with their beloved brother Epaphroditus, and reminded the Philippians to give him proper recognition when he returned (hold such men in esteem).

It seems he had caught his illness in the work of God: It was for the work of Christ that he was near to death, and to supply their lack of service to him. 

The apostle does not blame him for his indiscretion in hazarding his life, but reckons they ought to love him the more upon that account.

Not regarding his life: The willingness to put the work of Christ first and his own personal safety and concern second displayed the noble heart of Epaphroditus.

There are 2 observation for us this morning regarding how to serve God faithfully:

Observe, (1.) Those who truly love Christ, have a healthy and hearty in the interests of his kingdom, will think it very well worth their while to hazard their health and life to do him service, and promote the edification of his church.

Observe (2.) They were to receive him with joy, as newly recovered from sickness. It is an endearing consideration to have our mercies restored to us after danger of removal, and should make them the more valued and improved. What is given us in answer to prayer should be received with great thankfulness and joy.

To supply what was lacking in your service toward me: Epaphroditus did this by actually bringing the support that the Philippians gave. There was a lack in all the Philippians’ generosity and good intentions until the gift finally made its way to Paul’s need.

A. We should have the heart that there is something lacking in our service until the job is done.

B. We should not be satisfied with good intentions or a half-done job.