Faithful Service
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Last week, Paul talked to the church at Philippi, telling them he was being poured out like a drink offering—a sacrifice and service of their faith.
Paul rejoiced in them, and now he wants them to rejoice and be glad with him.
And now, in our passage today, Paul continues to be concerned about the church.
If you have your Bibles, turn with me to Philippians chapter 2, and we’ll begin reading with verse 19.
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.
No One Like Timothy
No One Like Timothy
Paul says he wants (hopes) to send Timothy to them so he can be cheered up when he hears news about them.
I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Paul says there is no one like Timothy.
— Timothy takes a genuine interest in their welfare.
— Timothy is different from everyone else—because everyone else looks out for their own interest.
— Timothy looks out for the interest of Jesus Christ.
But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.
Timothy has proved himself over and over again.
Timothy is like a son to Paul
— Serving with him.
— Working to advance the gospel.
I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.
Paul’s hope—to send Timothy to him as soon as he knows what his outcome is going to be.
And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
Still, Paul says he is “confident in the Lord” that he would be able to visit them again!
Epaphroditus’ Faithfulness
Epaphroditus’ Faithfulness
But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.
The first thing we must ask is who is Epaphroditus? He is only mentioned one more time in the book of Philippians.
I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
But his name is not mentioned anywhere else in Scripture.
So let’s look at what we do know.
— Paul calls him, brother.
— Paul calls him, fellow worker.
— Paul calls him, fellow soldier.
__ Finally, Paul tells us that he is their messenger—that the church sent to Paul to help take care of his needs.
For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.
— Epaphroditus longed to return to Philippi.
— Because they heard that he was ill.
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.
Paul confirms that Epaphroditus was indeed very sick!
In fact, he was so sick that he almost died.
But God had mercy on Epaphroditus and mercy on Paul. So Paul could escape more sorrow.
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.
Paul is all the more eager to send Epaphroditus—so that they may be “glad” rejoice, pleased, or encouraged
Paul also believes when the Philippians see Epaphroditus he will also have less anxiety.
Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.
Finally, Paul says the Philippians need to:
Welcome him in the Lord.
Welcome him with great joy.
Honor men & women like him—that risk their lives for the work of Jesus.
Epaphroditus risked his life helping Paul when those in Philippi couldn’t help.
SO WHAT?
SO WHAT?
Do you get excited when you hear what is going on around the world?
Do you genuinely look out for the interests of others? Are you genuinely concerned about how the welfare of others?
Are you looking over the concerns and interest of Jesus?
Have you proved yourself like Timothy did?
Would others consider you:
— A Brother in Christ?
— As a fellow worker?
— As a fellow soldier?
— As a messenger?
— As one who cares for the needs of others?
What kind of people do you honor?
