Philippians 2:19-30 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. 20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 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. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. 25 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. 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 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.
I. Apostle Paul—Missionary to the Gentiles in the Roman World
a. Book of Acts (which tells the history of the church after Jesus) focuses largely on Paul’s missionary journeys (chapters 13-28)
b. Scripture and church history reveal Paul as the most influential person in the spread of early Christianity (after Jesus)
i. *But it’s wrong to assume Paul accomplished this on his own accord* Paul had a team
II. Timothy
a. Traveled with Paul on his journeys (c.f. Acts 16)
b. Paul was clearly fond of Timothy (c.f. 1 and 2 Timothy)
i. V. 20a—I have no one like him; V. 22b—he was like a son to Paul
c. Vs. 20 & 22 also gives hint to Paul’s reason for sending Timothy—that he is capable of helping to sort out whatever divisiveness is going on
d. Timothy models Philippians 2:3-5
i. gospel minded and others (mission) focused
ii. 2:21 parallels 1:4 and contrasts Timothy to this
e. *As a church, we must make sure our motives are about service (serving each other and those in the community) and not our own interests*
III. Epaphroditus
a. Was Philippians’ messenger to Paul (and likely brought back this letter)
b. Paul’s 3 epitaphs: brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier (perhaps to connect with large retired military population in Philippi)
i. Willing to get his hands dirty, willing to get on the front lines—true ministry for the Lord is hard work
c. Epaphrodites—willing to risk it all—vs. 30: echo Paul’s words in 1:21- to live is Christ, to die is gain
IV. Partnership in the Gospel
a. Entire flow of this passage indicates:
i. They are working together for the mission of Christ
ii. There is true love, affection, and concern for each other
b. If you’re willing to get your hands dirty, to get on the front lines, you will experience the deepest kind of friendship and fellowship
V. For Wakeman Church
a. Get in the game
b. Be a team player- don’t be out for yourselves
i. Know your role
