Philippians 2:19-30

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.  For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.  For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.  But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.  I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.  I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill.  Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.  I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.  So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

A leader like Paul could never have accomplished all that he did without the help of others.  Two of those servants are mentioned in this text.  It is always important for us to recognize the worth of others and the way they serve the Lord to advance the kingdom.  Leaders that think they can serve alone will never accomplish all they are capable of as members of the body of Christ.  It is important for us to recognize our need of others and give recognition to others.

 

TIMOTHY’S FAITHFUL WORTH: Paul desires to send Timothy to visit the church because he wants to get news about how they are doing and because he knows that Timothy will be a blessing to the church.  Paul is in prison so cannot go himself at this time.  Paul says that he has no better person than Timothy to go and minister in his place.  Faithfulness is such an important trait and opens up great opportunities for expanded ministry.  Many people seek to promote their own interests or pursue their own comfort.  Timothy is not like that.  He has proven his worth by putting the needs of others ahead of his own.  He has served Paul in the Gospel as a spiritual son and will certainly be a blessing wherever he goes.  We should strive to have this same kind of reputation.

 

EPAPHRODITUS’S SACRIFICIAL WORK: This young minister was from Philippi and had been sent by the church to minister to Paul as well as take an offering to him. We are not sure what happened, but apparently, he became very sick almost to the point of death.  Paul wants to send him home so the church will not be so concerned about him and perhaps for him to be able to make a full recovery.  The work of the Gospel is not an easy or safe work.  We will face hardships, illness, persecution, imprisonment, and danger as we seek to serve the Lord in an environment that is constantly becoming more hostile to our faith.  Sacrificial service should mark our lives and ministries.  We should also by faithful to partner with and minister to those who make these kinds of sacrifices.

 

APPLICATION:  Faithfully serve others no matter the context God places us.  Work as a team in the ministry recognizing the different gifts and abilities God has provided.  Be willing to make sacrifices and face difficult or even dangerous circumstances to advance the Gospel and help others who are faithfully ministering.

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