It’s an exciting day today, June 14th, 2020 as we see the 2020 vision become a reality for Phil, Helaine, Callun, Hudson and Lenore.
I invite you to study Philippians 2 with me, where God describes two honorable men, being sent to Philippi. As we have been studying thru the letter of Philippians. It is amazing to be on this very appropriate passage on this day! Paul is letting the church in Philippi know that he is sending them laborers to help them.
Philippians 2:19-21 “ 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.”
When Paul asked for volunteers to travel to Philippi, Timothy was willing to go. While others are occupied with their own interests (vs.21). Timothy was willing to set his own interests aside to serve Christ.
The reason Timothy did this is because he cared for others. Verse 20 says, he “sincerely cared.”
Timothy was unselfish in his pursuits. That means he put the interests of others ahead of his agenda to the point of being dedicated to serving others.
It’s really the way any of us gain respect and honor wherever we are – in the home, on the job, or at school. It comes when we put the needs of others before our own. More than that Timothy was a servant.
Timothy was dependable to serve others and help out. Not only did Paul “Trust him in the Lord’s work (vs 19).” He had a proven character.
Philippians 2:22-24 “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.”
Timothy was like a son to Paul. Timothy’s ministry was like “a son with his father’s business.” He faithfully worked – like a son who humbly, not haughtily worked for the honor of his father’s namesake.
And that’s what a godly person is to do. As a believer, we put on Christ, we bear His name in our service to others. We serve as God’s name-sake on earth. A distinguishing character of a believer is that we serve people with an attitude that says, “It’s a privilege to serve you. You are important to God, and I want to do all I can to help.”
Timothy Keller wrote in an article in the Journal of Biblical Counseling, “Jesus called us to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). Now, the job of salt is to make food taste good. I love a lot of butter and salt on my corn-on-the-cob. But when I bite into that corn, with the juice dribbling down my chin, I don’t say, “That’s great salt.” No, I say, “That’s great corn on the cob.” Why? Because the job of the salt is NOT to make you think how great the salt is, but how great the food is.
So, you and I are salt in our circles of life. For example, if you are salt in your small group Bible study, we shouldn’t want people to go away thinking, “That person really knows the Bible and has all the answers!” No. When you are truly salt, people go away thinking, “That’s a great group. I really learned a lot today about Jesus Christ.” (Timothy Keller, The Journal of Biblical Counseling, Volume 19, Winter 2001)
Our service is about God’s name and the gospel. Christ calls us to allow people to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34:8.
Now, just in case the example of Timothy is not enough, we also have the example of another man, Epaphroditus, who’s name literally means, “Charming.” Epaphroditus was winsome. He had an attractive character.
Philippians 2:25 “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.”
Epaphroditus, like Timothy, was also a servant. Here he was described a brother, fellow-worker and fellow soldier.
More than that, he was special to the Philippian Believers, as well. He was their messenger – literally, their representative. He was their minister – their servant, sent by them to serve Paul’s needs.
The word, translated “ministered,” in vs.25, is the origin of the English word “liturgy.” Epaphroditus’ service to Paul in prison was actually a liturgy (a servant work of ministry). In other words, Epaphroditus served the Lord by serving Paul and others.
All believers should seek to be ministers to others.
1 John 4:20, “If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?”
We demonstrate our love for God by the way we love each other, that’s what it means to be selfless.
Epaphroditus was concerned about the welfare of others. Paul tells the Philippian believers, “I’m sending Epaphroditus back to you” because in verse 26…
Philippians 2:26 ”since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.”
Notice, he was not distressed because HE was ill. He was distressed because THEY HEARD he was ill.
Epaphroditus was willing to SACRIFICE his comfort for the sake of God and others. He gave up some of his rights, so others could benefit.
Philippians 2:27-29 “ 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.”
The reason for Epaphroditus determination is captured in verse 30
Philippians 2:30 “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.”
Phil, Helaine, Callun, Hudson and Lenore. It has been a pleasure to be part of your lives and see how God has prepared you for this day. As we review the characteristics of these honorable men that Paul sent off to Philippi, we have seen these characteristics in you and we have great confidence sending you to France!
Paul sent men to Philippi who-
- Were devoted to Christ. – vs. 19
- Where like-minded in the faith. – vs. 20
- Sincerely cared about others. – vs. 20
- Were unselfish in their pursuits. – vs. 21
- Had proven character. – vs. 22
- Served well alongside the family of God. – vs. 22
- Worked hard as soldiers of Christ. – vs. 25
- Ministered to the needs of others. – vs. 26
- Worked through trials. – vs.27
- Brought rejoicing to those they ministered to. – vs. 28
- Deserved to be held in high esteem. – vs. 29
- Gave their all for Christ. – vs. 30
We can serve each other here at FBC and we can also serve the Lord in France by sending someone in our place who is willing, just like the Apostle Paul did here in this context. Paul sent Timothy and Epaphroditus. We can send, support and pray for Demartes and their work for Christ in our behalf.
It is our prayer that our rejoicing will be turned to rejoicing in France when they arrive.