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 will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their 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, co-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 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.
Introduction: (Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline, "The Discipline of Service.")
Self-righteous service comes through human effort.
True service comes from a relationship with the divine Other deep inside.
Self-righteous service is impressed with the "big deal."
True service finds it almost impossible to distinguish the small from the large service.
Self-righteous service requires external rewards.
True service rests contented in “hiddenness”.
Self-righteous service is highly concerned about results.
True service is free of the need to calculate results.
Self-righteous service picks and chooses whom to serve.
True service is indiscriminate in its ministry.
Self-righteous service is affected by moods and whims.
True service ministers simply and faithfully because there is a need.
Self-righteous service is temporary.
True service is a life-style.
Self-righteous service is without sensitivity. It insists on meeting the need even when to do so would be destructive.
True service can withhold the service as freely as perform it.
Self-righteous service fractures community.
True service, on the other hand, builds community.
Historical Background:
• Author – Paul
• Purpose – To thank the Philippians for the gift they had sent Paul and to strengthen these believers by showing them that true joy comes from Jesus Christ alone.
• Date written – 61 AD from Rome during Paul’s imprisonment
The following are the narratives of Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus in the work of the Gospel and to their fellow workers.
1. Paul
- He has joy even he is prison (v 19)
- He loves his fellow worker (v 22)
- He is concern with the church even in sorrow (v 27)
2. Timothy
- He shows genuine concern to the church (v 20)
- He is supportive in the work of the Gospel (v 22)
3. Epaphroditus
- He is supportive to fellow worker (v 25)
- He risks his life for the ministry (v 30)
What kind of church is the Philippians?
- Looks out for their own interests (v 21)
- Could not give much help (v 30)
Let me conclude this message by these questions:
Are we like Paul who is joyful in spite of his condition?
Or are we like Paul who is supportive in the work of the Gospel?
Or are like Epaphroditus who is supportive to his fellow worker?
Or are like the Philippians who just look out on their own interests?
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