Exemplary Servants
Joy in Jesus • Sermon • Submitted
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Background
Background
(Connect 3 parts of chapter 2)
If you recall I had mentioned that I believe Paul’s purpose or occasion for writing Philippians was two fold.
1 - He wanted to reassure the Philippians of his love and care for them and that despite his circumstance, he rejoices and believes it has served to advance the gospel. He calls them to rejoice in the Lord as he does. He wanted to eliminate their worry and concern about him.
2- He entreats them to pursue unity amongst one another as the manner of life that is fitting of and with the gospel.
Paul’s Plea
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,
2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
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14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing,
So it’s relatively clear that there was some level of division within the church at Philippi. In chapter 4, 2 specific individuals are called out, Euodia and Syntyche. How widespread the division was we don’t know but it was enough that Paul puts such emphasis on unity, grumbling, and disputing.
Christ - The Ultimate Example (V 6-11)
Paul illustrates Christ’s condescension, humiliation, obedience, death, resurrection, and ascension to show us Christ as the perfect example of selflessness and sacrifice.
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
philippians 2:
There can be no greater example as Christ was God. Any faithful service His followers could provide couldn’t even come close. It pales in comparison. Christ was sinless, He was divine. His sacrifice was the just for the unjust. It was the most selfless act there could ever be.
Exemplars in the Church
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
25 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, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 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. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
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At first it seems as though verses 2:19-30 is Paul just picking up where he left off in 1:26 talking about his missionary work and those who shared it with him, and yes, that is the case but there is more to it than that.
“…The reference to Timothy and Epaphroditus is particularly appropriate at this juncture for…it completes the pattern of teaching in chapter two. Paul has urged the Philippians to be humble (vv. 1-4); he has expounded that pattern from the example of Christ himself (vv. 5-11), and drawn out its implications and the motivations which should encourage it (vv. 12-18) Now he is saying albeit by means of gentle hints: here are two men you know who illustrate the very qualities you are to imitate. Salvation has been worked out into their characters - look at them and you will know exactly what I mean!”
Sinclar Ferguson - “Lets study Philippians” pg. 62
This portion of chapter 2 is not just a going back to 1:26. It completes the picture of what Paul is telling them about how he desires for them to be. The 2 individuals highlighted here exemplify this teaching. They are another model and illustration of verses 2-5 and perhaps examples that may be easier for us to identify with as they too are fallen yet redeemed, reborn humans such as us.
Timothy-
Easton’s Bible Dictionary Timothy
TIMOTHY—honouring God, a young disciple who was Paul’s companion in many of his journeyings. His mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, are mentioned as eminent for their piety (2 Tim. 1:5). We know nothing of his father but that he was a Greek (Acts 16:1). He is first brought into notice at the time of Paul’s second visit to Lystra (16:2), where he probably resided, and where it seems he was converted during Paul’s first visit to that place (1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 3:11). The apostle having formed a high opinion of his “own son in the faith,” arranged that he should become his companion (Acts 16:3), and took and circumcised him, so that he might conciliate the Jews. He was designated to the office of an evangelist (1 Tim. 4:14), and went with Paul in his journey through Phrygia, Galatia, and Mysia; also to Troas and Philippi and Berea (Acts 17:14). Thence he followed Paul to Athens, and was sent by him with Silas on a mission to Thessalonica (17:15; 1 Thess. 3:2). We next find him at Corinth (1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1) with Paul. He passes now out of sight for a few years, and is again noticed as with the apostle at Ephesus (Acts 19:22), whence he is sent on a mission into Macedonia. He accompanied Paul afterwards into Asia (20:4), where he was with him for some time. When the apostle was a prisoner at Rome, Timothy joined him (Phil. 1:1), where it appears he also suffered imprisonment (Heb. 13:23). During the apostle’s second imprisonment he wrote to Timothy, asking him to rejoin him as soon as possible, and to bring with him certain things which he had left at Troas, his cloak and parchments (2 Tim. 4:13). According to tradition, after the apostle’s death he settled in Ephesus as his sphere of labour, and there found a martyr’s grave.
Timothy was most likely Paul’s closest friend and companion. Paul states in V. 20 that he “has no one like him.” No doubt Timothy played a big role in the ministry with Paul there in Rome. He certainly would have been an encouragement to Paul. Paul would have had many reasons to keep him there with him in Rome yet he believed that he could serve the Philippians well and thus encourage Paul in that way.
Throughout the pages of scripture we see this pattern with those in key leadership roles i.e. Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, and Peter and Mark.
“Leaders must prove themselves by serving with others first. It is thus that they learn no only how to lead, but what it is like to be led! Unfortunately some of us want to be leaders but have never allowed ourselves to be led. Whatever leadership gifts we have, we lack the one thing needful; a servant spirit.”
Sinclar Ferguson - “Lets study Philippians” pg. 62
This is exactly how Jesus trained and taught His disciples:
5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”
12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
One of the marks of a great leader is his or her servanthood. The apostles would be sent into all the word with the message of Christ and this principle of going low to serve others was a requirement.
Timothy proved to be both an effective leader and follower.
Epaphroditus - (list nouns in 2:25)
Epaphroditus sphere of influence and ministry doesn’t appear as broad geographically and scripturally as Timothy’s but as we can see here, he was faithful; to God, to Paul, and to the church at Philippi.
This epistle is the only place in the NT where Epaphroditus is mentioned.
Epaphroditus was no doubt the son of pagan parents as his name indicates.
Aphrodite is an ancient Greek goddess associated with love, beauty, pleasure, passion and procreation.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodite
It was Epaphroditus that brought the gift from Philippi to Paul in Rome.
18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
Paul wanted to send him back and mentions 3 reason
Epaphroditus was longing for those in Philippi (V. 26)
So the Philippians would rejoice at seeing him
So Paul would be less anxious
Although Timothy’s departure for Philippi will await the resolution of Paul’s legal appeal, Paul is dispatching Epaphroditus immediately, probably bearing this epistle, to reassure the Philippians’ concerns over Epaphroditus’s health and Paul’s situation, to express thanks for the gift Epaphroditus had brought, and to address other pastoral concerns.
Paul mentions Epaphroditus with words of high esteem and affection
Although Timothy’s departure for Philippi will await the resolution of Paul’s legal appeal, Paul is dispatching Epaphroditus immediately, probably bearing this epistle, to reassure the Philippians’ concerns over Epaphroditus’s health and Paul’s situation, to express thanks for the gift Epaphroditus had brought, and to address other pastoral concerns.
Sproul, R. C. (Ed.). (2015). The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (p. 2112). Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust.
Brother- no doubt he reflects the birth marks of the household or family of God
Fellow worker- He was ready and willing to share in the burden of Christian service
Fellow soldier- faithful and fit to fight the spiritual battles both within himself and against the wiles of the devil
Messenger-He had served both Paul and the church at Philippi in traveling to Rome delivering their love offering now commission back to Philippi to serve and encourage them as well as likely deliver this epistle
Minister- Minister is simply one who serves Christ and His church. Epaphroditus was certainly ministering to Paul and others while in Rome.
Epaphroditus had become very ill. Apparently so ill they he almost died. Paul also connects this illness to his service for Christ. Also mentions it as Epaphroditus risking his life.
30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Faithful, fruitful service for Christ is indeed risky.
Epaphroditus had risked his life in order to serve Christ by serving Paul and the Philippians Other had done that too.
Epaphroditus teaches us that there is no such thing as a risk-free life of faith. Of course, one thing is certain - Jesus Christ. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. It is no gamble to rest our hope on him. Indeed, to fail to do so is to risk and lose all. When we become his, that is exactly what we are - his, and no longer our own. We have yielded control over of our own lives; we count our own security in this world as subservient to our Lord’s will and purposes. In that limited sense we are all risk-takers by definition. The question is: a risk-taker in fact? Have I risked anything for Christ recently?
I think that is a question that we need to answer. Have I risked anything for Christ recently?
If you don’t like the word risk, just think sacrifice. Have we put the cause of Christ first in our decision making? If we do, put Christ first, we can expect a life of great challenge.
I heard one preacher once say, “Christianity is not floating down a river into heaven but rather trying to swim up stream, against the current and those who spiritually float will certainly drift.”
That is just not the picture the NT gives us of the life of a Christian.
Characteristics of Faithful Servants
Characteristics of Faithful Servants
This is a list of observations of faithful servants throughout the Bible and certainly characteristics of both Timothy and Epaphroditus.
1. Availability
Timothy and Epaphroditus were available to serve. Are we available to serve? We need to evaluate our availability. Now we need to be careful lest we fail to see God’s purpose for us in where He has placed us. Having to work 40-50 hours a week is hardly an obstacle to faithful ministry. It can be quite the opposite. It can be the same with school, sports, or any other activity we are engaged in. BUT we do need to use that time as a time to faithfully serve the Lord and serve others. Day to day life isn’t a ministry obstacle. We need to see our everyday lives as opportunities to serve. Jesus ministered in the midst of people’s everyday lives. Very little of Jesus recorded earthly ministry is within the walls of the synagogue. It’s out where people live their lives and we too need to serve people there.
However, we can spread ourselves so thin as to where needs that the church has aren’t being met and this is more often the case than not I believe.
People don’t arrange their days in a way so as to be available to help where it is needed. This is something we need to constantly evaluate and make adjustments in.
2. Sensitivity
They were sensitive to the needs of others, they actually cared.
English Standard Version Chapter 2
20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
This is certainly a prerequisite for God honoring, faithful service. We have to be genuinely concerned and genuinely care about the needs of others.
I had mentioned that at this point in chapter 2 Paul is giving further illustration of what is calling the Church at Philippi to be.
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
All of our service to God and others, if not a genuine act of love, is worthless in the kingdom of God.
2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3. Reliability
Paul says in verse 22 “you know his (Timothy) proven worth.” He was reliable, trustworthy and proven. Can we be trusted and reliable to finish the task we have been given?
In Paul’s own day and I think we can safely say in ours too, this is a rarity.
21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.
philippians 2:21-22
Even in the presence of the great Apostle Paul he had few who fit this characteristic.
4. Sacrificially (V. 2:17)
Again, Paul refers to Epaphroditus’ service for God as a risk to his own life. How far are we willing to go in our service for Christ and others? Will we go far enough that our own lives are impacted in some significant way?
Would we serve Christ and others to the point that death could be possible? At what point would we turn back and say ‘I’ll go this far but no further’?
Let’s carry with us this chapter 2 and challenge ourselves to greater service, greater unity, and greater love for Christ and His people.