Introduction

Welcome, dear family in Christ, to this gathering where we come together to share in the richness of God’s Word. It is always a joy to meet with you, to see your faces, to feel the warmth of our shared faith, and to know that we are all here because of one thing - our love for our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We are here today to share in a message from the book of Philippians, a book that is a testament to the joy and peace that comes from living a life in Christ. It is a book that speaks of unity, of love, and of the strength that comes from being part of the body of Christ.

Our text today comes from Philippians 2:19-30. Let's read together:

"I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 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. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. But I think it 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. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 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. 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. So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him."

Building Bridges with Believers

In the passage we read from Philippians, we see the Apostle Paul expressing his deep love and concern for his fellow believers. He speaks of Timothy and Epaphroditus, two men who have been instrumental in his ministry, and who have shown a genuine concern for the welfare of others. These men, Paul says, are not just his co-workers, but his brothers and fellow soldiers in the faith. They are part of his spiritual family, connected by their shared love for Christ and their commitment to spreading the gospel.

This connection between believers is a beautiful thing: It's a bond that transcends differences in background, culture, and personality. It's a bond that is forged in the fires of shared faith and common purpose. And it's a bond that can provide us with strength, encouragement, and support in our walk with Christ. But this connection doesn't just happen by accident. It requires effort. It requires us to reach out to others, to invest in relationships, to show genuine concern for their welfare. It requires us to build bridges.

Showing genuine concern for their welfare: This is something that Timothy exemplified in his relationship with Paul. He wasn't just interested in Paul's ministry; he was interested in Paul. He cared about his well-being, his struggles, his joys, and his sorrows. This kind of genuine concern is a powerful bridge-builder. It communicates to others that we value them, not just for what they can do, but for who they are. It shows them that we are willing to walk alongside them in their journey of faith, sharing in their burdens and rejoicing in their victories.

Working together for a common purpose: Paul refers to Timothy and Epaphroditus as his co-workers and fellow soldiers. They were united in their commitment to spreading the gospel, and they worked together to achieve this goal. This shared purpose provided a strong foundation for their relationship, a common ground on which they could build a deep and lasting bond. When we work together with other believers, whether it's in a ministry, a Bible study group, or a service project, we are not just accomplishing a task. We are building bridges. We are strengthening our connection with each other, and with Christ.

Honoring and appreciating them: Paul speaks highly of Timothy and Epaphroditus, praising their faithfulness and dedication. He encourages the Philippians to welcome Epaphroditus with great joy and to honor people like him. This kind of appreciation is a powerful bridge-builder. It shows others that we value their contributions, that we see and acknowledge their efforts, and that we are grateful for their presence in our lives. When we honor and appreciate our fellow believers, we are not just expressing our gratitude. We are building bridges. We are strengthening our connection with them, and with Christ.

Sharing in their struggles and sorrows: Paul speaks of Epaphroditus' illness, and of the distress it caused him and the Philippians. He speaks of his own desire to spare the Philippians from further sorrow by sending Epaphroditus back to them. This kind of shared struggle is a powerful bridge-builder. It shows others that we are willing to bear their burdens, to walk with them through the valleys of life, and to share in their pain. When we share in the struggles and sorrows of our fellow believers, we are not just offering our sympathy. We are building bridges. We are strengthening our connection with them, and with Christ.