Commendations And Instructions - Philippians, Part 6 Series

“Commendations and Instructions” - Philippians, Part 6

Philippians Sermon Series, Part 6

Philippians 2:25 – 3:4

Introduction

- Reminder about our level-set from series opener:

1. Christians must reflect the joy of Christ in everything we do

2. This means you and I are to make the Gospel personal, because it is!

3. Not telling shows them that we have nothing different/special to offer others

- This is a great book of discipleship; prayerfully help us draw closer to Christ

-- Living worthy of the Gospel means that we are to be found doing the work

-- RE: As Christians, we are in this together – but not for our ego, desires, or needs

- Quick summary of last week:

- We must acquire the knowledge as Timothy did, but there is more:

1. We must develop the heart of love and care for people

2. Ask God for a heart that will equip us to reach people and help them

-- BIG: We have to ask God to give us this heart; it is not naturally within us

- Re: Paul’s reference: “Timothy has proven himself.”

-- Let’s consider that carefully: Knowledge can be acquired and remembered

-- Association with good people can be claimed and documented

-- But … your character is proven! It is demonstrated through daily behavior!

-- Character is who you are inside; thoughts, motives, will, care and affection

- Read (NLT Version) Philippians 2:25 – 3:4 / Pray

- TR: So let’s dig into another example of faithfulness in service … Paul gives us

Point 1 – An example of a proven (faithful) character

- Notice how Paul describes Epaphroditus in v25

-- He calls Epaphroditus his brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier

-- To the Philippians he says “he is your messenger and minister to my need”

- First, he identifies Epaphroditus as a brother

-- They were brothers spiritually. They both knew Christ as Lord

-- These men enjoyed a fellowship and a common bond found in Christ

- But beyond that, Paul described him as a fellow worker.

-- Epaphroditus was committed to furthering the gospel in everything he did

-- He was a laborer in the harvest; something we can/must commit to as well

- Paul also describes him as a fellow soldier

-- He was engaged in spiritual battle, willing to face the danger of standing firm

- In these first three descriptive titles Paul uses for Epaphroditus … brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier … we see a real balance in his life.

-- Warren Wiersbe says this about Epaphroditus: “He was a balanced Christian!”

- He was also a minister. He ministered to Paul. He took care of his needs.

-- This was a man who was a servant. He was serving the Lord and serving Paul.

-- Was more concerned with how much he could give than how much he could get

- TR: Why would Paul want to send this incredible servant back?

Point 2 – Epaphroditus is a man who will not give up

- We see the first reason for the return of Epaphroditus given in v26

- Epaphroditus longs for the Philippians

-- He is distressed by the fact that they’ve heard about his sickness

-- They were concerned about his health and had prob. sent word to Paul about it

-- So, by returning to them he could set their minds at ease

-- APP: His longing for them indicates his love for them (like Timothy)

- We see in v27 that Epaphroditus had been so sick he had almost died

-- It was God in His mercy that healed Epaphroditus

-- God had mercy on him and spared his life

-- God also had mercy on Paul who would have had to bear the sorrow if he died

- In v28 we see another reason for his return

-- Paul says, “I’m sending him so that you can rejoice”

-- The Philippians will be happy to see this faithful servant

-- They will rejoice to see his health restored and to see him again with them

- Another reason for his return is so Paul will be less sorrowful

-- Paul was concerned about the Philippians; he knew they needed encouraging

- Paul cared about the welfare of others and was eager to send him back home

- TR: After making clear the reasons for his return, Paul goes on to instruct the Philippians in how they should receive this brother …

Point 3 – Fellow servants should be received with joy

- Paul instructs them to receive him in the Lord love with joy (v29)

-- They were to give him a hearty welcome home

- Get this: We are to honor and welcome in faithful servants

-- Paul wants to be clear that Epaphroditus is worthy of their honor