SERMONIC / WORSHIP THEME
Opening Statement: “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” --John F. Kennedy Inaugural Address Washington, D.C. January 20, 1961.
Introduction: Tomorrow is Veteran’s Day and throughout this nation those words will be echoed in the memory of United States veterans around the world. Wherever our nation’s flag flies, people will pause to remember the price that was paid and is being paid for the freedoms that we enjoy. Today, we pause to remember as well. We want to honor and esteem all veterans and especially those veterans who are with us in the worship service today. [Have them to stand and the congregation to applaud]
Illustration: We have a visual representation of the sacrifice that these and others like these have made on our behalf. These visual representations are on our platform every week when you come to worship. They have probably become so common to you that you hardly notice them. You see before you, this morning, are two flags. The American Flag and the Christian Flag. One represents our country and the other represents our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. These flags complement one another.
Explanation: Without the American Flag, we might not be able to wave the Christian Flag as freely as we do. Men and women have died in order that we might have the liberty to boldly wave the “Christian” Flag in our churches throughout America. No one stands in our way and we have our veterans to thank for this. On the other hand, without the Christian Flag, men and women who have laid their lives on the line for America could not have done so in confidence and hope without the realization that if they should perish, there is One who has faced death and overcome it and through faith in Him, life and liberty reigns eternal.
Notation: I want to go on record today to say, “I love America.” Even though there are individuals and groups of Americans who seem bent on severing any connection or responsibility to God, I love what we represent to the world. In addition to this and on a far greater level, “I love the Savior and His Kingdom and what that represents to the world.” I can’t imagine a world without churches or Bibles or seminaries and those who bring the Savior’s values and teachings into our communities and families. And when this country, as good and wonderful as it is, fails to meet your needs, there’s a Savior who has promised to supply every need.
Transition: To serve either of these flags and the kingdoms that they represent, one must become a servant. I want us to look at a true servant, a biblical veteran today. I’m going to expand the idea of a veteran to include more than just a military veteran. I have it on good authority to do so.
Definition: Webster’s Dictionary says that a veteran is: n. 1. a person who has had long service or experience in an occupation, office, or the like: (i.e., a veteran of the police force or fire department; veteran school teacher; a veteran NFL player; a veteran homemaker) 2. a person who has served in a military force. 3. one who is experienced through long service or practice… So, while we may be veterans in different areas, there’s one mark that characterizes all true veterans – faithful service. One final time, we will look at the life of Epaphroditus, a man who models service - Christianity in Action!
Title: Servanthood – The Mark of a True Veteran
Text: Philippians 2:25-30
SERMON
Opening Statement: A few months ago, we began looking at something that I entitled Christianity in Action as it was embodied in a man by the name of Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus went to Rome to be Paul’s assistant (4:14-19). Unfortunately, Epaphroditus had become physically ill after arriving in Rome. Paul sent him back to Philippi with this letter. To help ease this fear of embarrassment due to an early return and to help answer any second-guessing on the part of the church in even sending Epaphroditus in the first place, Paul wrote a very glowing testimony for him, commending him for such incredible service.
Transition: From this testimony, we know that the active Christian life can be described by four METAPHORS for ministry. Paul called Ep a brother, a fellow-worker, and a soldier. The final METAPHOR that we look at today is a servant. This entire passage breathes of servanthood and describes what servants must endure at times.
Recitation: Philippians 2:25 But for now I have considered it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. For he is my brother, coworker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to me in my need. 2:26 Indeed, he greatly missed all of you and was distressed because you heard that he had been ill. 2:27 In fact he became so ill that he nearly died. But God showed mercy to him—and not to him only, but also to me—so that I would not have grief on top of grief. 2:28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you can rejoice and I can be free from anxiety. 2:29 So welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 2:30 since it was because of the work of Christ that he almost died. [Give him a heroes welcome. He did his job, even though he is returning home a little earlier than planned.] He risked his life so that he could make up for your inability to serve me.
Exposition: Paul was hurting when Epaphroditus showed up. He was in jail. Some needs were going unmet. Epaphroditus was there to meet as many needs as he could and help to relieve the Apostle from some of the tedious tasks and demands. From my viewpoint, Epaphroditus is brother, coworker, and fellow soldier. From your viewpoint, He is messenger and minister. These are servant words. As you read on in the text, you realize what is involved in the life of a servant, a volunteer, a veteran.
Recitation: Philippians 2:26 Indeed, he greatly missed all of you and was distressed because you heard that he had been ill. 2:27 In fact he became so ill that he nearly died. But God showed mercy to him—and not to him only, but also to me—so that I would not have grief on top of grief.
APPLICATION POINTS
1. Servants, volunteers, veterans endure homesickness. Philippians 2:26 Indeed, he greatly missed all of you…
2. Servants, volunteers, veterans endure physical sickness. Philippians 2:26 Indeed, he greatly missed all of you and was distressed because you heard that he had been ill. In these days, one didn’t hide behind a lot of different medicines and remedies. A simple and easy-to-cure illness by today’s standards, often proved to be fatal in those days.
3. Servants, volunteers, veterans endure close calls with death. Philippians 2:26 Indeed, he greatly missed all of you and was distressed because you heard that he had been ill. 2:27 In fact he became so ill that he nearly died… Philippians 2:30 since it was because of the work of Christ that he almost died. He risked his life so that he could make up for your inability to serve me.
4. Servants, volunteers, veterans endure unanswered questions. Philippians 2:26 Indeed, he greatly missed all of you and was distressed because you heard that he had been ill. 2:27 In fact he became so ill that he nearly died. But God showed mercy to him—and not to him only, but also to me—so that I would not have grief on top of grief. Paul enjoyed God’s mercies and we should too. But what about all of those times when God doesn’t heal and His mercies cannot be felt and those we love have to say good-bye and experience the grief on top of grief that Paul talked about?
Summarization: Servants, volunteers, veterans endure homesickness, physical sickness, close calls with death, and deal with unanswered questions. Paul says to give people like this a hero’s welcome. Philippians 2:28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you can rejoice and I can be free from anxiety. 2:29 So welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him… A servant, a volunteer, a veteran is one who despite the hard times, serves his God, his family, and his countrymen, in spite of the pain, the heartache, and the inconvenience. They deserve to be honored.
Application: The Christian life is not always about comfort. Oh, there are times when we celebrate and enjoy the blessings of God. We should do this everyday. Find something you enjoy doing in life or people you enjoy being around, or appreciate a new blessing, and have fun doing it. Recently, we went to the New Port Aquarium, thanks to Jessica Whitehair, who is a volunteer there. We just don’t recognize the vibrant colors that God has placed in His world and on His creatures. And that’s what strikes you. All of this is in God’s world and you never see it. Appreciate colors, but go even further. Appreciate the smell of baking bread, a single leaf dropping to the ground, or a child’s hand in yours.
Illustration: But realistically life is also about enduring some hard times, that hinder our ability to appreciate these things. Sometimes, you just have a horrible day despite your noblest intentions. What comes to mind for example are our elementary school teachers who often endeavor to do a great job but end up enduring headache after headache before the days end. Perhaps you heard about the teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put on his boots? He asked for help and she could see why. With her pulling and him pushing, the boots still didn’t want to go on. When the second boot was on, she had worked up a sweat. She almost whimpered when the little boy said, "Teacher, they’re on the wrong feet." She looked and sure enough, they were. It wasn’t any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on this time on the right feet. He then announced, "These aren’t my boots." She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, “Why didn’t you say so?" like she wanted to. Once again she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off. He then said, "They’re my brother’s boots. My Mom made me wear them today." She didn’t know if she should laugh or cry. She mustered up the grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots on his feet again. She said, "Now, where are your mittens?" He said, "I stuffed them in the toes of my boots..." Her trial starts next week.
The Christian life is about having days like that. It’s about living in a world where the decisions of others cause us great grief and tribulation. It’s about living in a world where sometimes disease and sickness forever alter life as we have it planned. Sometimes the Christian life is about enduring radiation instead of sun tanning on a beach. It’s about taking a lesser salary when talent and ability open up more lucrative opportunities. It’s about staying together and working things out in a horrible relationship when there’s this wonderful person at work that seems to understand and connect with me more than my own spouse. It’s about saying “Good-bye” to family and friends to do what you feel you need to do when you barely just got out your “Hello.” It’s about enduring a thousand little inconveniences for the cause of Christ and for the sake of others. It’s about living in world that sometimes is friendly to our dreams but at other times snuffs out our dreams prematurely and leaves us to pontificate over what it all means and who really is in control anyway. These who faithfully work through such things are our true veterans and I honor you today.
Application: The church is about honoring people like this who do their jobs sacrificially week after week in their communities, in front of their families, partnering with others to see good things happen, and even dying for their country if necessary. The essence of Christianity and of patriotism is about sacrifice and surrender. Epaphroditus was willing to risk it all for the Gospel. He endured many risks. Traveling to Rome was not an easy journey to make. Many people died on the open seas or on the roadways. Being the courier of the substantial Philippian gift would have put him at great risk among thieves. Being openly associated with a Roman criminal, Paul, would have carried with it a measure of suspicion. He risked his health, his reputation and not seeing his family and friends for a long time. He was a true veteran.
CONCLUSION
Quotation: Edward Everett Hale’s words live on: I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
Invitation: How about letting the church help shoulder your load for a few minutes this morning.
Benediction: Our Heavenly Father, help us to remember that freedom cannot be handed down and maintained without effort; that each generation must rediscover it for themselves. -Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
