Two Examples Of Level 5 Faithfulness Series

I. Introduction

A. How committed are we to being of service? In describing himself, Jesus said in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

B. “It came down to one essential definition. The central dimension for Level 5 is a leader who is ambitious first and foremost for the cause, for the company, for the work, not for himself or herself; and has an absolutely terrifying iron will to make good on that ambition. It is that combination, the fact that is is not about them, it’s not first and forest for them, it is for the company and its long-term interests, of which they are just a part. But it is not a meekness; it is not a weakness, it is not a wallflower type. It’s the other side of the coin…they will do whatever it takes to make the company great. No matter how painful, no matter how emotionally stressing the decision has to be, they have the will to do it. It is that very unusual combination, which separates out the Level 5 leaders.”—Jim Collins, in "Management Issues," January 3, 2006.

C. Paul describes for us two Level 5 leaders in today’s Scripture…

II. Timothy (vv.19-24)

A. Biography

1. From Lystra, Galatia; son of Eunice, grandson of Lois

2. Paul led him to salvation (1 Tim 1:2) on his first missionary trip (Acts 14:6-23) and asked Timothy to accompany him on his second missionary trip (Acts 16:1-3)

3. Will go on to become pastor of church at Ephesus (1 Tim 1:3)

B. Paul’s Future Plans

1. Timothy has not departed yet—Paul aims to send him soon, but tells them he’s sending Timothy to encourage them (v.23)

2. Spoiler: Paul will be released from this imprisonment (Acts 28:30), though he doesn’t know it yet (v.24)

C. Timothy’s Level 5 Leadership: Exemplary Servanthood

1. Timothy was characterized by selfless care: he placed the needs of others above his own

2. Paul trusted Timothy to tell him the truth (v.19)

3. Paul found him totally reliable, fully committed to Jesus and the mission of the Gospel (v.20)

4. He was undistracted by personal advancement or circumstances, unlike others Paul had known (v.21)

5. He had a reputation for being committed (v.22)

III. Epaphroditus (vv.25-30)

A. Biography

1. We don’t know much about Epahphroditus

2. Had a common Greek name: meant “favorite of Aphrodite”; later, simply “lovely/loving”

3. Native of Philippi… so this mission is a “homecoming”

4. Probably the (or a) missionary: messenger = apostle, or “sent one”—the Philippians sent him to Paul with their monetary love gift (1:7)

B. Epaphroditus’ Level 5 Leadership: Selfless Love

1. Paul was impressed by how confused and sad Epaphroditus was over him

2. Paul loved Epaphroditus and was relieved that God did not let him die

3. With Epaphroditus recovered “on the road,” Paul was anxious to get him home to his people and place of ministry

4. Paul felt Epaphroditus deserved to by highly regarded for his deep commitment

5. “lacking in your service”—Paul wasn’t saying that the Philippians had failed him, only that Epaphroditus was actually able to be with him in his time of need, where the others could not?

IV. Conclusion

A. Reputation is very important—how we are known by others has as much an impact on our ability to minister as any of our gifts, talents, or intentions

B. Communication in service is key: if you genuinely love both God and the person you’re serving, your service will be even more effective

C. How you serve is as important as whether you’re willing to serve in the first place—and it is just as loud and clear a message

Maria Dyer was born in 1837 on the mission field in China where her parents were pioneer missionaries. Both her parents died when Maria was a little girl, and she was sent back to England to be raised by an uncle. The loss of her parents, however, did not deter her young heart from the importance of sharing the gospel. At age sixteen she, along with her sister, returned to China to work in a girl’s school as a missionary herself. Five years later, she married Hudson Taylor, a man well-known today for his life of ministry, faith, and sacrifice.

Hudson and Maria’s work was often criticized—even by other Christians. At one point Maria wrote, “As to the harsh judgings of the world, or the more painful misunderstandings of Christian brethren, I generally feel that the best plan is to go on with our work and leave God to vindicate our cause.” Of their nine children, only four survived to adulthood. Maria herself died of cholera when she was just forty-three. But she believed the cause was worthy of the sacrifice. On her grave marker these words were inscribed: “For her to live was Christ, and to die was gain.”