God is looking for servants that are humble and seek unity. Paul gives examples of several servants that demonstrate these traits. Download free PowerPoint at BibleGuy.org
2. Review: Theme of Philippians
Philippians 2:1–4 (ESV) 1 So if there is any
encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love,
any participation in the Spirit, any affection and
sympathy, 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 rivalry 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.
3. Four examples of Unity
and Humility in Philippians
• Supreme example: Christ (Phil. 2:5-11)
• Unity with the Father
• The ultimate servant
• Paul’s Example (Phil. 1)
• United with Christ in purpose
• Submission to the sovereignty of God’s plan
Today’s Lesson:
• Timothy’s Example (Phil. 2: 19-24)
• Epaphroditus’ Example (Phil. 2:25-30)
6. Philippians 2:19–30 (ESV) - Timothy
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
7. Epaphroditus’ Example
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.
9. The Example of Timothy
19 I hope in the Lord
Jesus to send Timothy
to you soon, so that I
too may be cheered by
news of you.
• Paul isn’t just telling
them how to serve, he
is sending an
example of someone
that serves.
• Timothy will be an
example, but also a
go between of news
on their growth. Paul
is genuinely
concerned.
10. Timothy’s Unity and Humility
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.
• Paul earlier stated, “Let
each of you look not only to
his own interests, but also
to the interests of others.”
1:4
• He was genuinely
concerned for the
welfare of the
Philippians.
• He put Christ’s interest
before his own.
11. Leadership begins through serving
22 But you know
Timothy’s proven worth,
how as a son with a
father he has served
with me in the gospel.
• Timothy’s character.
• Proven: though young,
not a novice.
• Proven: by his service
with Paul in sharing
the gospel.
• He was united in spirit
with Paul
• He humbly served
under Paul.
• Paul is sending him to
lead.
12.
13. Timothy to prepare the way for Paul
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
• To send Timothy is a
selfless act from Paul,
for Timothy is useful
to Paul.
• Paul desires to follow
him if God wills it.
16. Epaphroditus’ Example
• Epaphroditus was sent by the Philippians
to serve Paul
• But, he had been ineffective due to illness.
Instead of serving, he had to be served.
Philippians may have thought that he had
been a bigger burden to Paul than a help.
17. Paul’s view of Epaphroditus
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,
• The Philippians sent
him to be a
messenger and
minister to Paul’s
need.
• Paul praises him as a
brother, fellow
worker, fellow soldier.
18. Outcome vs. Intent
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.
• He was more
concerned that they
knew he was ill than
at his being ill.
• He may have been
concerned that they
anguished over his
illness.
• He may have been
embarrassed that he
didn’t accomplish his
mission.
19. Receive with joy and honor
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.
• Receive him with joy
• Honor him
• He nearly died
attempting to do
Christ’s work.
• He risked his life trying
to be of service for
Paul.
20.
21.
22. How to be a Timothy or Epaphroditus
• Accept the sovereignty of God in your life:
“for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work
for his good pleasure. “ Phil. 2:13
Christ accepted his mission, Paul accepted his
circumstances, Timothy accepted his position,
Epaphroditus was ill.
• “Do all things without grumbling or questioning,” Phil.
2:14
• Be genuinely concerned for the welfare of others
• Put the interest of Christ before your own.
• Rejoice!