Examples of Unity and Humility

Philippians 2:19-30

Review: Theme of PhilippiansPhilippians 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.

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)

A FEW GOOD MEN

Philippians 2:19–30 (ESV) - Timothy19 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

Epaphroditus’ Example25 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.

THE EXAMPLE OF TIMOTHYPhilippians 2:19-24

The Example of Timothy19 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.

Timothy’s Unity and Humility20 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.

Leadership begins through serving22 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.

Timothy to prepare the way for Paul23 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.

THE EXAMPLE OF EPAPHRODITUS

Philippians 2:25-30

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.

Paul’s view of Epaphroditus25 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.

Outcome vs. Intent26 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.

Receive with joy and honor29 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.

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!