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Text: Philippians 2:19-30.
Subject: The Qualities of a Christ-centered servant to serve God.
Complement: Paul was confident to send a servant of Christ for the gospel.
Exegetical Idea: In Philippians 2:19-30, Paul the Apostle presents Timothy and Epaphroditus as servants of Christ who proved themselves self-sacrificing, nearly died for the work of Christ, and were interested in serving the Church.
Homiletical Idea: Sacrificial life for Christ is measured by how we prove ourselves by serving others.
MAIN TEXT: Philippians 2: 19-30.
TITLE: The Qualities of a Christ-centered servant to serve God.
INTRODUCTION:
I want to start with a true story:
There was one missionary who went to India (Dalsingpara, Jaigaon), on the Nepal-Bhutan border. There was a Nepali community and no church. His name is Joseph Chettri, and he went there with his family (wife & three sons). At the age of 35, he went to that place and served the Lord. In oct 16, 2017, he had an accident and died. He had established 18 churches and had disciples and spiritual sons in ministry. He had no money in his account when he died. He accepted all the challenges, taught by RSS, the community, and other leaders. His wife and son are still in ministry, and they continue to be. church leaders have told them,” We have to do ministry as our pastor, Joseph Chhetri.” I always remember him. What a faith he had, a courageous man of God, who inspired others and was guided by the Holy Spirit.
Big Idea: A life devoted to Christ is measured by sacrificial service to others.
So, today I want to focus on these two disciples who were sent to the Philippians church to serve there.
So, Paul encourages the Philippians church to accept and respect them.
Let us see two qualities of true disciples.
A Christ-centered servant proven for the gospel. (2:19-24)
In this chapter, Paul talks about Timothy, and Paul was talking about Timothy’s heart for serving in God’s work and his relationship with Timothy.
Let’s see in verse,
In v. 19, Paul wants to send him and asks about Phillipe’s church.
In V.20 and v.21, Paul explains about Timothy and compare to others:
Timothy: He is a person who shows genuine concern for the Philippian church, but others look out for their own interests.
We can see how Paul acknowledged Timothy. When we see the relationship between Paul and Timothy,
then Paul explains more in V. 22, “Timothy has proved himself because, as a son with his father, he has served with him in the work of the gospel.” Paul told Timothy as a son. Even though Paul was in prison, Timothy was ready to go to Philippi to help the church.
The reason for sending Timothy to Philippi is a conflict between Christians and the cult. There is disunity, suffering, and opponents inside and outside the church.
Today, there are many problems both inside and outside the church, and we need Christ-centered disciples to serve God. Paul wants to send another disciple to Philippi, and his name is Epaphroditus.
2. A Christ-centered servant sacrifice for the mission. (2:25-30)
Who is Epaphroditus?
Epaphroditus is an important person for the Philippi church.
He delivered the original manuscript.
Paul starts with the words “brother, co-workers, and fellow soldier.
Paul talks to Epaphroditus about his heart: he longs for the whole Philippi Church, and he feels distressed because he is ill.
When Paul was in jail, and every time Epaphroditus came to visit, Paul grew more concerned and sorrowful when Epaphroditus was ill.
Verse 27 says he became very sick- almost died.
Verse 30 says he risked his life for the work of Christ. He did not care about comfort, and He cared about Christ.
So, Paul encourages the Philippi church to welcome Epaphroditus when he comes, in the Lord, with great joy and honor him. Because he almost died for the work of Christ.
Epaphroditus’s name is of pagan origin. Pagan, they worship idols.
But the power of the gospel changes his life, and he belongs to Jesus and gives himself for the sake of God’s kingdom. So, Paul told the Philippi church that this man is worthy of honor and that his presence is cause for rejoicing (v. 29).
Are you serving God and serving others? need to think about it.
Yes, we are chosen by God, and we have different stories. Did you give your life to serve God? A Christ-centered servant sacrifices for the mission.
Conclusion:
We see important characters of these two disciples. They serve God first and, in every situation, want to live for God. Paul supports them because they love Jesus Christ.
Timothy and Epaphroditus saw Paul’s life, in which Paul obeys Jesus’ command, and they follow Paul. So, I want to encourage all of you to serve first God, and you will serve others. Give your life, like Timothy and Epaphroditus, to serve God and follow what the church, pastors, leaders, your mentors, and the Bible say; commit to being a disciple of Jesus; then God will bless you.
Main idea: A life devoted to Christ is measured by sacrificial service to others.
God gives us the heart of Timothy and the courage of Epaphroditus. AMEN
Thank you.
