Scripture Focus (Philippians 2:19-30) – “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. [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.”
I. Timothy – A Proven Son (Philippians 2:19-23)
A. Paul valued Timothy (Philippians 2:19-20) – “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.”
B. Jesus owned Timothy (Philippians 2:21) – “For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.”
C. Time had proven Timothy (Philippians 2:22) – “But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.”
D. The Philippians needed Timothy (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.”
II. Epaphroditus – A Sacrificial Servant (25-30)
A. Epaphroditus was exemplary (Philippians 2:25) – “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…”
1. He was saved – “my brother”
2. He was helpful – “fellow worker”
3. He was committed – “fellow soldier”
4. He was a servant – “your messenger and minister to my need”
B. Epaphroditus was others-focused (Philippians 2:26-27) – “…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.”
C. Epaphroditus was to be honored (Philippians 2:28-29) – “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…”
D. Epaphroditus was selfless (Philippians 2:30) – “…for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.”