Gospel Servants
Opening Prayer
Father, I pray that I would have fellow workers who would help me advance the Gospel. I pray that I would do likewise.
Read PHILIPPIANS 2:19-30
[19] I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. [20] I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. [21] For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. [22] But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. [23] I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. [24] And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. [25] But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. [26] For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. [27] Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. [28] Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. [29] So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, [30] because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Who in your life reflects the qualities you see here?What does living the “crucified” way of life look like? Paul now shows us, with the examples of Timothy (21,22) and Epaphroditus (25-30). As it happens, both men are commended in ways that show they embody the attitudes spoken of in 1:27–2:18. Look back over those passages to see the connections. Both Timothy and Epaphroditus are servants of the Gospel, putting the needs of others before their own interests, with a genuine concern for the welfare of the Philippians. For these reasons, the church should receive Timothy as if they were receiving Paul himself.As for Epaphroditus, it would appear that the Philippians had sent him to Paul with a gift from the church (see 4:18). Or perhaps he was himself the “gift” (25), as he stayed with Paul to help him in prison. It seems, though, that Epaphroditus became ill and almost died. So, Paul will send him back home to encourage the Philippians and to bless them for their generosity. Like Epaphroditus and Timothy, all those who serve Christ and suffer for the sake of his people embody what it means to be partners in the Gospel (1:5).
Apply
Choose the verses from chapter 2 that spoke to you most deeply and commit them to memory.
Closing prayer
Exalted Lord, thank You that You have taken the way of humility and You lead us in that way.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.