:19-30 Timothy and

Intro: "Paul and Timothy, servants of ," :1

Timothy is clearly with Paul while he was in prison. While in prison, both men and women were allowed to visit him and take care of his needs.

"For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him." Acts 28:30

"Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings." :21 v19 Paul’s reason for sending Timothy was in order to, 'receive news' about the true state of the church in which he cared so deeply about. This was the way communication between Paul and the church took place. News was often hard to come by because of the distance between and Philippi. There would have been long periods of no communication. It needed a trusted messenger who was reliable. v20 Timothy is an example of one who conducts himself, 'in a manner worthy of the of Christ (1:27). He is genuinely interested in the welfare of the church of Philippi. Paul claims that he has, 'no one else like him'. No other Christian would be as suitable for the purpose of delivering the message from Paul. In other words, Timothy is Paul’s right hand man; the best person for the job. The reason for this, is that Timothy knew the church members at Philippi personally. He was with Paul on the initial visit to Philippi (:1-12) and would have stayed at Lydia's house (Acts 16:15).

Both Timothy and Epaphroditus would be men that Paul would describe as having the same attitude as Christ Jesus (2:5). Timothy is sent not only for Paul’s benefit, but also for the benefit of the church in Philippi. The church in Philippi would be encouraged by the spread of the gospel in Rome just as Paul would be encouraged by the ministry in Philippi.

In terms of ministry, are you a faithful person who can be relied upon? Does your own schedule and concerns crowd out your Christian service and love for others? v21,22 Paul highlights Timothy as an example someone who looks to the interests of others; especially those within the Philippian church.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." :3,4

What Paul is saying is that Timothy's heart and concern is to serve his Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is Timothy's priority. The interests of the Savior are what defines the purpose for his life. Timothy is sold out for Jesus just like Paul. His motivation is not to please himself but to please Christ in his service. His sole purpose is to live for Jesus and his ministry. Paul and Timothy were 'servants' of the Lord Jesus Christ (1:1, 2:22). A servant puts their master's interests first. "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21

Do you live for Christ daily or do you live for yourself? Whose Kingdom do you serve, your own or Christ's? Are you too preoccupied with your own needs/free time?

The concept of being a slave or servant in our culture goes against the grain. In USA we are fiercely independent! We live in a society which likes to put our own self-interest first. We certainly don't like the idea of hardships or self-sacrifice.

"Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it." Luke 9:23,24

It’s amazing to see what God can do with a man or woman who has fully submitted to being used by the Lord Jesus. Someone who has surrendered everything and has the mindset of,

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8

Will you go on behalf of Jesus? Will you be an ambassador for Christ where he has called you?

Timothy has a proven track record of Christian service. He has been at Paul’s side and journeyed with him through all the trials of church planting. He was with Paul in Rome, Corinth, Philippi, Colossi, and Thessalonica. There is a close bond between Timothy and Paul. Timothy is Paul's apprentice in the work of the gospel and has faithfully served at his side. In Paul's mind, there is no doubt about Timothy's Christ like character. Paul is informing the Philippians that Timothy is a man who can be trusted with things of the faith and a respected, faithful disciple of Christ.

"To Timothy my true son in the faith." 1 Timothy 1:2 "To Timothy, my dear son." :2 v23,24 Paul still has use for Timothy while he is in prison in Rome. However, he has no idea of his release date. Paul's hope is in the Lord. If the Lord wills it he will send Timothy soon, but it is Epaphroditus who will take Paul's letter to the Philippians (v25). Paul believed that his trial under Nero would go well. He is optimistic about the outcome and believes that he will be released. His state of mind is positive. However, it is urgent in his mind, to get the letter to the Philippians through Epaphroditus (v25); it cannot wait for his release. Timothy will follow Epaphroditus to Philippi. v25-30 Paul esteems Epaphroditus as he does Timothy. He calls him his brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier. Epaphroditus has proved that he has conducted himself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (1:27). There is clearly a strong bond between Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus. This is the common bond of the Holy Spirit in advancing the gospel. There is mutual respect and love for one another (v27,28) in this relationship. Epaphroditus was the person chosen by the church in Philippi to bring their gift to Paul. Prisoners had to pay for their own food.

"I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." Philippians 4:18

So from the point of view of the Philippian church, Epaphroditus was the best man for the job of traveling to see Paul. The church had marked him out as one who had the necessary Christ like qualifications for a dangerous mission.

Have you surrendered everything to the Lord Jesus Christ? What are you holding back?

The Philippian church had heard that Epaphroditus was ill (v26) and nearly died (v27,30). Paul explains that the cause of his near death was because of 'the work of Christ' and that Epaphroditus had 'risked his life' to get the Philippian gift to Paul. This had caused the Philippian church to be deeply concerned about the welfare of Epaphroditus. We are not given the particulars of this near-death experience but we know that it had something to with the advancement of the gospel i.e. the work of Christ. What we can say for sure is that Epaphroditus was a courageous man like Paul and Timothy, who was prepared to die for his faith.

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21

It was God's intervention that healed him from this near death experience (v27). This left an urgency to get the message back to the Philippian church (v28) that Epaphroditus had survived. It is quite possible that the Philippian church would have sent another messenger - at extreme danger and risk - to find out what happened to Epaphroditus. Paul was clearly, 'all the more eager to send him'. Just as Paul had esteemed Epaphroditus as a man of God, he exhorts the Philippian believers to do the same. He commands them to 'welcome' and 'honor' Epaphroditus with great joy in the Lord (v29).

As believers we are to emulate the characteristics of Timothy, and Epaphroditus. They are self-sacrificial, faithful servants, with a boldness and commitment for the sake of the work of Christ. They love the Savior and will do anything for him.

Will you shine the light of Christ to those around you, no matter what the cost? What unique job/assignment has God called you to do for him?

Lord, I surrender____ Here I am, send me

Lord Jesus, today think with my mind, love with my heart, see with my eyes, listen with my ears, speak with my mouth, use my hands and feet for your glory. Fill me a fresh with your Spirit. Amen

"It is better to burn out for Christ rather than to rust out" MacDonald. Believers Commentary