From John F with thanks

Our theme in Philippians 2 is “Living to Serve”. That sounds lovely – but what does it mean in practice? Today we read about two people who loved and lived to serve. They were not apostles, not well-known: indeed, you might not have even heard of one of them. But they are shining examples of what “living to serve” means. Please read

Philippians 2:19-30

Paul was an apostle, with a unique call and a very significant role in the spread of the Gospel. But he was not a “lone ranger”. In this passage we see that both Timothy and Epaphroditus were highly appreciated by Paul. They were his “brothers and fellow-servants” in gospel ministry. In these verses Paul specifies particular qualities of these two men. Regarding Timothy, it is his genuine concern for others. For Epaphroditus it is his willingness to risk his life in order to serve others.

1. Timothy: genuinely concerned for others (vv19-24)
Paul himself faced daily the pressure of his “concern for all the churches” (2 Cor.11:28). Timothy shared that concern, particularly for the Philippians. He cared deeply for the welfare of others, especially their spiritual welfare. Paul contrasts that with the common attitude – “They all look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ” (v21). 
It is natural to be concerned for our own welfare, and for the welfare of our “nearest and dearest”. People of all faiths and none do that. But Christian care should reflect the interests of the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for ungodly people, sinners like us (Rom.5:6-8).
When we meet someone we may say “How are you?” Is that just a superficial niceness, or does it reflect a genuine concern for the wellbeing of others?

2. Epaphroditus: risking his life to serve others (vv25-30)
All we know about Epaphroditus is in these verses and in 4:18. He was evidently a member of the church at Philippi, and had been entrusted with the delivery of the Philippians’ gifts to Paul (who was a prisoner in Rome or in Ephesus). He had become seriously ill. We don’t know what his sickness was, nor what had caused it. Perhaps it involved a nervous disorder (a “breakdown”), as well as bodily suffering. But it was apparently connected with “the work of Christ” (v30), i.e. with the mission entrusted to him.
Paul evidently was deeply concerned for Epaphroditus, and greatly relieved when he recovered. Paul urged the Philippians to welcome him back and to hold him in high regard because of his self-sacrificial serving. Epaphroditus had risked his life to serve Paul and the Philippians (vv29-30).

How about us? What is our attitude to risk-taking in serving other people for the sake of the Lord? We live in a very risk-averse society. Our western culture highly values (so-called) security. “Health and safety” is a major preoccupation. Of course God wants us to be healthy and safe – but not at any cost. Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever wants to save his or her life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” Epaphroditus clearly took that to heart. Do we?


In Graham Kendrick’s words: So let us learn how to serve,
                                                And in our lives enthrone Him;
                                                Each other’s needs to prefer,
                                                For it is Christ we’re serving.
                                                This is our God, the Servant King.
                                                He calls us now to follow Him,
                                                To bring our lives as a daily offering
                                                Of worship to the Servant King.  


Category: The Bridge , Thought for the week