Imitating Christ s Humility. Shining as Stars. Timothy and Epaphroditus. Philippians 2:1-30

Transcription

1 1 Imitating Christ s Humility Shining as Stars Timothy and Epaphroditus Philippians 2:1-30

2 2 Imitating Christ s Humility Shining as Stars Timothy and Epaphroditus Philippians 2:1-30, 1. If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2. Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14. Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

3 3 15. That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16. Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 17. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. 18. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. 19. But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. 22. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. 23. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. 24. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. 25. Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. 26. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 27. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 29. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: 30. Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. Introduction:

4 4 I. Philippians chapter two ranks as one of the foremost and profoundest writings in all Christian literature. A. The chapter begins with an earnest plea for unity. B. Christ s humility was cited as motivation for the unity for which they were to strive. C. Paul continues this appeal to the Philippians urging them to exercise diligence in Christian service and to become shining lights in an evil world. D. Paul then highly commends both Timothy and Epaphroditus. II. These instructions to the first century Philippian church are equally applicable to any congregation in the twenty-first century. Commentary: Imitating Christ s Humility Philippians 2:1, If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, I. Paul appealed to the Philippians on the basis of all the blessings that were in Christ, all the consoling effects of love, all of the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and all the tender mercies and compassions of God upon his people to do as he now instructs them. II. Paul here bases his appeal to the Philippians for unity on this fourfold premise: A. The exhortation of Christ,

5 5 B. the consolation of love, C. the fellowship of the Spirit, D. the tender mercies and compassions received from God by all Christians. Philippians 2:2, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. I. Paul begged the Philippians to make him joyful by achieving Christian unity among themselves. II. Paul urged the Philippians to be of the same mind, to have the same love one for all others, and to be of one accord. A. Romans 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. B. 1 Corinthians 12:13, For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink of one Spirit. III. If Paul were in America today, he would most certainly preach this very same gospel and urge all professed followers of Christ to be of the same mind, to love each other, to be of one accord. Philippians 2:3, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. I. Factions and vain glory (pride) were evidently problems within the Philippian church. A. These two vices have been problems within the church of God through all the ages.

6 6 B. Petty strivings for prominent places and preferential treatment, jockeying for advantage, pushing and shoving for prestige or attention have blighted many churches within Christendom. II. Paul suggested, as a means of achieving unity and mutual high regard and respect, that each Christian regard others as better than himself; that is, with the highest esteem and fondness, even those with whom we may differ, have conflicts. Philippians 2:4, Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. I. John Wesley said, The also sanctions some reasonable amount of attention to one s own interests. A. This verse does not command us to give no attention to our own needs and business. B. It tells us that along with our own concerns, we need to be thoughtful of the needs of others as well. C. This instruction of Paul is certainly an excellent way to win friends and influence people. II. Let us now resolve to cultivate an atmosphere within each congregation that will emulate the example and the heart of Jesus. A. This we do by thinking of others with love, appreciation and respect. B. These attitudes are to replace a factious spirit and a prideful disposition.

7 7 Philippians 2:5, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: I. John Wesley again said that, from verse 5 to verse 11, Paul presents Christ as the greatest example of the unselfishness which was to be imitated by the Philippians. II. We are to have the mind of Christ, the attitude of Christ, the spirit of Christ in all that we do. III. Having the mind of Christ is equivalent to having the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as well as the indwelling of the Father and of the Son. Philippians 2:6, Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: I. Even though Christ was in essence (form) deity, in relation to the Father, he did not claim equality with Jehovah but was content to do his bidding and to be his Son. II. Although Christ had existed from the beginning as deity, he did not count the prerogatives of deity something to be tenaciously retained, but emptied himself, came to earth in human form, and became a servant to mankind. A. 2 Corinthians 8:9, For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. B. Ephesians 4:8,9, Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

8 8 Philippians 2:7, But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: I. Christ in humility took the form of a servant and appeared in the likeness of mankind. II. Christ emptied himself of his apparent glory. A. John 17:5, And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. Philippians 2;8, And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. I. Christ appeared to be a man and was in all respects truly human. A. He humbled himself, became obedient to God even to going to the cross as God had directed and suffering a death reserved for the vilest of criminals, the outcasts of society. B. Only a divine being could choose death as obedience. For the rest of us death is a necessity. C. Christ voluntarily laid down his life for the salvation of mankind. II. Christ did all of this because he loved the world. A. We as Christians should likewise empty ourselves for the good of the church, our fellow Christians. Philippians 2:9, Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

9 9 I. Because Christ s humble obedience, God exalted him and gave him a name that is above every name. A. His fame and honor surpass all others! II. If the Philippians would do as Jesus did they also would be honored as a result of their humble Christian service. Philippians 2:10, That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; I. In the name of Jesus means by the authority of Jesus. II. By his authority every knee will bow whether on earth or at the judgment. A. This even includes the devil and his angels, things under the earth. B. Angels, men, and devils will all yield to the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:11, And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. I. While millions live and die without confessing Christ, the time will come when all will confess that Jesus is Lord. A. This will redound to the glory of God the Father. B. Revelations 6:15-17, And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

10 10 C. This certainly must have been a wondrous encouragement to Paul as he was chained to the Roman guard in the far city of Rome. D. This is also the reason why martyrs died with the blessed name and hope of Jesus in their hearts and on their lips. E. This is the basic conviction of the redeemed of all ages, viz., Jesus Christ our Lord is supreme and is seated at the right hand of God Almighty. Shining as Stars Philippians 2:12, Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. I. Because of all that Christ has done for us, Paul urged the Philippians to do as they had always done, obey his word and work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. A. Christians are to diligently work out their own salvation. 1. Hebrews 5:8, Although he has a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered. B. Christ s part of atonement is complete. 1. Now we must do our part to live in accordance with the teachings of Christ that we might receive the benefits of the salvation Christ has offered us. C. 2 Thessalonians 1:8, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: II. Salvation is not something that is offered to people without any effort and compliance on their part.

11 11 A. We must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. III. The disruptions in unity within the Philippian church were a serious matter. A. The peace of the church was to be resolved with earnest diligence. Philippians 2:13, For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. I. God the Father is the one who works in us leaving us to freely submit our will to his and to work for his pleasure and glory. A. No man can save himself apart from the atonement of Christ and the grace of the Lord Jesus. B. However, Acts 2:40 tell us to save ourselves from this crooked generation by compliance with the commands and the spirit of the gospel. Philippians 2:14, 15, Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; I. Conduct within the church was to be devoid of murmurings and contentious questionings. A. The Philippians were to become blameless; that is, live in such a way that no one could prove fault with them. B. They were to be harmless children of God doing good and not evil to all people.

12 12 C. Having been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, the Philippian Christians were to be without blemish, pure, while in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation. 1. This continues to be our responsibility in the present day. D. We need to live in such a way and have the Spirit of Christ to such degree that the world can readily see Christians as lights in the world. E. Christians are often not respected as they should be because our lifestyles are very little different than the lifestyles of the world around us. II. There is always room for improvement and growth in our Christian lives. A. These Philippian children of God were to strive for a higher level, to become children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, lights of the world. Philippians 2:16, Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. I. The Philippians were urged by Paul to hold forth the word of life, the Gospel. A. They were to hold it forth by their attitudes, their actions, their characters, and their influence. II. The Philippians would in that way give Paul a reason to glory on the judgment day on their behalf. A. At the judgment Paul s seeing the faithful Philippians being ushered through heaven s gate would give him full assurance that he had not labored in vain in preaching the gospel among them.

13 13 B. Paul s salvation did not rest upon the salvation of the Philippians. 1. However, it would certainly cause him much disappointment to see them lost at the judgment after having spent so much time, love and labor among them working for their redemption. Philippians 2:17, 18, Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. I. Paul was comparing all of his own great toils and sacrifices to the drink offering, the smallest part of the sacrificial service in Jewish practice. A. The labor of the Philippians was regarded as the principal sacrifice. II. Paul was perfectly willing to make his life a sacrifice to God; and, if that happened, to him it would be all joy. A. He called on the Philippian Christians not to mourn at the prospect of his death, but rather rejoice. B. To Paul, every call for sacrifice was a call for him to demonstrate his love for Christ. 1. He met every call without exception with no regret and no complaint. 2. How wonderful if we could do as Paul did in this regard. Timothy and Epaphroditus

14 14 Philippians 2:19, But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. I. But I hope in, through the Lord Jesus to send Timothy, soon, shortly unto you, A. Paul hoped his situation in Rome would soon change for the better in regard to his possible release from prison. B. This would enable Paul to send Timothy to Philppi, his presence with Paul no longer being so crucial. C. Paul knew all plans were contingent on if it be the Lord s will. D. Paul had just spoken of the possibility of his death, but now hopefully speaks of the possibility of his release from prison. II. that I also may be cheered, of good comfort when I know your state, receive news about you. A. Paul hoped, expected to have Timothy return to Rome with a favorable report from Philippi. B. This good report would cheer and comfort Paul. Philippians 2:20, 21, For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. I. I have no man like-minded, no one else like him, A. Other brethren were with Paul in Rome, but these were not as devoted, dedicated as Timothy. 1. Philippians 4:21, Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.

15 15 B. Paul had many faithful brethren in many places through the years who worked with him. 1. Of those then with Paul in Rome Timothy was in a class by himself. II. who will care truly for your state, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. III. For they all seek their own, everyone looks out for his own interests, A. This well describes many brethren today as well. III. not the things of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:22-24, But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. I. You know Timothy has proved himself, the proof of him, that, as a son, child serves his father, so he served with me in furtherance of the gospel, in the work of the gospel. A. Timothy from his youth had served Paul in proclaiming the gospel. B. This service was reminiscent of the relationship between loving fathers and devoted sons. C. Timothy, Coffman noted, had been tested and had proved himself to be genuine as was done with the testing of gold and silver coins.

16 16 D. Timothy had stood with Paul in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Corinth, and Ephesus and was now with Paul during his imprisonment in Rome. (Coffman) E. Scriptures: 1. 1 Corinthians 4:17, For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church Timothy 1:2, Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. III. so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. IV. I trust, am confident in the Lord that I myself shall come shortly, will come soon. A. Titus 3:12, When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. B. Paul hoped to be released from Roman imprisonment. He planned to then visit Philippi. The would then see what had actually happened to him. Philippians 2:25, Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. I. I think, counted it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus,

17 17 A. Macknight via Coffman, believed Aristarchus, Titus, and Luke were away from Rome on assignment. Timothy alone was available to care for Paul. B. The one who was available was Epaphroditus and he was in the process of being sent to Philippi. C. Ash observed that the meaning of Epaphroditus means lovely, word charming, amicable. II. my brother, fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, A. This description of Epaphroditus was high commendation indeed! B. He evidently delivered this epistle to Philippi. C. Epaphroditus was a faithful disciple from Philippi who had taken a gift to Paul from the church in Philippi. D. In Rome he became ill to the point of death, but had now regained health. E. Epaphroditus was a brother in the family of God, a fellowworker in the Lord s vineyard and a fellow soldier in God s army. 1. Romans 16:3, 21, Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you Corinthians 8:23, Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. III. your messenger, apostle and minister of my need, whom you sent to take care of my needs.

18 18 A. Epaphroditus was a messenger, one sent, an apostle, an official representative, ambassador of the Philippian church. B. Philippians 4:14-18, Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. Philippians 2:26, For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. I. Since he longed after you all, A. Ash made the point that many expressions of strong affection are to be found in this epistle. II. and was sore, troubled, distressed. III. because you had heard that was sick, ill. Philippians 2:27, For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I. For indeed he was nigh unto death; he was ill, and almost died II. but God had mercy on him; A. God was properly given credit for Epaphroditus recovery. 1. When we are sick, we pray God to heal us

19 19 2. Do we remember to thank God when we recover? B. Why did Paul not miraculously heal Epaphroditus? 1. Miracles were to prove the authenticity of the gospel, not to meet individual needs Corinthians 12:12, Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. 3. Acts 19:11, And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul 4. 2 Timothy 4:20, Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. III. and not on him only, but on me also, IV. that I may be the less sorrowful, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. A. Ash understood this to mean that had Epaphroditus died, this sorrow would have compounded by Paul s continuing imprisonment. Philippians 2:28, I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. I. I have sent him therefore the more diligently, I am all the more eager to send him II. that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, be glad, A. Paul parted with Epaphroditus for the benefit of Epaphroditus and the Philippian church.

20 20 B. Paul was more concerned with the welfare of others than with his own welfare. III. that I may be the less sorrowful, I may have less anxiety, not have sorrow upon sorrow. Philippians 2:29, Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: I. Receive welcome him, therefore, in the Lord A. in the Lord, Ash wrote, means as Christians should. II. with great, all joy; III. and hold such in honor, honor men like him, Philippians 2:30, Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. I. Because for the work of Christ, II. he came nigh unto death, almost died, III. hazarding, risking, gambling, his life A. Ash stated Epaphroditus took chances with his health and let no hardship deter him from his assigned tasks. IV. to give, supply that which was lacking in your service toward me, to make up for the help you could not give me. A. The Philippians would have done more for Paul had it been possible. B. Scriptures:

21 21 Conclusion: 1. Philippians 4:10, 14, 18, But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. I. We have studied Paul s injunction to Philippian Christians urging them to strive for unity among themselves and for harmony with the spirit of Christ. II. Christ s wondrous example of leaving heaven to serve mankind on earth should motivate us all to always strive to obey the Lord in word, deed, and thought. III. We are to be light of the world and imitate Christ in this way. A. Matthew 5:14, Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. B. John 1:4, In him was life; and the life was the light of men. C. John 8:12, Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. IV. Paul also enjoins the Philippian disciples to be blameless. A. Luke 1:6, And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 1. We are to be blameless as were Elisabeth and Zachariah.

22 22 V. Christians are not to sit back and believe God will save them. A. Christians are to be up and doing working out their own salvation with fear and trembling. B. We are to follow Paul as he followed Christ. C. That is no little undertaking!

23 23 Questions Philippians 2: On what basis did Paul appeal to the Philippians? 2. How could the Philippians make Paul s joy complete? 3. Paul urged the Philippians to do out of, or, but in to others than. 4. Jesus taught his disciples to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Paul taught we are to consider others better than ourselves. How can these teachings be harmonized? 5. Give examples of disciples who have acted out of selfish ambition and vain conceit. What effect did those acts have on the church?

24 24 6. Each of us should look not only to our, but also to the of. 7. What attitude should Christians have? Be specific. 8. God Christ to the and gave him the that is above every. What is that name God gave Christ? 9. At the of every should, in and on and the, and every that is, to the of the. 10. Who are these under the earth who will bow their knees to Jesus?

25 When will all confess that Jesus is Lord? 12. The Philippians were urged to out their with and. 13. How do disciples of Christ do this? 14. What problem(s) did the Philippian church face? 15. Paul urged the Philippians to do without or, so that you may become and, of without in a and, in which you like in the. 16. How would you describe the present generation?

26 Will there be any boasters on the judgment day? If so, how could this be? 18. Why was Paul glad and able to rejoice with all the Philippian Christians? Why should the Philippians be glad and rejoice with Paul? 19. How was Paul being poured out like an Old Testament drink offering? 20. are not to sit and will them. are to be and out our own with and. We are to as he.

27 What was Paul s situation at the time Philippians was written? 22. Tell about the relationship of Paul and Timothy. What plans did Paul have for Timothy? 23. How were Timothy and others Paul mentioned in verses 21 and 22 different? 24. What happened to Paul after Philippians was written? 25. Who was Epaphroditus? Include as many facts as possible.

28 Epaphroditus was Paul s, - and - and the Philippians and. 27. Why did Paul not miraculously heal Epaphroditus when he was at the point of death? 28. What type persons should Christians hold in honor, esteem and follow as role models? 29. Timothy had stood with Paul in,,,, and was also at the time Philippians was written with Paul in. 30. We are to have the of, the of, the of in all that we do..