EXPERIENCING JOY THROUGH THE RIGHT EXAMPLESociety is always putting forth examples for us telling us what is hip, what sounds good, what tastes good, and what looks good and as these examples are being put forward there is this implied message that following these examples leads to joy.
In the text for today, I am going to discuss how to experience joy through following the right example.
As we have discussed, during Paul imprisonment at Rome, there are many uncertainties concerning his ministry. Although he mentions in the previous verses that he thinks he will be released, he is uncertain about when that will be. So in his absence he mentions that he hopes to send both Timothy and Epaphroditus to them. Not only that, he also explains in this passage the great characteristics of these two men and looks to them as great examples of what it means to be a follower of Christ.
First he says we should...
1. Follow the EXAMPLE of Timothy
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.
Timothy was a native of Lystra (Acts 16:1) and was thought to be a convert of Paul’s during his first missionary journey through Lystra. Over the years Paul became extremely fond of Timothy. In fact, Timothy becomes Paul’s right hand man in ministry.
Timothy was also no stranger to the Philippians. He was with Paul when the church was planted initially and was well respected by the Christians at Philippi. In the following verses, Paul puts forth Timothy as an example for the Christians at Philippi to follow.
First he shows that…
1. HE HAS A GENUINE INTEREST IN THE WELFARE OF OTHERS
In v. 20 Paul points to the fact that Timothy has no selfish nor ulterior motives in ministry, but takes a genuine interest in those he ministers to.
He says,
20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.
This is not the first time in this book that Paul stresses the importance of selfless service. The reason I believe he continues to show the need for it is because it is what is needed most in ministry, but what is seen the least in God's people. Paul is clear that genuine servants though needed are hard to find. He says,
I have no one else like (Timothy). 21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
This is also true for us today isn’t it? The reason the Gospel is not making the impact it should in our world I believe is because there are too many in our churches and in Christian ministry who are looking to their own interests in ministry and too few like Timothy.
2. HIS SOLE DESIRE IS TO BE FAITHFUL
22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.
The phrase "proven worth" means “proof after testing.” Paul is simply showing in this verse that Timothy has been tested and has proven character.
As I said earlier, Timothy was with Paul when the church at Philippi was started so the Christians in this city were well acquainted with Him. They had witnessed his continued loyalty, dependability and faithfulness to Paul and to the ministry through the years. For this reason, Paul thought highly of Timothy and for this reason Timothy was well received by the churches.
3. HIS PRESENCE MAKES A DIFFERENCE
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.
This text clearly reveals Timothy’s importance to Paul and to the work of the gospel. Paul is clear in v. 23 that he needed Timothy a while longer. It’s unknown why Paul felt this way, but what is certain is that Timothy uniquely sustained Paul during this time of uncertainty and Paul felt as if he could hardly get along without him.
Paul also knew that Timothy was exactly what the Christians at Philippi needed as well. In sending Timothy, something was going to be amiss in the life and ministry of Paul, but something would be greatly added to the ministry at Philippi. In other words, Timothy’s presence made a significant difference in ministry.
What a great example for us to follow as believers. As we read about how Timothy’s presence makes a difference in ministry we should be reminded of how ours should as well.
2. Follow the EXAMPLE of Epaphroditus
25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus,
Epaphroditus is the person the Philippians sent to Paul while in jail at Rome. He is sent to Paul to bring news of the churches love for Paul, to bring him a gift from the church and to stay for a time with him to minster alongside him and to comfort and care for him.
Notice the characteristics Paul gives of Epaphroditus.
1. HE IS COMMITTED
25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.
Notice Paul refers to Epaphroditus as more than just a fellow Christian. He says he is also a fellow worker and fellow soldier. In other words, Epaphroditus is a committed Christian who served faithfully alongside Paul.
2. HE HAS A HEART FOR GOD’S PEOPLE
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.
Here we see that both Epaphroditus and Paul have a heart for people. Because the Christians at Philippi had become worried over news of his illness, Epaphroditus becomes distressed over their distress and develops a deep longing for them. Paul also shows his heart for them by longing for Epaphroditus to be reunited with them.
Because God has a heart for people, those who have been called by Him to be imitators of Him are to also have a heart for His people. This is true of Epaphroditus and Paul and is to be true of us.
3. HE HAS A SACRIFICIAL SPIRIT
This just means that Epaphroditus viewed the work of Christ to be more important than His own life.
Paul says,
29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.
Although there are certain risks that are not worth taking, at times risk is right especially when it is done for Christ. Here Paul is lifting up Epaphroditus as a model for the Philippian church to emulate because he has risked his life for the sake of Christ. Paul also calls for the church to welcome him with open arms and to honor men like him who sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel.
CONCLUSION
Notice that these characteristics found in the life of Timothy and Epaphroditus are also the very characteristics of Christ and are to be found in us.
Our world is going to continue to put forth role models and there is going to be this implied message that by following these examples—we will experience joy. God’s word, however, tells us that we are to follow Christ and to follow those who are following Christ and in that following we will experience joy.
