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We are reading Philippians Chapter 2and we move on from verse 19 – Paul plans to send Timothy – to cheer them up – and so that he can be cheered up too. That implies something – he was not always cheery. This is a very real personal and practical letter, and Paul reveals a lot not only about Jesus but about himself too.

And I am going to send Epaphroditus to you too. It is worthwhile sending someone 100’s of miles at times – to cheer up other disciples of Jesus – to get the facts of the real situation. Now, that is something to make us think. Yes, we have to balance that the many other needs in the world, but this must not be written off just because it is expensive in money terms.

In the Church of Jesus Christ, personal contact is important. A letter has advantages. Paul was not free to go and visit this fellowship himself – so I am sending Timothy and he will come and tell me how you are.

This young man, Timothy, had been so shy – he had brought up by his mother and grandmother – with tummy trouble – he had a delicate digestion. This is an unlikely partnership at first sight – the outgoing dynamic pioneering Paul – and Timothy – but opposites can attract – and they made an excellent partnership. Try imagining two Pauls on the one team – or two Timothys on the one team!

There is no record of a wrong word between them – they appeared to be great friends – spiritual father and son – a close team for Christ.

And now after all these years together Timothy was being sent on an important mission. Timothy will be my eyes. He will come and tell me what he sees.

Verse 20 – I have no one like him. He has a genuine interest in you. He is interested. He cares. He is involved. He is praying for you. Timothy has proved himself over the years. Timothy has been consistent.

He has been with me in the work over all these years. There is nobody else in Rome with such a genuine interest in your situation. There were problems in the fellowship at Rome – selfishness and self-centredness – Timothy is the best. I am only sending to you the best!

You can report on someone accurately when you really care and Timothy was qualified in this regard. Timothy was Paul’s partner in the Gospel which meant more than just getting converts. There was a caring for those who are in Christ. We have to be interested in what happens afterwards – after someone comes to believe in Jesus.

We can almost hear the echo of the voice of Jesus here. Are you interested in and concerned about the people I am interested in and concerned about?

We have to cultivate a heart like that of Timothy. Have these qualifications where compassion and care and concern can be put into action – and where we can be partners in the work of the Gospel. It is not – what will suit me – or be convenient for me – my life – my future – my promotion prospects – my – whatever it might be!

Is it not when we most inconvenience ourselves that God blesses in a special way?

Timothy was willing to live at this level of commitment and discipleship. He had learned his trade from Paul. Here are spiritual father and son working together in the cause of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I am going to send Epaphroditus too. You sent him to me – from Philippi – with some money – as a manservant to help Paul in his prison house? We do know that for a time he was a prisoner in his own rented accommodation. You have no idea how much he means to me. Paul valued real friendship. He is a brother. He works alongside me. He battles with me as a fellow soldier. You cannot serve Paul without getting involved in some of his interests.

But Epaphroditus became sick and probably Paul had to spend some time looking after him. He almost lost his life. Verse 27 – he just became worse and worse.

There is no trace of – “Why did God let that happen here? Does He not consider that I have enough problems?” This was an added sorrow to Paul and it caused distress in Philippi. They heard back in Philippi that Epaphroditus had fallen ill and this distressed him. Paul did not presume that God would automatically heal him, and that he would recover – but God had mercy.

This whole passage is so relevant and practical.

No amount of writing would deal with this concern, so that is why I feel it necessary to send him back to you. Now, No – what are you doing back here? Give him a hero’s welcome! Verse 29 – Honour such a man.

Epaphroditus has been willing to throw away life itself – in service – in ministering. Such men are rare and deserve high honour. It will be the homecoming of a hero not a deserter. “Risking” – he GAMBLED with his life – PARABOLANI – trying to do what you could not do – so he is not returning in defeat. He has been faithful to the point of death.

Jesus dropped all rank to come and serve and shine and die.

These three men were so like Jesus – Paul and Timothy and Epaphroditus as they followed Christ.

“Holy Father – loving God – thank you for the riches shared and taught in this Chapter of Scripture – there is so much about Jesus Christ – and disciples of Jesus Christ – men who are called and willing to go and serve wherever there is need – and wherever You send men – enable us to learn from their examples and to follow Jesus Christ faithfully irrespective of what comes our way.” Amen

"'Christ in You...'" from Dale Krebbs

Origin Of Nations