What really Matters: The Surpassing Value of Knowing Jesus - Philippians 3:1-11

 

What really Matters: The Surpassing Value of Knowing Jesus

Philippians 3:1-11

Introduction: We closed this week on the condo in NJ, for us we are first time home owners. Kind of. We have a mortgage, and a monthly condo fee, and taxes… Wherever we live, it is for a season, right? We can be so addicted to our comfort and sense of security as 21^st century Americans, that it is easy to forget that we are pilgrims in this fallen world, and that we were created for eternity. It is not a sin to own property in the world, but we want to remember that ultimately we will live in the New Heaven and the New Earth! We can easily get focused on the superficial and so neglect what really matters.  Even in church we can start thinking about Christianity in terms of what we do (or don’t do!) and forget that at its core, our Christian faith is not based on our good works, rather is a living relationship with Jesus. In this letter to the Philippians, Paul shows us how central Christ is to our lives and the life of this church. He speaks of rejoicing in Christ, and glorying in Christ, and knowing Christ, and gaining Christ, and being found in Christ, and making Christ his own, and finally obtaining the prize Christ has for us in the last day. Just as we are thankful for the parsonage we live in, we are glad to have a place to live while we live and minister in the future. But our greatest source of JOY must be knowing Jesus, and being found in Him. That is what Paul is talking about here, in these verses. Jim Eliot, 0ne of the five missionary martyrs who died as they attempted to reach out to the Auca tribe in Ecuador, famously wrote in his journal, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”  

       I counted in one English translation the verb “rejoice” appearing ten times in this letter, and the noun “joy” four times (1:4; 1:18; 3:1; 4:4). That joy can be experienced only through a personal relationship with Christ. Paul was joyful, and he urged the Philippians to rejoice, because he held fast the Word of Life, the Gospel. He knew his salvation was not earned, it was received, by grace through faith. He also remembered where he came from. Warren Wiersbe wrote,

“Like most religious people today, Paul [before knowing Jesus] had enough morality to keep him out of trouble, but not enough righteousness to get him into Heaven!  It was not bad things that kept Paul from Jesus—it was good things!  He had to lose his religion to find salvation.”

That is stated in a deliberately startling way to make the point that salvation cannot be earned, we’re saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. That points to…

The Maine* Idea: Authentic Christianity is based on faith in Christ. Knowing Him is the only way to True Life, the abundant life for which we were created.

Context: In Prison and Poverty, Rejoicing in Jesus Together (1). Later Paul will say,

“…I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  ¹² I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  ¹³ I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13).

The passage today begins, “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you....” (Philippians 3:1). Paul is writing from prison. And we know from 2 Corinthians 8 that the Philippian church was not wealthy and that there had been affliction. So, we know this joy is not based on good circumstances. It is, as Paul says, “In the Lord.” In Jesus Christ, the Lord. In other words, he is telling us: Consider Christ so precious, so valuable, such a great treasure, that whether in prison or in affliction or in poverty, or under persecution, knowing Him and belonging to Him and being with Him forever gives you joy. Some of you who have traveled to nations that are very poor, and have seen joyful people living in abject poverty and needy situations… Paul’s theme in this letter is “joy in the Lord.” Everyone wants to be happy, but even more important is to have real joy. In this passage he is reminding us that religious rigor isn’t the way to find joy and experience true life. Like the song says, “It is not because of what I’ve done, but because of who you are; its not because who I am, but because of what you’ve done…” It seems to me that the key to joy is developing a Gospel-centered mindset. We can rejoice that our relationship with God is not based on our goodness, but rather on His grace.”

I. Keep the Faith and hold fast to the truth! (3:2-3).

 …Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.  ³ For we are the real circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh- 

       A Call for Discernment: Back up to verses 1b-2, “…it is a safeguard to you…”  He urges them to exercise discernment. He warns them about those who make circumcision the basis of their acceptance with God. I contrast to these false teachers who are prideful of their ethnic heritage, Paul said true worshippers of God “…put no confidence in the flesh” (3). This is strong language – we see Paul’s passion for truth!

       Circumcision was an outward ritual of Judaism, it served as a symbol of the Old Covenant. It became a point of controversy as Jews began to believe in Jesus, and then, Gentiles also confessed Him as Savior and Messiah. Believing Jews had always been circumcised, what about these non-Jewish converts? We know from Paul’s other writings (and the book of Acts) that the early church struggled with the question of observance of the OT Law – especially as to whether or not it was necessary for Gentiles to essentially convert to Judaism  in order to follow Jesus. Acts 10 (and 15!) should have settled it. Galatians had been written some time earlier, that should have resolved any doubts. True Believers worship in the Spirit (3:3a) – Jesus anticipated this idea in talking with the Samaritan Woman in John 4:21-24. It is not a religious rite that is at the heart of worship, or even a specific physical place, but responding to the true God, the God who is: Father, Son, and Spirit. We are to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.

Read verse 3 again, “For we are the real circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh…” Paul says we are to glory in Christ Jesus. Literally, “exult” or “boast” in Christ. In other words, some people take great joy in their moral achievements. They exult in them like the Pharisee who thanks God that he was not like other men because he fasts twice a week and gives tithes of all he has (Luke 18:12). That was his boast. But Paul says none of that matters, “Christ is our boast.” If you have  accomplished something that you are tempted to boast in, think of Jesus, and boast in Christ. We glory in Christ Jesus. We treasure him, not our achievements. In the church, we treasure Christ together. We help each other do this. We “…glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh…” And we can rejoice that our relationship with God is not based on our goodness, but rather on His grace. That points to the Maine* Idea: Authentic Christianity is based on faith in Christ. Knowing Him is the only way to True Life.

II. The futility of the flesh and the sufficiency of Jesus (3:4-6).

⁴ …though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:  ⁵ circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;  ⁶ as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness, under the law blameless. 

     The pulpit committee will be getting a lot of résumés. Paul’s résumé was impressive, but it was not enough! (3:3b-5), Paul lists the religious and ethnic distinctives that he could boast in if he wanted to... Paul is not saying “I have no achievements, and so I don’t care about them, I care about Christ.” He had plenty of moral and legal achievements. He went to the right school, had the right teachers, he lived an exemplary life, but he is saying that it is not what matters – its not the way to God – Jesus paid the price – He alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life…

       In verses 5 and 6 Paul lists the distinctives he enjoyed before he became a Christian. He gives his ethnic pedigree as a thoroughbred child of Abraham, a Hebrew of Hebrews. Do you remember the dispute in Acts 6 between the Hellenists and the Hebrews? They were all Jews, but the Hellenists spoke primarily Greek and had adopted a fair amount of Greek culture. The “Hebrews” spoke Aramaic (or Hebrew), and were more closely connected to the Temple in Jerusalem. Paul’s family was from Tarsus, but he was trained in Jerusalem, having studied with one of the most prominent rabbis of his time. He considered himself a Hebrew of Hebrews. This brought him great respect from the religious leaders, and a great sense of significance and assurance. He was an Israelite. Then he mentions three things that go right to the heart of Paul's life before he was a Christian (at the end of verse 5): "as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless."  

       This had been Paul's life. This was what gave him meaning and significance. This was his gain, his fortune, his joy. He was proud of his heritage and the traditions of the fathers—and Paul's was that he belonged to the upper-echelon of law-keepers, the Pharisees, and that among them he was so zealous that he led the way in persecuting the enemies of God, the church of Jesus, and that he kept the law meticulously (blameless!). He thought he was doing well, earning points with God  by his religious zeal. We are not saved by “reformation” or by rule keeping, we are not justified by religion or by good works.  Jesus did it all – we believe and receive.

       Paul’s Religious Rigor was not enough! (3:6).  Paul was zealous but he wasn’t saved. He was religious, and yet lost. And then he met Christ, the Son of the living God, on the Damascus road. Christ told him how much he would have to suffer (Acts 9:16). Even so, as soon as he could he preached Christ! The way he prepared himself is described in verse 7. "But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ." Paul looks at his standing in the highly respected religious elite, the Pharisees; he looks at the at the respect and praise of being a rising star in that group; he looks at the rigor of his law-keeping and the sense of moral pride he enjoyed; and he prepares to suffer by taking his whole world and turning it upside down, by reversing his values: "Whatever things were gain to me [that's verses 5–6], those things I have counted as loss." Its like Paul’s spiritual accounting system was suddenly turned upside down, his eyes were opened and he realized he had been fighting against God!

Here Paul uses accounting language. Before he was a Christian, he had a ledger with two columns: one that said, “gains,” and another that said, “losses.” On the gain side was the human glory of verses 5–6. On the loss side was the terrible prospect that this Jesus movement might get out of hand and this “heresy” would continue to spread.  When he met the living Christ on the Damascus road, Paul took a big red pencil and wrote "LOSS" in big red letters across his gains column. And he wrote "GAIN" in big letters over the loss column that only had one name in it: Christ. Cf. Acts 9:20,22.

       And not only that, the more Paul thought about the relative values of life in the world and the greatness of Christ, he moved beyond the few things mentioned in verses 5–6 and put everything but Christ in that first column: Verse 8: "More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." He started by counting his most precious accomplishments as loss, and he ended by counting everything as loss, except Christ.

       We can rejoice that our relationship with God is not based on our goodness, but rather on His grace. The Maine* Idea: Authentic Christianity is based on faith in Christ. Knowing Him is the only way to True Life.

III. More Precious Than “Religion” is Personal Relationship with Christ (3:7-11).

⁷ But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  ⁸ Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ  ⁹ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-  ¹⁰ that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,  ¹¹ that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

      But they meant nothing to him compared to knowing Christ. Less than nothing. They were garbage—dung—compared to Christ. Notice again 3:7-8:

“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ… I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.”

       Notice that in three ways Paul expresses the supreme importance of treasuring Christ. First, in verse 7: Paul counts everything as loss for the sake of Christ. He is worth more than everything else in Paul’s life. Verse 8a: “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” To know Christ is more to be desired than anything else. Verse 8b: “I count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” Gaining Christ—knowing Him, and having an authentic living relationship with Him—is better than gaining the world and everything in it. Paul treasured Jesus above everything. We can help each other grow to know Christ like this.

       Secondly, in 3:9, he explains again why Christ is so much more precious than all Paul’s moral achievements. He wants to

“be found in him [Christ], not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.”

Being found in Christ—united to Christ by faith, in a permanent relationship of identity with him—is ten thousand times more valuable than all of Paul’s righteousness based on law. Paul called himself “blameless” in verse 6 “as to righteousness under the law.” But all that work was worse than useless. It was condemning. Only one thing will count before God: being found in Christ—in Christ—with a righteousness that comes from God not ourselves. Paul treasures Christ above all things because only in Christ does he have a righteousness that counts with God. That is what it means to treasure Christ together. We help each other trust him like this.

       Suffering with Jesus Together – Finally, in verse 10, Paul says again that his passion is to know Christ, this time to know him in his suffering and resurrection. “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” Paul knows what resurrection will mean: It will mean everlasting fellowship with Christ in a new body, on a new earth, without sin, and filled with joy. So, he is eager to walk the very path that led Christ to glory—the path of suffering with him. Being with Christ in the end will be worth any price of suffering here. So, we treasure Christ together. We help each other love him like this. In the world you will have tribulation… But He also said, “Lo, I am with you always…” We are in Christ, experience some of the hardships of life in a fallen world. We have an assignment! We are pilgrims in a fallen world, but in Christ we have the promise of True Life, the way life should be!

What is God saying to me in this passage? We can rejoice that our relationship with God does not rest on our goodness, but rather on His grace.  That is Good News, and it points to the Maine* Idea: Authentic Christianity is based on faith in Christ. Knowing Him is the only way to True Life.

What would God have me to do in response to this passage? He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. Jim Elliot lost his life as he sought to bring the message of Christ to the Auca people. Following Christ is not a guarantee for a prosperous, easy life! But He is God – He has a plan – and His way is best. Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10b). That is the way life should be! There is a reason we are saved by grace – that is the only way it could be!  If you know Him you have reason to rejoice, no matter what the circumstances might be in your life!  And the future is better than we can imagine! The price has been paid on the dwelling place Jesus prepared for us. Rejoice in Him!

       If you are thinking, “there is no way God could love me, I am just not good enough… you don’t know what I’ve done, God could never forgive me.” Think about Paul, he was there approving when Stephen was stoned. Yes, that young pharisee Saul actively persecuted Christians. Yet God saved Him. Did he deserve it? No. Neither did we. It’s not about our goodness! It is all about His grace. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe…   AMEN.

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE KING, PART II: Saved to Serve - Philippians 2:25-30

 

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE KING, PART II: Saved to Serve

Philippians 2:25-30

Introduction: In the Lord of the Rings trilogy each character had a role to fulfill if the mission was to succeed. In God’s story, Epaphroditus was not a Paul, or even a Timothy, but he was a faithful servant… In the “Fellowship of the King” we all have a role to fulfill,  a contribution to make to the unfolding plan of God.  We are a team – each of us unique, different, and gifted, to complement one another and to serve together in God’s mission. Remember, “He saved you on purpose, for a purpose.” You were created by God and uniquely gifted to fulfill a specific and important role in His mission in the world. God uses ordinary people like us in the extraordinary program of building His church. We won’t be Paul, or Timothy, or Epaphroditus for that matter. But we can be the faithful follower God created us to be, humbly serving Christ in the place He has strategically placed us. There will be a cost, but joy comes in the morning!

       As we read the passage we’ll see that Epaphroditus was sent by the Philippians to minister to Paul in his imprisonment. Part of what Paul is doing in this letter is thanking them for their partnership in the Gospel from the beginning. He alluded to that in the first chapter (1:5), here in this context (2:25) and will elaborate a bit more toward the end of the letter. We see in Philippians 4:15-19,

¹⁵ And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.  ¹⁶ Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.  ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.  ¹⁸ I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.  ¹⁹ And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

They had been supporting Paul in his ministry seemingly from his time with them in Acts 16. In his current imprisonment, their representative, Epaphroditus, brought their gift to Paul, at the cost of his health. We don’t know what happened, but in the midst of his mission he fell sick and nearly died. And now, having recovered, he was distressed that the Philippians had heard and were concerned for his welfare. Therefore Paul determined to send him back to the Philippians, apparently carrying this letter.

The Maine* Idea: A balanced, faithful Christian life may bring hardship, but it will bring joy!

I. A balanced and Faithful Servant of Christ (25). Notice the series of titles that Paul uses to describe Ephaphroditus…

²⁵ I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need…

      Here Paul points to Epaphroditus, another example of a spiritual servant, one who had come from the church in Philippi. He wasn’t an apostle like Paul, we don’t know if he served as an elder like Timothy, perhaps he was a deacon, but whether or not he held an official position, he was one who was trusted and respected both by the Philippian church and by Paul.  Ray Prichard suggests…

Epaphroditus was a leader in the church at Philippi who was sent by the church with a gift for Paul. His name is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament. He doesn’t seem to have been a preacher in the usual sense of the word. He fits more into the mold of a deacon—a godly layman willing to serve, willing to go, and willing to risk everything for the cause of Christ.

“Comfort” and “Security” are things that most people value highly, and not many are willing to sacrifice – to take a personal risk – even for the sake of the Kingdom. Notice the titles of a Christian that Paul uses to describe Epaphroditus, I don’t think we see a descriptive series of titles like this anywhere else in a single verse of Scripture…

       “My brother” – Paul is not looking upon Epaphroditus not merely as a church acquaintance, but as family, as his “brother.” And we are a family! Look to your left and to your right – God says they are your family. Look ahead a couple of pews and across the aisle – you are surrounded by brothers and sisters!  The comment was made Wednesday night in our Bible Study and Prayer time that this is the key to thinking of the needs of others, of counting them more important than yourself. Who would you lay down your life for? If you are married, for your spouse. If you have children, you would give your life to save theirs. You willingly sacrifice your comfort to help them. If we get it in our head, and in our heart, that we are brothers and sisters, then we will more easily not only look out for our own interests, but also for the interests of others.

       Paul also calls Epaphroditus his “fellow worker” or “co-worker.”  We serve together – VBS was an example of that in the past – team ministry – some tell Bible stories others helped with crafts – some did games with the kids others helped to give them snacks – We missed it this year, but it will be back! Whether in outreach or encouraging one another, we are here in this world because God has chosen to include us in his mission.

       Likewise, Epaphroditus is called Paul’s “fellow soldier” – this term reminds us that we are in a spiritual battle – we wrestle against spiritual forces of wickedness in high places – we have an adversary, the Devil, who is going about like a roaring lion seeking who he may devour - but we are reminded also as David said, “The Battle is the Lord’s!” As Paul said elsewhere, Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world! And, If God be for us, who can stand against us?

       “your messenger” – one sent with a mission, with authority, representing the church. This is the word apostolos¸ from which we get our English word, “apostle.” When used of Paul and the twelve it has a technical meaning, they were “apostles of Jesus Christ.” They were sent and commissioned by Him, and so they represented Him and brought His word to the early church. They were his authorized representatives. Epaphroditus was not an apostle in that technical sense, but here is called a “messenger,” an authorized representative, of the Philippian church. He brought gifts, and ministered to Paul as the representative of the church.

       “…the one who ministered to my need…” He was also sent as a “minister”, a “servant” to minister to the needs of Paul.  This word “servant” is one that appears only five times in the New Testament, but was consistently used in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, to speak about the priestly service of the Levites and priests. It is a “spiritual service of worship.” From this Greek word we get the English word, “liturgy.” Paul viewed Epaphroditus’ help to him as a spiritual service, and act of worship, essentially serving God by serving others. We can easily forget how important it was to Paul to have friends help him during his four years of imprisonment, two years in Caesarea followed by two more years in Rome. Besides the physical needs of sufficient food, clothing and the like, the emotional support of knowing that someone is there, watching out for you to the best of their ability no doubt was a great comfort.

       We have great nurses hear in the US to watch over the needs of patients, a few right here in our church. In Brazil, if you go to a hospital, especially a public hospital, there had better be someone there with you to minister to your needs, to take care of you and watch out for your interests. By the way, that is also true if you are a prisoner. We’ve heard that in some South American prisons the prisoners won’t get soap or medicine, or even clothing, unless a friend or family member brings it to them. It seems that might have been the situation in the Greco-Roman world of the first century. Without an Epaphroditus, a prisoner would have little hope. The good news for believers: God has a plan that He is working out in history, and by grace you are a part of it. A balanced, faithful Christian life may bring hardship, but it will bring joy!

II. Faithful servants will share in the suffering of Christ (26-27, cf. 30).

  ²⁶ …for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill.  ²⁷ Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow… ³⁰ for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

       “he was longing for you…”  We sometimes forget that these biblical names in the narrative of Scripture represent real, historical people.  They had feelings, they had family and friends.  There were no international flights, no internet, etc…  To be separated for weeks or months, meant something… Epaphroditus went, and even extended his time with Paul, and it seems, became very sick and nearly died.  Many of you have traveled internationally, as have we. If you are going to certain areas of the world, particularly tropical countries and countries of the third world, you are required to take various vaccinations against diseases to which you have not had the chance to build an immunity. We had to get several before going to Brazil. Epaphroditus had not such prophylaxes available to him. In addition, it was an 800 mile trip from Philippi to Rome, which itself could have brought danger to his life, yet he went. Look out not only on your own personal interests, but also the interests of others. He made it to Paul, but at some point fell desperately sick.

       Notice the kind of person he was: it wasn’t his own discomfort or suffering that bothered him, but the fact that he knew they – the Philippians – were worried about him.  His love for his church family was such that he wanted to travel to be with them so that he could relieve their concerns, he  “…was distressed because you had heard he was sick…” Think about that – Epaphroditus was distressed that they were worried about him… Usually we like a little attention and sympathy when we are sick! He did not want them to worry, he wanted to alleviate their concerns.

     “…He was ill to the point of death…” (27; cf. v.30, 2:8). The phrase “Near to death” appears only here in the NT, but the parallel phrase in v.30, “…he nearly died…” occurs twice in the NT, here, and in 2:8. There it is referring to the death of Christ, “...he became obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross…” It is such a rare phrase, only occurring in these two verses right in this near context, that it is hard not to see an intentional parallel by Paul between the death of Christ, and the “near death experience” of his faithful servant Epaphroditus. He had the attitude of Jesus, and was obedient, and it nearly cost him his life.

       Jesus spoke quite a bit to His followers about the cost of discipleship. If you want to be his disciple, “…take up your cross, and follow…” They knew what Jesus was saying. The cross was not a religious symbol, it certainly wasn’t a piece of jewelry. It was an emblem of suffering and shame. It was where condemned criminals were put to death, in a most humiliating and tortuous way. In the upper room Jesus warned his disciples of the hatred of the world, He said in John 15:18-20,  

¹⁸ "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.  ¹⁹ If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.  ²⁰ Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.

And so John said in I John 5:13, “Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.” If the world hated Jesus, it will likewise hate His followers. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world!” That points to the Maine* Idea in our passage: A balanced, faithful Christian life may bring hardship, but it will bring joy!

III. We should rejoice in the faithful service of others (28-30).

²⁸ I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.  ²⁹ So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men,  ³⁰ for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

       “Receive him then in the Lord with all joy…”  Paul is commending Epaphroditus to them as a proven faithful worker.  He is urging them to receive him back joyfully. The theme of “joy” again! He is calling them to rejoice in God’s blessing, your friend is healed, and he is back with you! It strikes me that we naturally, in the midst of a crisis, cry out to God for help. Peter walking on the water, sees the waves and begins to sink. Lord save me! No time to think, it’s the reaction of faith in a moment of need. Yet it seems easier to forget to give thanks and rejoice in God’s answers! Ten lepers healed, only one returns to give thanks. Too often I have been one of the nine. And you? Of Epaphroditus Paul said...

      “…hold such men in high regard…”  There should be a bond, Christian love, a mutual respect, in the “Fellowship of the King.” God himself has put this team together.  Not that he needs us, but he has chosen to use us!  That means we should respect one another. God saw the value, the importance, of each one of us. We have value because God values us! Ray Pritchard asked how many would respond to a position advertised like this:

Wanted: Understudy for well-traveled but trouble-prone missionary. Must be able to suffer illness and hardship without complaining; to travel to distant countries and be separated from your loved ones for long periods of time; to teach and be taught; to evangelize, organize, and be flexible when nothing goes right. Must put up with low pay, long hours, high stress levels, and intense opposition. Often attacked, occasionally stoned, beaten weekly, frequently arrested. Interested applicants should contact the Apostle Paul.

Maybe the Pulpit Committee should try that – that would bring a pile of resumes! I don’t think so! But you want to find a servant, a shepherd who will love the people.

       Note that phrase in verse 30—"risking his life.” The Greek verb means “to expose oneself to danger, to risk, or to gamble.” It was used of people who spoke up for their friends at the risk of their own safety and security. During the time of Constantine – there arose societies of Christian men and women who called themselves “The Parabolani,” meaning “the riskers” or “the gamblers.” They ministered to the sick, the imprisoned, and the outcasts. They saw to it that martyrs received honorable burial. One writer notes that in A.D. 252

…the city of Carthage had a terrible plague and the heathen were so frightened of the germs that were in the bodies of the dead that they literally bagged them somehow and hurled them out of the city, not wanting to touch them for burial.  Cyprian the Christian bishop gathered the congregation of the believing church together and the church members took their bodies and in a gracious act of human kindness buried the dead bodies of the plague-stricken people.  And according to the historians as well, they nursed even the sick people, coming close enough to them to touch them in that plague-infested city, risking their lives to save some in the city and God used them as a tremendous potential, as a tremendous force really to reach people for Christ because of their love.

What are we willing to risk for Christ? Are we willing to take ourselves out of our comfort zone for the sake of the gospel? Or as Paul would say, will we “consider others as more important than ourselves”? Epaphroditus did that, do we? Will we?

What is God saying to me in this passage? The Maine* Idea: A balanced, faithful Christian life may bring hardship, but it will bring joy!

What would God have me to do in response to this passage? God has made us for community and gifted each of us! He has sovereignly and strategically placed us where we are. He will use us to encourage one another in the faith, as together we carry out His mission in the world, starting right here on this peninsula.

       Have we truly offered ourselves as a "living sacrifice" to God? One way we do that is to consider others more important than ourselves, and to do what is best for them. You would do that for your children. We would do it for our spouse. Love one another is not a suggestion, Jesus called it a “new commandment!” It is not an emotion, but a choice, a commitment to think of others. By this men will know that we are His disciples. Are you willing to allow God to use you, to stretch you, perhaps even to sacrifice some of your comfort or security for the sake of the kingdom?  Do we have concern for the spiritual condition of others to the extent that we will love them enough to try to meet their needs and help them find joy in the Lord? In light of what Jesus did for us, how then should we live? AMEN.

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE KING, PART 1: A Son and a Servant - Philippians 2:19-24

 

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE KING, PART 1: A Son and a Servant

Philippians 2:19-24

Introduction: Do you remember the epic trilogy; The Lord of the Rings?  In the battle of good against evil a team was assembled to strike a blow against the forces of darkness and cast the ring into the fires of Mordor.  In that epic each one who had a part in the fellowship had a role to fulfill. They were all different, but they were all needed and had a part in the unfolding story. Instead of “The fellowship of the ring,” a title for our next two sermons could be: “The fellowship of the King,” let’s call this part 1, where Paul speaks of Timothy, “A Son and a Servant.” Of course, Jesus is our king. 

       Jesus came as a servant, gave his life for us, and was exalted to the right hand of the father!  We’ve seen Paul’s humility as he just minimized his own importance in the unfolding plan of God by referring to himself as a “drink offering” about to be poured out over the sacrificial faith of the Philippians. He viewed their sacrifice as more important than his own. He now points to two co-workers, colleagues in ministry and brothers in the faith. They had different roles, but each was important in the story that God was writing in history. And each of us who know Christ has been saved for a purpose. 

        In the “Fellowship of the King” we all have a role to fulfill, a contribution to make to the unfolding plan of God.  We are a team – each of us unique, different, and gifted, to complement one another and to serve together in God’s mission. A dear brother of ours, now with the Lord, would often say, “He saved you on purpose, for a purpose.” You were created by God and uniquely gifted to fulfill a specific and important role in His mission in the world. God uses ordinary people like us in the extraordinary program of building His church. If you know Him, you have a part in that mission!

       This week and next we’ll look at two ordinary men, who exemplified faithful Christian living, lives lived in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ (1:27). We’ll see that God uses ordinary people in His mission in the world. Next week we’ll consider Epaphroditus, who seems to be the one who carried this letter to the Philippians on Paul’s behalf. For today, we'll look at Timothy, one who Paul calls his “son in the faith.” Let’s remind ourselves of a little background…

        Timothy was a native of Lystra in the province of Galatia.  His mother Eunice was Jewish and his father was a Greek and possibly an unbeliever.  Since Paul calls him several times his “true son in the Lord” though it doesn’t seem that Paul led him to the Lord, he certainly had a hand in discipling him and leading him deeper in his faith, and mentoring him for the ministry. It could be that they met during Paul’s first missionary journey when he brought the gospel to Lystra for the first time (Acts 14:6-23). Both his mother and his grandmother were believers and had instructed Timothy in the Scriptures (2 Tim 3:15). Paul here commends him to the Philippians. Let’s read the text in the ESV translation…

¹⁹ I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.  ²⁰ For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.  ²¹ They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.  ²² But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.  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. 

As we consider the example of Timothy, let’s consider…

The Maine* Idea: God desires each of us to have the attitude of Jesus, serving others, and so becoming a disciple who makes disciples, as we carry out His mission in the world.

I. God wants us to have the attitude of Jesus: Timothy, like Paul, had a servant’s mind (19-21).  Since we have spread our study in Philippians out over a few months already, it is easy to forget that this is a letter, and every detail must be considered in the context in which it is given. Paul had just spoken of his own situation in which he was willingly, if necessary, to lay down his life if that was the will of God.  Just before that he pointed to the example of Jesus himself, the one who existed in the form of God, and willing took the form of a servant. Before giving the example of Jesus he had urged the Philippians to unity, joy, and to living a life worthy of the Gospel (1:27).  How should we live as followers of Jesus? He now points to his friend and “son in the faith,” Timothy as a trustworthy example of the attitude of a servant. Look again at 2:19-21…

¹⁹ I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.  ²⁰ For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.  ²¹ They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

       Timothy was someone Paul could trust to serve faithfully and to bring back a trustworthy report of the status of the church in Philippi.  He was sending Timothy to encourage them, know his genuine concern for them, and also so that Paul himself could be encouraged by hearing of them.

       Timothy had a servant’s mind, like his teacher Paul, like his Lord Jesus.  “Like minded” is literally “single-souled”, some translations say “kindred spirit.” They were certainly “on the same page” when it came to life and ministry! Paul could send Timothy with confidence as his representative – he would unquestionably serve for the good of the Philippians and for the glory of Christ.  By the way, remember how Paul started this letter, “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus…” Normally the writer of a letter would identify himself in the opening words, here Paul includes Timothy as essential a “co-writer.” As we have actually read the letter, we’ve seen Paul speaking in the first person singular, “I”, “my”, etc. He is the writer. He even refers to Timothy in the third person, as he does here. Paul, from verse 1, wanted to affirm to the Philippians that Timothy was truly a kindred-spirit, someone that Paul viewed as a partner in the ministry, as his spiritual son.

       Paul’s concern for the Philippians has been evident in this letter, and here he makes the point that Timothy too was genuinely concerned for them. This younger disciple is deeply concerned for the spiritual good of the Philippians. He really has a genuine, heartfelt concern for the Philippians, there was not fake or superficial about it. Rather, Paul says, Timothy is filled with a genuine, authentic concern for them. The word “concern” used here here can be either negative or positive. In some contexts, have the sense “be anxious, worry” (see for example Phil 4:6). According to Steven Lawson,

"Concerned" carries a specific meaning, because it indicates having strong feelings for something or someone. It conveys deep emotions, and it can be used either negatively or positively. It is used in the negative sense later in this letter when Paul writes, "Be anxious for nothing" (4: 6).

Concern is good, it is legitimate, it is normal as we live and serve in this fallen world. But “worry” is forgetting that God is with us always, even in the hard and challenging moments of life. It is to doubt His providence and his care. Be anxious for nothing! Timothy was concerned for others, he thought about the needs of the Philippians. It seems that could not be said of all of Paul’s companions – some were more focused on their own interests, and not so interested in what was best for others. Not all are spiritually at the same level of maturity. Paul could commend Timothy. God desires each of us to have the attitude of Jesus, serving others, and so becoming a disciple who makes disciples, as we carry out His mission in the world.

II. God has a plan for discipleship: We see that in Timothy as he was mentored for ministry (v.22). Timothy was not an unknown character to Paul or to the Philippians.  They knew his testimony, they understood where he came from.

²² But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 

       He had proven character, the implication is that he was not a new believer. He had been walking with God long enough for people to have seen his testimony in thick and thin, in good times and in hard times. When you first believed, were some people waiting to see if this was real, or a passing fad? I believe that was the case in my family!  Remember how Paul and Timothy began to serve together, we have the story in Acts 15:36 - 16:2 at the beginning of the second missionary journey. Let’s read it in the ESV…  

³⁶ And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are."  ³⁷ Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark.  ³⁸ But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.  ³⁹ And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,  ⁴⁰ but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.  ⁴¹ And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.  ^ESV Acts 16:1 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek.  ² He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium.

       There was a question about the faithfulness of John-Mark that brought a division between Paul and Barnabas. But as he and Silas went through Asia Minor, God added to their team a young disciple named Timothy. He would prove to be a co-worker that Paul could rely on through thick and thin. Timothy had served with Paul as a son might for a time work with his father, learning his trade, like an apprentice. That was the norm in the ancient world in terms of learning a trade. In times past that was also how many were trained for ministry – being mentored by an experienced pastor. [There is no way that a couple of semesters of Bible college should trump decades of personal Bible reading and involvement in the local church.  You can have the letters after your name, but what matters most is knowing God through his Word.  We should all be students of the Word!]. Through your own devotional reading of the Bible over the years, from the accumulation of sermons you have heard and Bible studies you have participated in, you are learning and growing in your knowledge of the Word.

       As we learn to know Jesus better, I think we start to more consistently think God’s thoughts after Him. Remember, He is working in us both to will and to work for His good pleasure. God desires each of us to have the attitude of Jesus, serving others, and so becoming a disciple who makes disciples, as we carry out His mission in the world.

III. God entrusts each of us with a role in His mission: Timothy is an example of that, he was given a servant’s assignment (23-24). Paul had full confidence in Timothy. He was available and faithful, and God prepared him, He was at work in Him, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Ultimately the Lord of the harvest sends him forth into the harvest field!

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. 

       “Therefore [because of his proven character] I hope to send him…” By the way, we are all sent! Some overseas, some to families, workplaces, our neighborhoods. This year we missed our VBS outreach. We’ve all felt more isolated these last few months. This too will pass. God will open doors, the mission continues, and children’s ministry will be an important part of that. Is God raising up workers from among us? Remember, no one can do everything, but everyone can do something. We are the local manifestation of the body of Christ – according to His word, He will gift each of us.

       Later Paul will say of Timothy and Epaphroditus, “…hold such men in high regard…”  Haven’t you had people in your life that consistently reflected Christ? You just knew there was something real about them, something authentic. You knew they were interested in you and cared about you. As a believer, you are drawn to them, you respect them, you listen to what they say. There should be a bond, Christian love, a mutual respect, in the “Fellowship of the King.” God himself has put this team together, and He will continue to refine it for His purposes.  Not that he needs us, but amazingly he has chosen to use us!  Ordinary people, but our extraordinary God has chosen to use us in His worldwide mission! That means we should respect one another. We have value because God values us!

What is God saying to me in this passage? Let’s value each other, “…hold such… in high regard…”  There should be a bond, Christian love, a mutual respect, in the “Fellowship of the King.” God himself has put this team together.  Not that he needs us, but he has chosen to use us!  That means we should respect one another.  God has made us for community and gifted each of us! He will use us to encourage one another, and to build each other up, equipping us for the mission. That’s the Maine* Idea:  God desires each of us to have the attitude of Jesus, serving others, and so becoming a disciple who makes disciples, as we carry out His mission in the world.

What would God have me to do in response to this passage? Do you have the attitude of Jesus, who humbled himself, and took the form of a servant? How do you know if have the attitude of a servant? How do you act when someone treats you like one?! It begins with our response to God, offering ourselves to Him out of thanksgiving for all He has done for us in Jesus. Are you willing to allow God to use you, to stretch you, perhaps even to sacrifice some of your comfort or security for the sake of the kingdom?

       Are our plans subject to God’s revision? Do we submit all of our plans (our travel plans, our business plans, even our daily "to do" list) to the sovereign will of God, or do we just press forward in presumption, assuming that we are in control of our life? God get’s the last word!  I had a Jewish student who like to say, “Man plans, and God laughs.”

       If the Lord wills we’ll gather here next week! Remember, as we share the Lord’s Table together in a few minutes, we again show forth the Lord’s death until He comes. He is returning! We should commit to faithfully living a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Consider what Jesus did for us, by taking the form of a servant… and becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a Cross. In view of what Christ has done for us, how should we then live? Are we willing to think about the needs of others before ourselves? We can only do that if God is working in us.      AMEN.