Esteem Them Highly!

This morning, we find ourselves at the end of Philippians 2, and we will be looking at verses 19-30.  I want to share a message with you entitled, “Esteem Them Highly!”

 

In today’s text, Paul mentioned two friends by name.  He had mentioned one previously, and introduced a new person as well.  We know of Timothy from Philippians 1:1, and after today, we will now of Epaphroditus.

 

1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.

 

Allow me to set the stage.  Paul is in Rome on house arrest for sharing the gospel.  For two years, he is chained to Roman Guard.  If goes to eat, he is there.  If he goes to sleep, he is there.  As he wrote this letter, he was there.

 

It seems that Timothy was also with him in the area along with Epaphroditus.  Once this letter was complete, Epaphroditus carried it from Rome to Philippi.  Timothy then visited Philippi on Paul’s behalf to see that they received the letter and got a report to take back to Rome.

 

Here in Philippians 2, I hope to lead us in admiring these two men.  I also want to encourage you to esteem our minsters highly. 

 

 

1. Paul the Apostle

 

When we think about Paul, today’s text reminds us that he was committed to the Lord, concerned for these Philippian Believers, and commissioned Timothy.

 

First, Paul was committed to the Lord above all else.  Look at verse 19.  You see the first of two times when Paul said his hope was in the Lord Jesus.  You’ll also find those words in verse 24.

 

In other words, in all things and at all times, Paul trusted in the Lord.  He was saying, “The Lord’s will be done” above all else. 

 

Can you say that in all things and at all times?  Remember, Paul was on house arrest when he wrote this letter of joy to the Philippian Church.

 

Second, he was concerned about the Philippian Believers.  He was looking forward to hearing from Timothy about their state or condition.  He wanted to know how they were doing even in his absence. 

 

How is your concern for those around you?  What about those that you haven’t seen at EBC in a number of weeks or months or even years?  Is it your attitude that that is Bro. Richard’s job or is out our job? 

 

Third, Paul commissioned Timothy to go to Philippi.  Timothy was the only one that Paul could trust, and so Paul sent him after Epaphroditus delivered the letter and looked forward to his report.

 

 

2. Timothy the Son

 

In addition to these first several verses reminded us of Paul, they also remind of Timothy.  He was the same as Paul in his heart, sympathetic to Philippian Church, and a servant to the Lord and to Paul.

 

First, Timothy was the same as Paul in his heart.  Verse 20 says they shared the same psyche.  They wanted the same end goal.

 

Second, Timothy was sympathetic to the Philippian Church.  Why?  Philippi was one of the first cities that he and Paul ministered in after he was converted to Christ.

 

Timothy knew these Christians, and these Christians knew him.  See Acts 16:1-12.

 

1 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.  6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.  11 Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days.

 

Third, Timothy served the Lord and Paul.  Because of his relationship with Lord, Timothy served Paul by checking on the Philippian Church and reporting back.

 

What about you?  Are you serving the Lord by serving others?  If you’re not serving others, are you serving the Lord?  Find your place of service!

 

 

 

3. Epaphroditus the Charming

 

Epaphroditus is mentioned for the first time in verse 2, and his name means “charming.”  These final verses remind us that he was a messenger from Philippi, a minister to Paul, and he was medically sick while working for the Lord.

 

First, Epaphroditus was from the Philippian Church.  He had brought their financial gift to Paul.  That is alluded to verse 30 and confirmed in 4:18.

 

18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

 

Second, he was a minister to Paul.  Paul used those very words in verse 25.  In verse 30, he supplied from the Philippians what Paul lacked.

 

Third, Epaphroditus was medically sick working for the Lord.  Verse 27 said he was so sick that he almost died. Verse 29 says he risked his life for work of Christ and came close to death.  However, praise the Lord, God healed him!

 

 

Conclusion

My invitation this morning is three fold.  First, like Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus, if you aren’t in Christ, I invite you to receive the gift of eternal life that He is offering today.

 

Second, all three of these men had many admirable qualities that can and should be emulated.  However, the one I remind you of lastly this morning is their loyalty, commitment, and faithful to their family…that is their spiritual family. 

 

Paul called Timothy his son.  However, that was not biological but spiritual.  Timothy served Paul because of his relationship with the Lord Jesus.  Epaphroditus was a brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, and even risked his life ministered to Paul on behalf of the Philippians because of his relationship with Christ.

 

EBC, we are family.  Let us love and care for one another like it. 

 

Finally, Paul encouraged the Philippians to receive Epaphroditus and esteem him highly.  Brothers and sisters, I invite you and encourage not to take for granted what you have. 

 

Bro. Ronnie faithfully shepherds our teenagers.  Esteem him highly.

 

Bro. Chris faithfully leads us in worship and shepherds our senior adults.  Esteem him highly.

 

Cecily faithfully leads our day school and shepherds our preschoolers.  Esteem her highly. 

 

The Lord has blessed us richly.  Let us thank Him and thank them!