Philippians 2:19-30

Philippians 2:19-30

Joyful Journey

I.                    True joy in life is found in a selfless journey for Christ; so we must journey through life in selfless gospel service (Vv. 19-24)

a.       This account of Paul’s travel plans for himself, Timothy, and Epaphroditus aren’t wedged into the middle of his letter by accident. Normally Paul discusses people and travel at the end of his letters, but as he’s been describing how to live a fruitfully and joyful through a humble and self-sacrificial life, he uses this opportunity to offer up two more examples of faithful servants of Christ. It’s Paul’s desire and expectation to come see the Philippians himself, but his circumstances are uncertain as he remains under house arrest. But Paul is concerned about the Philippians and knows they need him there, so he declares that he’ll send Timothy as soon as the Lord approves his going, so that he’ll be able to bring back what he knows will be encouraging news. Why Timothy? Paul essentially says that to send Timothy is to send himself, because there’s no one else who has a heart and soul of “genuine”, or “natural and legitimate” concern for the people of Philippi like Timothy. Timothy is set apart from others because they all look out for their own interests and not those of Christ. Also, the Philippians know what Paul knows, that Timothy has “proven worth”, or “proof after testing”, because he has “severed”, or literally “been slaving away” for years in selfless gospel service at Paul’s side and in the church. Timothy is a proven and faithful companion, with a proven and compassionate heart. There’s no mention of whether Timothy desires to go to Philippi, what Timothy might like to do, or how Timothy might like to do it. Throughout Scripture his heart is centered on the gospel, serving the church, and serving others. This type of dedication and selflessness isn’t possible in our strength. Serving in our own strength, even when we initially desire to do good towards others, never produces true joy, and ultimately only results in burn out and disenchantment. The first time we’re underappreciated, hear a derogatory remark, or simply lose the zeal for service, the “joy” is gone. True joy in life is found in being captivated with Christ and selflessly serving Him along life’s path no matter the cost. (Vv. 19-24; Acts 16:1-3; Matt. 20:25-28; Rom. 5:1-5; 1 Cor. 4:17; 9:16-19; 2 Cor. 11:28-29; 1 Thess. 3:2; 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2)  

II.                 True joy in life is found in a selfless journey for Christ; so we must journey through life in selfless gospel sacrifice (Vv. 25-30)

a.       Since Paul couldn’t come or afford to send Timothy right away, he thinks it’s necessary to send Epaphroditus. Paul describes Epaphroditus as his “brother”, or “from the same womb”, being united together in new birth in Christ. Paul also says he’s his “fellow worker”, in the gospel. He is a “fellow soldier”, who is a dedicated and battle tested gospel warrior with Paul. Epaphroditus is described as “your messenger”, which recognizes his special service in the gospel as the one sent to Rome with the monetary gift for Paul. He’s also their “minister”, or servant, sent to stay with Paul and take care of his needs while he was under house arrest. So why does Paul want to send him back? Apparently either on his way to Rome or sometime after arriving, Epaphroditus became deathly ill, but God mercifully healed him. It would certainly make sense for him to want to return home after his six-week trip which nearly killed him, and has left him physically and emotionally exhausted, but Epaphroditus’ motive for returning home was that he was “distressed”, or “deeply anxious”, because he heard those back home might be worried. Paul sends Epaphroditus back to Philippi, so they’ll rejoice and be encouraged to see him. Paul also suspected that some in the church might be disappointed to see Epaphroditus back so soon, and hearing of his circumstances, might be embarrassed that he couldn’t complete his mission by caring for Paul. But Paul again reemphasizes that Epaphroditus nearly died, selflessly risking his life in total sacrifice for gospel service, and seeing him was like seeing the whole church. Epaphroditus should be received with joy, and people like him should be honored, and held in high regard. Epaphroditus was just an ordinary “layman” who served in an extraordinary way by being selflessly dedicated the gospel at all costs. We’re all going to face trials, sickness, uncertainty, and doubt in the world, but like Epaphroditus, our success must be measured in selfless gospel faithfulness. He faithfully used all he had, and all he was, to do all he could to glorify God, so he could rejoice no matter the circumstances. When we selflessly and sacrificially serve the gospel with all that we are, the circumstances of life only magnify and amplify the joy of Christ in our life. (Vv. 25-30; 1 Sam. 2:30; Matt. 10:39; 25:14-40; Mark 10:42-45; Luke 9:23-25; 14:12-14; John 13:13-17; 15:4-5, 8-14; Rom. 12:1-8; 1 Cor. 16:15-18; Phil. 1:21; Heb. 6:10; 12:1-3)