October 1
Isaiah 62:6-65:25; Philippians 2:19-3:3; Psalm 73:1-28; Proverbs 24:13-14
A trip? Who is going? Paul’s writing in this passage sounds similar to a travelogue of Timothy, Epaphroditus, and his future travel plans. However, this passage is much more than a trip.
Paul commends Timothy and Epaphroditus for modeling self-sacrificing love to the Philippian church. Timothy had a genuine interest and unity of spirit with Paul and with the people of the Philippian church. Paul has no one like Timothy who shows “a genuine interest” in the welfare of the Philippians (2:20). Timothy, in seeking the interests of Jesus Christ, puts his own interests aside; thus seeking the best interests of others (2:21).
Paul describes Epaphroditus as “my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier” (2:25). My brother implies a term of endearment or affection. My fellow worker infers he worked hard with Paul in spreading the gospel. He also worked well with others, putting his own ambitions and interests aside for the sake of Christ and the benefit of the group. Epaphroditus was an example to the Philippians who had been complaining and arguing among themselves (2:14; 4:2). The term “fellow soldier” indicates he suffered the rigors of working with Paul for the gospel. Epaphroditus, who like Christ was obedient even to death on the cross (2:8), had endured a life-threatening illness to go to Paul and care for his needs as the Philippian church had requested. Timothy and Epaphroditus had learned to “put no confidence in the flesh” but to rely on the power of Christ within them.
How do we measure up to Timothy and Epaphroditus? Consider our concern for others. How well do we work with others? Do we put our desires (new car, ballgame, streaming movies, visiting with others) before obeying Christ and serving others?
Father, because I want to serve you, may I put other’s needs before my own interests. May I live in unity and love with others. Amen.
Am I willing to rely on Christ and not my own ability to be genuinely interested in others and work well with them? Considering Timothy and Epaphroditus’ self-sacrificing qualities, what needs changing in my life?
A trip? Who is going? Paul’s writing in this passage sounds similar to a travelogue of Timothy, Epaphroditus, and his future travel plans. However, this passage is much more than a trip.
Paul commends Timothy and Epaphroditus for modeling self-sacrificing love to the Philippian church. Timothy had a genuine interest and unity of spirit with Paul and with the people of the Philippian church. Paul has no one like Timothy who shows “a genuine interest” in the welfare of the Philippians (2:20). Timothy, in seeking the interests of Jesus Christ, puts his own interests aside; thus seeking the best interests of others (2:21).
Paul describes Epaphroditus as “my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier” (2:25). My brother implies a term of endearment or affection. My fellow worker infers he worked hard with Paul in spreading the gospel. He also worked well with others, putting his own ambitions and interests aside for the sake of Christ and the benefit of the group. Epaphroditus was an example to the Philippians who had been complaining and arguing among themselves (2:14; 4:2). The term “fellow soldier” indicates he suffered the rigors of working with Paul for the gospel. Epaphroditus, who like Christ was obedient even to death on the cross (2:8), had endured a life-threatening illness to go to Paul and care for his needs as the Philippian church had requested. Timothy and Epaphroditus had learned to “put no confidence in the flesh” but to rely on the power of Christ within them.
How do we measure up to Timothy and Epaphroditus? Consider our concern for others. How well do we work with others? Do we put our desires (new car, ballgame, streaming movies, visiting with others) before obeying Christ and serving others?
Father, because I want to serve you, may I put other’s needs before my own interests. May I live in unity and love with others. Amen.
Am I willing to rely on Christ and not my own ability to be genuinely interested in others and work well with them? Considering Timothy and Epaphroditus’ self-sacrificing qualities, what needs changing in my life?
Recent
Archive
2025
January
January 1January 2January 3January 4January 5January 6January 7January 8January 9January 10January 11January 12January 13January 14January 15January 16January 17January 18January 19January 20January 21January 22January 23January 24January 25January 26January 27January 28January 29January 30January 31
February
March
Categories
no categories
No Comments