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Timothy and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:19-30)
In Philippians 2:19-30, Paul describes two of his companions that have served alongside him during his ministry. As he describes them, there are some key attributes that set them apart.
Let’s start with Timothy.
Paul said that there was no one like Timothy. Just think about that for a minute. No one. Why was Timothy different? What set him apart? He wasn’t selfish. He cared more about others than himself. Paul also didn’t want to send Timothy away unless he had to. Timothy is an example of Romans 12:3, “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” Timothy had a track record of being selfless, for he was proven. Paul saw him as a son and it is evident as to how much he loved Timothy.
What about Paul’s other companion? Paul refers to Epaphroditus as a brother, worker, soldier, messenger, and minister. Wow, he sounds like a super Christian who can do it all! Epaphroditus was sent from the church in Philippi to minister to Paul, and he was willing to do whatever it took to support Paul and to further God’s kingdom. God spared his life when he risked it serving the Lord. Epaphroditus missed his fellow Christians in Philippi and felt bad for them because they heard that he was sick. He didn’t want others worrying about him. He truly presented his body as a “living sacrifice” – Romans 12:1.
As I read this passage in Philippians, I couldn’t help but think how Paul would have described me if I had been one his companions. If you were with Paul during this time, how would he describe you? Would it be like Timothy who was so selfless that you would be considered “one of a kind”? Would you be like paphroditus who would do anything to share the Good News of Christ, even to the point of death? Would Paul have considered us to be sons, daughters, sisters, or brothers? Would he at least consider us family?
It can be sobering to reflect upon our own character and there’s no better way to find out the truth about ourselves than by asking a family member – someone who knows us inside and out. I challenge you today to look honestly inward. How do people around you describe you? If it is like Timothy or Epaphroditus, that’s awesome! Keep it up! If not, don’t be discouraged, but instead, commit to live your life for the Lord today. In Joshua 24:15, Joshua told the Israelites to “choose this day whom you will serve.” It is a decision that needs to be made on a daily basis. What will you decide?
– Pastor David Guenin
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