Messengers, 30 October 2022
14 11 22 Filed in: Sermons | JOY: The Book of Philippians
Messengers
JOY: The book of Philippians
Philippians 2:19-30
Series Big Idea: Paul’s letter from prison to the church in Philippi is filled with joy.
Big Idea: Pastor Paul had friends who discovered and used their spiritual gifts.
Scripture Reading
It’s been a while since you’ve seen it on the screen, but one of my favorite questions when looking at a passage from the Bible is…
So What?
Maybe you asked that after listening to that reading. Paul’s talking about two of his friends. What’s that got to do with me two thousand years later?
Let’s take a step back and review for a moment. The Bible is not a book. It’s actually a library, a collection of 66 books, written by many people in multiple languages on several continents over hundreds of years. It truly is a library.
One of the great things about a library is its diversity. If you go to the downtown library— which is one of the gems of Toledo, by the way—you’ll find dictionaries and novels, biographies and mysteries, how-to manuals and ancient writings. They’re all created for different purposes with different audiences in mind. You don’t write a graphic novel the same way you’d write your autobiography…I hope! The purpose of an encyclopedia is not the same as a collection of poetry.
We’re in the middle of a series on the book of Philippians, a short letter or epistle written by Paul to a church he started in the Greek town of Philippi. He’s writing from prison for preaching about Jesus, essentially, and he’s giving instructions on how to do life as followers of Jesus. Here are some of the things he has said:
…live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. (Philippians 1:27b, NLT)
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. (Philippians 2:3-4, NLT)
Do everything without complaining and arguing, (Philippians 2:14, NLT)
Then he interrupts his words of instructions and encouragement with what appears to be a commercial break or, more accurately, an update on his friends, Timothy and Epaphroditus.
Who’s your best friend? Why?
One of the greatest strengths and weaknesses of our USAmerican culture is rugged individualism. Most of us were raised to be independent, free-thinking people…who can get prideful, selfish, and believe the lie that we don’t need others…and then wonder why we’re lonely!
In the second chapter of the entire Bible,
The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18, NIV)
A few weeks ago, we talked about how God exists in community, one God in three Persons—Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit.
The very nature of what we call “church” is from the Greek word ekklesia, a gathering, an assembly of people. We are an interdependent family, which can certainly be messy, but also very rewarding. We need a lot of grace, a lot of forgiveness, a lot of patience, and a lot of love!
In our text we see two of Paul’s friends who were messengers, delivering the good news of the gospel to others, and setting a great example for each of us to follow.
PRAY
The theme of this short epistle—or letter—is joy. Paul writes from prison, of all places, and offers encouragement and guidance to those in what may be the first European church in history. Imagine you were the founder of an organization—a business, a non-profit, a school—and you were imprisoned and wanted to communicate to the team. As I’ve said before, my primary message would be, “Get me out of here!” but Paul has other things to say. If you haven’t yet read through the short book, I encourage you to do so. It’s a powerful letter and it’s best understood in one reading rather than chopped up over months as we are doing in our study together.
A few weeks ago in looking at chapter one, verse twenty-seven, I said “conduct matters.” Actually, Paul said it! I want to go back to that for just a moment because I ran out of time and never finished my thought. Paul has a clear desire for his audience, which is not us (it was written to a church two thousand years ago), but it can certainly apply to us. It’s the same desire Jesus has for us.
His desire for all of us is simple: follow him. Love him. Love others. This is not done by trying harder. The goal isn’t to merely avoid doing bad things. It begins with surrender, with letting go, with giving Jesus your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Like the five people baptized last month, it’s dying to yourself so you can be made new in Christ.
Religion is all about trying harder, trying to earn God’s approval by your good deeds, which is impossible. Nobody is that good…and God doesn’t grade on a curve!
Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can receive grace, unmerited favor. It’s unearned and undeserved. It’s a gift to be received. Have you received it?
The reason Paul said conduct matters is because if you’ve truly encountered Jesus, you will be changed…for the better! It’s a lifelong journey of change we call discipleship. It’s the journey of becoming like Jesus…not by trying harder, but by spending time with Jesus through prayer and studying the Bible and by hanging out with others who are seeking to follow Jesus. You are your friends…choose wisely.
One of the things I love about the Bible is it’s filled with real people in real places describing real events. In our text, Paul first talks about Timothy, who is referenced in the first verse of Philippians and also the recipient of two other letters from Paul.
If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along. 20 I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. 21 All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ. 22 But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News. 23 I hope to send him to you just as soon as I find out what is going to happen to me here. 24 And I have confidence from the Lord that I myself will come to see you soon. (Philippians 2:19-24, NLT)
I don’t think there’s a lot to analyze here. It’s pretty clear what he’s saying. He loves his friend, Timothy, and he commends him to the Philippians, hoping to see them, himself, soon. Next he turns to Epaphroditus (which is not in this year’s top ten baby names for boys!).
Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. 26 I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill. 27 And he certainly was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him—and also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow after another. (Philippians 2:25-27, NLT)
So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and then I will not be so worried about you. 29 Welcome him in the Lord’s love and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve. 30 For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn’t do from far away. (Philippians 2:28-30, NLT)
Again, a description and commendation of his friend and instructions to welcome him.
So what?
What shall we do with that this week as we live our lives in Toledo in 2022? How does this help us love God and love others as ourselves? In what way can this lead us toward making more and better disciples of Jesus?
First, this text reminds us that our faith is the result of real, historical events in real places with real people and a real God. It’s not grounded in someone’s dream. The Bible is not a collection of fiction. It’s not fairytales. Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus…they walked this earth and modeled for us what it mean to follow Jesus—the way, the truth, and the life.
Pastor Paul had friends who discovered and used their spiritual gifts.
Ministry is not just for the professionals. The role of pastors is not to preach, lead meetings, visit the sick, do weddings and funerals, counsel, and 100 other things and for the congregation to watch (and critique!). According to Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus,
Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:12, NLT)
Did you catch that? It’s my job to equip you to do God’s work.
Some of you are passionately engaged in God’s work. You love God. You love your neighbor. You are making disciples, spending time with others, serving, giving, and glorifying God with your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Thank you!
Some of you come week after week to watch. We’re glad you’re here, but it’s more fun to play than watch the game.
I mentioned earlier this year how one of the greatest strategies of the enemy has been to get the 99% of unpaid Christians to watch the 1% professionals/pastors/clergy do all of the ministry. In many parts of the world, this is not even possible, but here so many expect the paid professionals to do it all. Our job—the role of our staff—is to equip you to love God, love people, and make disciples.
Several years ago, Princeton Alliance in New Jersey hired a consultant to work with their team. The staff was told they could not do any hands-on ministry for several months—only equipping volunteers—and they grew from 500 to 2000 people! The goal is not to have a big church, but rather to engage every follower of Jesus in meaningful ministry.
This is why we have Life Groups.
This is why we offer Dinner Church.
This is why we are involved in Celebrate Recovery.
This is why we started Masterpiece Mentors.
This is why we are involved in ten area ministries, our Home Missions Partners.
This is why we are engaging in Germany and the Dominican Republic.
If you’re looking for a place to start, take the free SHAPE assessment online at FreeShapeTest.com. It will help you discover your purpose and how God has uniquely created you, with gifts and passions and experiences to serve others.
Another next step involves apprenticeship. Paul had several apprentices, including Timothy and Epaphroditus. Every leader should have an apprentice leader. Ask any leader, “Can I be your apprentice?” This isn’t the only way to get involved, but it’s a great way to learn from an established leader, help, and explore a possible leadership opportunity in the future.
Ask Sue Trumbull if you can help her with kids.
Ask Pastor Mike if you can help with Alliance Youth.
Ask Hollywood if you can help with Celebrate Recovery.
Ask your Life Group leader if you can apprentice with them.
I dream of a day when every leader has an apprentice, where everybody is serving, and where ministry is exploding from this campus across our city, state, nation, and world.
This isn’t a recruiting speech. This is an invitation to discover and live out your purpose! God has created you with unique gifts and passions which I need, which we need. Every part of the body is important, and you’re a vital part.
When Jesus said,
…go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:18, NLT)
he wasn’t at a pastor’s conference! The Great Commission is for every Jesus-follower.
Timothy and Epaphroditus were friends, co-workers with Paul. They began as apprentices and over time gained more experience, skill, and confidence to become engaged in greater ministry opportunities.
While we’re on the subject, if you know any high school or college students interested in ministry, we have paid internship opportunities available. Check out our website. Yes, I catch the irony of mentioning a paid role while promoting volunteer ministry!
By the way, some of our greatest needs presently are Life Group leaders, social media and digital storytelling, graphic arts, sound, IT, and communications. If any of those are of interest, please see me or contact the church office.
Conclusion
Pastor Paul had friends who discovered and used their spiritual gifts. What about you?
You can listen to this message and others at the First Alliance Church podcast here.
You can watch this video and others at the First Alliance Church Video Library here.
JOY: The book of Philippians
Philippians 2:19-30
Series Big Idea: Paul’s letter from prison to the church in Philippi is filled with joy.
Big Idea: Pastor Paul had friends who discovered and used their spiritual gifts.
Scripture Reading
It’s been a while since you’ve seen it on the screen, but one of my favorite questions when looking at a passage from the Bible is…
So What?
Maybe you asked that after listening to that reading. Paul’s talking about two of his friends. What’s that got to do with me two thousand years later?
Let’s take a step back and review for a moment. The Bible is not a book. It’s actually a library, a collection of 66 books, written by many people in multiple languages on several continents over hundreds of years. It truly is a library.
One of the great things about a library is its diversity. If you go to the downtown library— which is one of the gems of Toledo, by the way—you’ll find dictionaries and novels, biographies and mysteries, how-to manuals and ancient writings. They’re all created for different purposes with different audiences in mind. You don’t write a graphic novel the same way you’d write your autobiography…I hope! The purpose of an encyclopedia is not the same as a collection of poetry.
We’re in the middle of a series on the book of Philippians, a short letter or epistle written by Paul to a church he started in the Greek town of Philippi. He’s writing from prison for preaching about Jesus, essentially, and he’s giving instructions on how to do life as followers of Jesus. Here are some of the things he has said:
…live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. (Philippians 1:27b, NLT)
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. (Philippians 2:3-4, NLT)
Do everything without complaining and arguing, (Philippians 2:14, NLT)
Then he interrupts his words of instructions and encouragement with what appears to be a commercial break or, more accurately, an update on his friends, Timothy and Epaphroditus.
Who’s your best friend? Why?
One of the greatest strengths and weaknesses of our USAmerican culture is rugged individualism. Most of us were raised to be independent, free-thinking people…who can get prideful, selfish, and believe the lie that we don’t need others…and then wonder why we’re lonely!
In the second chapter of the entire Bible,
The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18, NIV)
A few weeks ago, we talked about how God exists in community, one God in three Persons—Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit.
The very nature of what we call “church” is from the Greek word ekklesia, a gathering, an assembly of people. We are an interdependent family, which can certainly be messy, but also very rewarding. We need a lot of grace, a lot of forgiveness, a lot of patience, and a lot of love!
In our text we see two of Paul’s friends who were messengers, delivering the good news of the gospel to others, and setting a great example for each of us to follow.
PRAY
The theme of this short epistle—or letter—is joy. Paul writes from prison, of all places, and offers encouragement and guidance to those in what may be the first European church in history. Imagine you were the founder of an organization—a business, a non-profit, a school—and you were imprisoned and wanted to communicate to the team. As I’ve said before, my primary message would be, “Get me out of here!” but Paul has other things to say. If you haven’t yet read through the short book, I encourage you to do so. It’s a powerful letter and it’s best understood in one reading rather than chopped up over months as we are doing in our study together.
A few weeks ago in looking at chapter one, verse twenty-seven, I said “conduct matters.” Actually, Paul said it! I want to go back to that for just a moment because I ran out of time and never finished my thought. Paul has a clear desire for his audience, which is not us (it was written to a church two thousand years ago), but it can certainly apply to us. It’s the same desire Jesus has for us.
His desire for all of us is simple: follow him. Love him. Love others. This is not done by trying harder. The goal isn’t to merely avoid doing bad things. It begins with surrender, with letting go, with giving Jesus your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Like the five people baptized last month, it’s dying to yourself so you can be made new in Christ.
Religion is all about trying harder, trying to earn God’s approval by your good deeds, which is impossible. Nobody is that good…and God doesn’t grade on a curve!
Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can receive grace, unmerited favor. It’s unearned and undeserved. It’s a gift to be received. Have you received it?
The reason Paul said conduct matters is because if you’ve truly encountered Jesus, you will be changed…for the better! It’s a lifelong journey of change we call discipleship. It’s the journey of becoming like Jesus…not by trying harder, but by spending time with Jesus through prayer and studying the Bible and by hanging out with others who are seeking to follow Jesus. You are your friends…choose wisely.
One of the things I love about the Bible is it’s filled with real people in real places describing real events. In our text, Paul first talks about Timothy, who is referenced in the first verse of Philippians and also the recipient of two other letters from Paul.
If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along. 20 I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. 21 All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ. 22 But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News. 23 I hope to send him to you just as soon as I find out what is going to happen to me here. 24 And I have confidence from the Lord that I myself will come to see you soon. (Philippians 2:19-24, NLT)
I don’t think there’s a lot to analyze here. It’s pretty clear what he’s saying. He loves his friend, Timothy, and he commends him to the Philippians, hoping to see them, himself, soon. Next he turns to Epaphroditus (which is not in this year’s top ten baby names for boys!).
Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. 26 I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill. 27 And he certainly was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him—and also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow after another. (Philippians 2:25-27, NLT)
So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and then I will not be so worried about you. 29 Welcome him in the Lord’s love and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve. 30 For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn’t do from far away. (Philippians 2:28-30, NLT)
Again, a description and commendation of his friend and instructions to welcome him.
So what?
What shall we do with that this week as we live our lives in Toledo in 2022? How does this help us love God and love others as ourselves? In what way can this lead us toward making more and better disciples of Jesus?
First, this text reminds us that our faith is the result of real, historical events in real places with real people and a real God. It’s not grounded in someone’s dream. The Bible is not a collection of fiction. It’s not fairytales. Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus…they walked this earth and modeled for us what it mean to follow Jesus—the way, the truth, and the life.
Pastor Paul had friends who discovered and used their spiritual gifts.
Ministry is not just for the professionals. The role of pastors is not to preach, lead meetings, visit the sick, do weddings and funerals, counsel, and 100 other things and for the congregation to watch (and critique!). According to Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus,
Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:12, NLT)
Did you catch that? It’s my job to equip you to do God’s work.
Some of you are passionately engaged in God’s work. You love God. You love your neighbor. You are making disciples, spending time with others, serving, giving, and glorifying God with your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Thank you!
Some of you come week after week to watch. We’re glad you’re here, but it’s more fun to play than watch the game.
I mentioned earlier this year how one of the greatest strategies of the enemy has been to get the 99% of unpaid Christians to watch the 1% professionals/pastors/clergy do all of the ministry. In many parts of the world, this is not even possible, but here so many expect the paid professionals to do it all. Our job—the role of our staff—is to equip you to love God, love people, and make disciples.
Several years ago, Princeton Alliance in New Jersey hired a consultant to work with their team. The staff was told they could not do any hands-on ministry for several months—only equipping volunteers—and they grew from 500 to 2000 people! The goal is not to have a big church, but rather to engage every follower of Jesus in meaningful ministry.
This is why we have Life Groups.
This is why we offer Dinner Church.
This is why we are involved in Celebrate Recovery.
This is why we started Masterpiece Mentors.
This is why we are involved in ten area ministries, our Home Missions Partners.
This is why we are engaging in Germany and the Dominican Republic.
If you’re looking for a place to start, take the free SHAPE assessment online at FreeShapeTest.com. It will help you discover your purpose and how God has uniquely created you, with gifts and passions and experiences to serve others.
Another next step involves apprenticeship. Paul had several apprentices, including Timothy and Epaphroditus. Every leader should have an apprentice leader. Ask any leader, “Can I be your apprentice?” This isn’t the only way to get involved, but it’s a great way to learn from an established leader, help, and explore a possible leadership opportunity in the future.
Ask Sue Trumbull if you can help her with kids.
Ask Pastor Mike if you can help with Alliance Youth.
Ask Hollywood if you can help with Celebrate Recovery.
Ask your Life Group leader if you can apprentice with them.
I dream of a day when every leader has an apprentice, where everybody is serving, and where ministry is exploding from this campus across our city, state, nation, and world.
This isn’t a recruiting speech. This is an invitation to discover and live out your purpose! God has created you with unique gifts and passions which I need, which we need. Every part of the body is important, and you’re a vital part.
When Jesus said,
…go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:18, NLT)
he wasn’t at a pastor’s conference! The Great Commission is for every Jesus-follower.
Timothy and Epaphroditus were friends, co-workers with Paul. They began as apprentices and over time gained more experience, skill, and confidence to become engaged in greater ministry opportunities.
While we’re on the subject, if you know any high school or college students interested in ministry, we have paid internship opportunities available. Check out our website. Yes, I catch the irony of mentioning a paid role while promoting volunteer ministry!
By the way, some of our greatest needs presently are Life Group leaders, social media and digital storytelling, graphic arts, sound, IT, and communications. If any of those are of interest, please see me or contact the church office.
Conclusion
Pastor Paul had friends who discovered and used their spiritual gifts. What about you?
You can listen to this message and others at the First Alliance Church podcast here.
You can watch this video and others at the First Alliance Church Video Library here.