Examples
Messengers, 12 October 2025
15 10 25 Filed in: Sermons | Philippians
Messengers
Kirk Schneemann
Joy: Book of Philippians
College First Church of God
October 12, 2025
Philippians 2:19-30
Series Big Idea: Philippians reminds us we can experience joy no matter the circumstances.
Big Idea: Paul’s friends are godly men of character worthy of honor.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:19-24
Many years ago, my friend—I’ll call him Bill—that’s his name—Bill was working as a physical therapist following years of training and study. A friend asked him to take over the finances of his growing company, becoming the CFO. Bill was so surprised, wondering why this successful entrepreneur would ask him to change careers and manage millions of dollars with no formal training in finance. The man replied, “Because I trust you.”
If you had a business—as some of you do—and you had to give it away to someone who is not related to you, who would you choose? Who do you trust?
Today as we continue our study of the book of Philippians, a short letter written from prison by Paul to a church in modern day Greece, we will be introduced to two people Paul trusted and loved…Timothy and Epaphroditus.
Trust. It takes years to earn and seconds to lose. The Bible introduces us to a wide variety of characters, some wise, others foolish, and some evil. All but Jesus had flaws, yet many were used by God to do great things in His Kingdom leading up to the faith of many here today 2000 years later.
Last Sunday, we looked at a beautiful poem or hymn about Jesus the Messiah and Paul’s encouragement to the Philippians to follow Christ and his example. Now he offers some personal notes about his two friends who are examples of humility, self-sacrifice, and what it means to pick up your cross daily and follow Jesus.
Timothy and Epaphroditus
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. (Philippians 2:19)
Timothy is mentioned in the first verse of this epistle or short letter, but he’s probably not in prison with Paul as this is written. Paul hopes to send Timothy to Philippi. Notice he doesn’t just hope, he hopes “in the LORD.” He is seeking God’s will above his own. Timothy is a very special person to Paul. They were together when this church was founded. He knows Timothy will be a blessing to the Philippians and that he will return to Paul with news about them.
I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. (Philippians 2:20)
The Greek word for “like him” is rare, meaning “of like mind” or “one who shares the same feelings.” Timothy was Paul’s disciple, and when Timothy speaks, he speaks for Paul.
For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 2:21)
Is this true? I believe it is generally true. Humans tend to be selfish, which surely inspired Paul to write several verses earlier
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)
This is so challenging, yet Jesus modeled this perfectly.
But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. (Philippians 2:22-24)
Timothy did not serve Paul so much as he served in the work of the gospel, the good news that Jesus is LORD.
The Bible is filled with partnerships, from Adam and Eve (after God said it’s not good for man to be alone) to Moses and Aaron to Paul and Timothy here. There’s great, ancient wisdom in the book of Ecclesiastes which says,
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
What’s great about Timothy is he doesn’t seek the spotlight, but he’s willing to serve in the second chair, so to speak.
Paul and Timothy worked together traveling throughout the known world, including prison, but Timothy also served as an envoy to churches. Paul wrote two letters directly to Timothy which we have in our Bible…1 and 2 Timothy! In the second, he says,
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1)
The next verse is one of my favorites in the entire Bible.
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:2)
It’s easy for me to remember the address…2 Timothy 2:2. This is a brilliant vision of discipleship…multiplication …reproduction. How many generations are mentioned? Four! Paul – Timothy – reliable people – others.
You can apply this strategy to any form of mentoring, whether it’s training athletes, passing on special recipes in the kitchen, maintaining family traditions, or educating people in the trades. In this case, though, Paul tells Timothy not to hoard his faith but share it…intentionally…with those who will do the same.
I know this doesn’t sound “fair,” but not everyone is worthy of your time and investment. Jesus loved everyone, but focused his time on twelve disciples and, further, three of his followers—Peter, James, and John—who passed the baton of faith to others who did the same again and again and now 2000 years later, here we are! Who introduced you to Jesus? Who can you introduce to Jesus?
Now Paul turns to his other friend.
But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. (Philippians 2:25)
Epaphroditus was a predecessor to a Door Dash driver! He delivered messages and supplies between Paul and the Philippians. He sacrificed to do so.
For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. (Philippians 2:26-27)
Have you ever been near death? We are quick to forget God’s mercy, healing, and answers to prayer. Obviously God sometimes says no or wait, but Paul celebrates the health of his friend.
Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me. (Philippians 2:28-30)
We are to worship God and honor people. Showing honor not only affirms the person, it shows others what matters, what we value.
So What?
Let’s go back for a moment and look at the character of these two men. Paul says Timothy…
- shows genuine concern for the welfare of others (2:20)
o can this be said of you?
- has proved himself (2:22)
o Are you all talk or do you walk the walk?
- has served in the work of the gospel (2:22)
o This is sharing Jesus in word and deed
o Do you share your faith? Do you share your story? Do you share His story?
o There’s an urban legend that St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel. If necessary, use words.” He did not say that…and if he did, he would need words to say it! The work of the gospel involves words and deeds. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care…but we need both. We need to look after the widow, stranger, and orphan…AND tell them about Jesus.
o We talk about the things we love, which is why you hear me talk about my wife, our kids and g-kids, Dietsch’s ice cream, roller coasters, music…and Jesus. I don’t force any of those things on people. I’m not trying to sell anything. But these are my passions and I want others to experience them. I love introducing new friends to Heather. I love showing photos of my family. One of my favorite things to do is not only eat ice cream but treat others to ice cream. I have a season pass to Cedar Point and the other Six Flags parks that expires December 31, 2026 so if you want to ride coasters, let’s go! I say yes to most every invitation I have to play music. And when it comes to Jesus, I want the world to know they are loved so much that someone died for them. That’s a lot of love! Jesus is the greatest gift, but gifts are not yours until you receive them, accept them. In a world of hatred, anxiety, fear, and division, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is LORD of all and wants to lead your life and mind…if we will get out of the driver’s seat and—as the songs says—let Jesus take the wheel.
Paul calls Epaphroditus a brother, a co-worker, a fellow soldier. He was a faithful messenger who took care of Paul’s needs. I’m sure he had the spiritual gifts of mercy and helps. He was worthy of honor. He was so committed to the work of the gospel he almost died.
It would be incredible for those words to be said of me…are any of us. The great news is we get to choose how we live our lives and it begins with making good choices every day, every hour, every moment.
Paul trusted these faithful men. Much like a man entrusted his life work and business to my friend Bill, Paul entrusted his work in the gospel—the good news—to these men.
Paul’s friends were godly men of character, committed to Jesus, disciple makers, and worthy of honor. Are we?
Kirk Schneemann
Joy: Book of Philippians
College First Church of God
October 12, 2025
Philippians 2:19-30
Series Big Idea: Philippians reminds us we can experience joy no matter the circumstances.
Big Idea: Paul’s friends are godly men of character worthy of honor.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:19-24
Many years ago, my friend—I’ll call him Bill—that’s his name—Bill was working as a physical therapist following years of training and study. A friend asked him to take over the finances of his growing company, becoming the CFO. Bill was so surprised, wondering why this successful entrepreneur would ask him to change careers and manage millions of dollars with no formal training in finance. The man replied, “Because I trust you.”
If you had a business—as some of you do—and you had to give it away to someone who is not related to you, who would you choose? Who do you trust?
Today as we continue our study of the book of Philippians, a short letter written from prison by Paul to a church in modern day Greece, we will be introduced to two people Paul trusted and loved…Timothy and Epaphroditus.
Trust. It takes years to earn and seconds to lose. The Bible introduces us to a wide variety of characters, some wise, others foolish, and some evil. All but Jesus had flaws, yet many were used by God to do great things in His Kingdom leading up to the faith of many here today 2000 years later.
Last Sunday, we looked at a beautiful poem or hymn about Jesus the Messiah and Paul’s encouragement to the Philippians to follow Christ and his example. Now he offers some personal notes about his two friends who are examples of humility, self-sacrifice, and what it means to pick up your cross daily and follow Jesus.
Timothy and Epaphroditus
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. (Philippians 2:19)
Timothy is mentioned in the first verse of this epistle or short letter, but he’s probably not in prison with Paul as this is written. Paul hopes to send Timothy to Philippi. Notice he doesn’t just hope, he hopes “in the LORD.” He is seeking God’s will above his own. Timothy is a very special person to Paul. They were together when this church was founded. He knows Timothy will be a blessing to the Philippians and that he will return to Paul with news about them.
I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. (Philippians 2:20)
The Greek word for “like him” is rare, meaning “of like mind” or “one who shares the same feelings.” Timothy was Paul’s disciple, and when Timothy speaks, he speaks for Paul.
For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 2:21)
Is this true? I believe it is generally true. Humans tend to be selfish, which surely inspired Paul to write several verses earlier
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)
This is so challenging, yet Jesus modeled this perfectly.
But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. (Philippians 2:22-24)
Timothy did not serve Paul so much as he served in the work of the gospel, the good news that Jesus is LORD.
The Bible is filled with partnerships, from Adam and Eve (after God said it’s not good for man to be alone) to Moses and Aaron to Paul and Timothy here. There’s great, ancient wisdom in the book of Ecclesiastes which says,
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
What’s great about Timothy is he doesn’t seek the spotlight, but he’s willing to serve in the second chair, so to speak.
Paul and Timothy worked together traveling throughout the known world, including prison, but Timothy also served as an envoy to churches. Paul wrote two letters directly to Timothy which we have in our Bible…1 and 2 Timothy! In the second, he says,
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1)
The next verse is one of my favorites in the entire Bible.
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:2)
It’s easy for me to remember the address…2 Timothy 2:2. This is a brilliant vision of discipleship…multiplication …reproduction. How many generations are mentioned? Four! Paul – Timothy – reliable people – others.
You can apply this strategy to any form of mentoring, whether it’s training athletes, passing on special recipes in the kitchen, maintaining family traditions, or educating people in the trades. In this case, though, Paul tells Timothy not to hoard his faith but share it…intentionally…with those who will do the same.
I know this doesn’t sound “fair,” but not everyone is worthy of your time and investment. Jesus loved everyone, but focused his time on twelve disciples and, further, three of his followers—Peter, James, and John—who passed the baton of faith to others who did the same again and again and now 2000 years later, here we are! Who introduced you to Jesus? Who can you introduce to Jesus?
Now Paul turns to his other friend.
But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. (Philippians 2:25)
Epaphroditus was a predecessor to a Door Dash driver! He delivered messages and supplies between Paul and the Philippians. He sacrificed to do so.
For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. (Philippians 2:26-27)
Have you ever been near death? We are quick to forget God’s mercy, healing, and answers to prayer. Obviously God sometimes says no or wait, but Paul celebrates the health of his friend.
Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me. (Philippians 2:28-30)
We are to worship God and honor people. Showing honor not only affirms the person, it shows others what matters, what we value.
So What?
Let’s go back for a moment and look at the character of these two men. Paul says Timothy…
- shows genuine concern for the welfare of others (2:20)
o can this be said of you?
- has proved himself (2:22)
o Are you all talk or do you walk the walk?
- has served in the work of the gospel (2:22)
o This is sharing Jesus in word and deed
o Do you share your faith? Do you share your story? Do you share His story?
o There’s an urban legend that St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel. If necessary, use words.” He did not say that…and if he did, he would need words to say it! The work of the gospel involves words and deeds. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care…but we need both. We need to look after the widow, stranger, and orphan…AND tell them about Jesus.
o We talk about the things we love, which is why you hear me talk about my wife, our kids and g-kids, Dietsch’s ice cream, roller coasters, music…and Jesus. I don’t force any of those things on people. I’m not trying to sell anything. But these are my passions and I want others to experience them. I love introducing new friends to Heather. I love showing photos of my family. One of my favorite things to do is not only eat ice cream but treat others to ice cream. I have a season pass to Cedar Point and the other Six Flags parks that expires December 31, 2026 so if you want to ride coasters, let’s go! I say yes to most every invitation I have to play music. And when it comes to Jesus, I want the world to know they are loved so much that someone died for them. That’s a lot of love! Jesus is the greatest gift, but gifts are not yours until you receive them, accept them. In a world of hatred, anxiety, fear, and division, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is LORD of all and wants to lead your life and mind…if we will get out of the driver’s seat and—as the songs says—let Jesus take the wheel.
Paul calls Epaphroditus a brother, a co-worker, a fellow soldier. He was a faithful messenger who took care of Paul’s needs. I’m sure he had the spiritual gifts of mercy and helps. He was worthy of honor. He was so committed to the work of the gospel he almost died.
It would be incredible for those words to be said of me…are any of us. The great news is we get to choose how we live our lives and it begins with making good choices every day, every hour, every moment.
Paul trusted these faithful men. Much like a man entrusted his life work and business to my friend Bill, Paul entrusted his work in the gospel—the good news—to these men.
Paul’s friends were godly men of character, committed to Jesus, disciple makers, and worthy of honor. Are we?