Dig Deeper
In
Philippians 1:27 the Apostle Paul sums up the main point of this epistle
(church letter), “Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel
of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you
that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side
for the faith that comes from the gospel.” If these Philippian Christians are
unsure of what this looks like in everyday life he offers Timothy and
Epaphroditus as examples to emulate.
Paul
includes Timothy as the co-author of Philippians (1:1). On several occasions he described Timothy as “my
true son in the faith” (1 Corinthians 4:17 & 1 Timothy 1:2) and declares of
Timothy here in Philippians 2:20, “I have no one else like-minded who will
genuinely care about your interests.” What insights about Timothy’s character
do you observe in the following Scriptures?
Acts
16:1-5--
Acts
17:14-16, 18:5--
Acts
19:21-23--
1
Corinthians 4:16-17; 16:10--
1
Timothy 1:17-19; 6:19-21--
2
Timothy 2:1-10; 4:1-4--
The
only mention of Epaphroditus is here in Philippians 2:25-30 and 4:18. In 2:25
Paul addresses him as “brother”, “coworker”, “fellow soldier”, “messenger” and “minister.”
To what character qualities does each of these titles allude?
Application
Consider
the circumstances surrounding your conversion to Christ. How have these
circumstances uniquely equipped you for your mission? Look over the titles Paul
uses for Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:25. In what ways is the Holy Spirit
leading you to fulfill these roles in your life and relationships?
Memorize
This
Philippians
2:13 — For it is God who is working in you, enabling you
both to desire and to work out His good purpose. © HCSB
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