Sermon Tone Analysis

Philippians 2.19-30

Noted Characteristics about Timothy:

Will do the work

Like-minded

Seeks interests of Jesus Christ

proven character (qualified to lead)

reputation proceeds him

served…in the Gospel

teachable/respectful

like close family

Noted Characteristics about Epaphroditus

The name “Epaphroditus,” which was common in the era, is derived from “Aphrodite” (the Greek mythical goddess).

His family may have worshiped this goddess, and he was likely a Gentile convert (O’Brien, Epistle, 329).

What happens when Jesus transforms an idol worshiper?

We read about it here.

brother

coworker

fellow-soldier

messenger (from Phillipians)

minister (to me from you)

longs for contact / connection

empathetic to your circumstance

human (sick, sad, nearly died)

God’s mercy kept him & Paul

so that Philippians’ sorrows weren’t added to

These are Servants worth IMITATING.

Like-minded

Genuinely concerned for the Church

Seeking after Christ’s interest before their own

Possessing Proven Character

These men were shining examples of what we’ve previously discussed…what we read earlier in the service.

Timothy:

What kind of leader do you follow?

What kind of leader will you be?

Follow compassionate servant-leaders who are following Christ, like Timothy.

Listen to these types of leaders.

Hear their hearts.

Watch their lives.

And if you become a leader, be this type of leader.

Don’t insist on the finest accommodations.

Don’t become self-absorbed.

Don’t live for the admiration of others.

Look to the interests of others for the glory of Christ.

Epaphroditus:

How will you suffer?

How will you serve when you’re not out front?

Epaphroditus is wonderful model of Christ-like ministry in a suffering servant.

These are Servants worth HONORING.

In the Greek & Roman society, shame and honor played a huge role.

Much of the Middle East still is today.

Honor is a commodity to be given or withheld.

Thanksgiving Turkey illustration (ADAPTED FROM High Definition Commentary: Phillipians)

Even though this value system doesn’t play a big role in our culture, it is nonetheless present.

Imagine having a huge gathering of family and friends over for a Thanksgiving feast.

Everything is ready, all the seats are filled, and all that’s left is to bring out the turkey.

Now imagine that as you’re carrying the turkey in, you trip over the cat, completely dump the turkey on the floor, and end up landing on top of it, pulverizing it into an inedible mess.

How would you react in that situation (other than wanting to kill that cat)?

Yes, there is the task of carrying the turkey that was left incomplete, but you’d likely feel something more.

There would be the embarrassment of not seeing the cat and falling.

There would be shame and mortification of having invited people who expected a wonderful meal, and then having nothing but potatoes and cranberry salad to offer them.

Imagine how the guests would feel.

Not only would they be disappointed, but they would probably be embarrassed for you.

They might not even know how to respond.

Do they tell a joke?

Do they offer to help clean up, or would that just make matters worse?

Let’s take a look at this through the lens of shame and honor.

The person who dropped the turkey would definitely feel a sense of shame, but he or she would not be alone.

Their spouse would feel the same as well.

Is their family going to be remembered every Thanksgiving as the ones who ruined the turkey in front of their guests?

Will the relatives harass them for years?

What will this event do to the host’s or hostess’ confidence?

How long would it be, if ever, until they would invite a large group over again?

Okay, we may not fall on the sword or jump out of a window when we make big mistakes, but we can understand the shame it can bring.

We can imagine how we would carry the dishonor with us.

Now let’s go back and revisit the scenario recounted in Philippians 2:25–30.

Epaphroditus represents a category of people who are to be honored.

If we have read Paul correctly, it is not only the up-front people, those with the more public gifts, who are to be honored but also those who regardless of their gifts live out the example of Christ.

By holding up Epaphroditus, Paul contradicted the Greco-Roman culture’s, and also our modern culture’s, rewarding those who seek prestige and position.12

This ought to lay the ax to those of us who define success in the evangelical community as a kind of lordship: sitting in the honored seat, being the feted guest at luncheons, speaking to vast throngs, building monuments, naming buildings after ourselves, collecting honorary titles.

Honor that is deserved is not sought

Honoring Christ in serving is our aim

He gets the glory, we get the joy

These are Servants worth SENDING.

EPAPHRODITUS (Not a church leader) SENT

In 2:25–30 we learn that the Philippians had decided to express and confirm their fellowship with Paul by taking up an offering for him and dispatching an envoy to make the 800-mile trek to Rome and pay Paul’s prison expenses and minister to his needs.

This was crucial because the Roman prison system didn’t provide for food, clothing, or medical care.

Timothy was sent to Pastor the church at Ephesus.

He was a church leader.

Epaphroditus was not a church leader in that way…But he led and served well.

He was entrusted make this 800-mil trek to minister to Paul’s needs: food, clothing, medical care.

Paul was a former persecutor…Matthew a tax collector…do I need to continue?

Paul is listing these two men here at this odd place in his letter - the travelogues are usually toward the end of the letter - to dispel the Super Saint status…he’s shouting FOLLOW JESUS, WITH HUMILITY…You can do this!

This is not based on TALENT, SOCIAL STATUS, or ABILITY…But on the power of God to transform the lives of men and women and boys and girls, EQUIP them to do His Work, His Way so He gets all the glory.

We think about what we’ve read recently, it’s tempting to think, “well that sounds good, but I could never do all that...”

- Real Living = Living for Christ

- Living Out the Gospel Together

- Believing & Suffering Well

- Gaining the Mind of Christ

- Working Out The Gospel

- Not Grumbling and Disputing