Good News: The Gospel Makes Can Make Us Faithful Servants
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In Matthew chapter 25, Jesus tells two parables. One of the them is the parable of the talents. If you are are not familiar with this story here’s the short form. There was a man who was going on a long journey, but before he left, he entrusted some of his money, talents was the name of the currency, to his servants. One servant he gave 5 talents, another servant he gave two talents, and to a third servant he gave one talent. He gave each servant an amount that he thought they had the ability to manage well.
Well, the servant that received the 5 talents went to the market did some wheeling and dealing and was able to make 5 more talents. The same went for the servant with the two talents. He was able to invest his money and make two more talents. But the servant who had the one talent, took his money and buried in the ground, so he would be sure not to lose what he had been given.
Well after a while, the master returned from his journey and had a time of reckoning with his servants. The servant who had been given 5 talents and the servant who had been given 2 talents both told the master that they were able to take what they have been given and turn it into more. Those two servants heard from their master the words, “Well done my good and faithful servants, enter into the joy of your master.”
But the servant who buried his talent received a harsh rebuke for not investing and making more. He was called wicked and slothful servant, his one talent was taken from him and given to the servant who had 5, and the slothful servant was cast into out outer darkness.
Jesus’s main point was that we should be the good and faithful servants who take what their master has given them and use it build our master’s kingdom. And I think that everyone who is a true follower of Jesus Christ wants to get to the end of the life and hear the words, “Well done good and faithful servant.”
But maybe you are thinking what makes someone a good and faithful servant of God? How can I be sure that I will hear those words when my life is over? I’m not a preacher, I’m not a ministry leader of any sort. I’m not a skilled at evangelism, or music, or writing. How will God consider me to be a good and faithful servant when I stand before Him?
Well, I have some good news. The Gospel can make us into faithful servants. As we saw in the parable of the sower. It’s not about what you have. It’s not about what talent or ability God has given you. It’s all about what you do with God has given you. Are you willing to use an ability that God has given you to advance the gospel, or will you bury what God has given you until he returns.
In our text this morning, we are going to learn about two men who were faithful servants, Timothy and Epaphroditus who Paul commends, and since this passage made it into the Scriptures, we can conclude that God had placed his stamp of approval on them as well. We are going to look at some of the characteristics that made these two men faithful servant leaders who were praised by Paul.
But first let’s read the text to get the big picture about what Paul had to say about these guys. First, Paul talks about Timothy. Philippians 2:19-24
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
Now Timothy may be someone you may be familiar with since he traveled with Paul on two of his missionary journeys. Paul considered Timothy to be his son in the faith. In this passage He says there was no one like Timothy. What Paul was saying here was that him and Timothy were on the same page. The Greek word that is used there means to be of a kindred spirit or one-souled. Timothy and Paul were like-minded, and that’s why he wanted to send Timothy to minister Philippi.
Remember Paul is in prison and he was awaiting his trial. Paul wanted the Philippians to know that he was going to send Timothy to Philippi as soon as he learned of his fate, so that he could inform the Philippian church of whether he would live or be sentenced to death.
Then Paul tells us about a man who we are probably less familiar with Epaphroditus. Philippians 2:25-30
I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Epaphroditus was actually from the church of Philippi, and he had been sent to Rome to bring financial support and encouragement from the church. Unfortunately, at some point during his time ministering to Paul, he became sick. Sick to the point of death. The Philippian church heard about his illness and was very worried. Paul was worried about him. So when his health improved enough for travel he sent him home to Philippi. In verse Philippians 2:29
So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men,
Paul emphasizes that he wants them to receive Epaphroditus with joy and honor. Paul felt this needed to be stated because some people in the church may have looked down upon Epaphroditus because he had to return home early from the work that they had sent him to do. Paul wanted to make sure they understood that Epaphroditus was not weak or a failure. He deserved honor for risking his life to serve Paul.
Now the contrast between Timothy and Epaphroditus serves to teach us an important lesson. Timothy was someone who was well known throughout the Christian movement at this time. Paul’s personal protege’. Someone who had ministry aspirations and dreams.
But it doesn’t seem that Epaphroditus had that same type of name power. He may not have even been considered a leader in his own church. There is no title given to him like elder, or deacon. Paul says that he was the Philippian church’s messenger and minister to Paul needs. We think of minister we think of like a preacher, but that word means a servant. Basically, Epaphroditus was sent to Paul to be his servant. Doing whatever Paul needed to be done. He was the entry level intern. The errand boy. There was no glitz or glamour to what his church had sent him to do. Again this is probably why Paul wanted to make sure that he received honor when he returned. He may not have been someone in high rank at the church of Philippi.
But both Timothy this ministry rising star and Epaphroditus the messenger and servant are commended by Paul. It doesn’t matter what skill set that God has given you. It doesn’ t matter if you are out and front or behind the scenes. God can still view you as a faithful servant.
Compassionate
Compassionate
Both of these guys had a genuine care and concern for other people. Paul said about Timothy in verse Philippians 2:20
For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.
Timothy was a loving and compassionate person and he was going to be genuinely concerned about the welfare of the people in the Philippian church. That word ‘concerned’ is a very strong word in the Greek language that refers to a deep emotion. In contrast, Paul says in verse Philippians 2:21 that others that were seeking their own interests. Paul mentioned this in chapter one, but some of those that were ministering in Rome had their own personal motives for preaching the gospel. But not Timothy. Timothy wasn’t all about himself. He was all about Jesus. And he was all about people. He had a genuine love for the church and for souls. So when Timothy came he wasn’t going to be making an appearance in Philippi so he could post some new photos on his website. He was coming for the people. To encourage them, to care for their needs, to help them grow in their relationship with the Lord.
For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
And Epaphroditus also had a selfless heart of compassion, look at verse Philippians 2:26
for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill.
Epaphroditus was the one that sick to the point of death, but the Bible says he was distressed because they heard that he was ill. That word distressed is another strong word in the Greek language that refers to an extreme anguish to the point of losing one’s composure. He was more concerned about his beloved church members being worried about him than he was about his own health. This deep compassion gave him a intense longing to go home and let his church family know that he was OK.
I believe this heart of compassion that puts others before self can help us be effective, faithful servants. Our ministry should not only be carried out by our hands, but also with your heart. Maybe you’ve heard the quote. “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
Perhaps experienced this yourself. Maybe you had a boss, or a teacher, or coach, and you know that this person was not just there to tell you what to do or give you information. You knew that person genuinely cared about your life. There’s something about knowing that you are loved by someone that makes you want to listen more intently to what that person has to say. It may even move you to work harder for someone if you know they actually care about you.
Remember Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Timothy and Epaphroditus were prime examples of what this should look like. Both of these men had a selfless heart of compassion that cared more about others than their own personal interests.
Transition: Here’s the second characteristic of a faithful servant these men shared. They were both
Missional
Missional
By missional we mean that these guys were both all about God’s business. They were focused on doing God’s work.
We mentioned this earlier about Timothy, but in verse Philippians 2:21 we see that while others we focused on advancing themselves, Timothy was focused on the work of Jesus Christ.
For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Then Paul continues on and says in Philippians 2:22
But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.
Timothy had proven worth because he was faithful to serve alongside of Paul. Timothy was all about the mission, even if that meant hard work. That word translated as served could also be translated as slaved. Timothy was accustomed to rolling up his sleeves and expending a copious amount of energy for the sake of the gospel.
For example. The task that he was about to be given was not going to be easy. From Rome to Philippi was not a cross town trip. This was going to be an 800 mile trek in a time when travel was difficult. No planes, trains, or cars here. At best he would have had a horse or a camel, but much of this would have probably made on foot. So Timothy was going to travel 800 miles, tell the church an update on Paul, minister to the needs of the church, and then, turn back around and make the 800 mile trip again to report to Paul. This wasn’t going to be an easy task, this was going to be hard work. But Paul knows that Timothy is going to be up for the challenge. He doesn’t say he is asking Timothy, he said he’s going to send Timothy. He knows Timothy will be up for any task that strengthens the church and builds God’s kingdom.
Epaphroditus had that same missional mindset that kept him focused and hardworking for the sake of the gospel. In verse Philippians 2:25, Paul calls Epaphroditus a fellow worker. He was working same by side with Paul. Paul’s mission was his mission.
He was sent to be an aid to Paul, and nothing would stop him from that mission. In verse Philippians 2:30 we read
for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
I like the way that one commentator described Epaphroditus. He said, “He would rather be negligent to his death, than deficient in his duty.” This guy was so focused on the mission that his church had put him on that he was willing to die to see it accomplished.
Now I’m not saying that we all need to neglect our health to spread the gospel, but we should have that same focus and determination for the mission that we have been given from God to make disciples.
You see he was willing to serve while even though it put him on his death bed, but we are often stopped by much less. Fear, embarrassment, business, laziness. You guys get it. We let many things deter us from our mission. We need to have the same attitude as these two guys. Who were willing to work hard and were focused on what God had and their leaders had set forth for them two do
Transition: The final thing characteristic of a faithful servant that I want to point out is that these guys were both
Battle Tested
Battle Tested
These guys were faithful servants because they endured even through difficulty. They were men that Paul could depend on. In verse Philippians 2:22 Paul says that Timothy had proven worth or some version may say proven character. The Greek word for proven was most often used to describe the process of testing metals. Metal would be placed in a furnace to test if was genuine or an imitation. If the metal was able to withstand the heat, it was proven. Any impurity in the metal would melt and leave the metal pure as a result of going through the fire.
Timothy’s character had been tested. He had been through the fire. For 10 years Timothy had been traveling with Paul and had endured countless hardships. Yet, Timothy was still faithful. He remained loyal. He was Paul’s most dependable minister.
It seems that Epaphroditus had also endured some difficulty because Paul calls him a fellow soldier. He was someone that Paul had been to battle with. Now we don’t have any details about why Paul said this about Epaphroditus, but knowing the info about how he served through his illness, you can imagine that he was guy that was also able to endure ministry trials. He was someone that Paul wanted by his side. In Philippians 2:27 Paul was thankful that Epaphroditus was able to recover because if he died, Paul was going to sorrow upon his sorrow.
Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
Both Timothy and Epaphroditus were guys that were loyal, dependable, and battle tested. These guys had proven that even when things got tough, they would be up for the challenge.
I know during my basketball days, there were some guys that you didn’t want on the floor when a game was tight in the final minutes. They may have been good players under normal circumstances, but when the pressure was on, they would freeze up. But the guys that were able to rise to the occasion when things get tough, we call them clutch.
We need to be clutch Christians. We need to be the people that God wants in the game even when the pressure is on because He knows that we are dependable and will do what He has called us to do. No excuses, no fear, just faithfully serving the Lord.
Now there are many more things about Timothy and Epaphroditus that we could probably point out, but this morning we have talked about how they were compassionate, missional, and battle tested. These were characteristics that made the guys worthy of commendation by Paul and by the Lord.
When you think about it, these guys are examples of everything that we talked about the last several weeks. These are guys that were living worthy of the gospel. They were living in humility and selflessness. They were serving the Lord with the same mindset that Jesus had. They were working out their salvation and being a shining light in the midst of a wicked generation. And they were doing all these things without grumbling and disputing about the hard work and trials that God had called them too. Paul wanted the Philippian church to know that it was not impossible to live the life that he was calling them to live. A life where living was Christ and dying was gain. A life that was completely sold out to God’s mission and would not allow anything to keep them accomplishing God’s purpose for their lives.
It was important for the Philippians to see that there were people other than Paul who were living this out. You know sometimes we try to turn pastors or famous authors and you the big names in Christian circles. We like to turn them into Christian super heroes and say well of course they can live these things out - that’s such in such. And Perhaps that’s what Paul wanted to avoid with the Philippians. He wanted them to have examples of other guys, including one of their own, who were living a life that was worthy of the gospel.
It’s important to realize that it wasn’t just because Timothy and Epaphroditus were just good guys. Their lives had been changed by the gospel. They were putting on the mindset of Jesus Christ. Jesus was filled with compassion. That’s why Jesus came to earth. You guy know John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
God was so loved mankind, He had so much compassion on us. That even in the midst of our sinfulness, even though we as a human race had rebelled against God, even though many people would completely reject us. Christ died for us!
When Jesus was here on earth, He was on mission. Constantly He said things like He said in John 6:38
For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.
Jesus did not come here with His own agenda. His only purpose was to fulfill God’s mission for His life. He was totally consumed with doing the will of the Father.
And talk about battle tested. Isaiah 53 tells us that he was a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief. He endured brutal beatings. He endured mocking. They spat upon Him, plucked out his beard, stripped Him of His clothes, beat a crown of thorns into His skull, and were He gave His life as a substitute for our sins. But in the most clutch performance of all time, Jesus rose of from the grave three days later in victory over death and sin.
You see when we meditate upon the gospel. It should move us to compassion for others because of the compassion that Jesus had toward us. It should cause us to live our life missionally. Constantly seeking to do the Father’s will. It should strengthen us to endure and trial or difficulty that we might face as we serve Jesus. Because our goal is to look more like Jesus. He was the best and most faithful servant. The one that the Father has highly exalted and given a name above every other name.
If we want to be a commendable servant. One that hears well done good and faithful servant, the gospel must penetrate our hearts and move us to faithful service.
It doesn’t matter what position or title you hold. It doesn’t matter how much talent or ability that you have. If you are willing to use what God has given you to build His kingdom rather than your own. I believe that when you stand before God you can hear the words well done.
I’ve been privileged to see many faithful people in ministry. But as I was preparing for this message there was someone who really stuck out in my mind as someone who embodied what this looks like. His name was Jim Fisher. He was my Sunday school teacher when I was in high school. Now in the times that we live in, I think it’s important to point out. Mr. Fisher was the only white person in the all black church that I grew up in, and I’m sure there were times that things were said about him or even to him directly about him being the only white person in our church, but it didn’t keep him from serving in the place that God put him. Mr. Fisher never married although the ladies always said that he was a good looking guy. He said he just never found the right woman when he was younger, and he became so entrenched in what God was doing in his life that he just stopped looking. He was a public school teacher in rough neighborhood in Memphis, but that did not keep him from loving his students. Our church would run a school busses down into the area and many of the people that came on those busses were his students or their friends and family. Mr. Fisher was part of the foster care program, and constantly had teenaged boys with troubled pasts in his home. Some of them stole from him and even threatened him, but it never kept him from trying to reach these guys with the gospel. Several of those guys are serving God faithfully today, and even the ones that aren’t necessarily following God would say that Mr. Fisher saved their life. As a Sunday school teacher, his door was always open. Me and my friends basically lived at his house during the summer. Where we would play video games and eat junk food and wrestle..you know teenage boys things. But every night ended with a devotional in his room. Then on top of this. Mr. Fisher loved to travel, so of course he would take us with him. He drove us all the way down to very tip of Florida, out to the Grand Canyon, down into Mexico. He paid for gas and hotels we just bought our food. He was just an all-around unselfish guy who had given his life to reach young men with the gospel and helped us grow in our walk with the Lord.
I vaguely remember anything that he taught us in that Sunday school class. I can’t remember one single night devotion. But I remember that he loved us. I remember that he served even though we were often ungrateful. I know that we didn’t always make it easy for him, but that did not keep him from doing what God had called him to do. Mr. Fisher I think is in his 80’s now. Still at the same church. Still faithfully serving where God called him to be. He wasn’t a pastor, never preached on Sunday morning, never part of the church staff. He really stayed under the radar and was very underappreciated. But There’s no doubt that when he meets the Lord that he will hear those words well done good and faithful servant.
In 5, 10, 20 years from now will there be anyone that will be able to give a testimony about how your ministry. The way that you served the Lord. Impacted their life like Mr. Fisher did in mine.
Hey church, my vision is to see this church be a place of impactful ministry filled with good and faithful servants of the Lord. I believe that we already have several here. But let’s all begin to prepare our hearts for what God is going to be doing through us and through our church.
Maybe you lack a heart of compassion. Ask God to begin working in your heart to give you a love for people that moves you to serve with gladness.
Perhaps you are not living missionally already. Maybe you know that there is someone that God wants you to do with your life, but you are distracted by other things. Let’s have a ministry focus not just at church, but as we walk through our daily lives. Let us always be about out father’s business.
And let’s commit to being commited. Let’s be loyal, dependable, servants of the Lord. Even if things get difficult, even when trials may arise. Because they will. Let’s be consistently committed to doing the Lord’s work.
So be prepared. One of our elders may be coming to you in the next few months and asking if you are willing to serve in a certain area. Pray about it, and ask God to prepare you for what he is going to do next.
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