Finding Joy in Philippians
Background: For the next three weeks, we will be studying the Book of Philippians, another of Paul's letters from his Roman prison. In Philippi, men were using Paul's imprisonment as proof he was not genuine and seeking to undermine his authority. Many in the church were shaken at the fact that the Apostle was imprisoned. He wrote the letter to explain his imprisonment and to encourage his readers to walk in joy despite all the evil in the world.
Philippians is not nearly as easily outlined at Ephesians was - it is much more personal and exhortational compared to the theological intent of Ephesians. Philippians was the church that was founded when Paul received the vision of the Macedonian man saying, "Come and help us."
As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage.
Today's Reading: Philippians 1-4 Focus Passage - Philippians 2:25-30
But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus—my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need— 26 since he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. 27 Indeed, he was so sick that he nearly died. However, God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 For this reason, I am very eager to send him so that you may rejoice again when you see him and I may be less anxious. 29 Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with great joy and hold people like him in honor, 30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.
Through the Bible Readings: Jeremiah 27-28, Ephesians 6, Psalm 116:1–10, Proverbs25:1-2
If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings.
Devotional: Brother, Worker, Soldier
Accompanying Timothy on the trip to Philippi with Paul's letter was a hometown man named Epaphroditus. Nothing is known about him apart from the mention of him here and in chapter 4. He was from Philippi and was evidently sent to Paul with a gift from the church to help him with his financial needs during his imprisonment. He became a close friend and confidante of Paul's during his stay with him. When it came time to write to the church, Paul sent the two men with the letter. Evidently, Timothy was to return with news about what was going on in Philippi (good news, Paul hoped) and Epaphroditus would stay and minister in his hometown.
The church there had heard about a serious illness that their beloved brother had endured and Paul confirmed that it was a fact. Indeed, he said, their friend almost died from his illness but God spared him as an act of mercy to Paul.
Paul instructed the church to do something they were likely to do anyway - honor Epaphroditus. Welcome him with joy and honor men like him. Paul held him up as a model and example of what a servant of the Lord should be. Evidently, his illness was contracted as part of his ministry and Paul saw his sacrifice and suffering as noble.
What was it about Epaphroditus that was so admirable, that made him such a model for others to emulate? The secret is in three statements at the beginning of the passage, in verse 25. Paul used three words to describe him, each of which was important, but which escalated in intensity.
First, Paul designated him a brother. This was a key term for Paul, one which he reserved for those who were part of God's family, who'd been redeemed by the blood of Christ, saved from their sins, and were destined for heaven. Paul saw the world in black and white - the saved and the lost, the saints and the "aint's", the family of God and the family of sin.
Epaphroditus was not only a family member, but he was also active in the things of God. Paul described him as a coworker. Paul had no concept of a Christian who received saving grace then sat around awaiting eternal rest. Paul valued those who invested their lives in God's kingdom, who worked for the advance of the name of Christ. It gave him great joy even in suffering.
Paul used one more word that took the description to the top. Epaphroditus had suffered sickness for the cause of Christ and likely persecution as well. He was a soldier, a fighter. He was willing to fight the forces of darkness in the cause of Christ. For Paul, Christian living was being part of the divine army - taking up the whole armor of God to fight the darkness.
Father, I thank you that I am part of your kingdom. May I also be a servant, a laborer and fighter for the cause of Christ.
Think and Pray:
Would the words Paul used to describe Epaphroditus be accurate in describing your life?
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