The Example of Epaphroditus - Pastor Stacey Shiflett
The Example of Epaphroditus
Philippians 2:25-30
Intro: Paul the Apostle wrote to the church of Philippi about a man named Epaphroditus.
We don’t know much about him.
He’s mentioned 2 times in the Bible – all here in Philippians.
His name means "lovely".
There is no question that he is an example to all of us, and this message will reveal why.
A. He was a Saved Man – vs. 25 “…my brother…”
Being a part of the family of God is wonderful!
I am so thankful for my brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Paul cherished his relationship with a man that was his brother.
I am more convinced than ever before that many in our churches are not brothers.
Paul called them “false brethren” in 2 Corinthians 11:26 and Galatians 2:4.
Just because you’re in the church doesn’t mean you’re saved!
Just because you’re in the choir doesn’t mean you’re saved!
Just because your parents are saved doesn’t mean you are!
B. He was a Serving Man – vs. 25 “…companion in labour…”
· vs. 25 “…he ministered to my wants…”
Paul was constantly acknowledging people that served alongside of him.
He mentioned Timothy in verse 22:
· But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
The end of the book reveals that the letter was from Paul and delivered by Epaphroditus.
· Philippians 4:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. To the Philippians written from Rome, by Epaphroditus.
C. He was a Soldier Man – vs. 25 “…fellowsoldier…”
He didn’t watch the war from the bleachers: he was on the battle field with Paul.
He was a fighter.
He understood the cause.
He knew how to use a sword.
He knew who the enemy was.
He knew what was at stake.
He knew that some things are worth fighting for and dying for.
D. He was a Sincere Man – vs. 26 “For he longed after you all…”
Paul described himself in the same terms in several places.
· Romans 1:11 For I long to see you…
· Philippians 1:8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
· vs. 26 “…was full of heaviness because ye had heard...”
He was heartbroken when the church of Philippi found out he was sick.
He wasn’t heartbroken because he was sick.
He wasn’t heartbroken because he was sick and they didn’t check on him.
He was full of heaviness because they HEARD that he was sick.
He was more concerned about being a burden than he was about being sick.
E. He was a Strengthening Man
· 27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
· 28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
He strengthened Paul.
Paul acknowledged that God had mercy on him for sparing Epaphroditus.
That’s better than being a church member that God would be merciful by taking them off the scene!
He strengthened other saints. - when ye see him again, ye may rejoice,
· 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
· vs. 27-29 “…hold such in reputation…”
HOLD SUCH: to regard or consider or hold as
REPUTATION: held in honour, prized, precious
In a world full of church people that we can look at and NOT imitate, Epaphroditus was the real deal.
He made people stronger.
F. He was a Selfless Man – vs. 30
· 30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
He almost killed himself for the work of Christ.
He had no regard for his own life.
The phrase “to supply your lack of service toward me” was not a slight on the church.
He delivered for the church of Philippi their gift to Paul, and it almost killed him.
· Philippians 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
