"THE LEADERSHIP OF THE PHILIPPIAN CHURCH"
TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 2:19-30
In these verses we are introduced to Timothy and Epaphroditus, men of leadership for the Philippian church. Paul knew if there was a spirit of division in the church, strong leadership was necessary to bind the church together. There is:
Pastoral Leadership: Pastor, shepherd of the flock.
Official Leadership: Deacons, serving the church.
Tutorial Leadership: Teachers, teaching the scriptures.
Musical Leadership: Musicians, leading in the singing.
I. TIMOTHY: THE FAITHFUL SERVANT
(PHI 2:22) "But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel."
The word "served" meant that Timothy was a slave servant of the gospel.
A. The Task of the Faithful Servant: (PHI 2:19) " But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state."
B. The Touch of the Faithful Servant: (PHI 2:20) " For I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state."
C. The Time of the Faithful Servant: (PHI 2:21) "For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's."
D. The Trustworthiness of the Faithful Servant: (PHI 2:22) But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel."
II. EPAPHRODITUS: THE DUTIFUL SOLDIER
The name "Epaphroditus" means lovely or charming. We see in this soldier of the Cross some beautiful and excellent virtues. From these words from the apostle Paul, we see that Epaphroditus came be described as a dutiful soldier! He is described as being loyal, faithful, obedient, devoted, constant, true, and governable.
Let us look at some outstanding features about this dutiful soldier:
A. His Bestowed Honor: (PHI 2:25) "Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants."
1. By Paul's Words:
a. Common Womb: "...my brother..." Paul emphasizes Relationship. Born from above.
b. Common Work: "...companion in labor..." Paul emphasizes Fellowship. Working together for the same cause.
c. Common Warfare: "...fellow-soldier..."Paul emphasizes Comradeship. Speaks of endurance and patience.
2. By Philippians' Work: "...but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants." The word "messenger" implies that Epaphroditus was probably the pastor or at least the one delegated by the Philippian church to bring their offering to the needy apostle Paul.
The word "ministered" emphasizes the sacredness and the importance of the work Epaphroditus did for Paul. It is a word used to describe the work of the Levitical priest in the Temple.
B. His Burdened Heart: (PHI 2:26) "For he longed after you all and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick."
C. His Broken Health: (PHI 2:27) "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."
D. His Besought Homecoming: (PHI 2:29) "Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:"
(PHI 2:30) "Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me."
Sermon From Steve Dagenhart- Pastor Calvary Baptist Church- Taylorsville, NC--USA
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