"THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS"

Paul's Son And Brother (2:19-30)

INTRODUCTION
  1. We have already observed that this epistle is very personal in nature
  2. Further proof of this is now seen as we consider Paul's remarks concerning two men; one described as a "son" to Paul, the other as a "brother" (Php 2:19-30)
  3. Paul's comments reveal that these two men demonstrated the "mind of Christ" about which Paul encouraged the Philippians to have earlier in this chapter

[In this study, we shall notice in what ways these two men demonstrated the "mind of Christ" in their service to their brethren, beginning with...]

  1. TIMOTHY, PAUL'S "SON" (19-24)
    1. WHAT WERE PAUL'S PLANS CONCERNING TIMOTHY?
      1. To send him to Philippi shortly (19,23)
        1. That when Timothy returns, Paul might be encouraged by their condition (19b)
        2. But notice that Paul trusts in the Lord Jesus to do this - perhaps another way of saying, "If the Lord wills" (cf. Jm 4:15)
      2. But sending Timothy would be delayed until Paul's condition was more fully known (23b)
    2. WHY USE TIMOTHY?
      1. Paul had no one else...
        1. Who was "like-minded" (20a)
          1. Who had the same mind as Paul
          2. Paul and Timothy were truly "united in spirit" and had that unity Paul wrote about in Php 2:2
          3. Therefore, Timothy was the best "alternate" in the place of Paul
        2. Who would "sincerely care for your state" (20b)
          1. Remember, Timothy had first joined Paul just before going to Philippi (Ac 16:1-12)
          2. So Timothy had good reasons to be close to the brethren there
            1. It was "his" first missionary effort
            2. He had known of them from the very beginning of their existence as a congregation
        3. No other person was better suited, therefore, for this particular task
      2. His devotion to Christ surpassed others (21)
        1. He sought the interests of Christ, which meant the interests of others - cf. Php 2:4-5
        2. So no one else surpassed Timothy in having the "mind of Christ"
      3. He had proved his service in similar errands (22)
        1. For example, with the church at Corinth - 1Co 4:17
        2. He had done so with humility: "as a son with his father he served with me"
        3. Again, Timothy demonstrated the "mind of Christ" - Php 2:3

        [Such was the young man Timothy: a beloved "son" to the apostle, whose attitudes of humility and service made him a useful instrument in Paul's ministry.

        Now let's consider...]

  2. EPAPHRODITUS, PAUL'S "BROTHER" (25-30)
    1. WHO WAS EPAPHRODITUS? (25)
      1. "my brother" - a brother in Christ to the apostle Paul
      2. "fellow-worker" - a companion in the work of spreading the gospel
      3. "fellow-soldier" - one shared in the conflicts with the enemies of Christ
      4. "your messenger" - the person bearing the gift from the church of Philippi to Paul - cf. Php 4:18
      5. "who ministered to my needs" - now with Paul, he offered himself in service to him
    2. WHAT KIND OF MAN WAS HE?
      1. A man of love and concern for his brethren at Philippi (26-27)
        1. He longed for his brethren while away from them
        2. He had been sick, and was distressed they knew about it
      2. A man devoted to the work of Christ (30)
        1. Who realized that serving others (like Paul and the Philippians) was serving Christ
        2. Who was willing to risk his life in such service - cf. 1Jn 3:16
      3. A man who did not mind being a "messenger"
        1. He had brought the gift to Paul from Philippi - Php 4:18
        2. More than likely, he carried this epistle back to the Philippians (28)
        3. Such willingness again demonstrates humility, so important to possessing the "mind of Christ"

        [Truly he was a man who lived up to his name: "Epaphroditus" means "handsome, charming"!]

CONCLUSION
  1. Individuals like Timothy and Epaphroditus we are to hold in high esteem (29) - WHY?
    1. Because they demonstrate the humility and love so essential to the cause of Christ
    2. Because they rendered service to God and His church which is just as essential as that offered by men like Paul and Peter
  2. The church today needs more people like these two men, to provide the backup and support necessary for the cause of Christ
  3. We man not be a "Paul" or a "Peter", but we can be a "Timothy" or an "Epaphroditus" (i.e., God's "second string")!
  4. All we need are the same attitudes they had:
    1. Sincere concern for the condition of others
    2. Seeking first the things of Christ
    3. A willingness to serve others
    4. A willingness to sacrifice themselves, even to the point of death

In other words, the "mind of Christ"!