Learn Philippians 2:19-30
Be like Jesus!
That could be a excessive calling. It’s the instruction that Paul gave earlier in Philippians 2. Particularly, he invited us to show the common-or-garden, others-first orientation that Jesus mirrored in turning into man, and serving, dying, and being raised for humanity. Jesus is our worthy instance.
However we will additionally rationalize that Christ-likeness is a perfect past our attain. Maybe that’s the reason Paul included the outline of the 2 people in our studying at this time. They had been regular males that Paul was sending to the believers in Philippi. Nonetheless, they’re human examples of what Jesus calls all of us to and reminders that you just and I actually can replicate Jesus in life.
Timothy was the primary. Paul described him as a “one among a sort” servant of God. The factor that set him aside from the gang was his selflessness. Timothy was a dwelling instance of the outdated adage that “JOY” is present in dwelling the priorities of Jesus, Others, after which You. He positioned the pursuits of Christ and of the Philippian believers forward of his personal. Timothy was dwelling, flesh-and-blood proof that, whereas prioritizing the pursuits of others could also be distinctive on this planet, it isn’t humanly unattainable.
Epaphroditus was the second instance of what it appears prefer to humbly and sacrificially serve others the best way Jesus did. He was a messenger despatched from the Philippian church. In all probability, he carried a monetary reward from the church designed to satisfy Paul’s temporal wants, whereas enabling him to provide higher consideration to the non secular wants of others. However, whereas representing the church and serving Paul, Epaphroditus turned deathly sick. Gratefully, he recovered. As Paul despatched him again, he invited the church to increase to Epaphroditus a “hero’s welcome.” He had risked his personal life for the wants of others and the progress of the gospel.
Perhaps you want the reminder at this time that being like Jesus isn’t to this point out of attain in any case. Individuals like Timothy and Epaphroditus have illustrated what that may appear like. It contains setting apart your individual pursuits so as to see others served and the needs of God completed. Your expression of the lifetime of Jesus in it’s possible you’ll not appear to completely set you aside as a “one among a sort” or make you’re feeling worthy of a “hero’s welcome.” Nonetheless, it’s famous by your Father, and it blesses others.
Steve Kern
