The God of Epaphroditus

The Lord Has Come – He Shines Through You – The Example of Epaphroditus

(Philippians 2:25-27, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, December 15, 2019)

[25] I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, [26] for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. [27] Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

What was the pattern of Jesus in life, death, and beyond? Does it help us to have examples of faith and obedience that we can know face to face, or is that just intimidating? How can the life of the Philippian church servant, Epaphroditus, help us in our own walk with the Lord?

Introducing Epaphroditus

Epaphroditus: A dangerous name – dedicated to the goddess of love/pleasure (Prov. 7)

In the Bible: Phil. 2:25-30, 4:18 Paul “received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent.”

They sent Epaphroditus to Paul (2 month mission trip involving funds and danger)

Paul was sending him back home to the church.

Who was Epaphroditus to Paul?

My brother – a family connection in the household of faith

And fellow worker – a mission partner in the progress of the kingdom of God

And fellow soldier – a co-belligerent who understands the danger of warfare for Jesus

Who was Epaphroditus to the churches in Philippi? Who were they to him?

Your messenger (apostle)

And minister to my need (from which we get the word liturgy)

A man who has been longing for you all, (word Paul uses to describe very eager desire)

And has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. (Jesus in Gethsemane)

Why was Epaphroditus being sent home to Philippi?

He was ill, near to death. (See v. 30 – He risked his life for the mission.)

But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also. Sorrow upon sorrow.

THE POINT: Those who have the mind of Christ share bonds of affection and mission, especially in their local churches.

Applying these verses:

1. What is a normal Christian life? It includes mutual affection and joining in mission.

2. What does this have to do with the true meaning of Christmas? John 20:19-22

3. What is the big story of the true God of love/pleasure? Isaiah 12 and Epaphroditus

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 119:161-168 – A Perfect Prince of Peace

New Testament Reading—Romans 11:17-36 – From him, through him, to him