WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:15.040 The following sermon is made available by Lakeside Bible Church in Cornelius, North Carolina. 00:00:15.640 --> 00:00:19.160 For more information about our church or to find more recorded sermons, 00:00:19.640 --> 00:00:22.719 please visit us online at lakesidebible.church. 00:00:23.000 --> 00:00:25.719 We'd also love to connect with you on social media. 00:00:25.719 --> 00:00:30.679 You can find us by searching Lakeside Bible NC on Facebook and Instagram. 00:00:31.419 --> 00:00:37.920 For specific questions about the Bible or our church, please email us at info at lakesidebible.church. 00:00:39.939 --> 00:00:42.939 Philippians chapter 2, we're going to start reading at verse number 19. 00:00:44.620 --> 00:00:48.399 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, 00:00:48.700 --> 00:00:52.840 that I also may be of good comfort when I know your state. 00:00:52.840 --> 00:00:57.840 For I have no man like-minded who will naturally care for your state. 00:00:58.500 --> 00:01:02.359 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ. 00:01:03.220 --> 00:01:10.159 But ye know the proof of him, that as a son with the Father, he hath served with me in the gospel. 00:01:11.180 --> 00:01:15.939 Him, therefore, I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. 00:01:16.439 --> 00:01:20.100 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. 00:01:20.099 --> 00:01:28.739 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and companion in labor and fellow soldier, 00:01:29.219 --> 00:01:32.479 but your messenger and he that ministered to my wants. 00:01:33.399 --> 00:01:39.259 For he longed after you all and was full of heaviness because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:43.819 For indeed he was sick, nigh unto death, but God had mercy on him. 00:01:44.319 --> 00:01:49.199 And not only on him, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 00:01:49.200 --> 00:01:56.100 I sit him, therefore, the more carefully or eagerly, that when you see him again ye may rejoice, 00:01:56.480 --> 00:01:58.859 and that I may be the less sorrowful. 00:01:59.780 --> 00:02:05.120 Receive him, therefore, in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such in reputation. 00:02:05.920 --> 00:02:11.080 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, 00:02:11.520 --> 00:02:14.699 to supply your lack of service towards me. 00:02:14.699 --> 00:02:20.939 Beyond its immediate purpose of delivering administrative details of Paul's ministry, 00:02:21.599 --> 00:02:29.459 this passage really demonstrates for us a mutual love that existed between this church and its leaders. 00:02:30.659 --> 00:02:34.500 In fact, the whole reason that Paul is writing this letter back to the Philippians, 00:02:34.560 --> 00:02:37.079 as we actually discover here in these verses, 00:02:37.620 --> 00:02:40.879 is because of the Philippians' love and concern for him. 00:02:40.879 --> 00:02:46.379 We know that he'd spent nearly four years at this point in prison for preaching the gospel, 00:02:46.659 --> 00:02:50.919 and after being in prison for that long, 00:02:51.180 --> 00:02:55.479 the Philippians cared so much about knowing what his current state was 00:02:55.479 --> 00:02:57.960 and knowing what the state of his ministry was, 00:02:58.240 --> 00:03:01.439 that they sent this man Epaphroditus, one of their own members. 00:03:02.000 --> 00:03:05.519 He traveled 800 miles to get to Rome 00:03:05.520 --> 00:03:09.100 in order that he could take some money to Paul first. 00:03:09.680 --> 00:03:13.760 In those times, in the prison scenario in Rome, especially in Paul's situation, 00:03:14.180 --> 00:03:16.379 the government didn't take care of their food, 00:03:16.500 --> 00:03:17.900 it didn't take care of their clothing, 00:03:18.000 --> 00:03:19.780 it didn't take care of their daily expenses. 00:03:20.120 --> 00:03:22.200 That was at the expense of the prisoner himself. 00:03:22.700 --> 00:03:24.900 So they delivered this large sum of money to Paul 00:03:24.900 --> 00:03:26.660 that actually came out of their poverty 00:03:26.660 --> 00:03:30.640 in order that they may show their concern and their love for him. 00:03:31.200 --> 00:03:34.280 Epaphroditus carries this, the 800-mile journey to Rome, 00:03:34.280 --> 00:03:36.219 in order to provide Paul with him, 00:03:36.300 --> 00:03:38.879 and then to stay and minister to his needs there. 00:03:39.759 --> 00:03:43.560 This showed great love on the part of the Philippian church. 00:03:44.080 --> 00:03:47.460 And then that love is then reciprocated on Paul's part, 00:03:48.060 --> 00:03:50.800 as not only he sends this letter to them 00:03:50.800 --> 00:03:53.259 that is clearly endearing in its language, 00:03:53.719 --> 00:03:55.500 but as we find out in these passages, 00:03:55.680 --> 00:03:58.740 he cares that the church not be left on its own. 00:03:59.319 --> 00:04:01.360 He's going to send somebody along with the letter, 00:04:01.439 --> 00:04:02.280 not only Epaphroditus, 00:04:02.280 --> 00:04:05.400 but he's hoping in addition to coming himself, 00:04:05.539 --> 00:04:08.819 that he can send Timothy, his companion in the ministry. 00:04:09.939 --> 00:04:13.680 Unfortunately, the relationship between a church and its leaders 00:04:13.680 --> 00:04:17.019 is often marked by tension rather than love. 00:04:18.600 --> 00:04:20.920 And given the fact that even the best of Christians 00:04:20.920 --> 00:04:23.759 still battle and struggle with sinfulness, 00:04:24.259 --> 00:04:26.680 this is not necessarily unexpected. 00:04:26.680 --> 00:04:32.939 The Scripture is clear that our enemy desires to destroy the church. 00:04:33.480 --> 00:04:38.040 It comes as no surprise that he would assault the relationship 00:04:38.040 --> 00:04:42.360 between church leadership and the congregation itself. 00:04:43.399 --> 00:04:46.180 At times, this shows in a prideful pastor 00:04:46.180 --> 00:04:49.120 that's more concerned about his own interest 00:04:49.120 --> 00:04:51.220 than he is with actually shepherding the flock. 00:04:51.220 --> 00:04:56.120 Other times, it reveals itself by a congregation 00:04:56.120 --> 00:05:00.020 that questions constantly the motives of their pastor, 00:05:01.120 --> 00:05:03.720 refuses to submit to the authority that's been given. 00:05:04.780 --> 00:05:07.040 Really, what this passage does for us, 00:05:07.100 --> 00:05:09.240 and to better aid our study this morning, 00:05:10.020 --> 00:05:12.380 is it gives us three examples 00:05:12.380 --> 00:05:16.020 of what the church is supposed to look like in this regard. 00:05:16.019 --> 00:05:20.299 Two of them are church leaders in Timothy and Epaphroditus. 00:05:20.879 --> 00:05:23.060 And the third example is the church itself. 00:05:23.779 --> 00:05:25.299 Well, let's first look at Timothy, 00:05:25.560 --> 00:05:29.359 which is for us the caring pastor, the caring pastor. 00:05:30.000 --> 00:05:31.659 Look with me again at verse 19. 00:05:32.859 --> 00:05:33.240 Paul says, 00:05:33.339 --> 00:05:36.819 I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, 00:05:37.299 --> 00:05:41.839 that I also may be of good comfort when I know your state. 00:05:42.319 --> 00:05:44.659 Again, showing the mutual love and concern 00:05:44.660 --> 00:05:46.939 that even existed in Paul's part, 00:05:47.000 --> 00:05:48.500 though he's not one of the examples 00:05:48.500 --> 00:05:50.040 we will study in depth today. 00:05:50.840 --> 00:05:52.939 Not only were the Philippians concerned 00:05:52.939 --> 00:05:55.800 with knowing Paul's state in prison in Rome, 00:05:56.120 --> 00:05:58.360 but one of the reasons Paul is sending Timothy 00:05:58.360 --> 00:06:01.400 and Epaphroditus is so that they could report back to him 00:06:01.400 --> 00:06:03.220 of how things are going in Philippi. 00:06:03.440 --> 00:06:05.240 It was this mutual love, he cared. 00:06:05.640 --> 00:06:06.040 Verse 20, 00:06:06.300 --> 00:06:08.040 for I have no man like-minded 00:06:08.040 --> 00:06:10.960 who will care in this same way as I care, 00:06:11.260 --> 00:06:13.280 who will naturally care for your state. 00:06:13.279 --> 00:06:15.259 For all seek their own, 00:06:15.379 --> 00:06:17.139 not the things which are Jesus Christ, 00:06:17.619 --> 00:06:19.359 but ye know the proof of him, 00:06:19.919 --> 00:06:21.239 that as a son with the Father, 00:06:21.339 --> 00:06:24.399 he hath served with me in the gospel. 00:06:25.319 --> 00:06:27.199 Of the three examples we're considering 00:06:27.199 --> 00:06:28.419 in this passage this morning, 00:06:28.559 --> 00:06:31.359 Timothy is the one about which we know the most. 00:06:32.199 --> 00:06:34.759 We're first introduced to him in Acts chapter 16 00:06:34.759 --> 00:06:37.579 when he joined Paul's ministry team. 00:06:38.139 --> 00:06:39.759 And it's actually interesting to note 00:06:39.759 --> 00:06:42.959 as you study that chapter that the Philippian church 00:06:42.959 --> 00:06:45.719 was the first one that he assisted Paul in starting. 00:06:46.839 --> 00:06:48.300 We know that he returned to Philippi 00:06:48.300 --> 00:06:49.379 on a number of occasions. 00:06:49.620 --> 00:06:52.879 In fact, we believe that it was actually in Philippi 00:06:52.879 --> 00:06:55.599 in Macedonia when Paul wrote one of his letters 00:06:55.599 --> 00:06:56.779 to the Corinthian church. 00:06:57.139 --> 00:06:57.939 And in that letter, 00:06:58.039 --> 00:06:59.439 he attributes part of the letter 00:06:59.439 --> 00:07:02.680 and its writing to this man, Timothy. 00:07:03.620 --> 00:07:06.379 There's little doubt that there was a unique bond 00:07:06.379 --> 00:07:07.680 between he and the church. 00:07:08.319 --> 00:07:11.899 And he was more than just a pastoral associate to Paul, 00:07:12.000 --> 00:07:14.019 as often Paul refers to him as, 00:07:14.259 --> 00:07:15.339 like he did in this passage, 00:07:15.719 --> 00:07:17.560 as his son in the faith. 00:07:18.779 --> 00:07:20.459 Having been taught the scriptures 00:07:20.459 --> 00:07:23.459 from a young age by his mother and his grandmother, 00:07:24.360 --> 00:07:25.899 Timothy was a gifted pastor. 00:07:26.759 --> 00:07:29.259 And he was often Paul's representative to churches 00:07:29.259 --> 00:07:31.459 when he couldn't be present himself. 00:07:32.639 --> 00:07:35.459 He eventually became the pastor of the church in Ephesus. 00:07:35.459 --> 00:07:38.039 And we have two letters in the New Testament 00:07:38.039 --> 00:07:40.759 written by Paul directly to Timothy 00:07:40.759 --> 00:07:42.839 that describe for us in detail for us 00:07:42.839 --> 00:07:45.439 the nature of his pastorate there. 00:07:46.799 --> 00:07:50.019 Timothy was an exemplary elder or pastor in the church. 00:07:50.740 --> 00:07:52.799 And though he had his own struggles with timidity, 00:07:53.279 --> 00:07:54.879 the reality of his calling 00:07:54.879 --> 00:07:57.699 and the effectiveness of his influence in the early church 00:07:57.699 --> 00:08:00.539 is unmistakable as we study the scriptures. 00:08:01.319 --> 00:08:02.500 Now that's not to insinuate 00:08:02.500 --> 00:08:05.099 that Timothy was the pastor of the Philippian church. 00:08:05.520 --> 00:08:06.740 That's not what it's saying here. 00:08:07.260 --> 00:08:09.760 But because of his relationship with this church 00:08:09.760 --> 00:08:11.300 and time and time again, 00:08:11.580 --> 00:08:14.260 revisiting it in order to counsel it 00:08:14.260 --> 00:08:16.860 and encourage this congregation a pastoral way, 00:08:17.020 --> 00:08:18.600 there's no doubt that they certainly 00:08:18.600 --> 00:08:20.600 would have looked at him in a pastoral way. 00:08:20.840 --> 00:08:22.260 They would have received him 00:08:22.260 --> 00:08:24.920 certainly as a leader in the church. 00:08:25.040 --> 00:08:27.740 And so Paul endeavors to send Timothy to them 00:08:27.740 --> 00:08:30.300 because he would show this care. 00:08:30.300 --> 00:08:33.159 But then Paul tells us in verse 21 00:08:33.159 --> 00:08:36.960 that there is no one else who will care for them 00:08:36.960 --> 00:08:39.779 the way that Timothy will care for them. 00:08:40.639 --> 00:08:43.340 No one will be concerned for them 00:08:43.340 --> 00:08:48.139 the way that Timothy and Paul would be concerned for them. 00:08:49.180 --> 00:08:51.539 And so it's not so much Timothy's background 00:08:51.539 --> 00:08:54.360 that provides the example to us in this passage, 00:08:54.360 --> 00:08:58.580 but rather it's the example of his life as a pastor 00:08:58.580 --> 00:09:02.120 that stood in contrast to the other pastors in Rome. 00:09:03.000 --> 00:09:04.600 We already looked at that in chapter one. 00:09:04.680 --> 00:09:05.879 In fact, flip back just a page 00:09:05.879 --> 00:09:07.919 to Philippians chapter one in your Bibles 00:09:07.919 --> 00:09:10.519 and look at what the nature of the other pastors 00:09:10.519 --> 00:09:12.240 were there in Rome 00:09:12.240 --> 00:09:14.279 that Paul was dealing with on a regular basis. 00:09:14.960 --> 00:09:16.460 Look at verse 12. 00:09:16.460 --> 00:09:18.620 Paul in prison says, 00:09:18.740 --> 00:09:20.800 I would that you understand brethren 00:09:20.800 --> 00:09:22.519 that the things which happened unto me 00:09:22.519 --> 00:09:25.420 have fallen out rather into the furtherance of the gospel 00:09:25.420 --> 00:09:28.240 so that my bonds in Christ are manifest 00:09:28.240 --> 00:09:30.280 in all the palace and all other places. 00:09:30.920 --> 00:09:33.420 And many of the brethren, he says in the Lord, 00:09:33.940 --> 00:09:35.580 waxing confident by my bonds 00:09:35.580 --> 00:09:38.100 are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 00:09:38.240 --> 00:09:38.800 And then he says, 00:09:39.100 --> 00:09:41.300 some of them indeed preach Christ 00:09:41.300 --> 00:09:43.060 even of envy and strife, 00:09:43.740 --> 00:09:45.560 but some also of goodwill. 00:09:45.559 --> 00:09:48.500 Now, the one preach Christ of contention, 00:09:49.199 --> 00:09:52.559 not sincerely supposing to add afflictions to my bonds, 00:09:52.779 --> 00:09:54.059 but the other of love, 00:09:54.159 --> 00:09:57.419 knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel. 00:09:58.139 --> 00:10:00.199 It's not surprising that Timothy, 00:10:00.839 --> 00:10:04.039 that Paul trusted Timothy to care for the people in Philippi, 00:10:04.179 --> 00:10:07.239 but it is surprising that he was the only person 00:10:07.239 --> 00:10:10.939 that Paul trusted to care for the people in Philippi. 00:10:11.799 --> 00:10:14.579 We know that there were other people on Paul's ministry team 00:10:14.580 --> 00:10:15.940 like Luke and Aristarchus, 00:10:16.020 --> 00:10:19.300 but obviously they were unavailable at this particular time. 00:10:20.080 --> 00:10:22.340 And the faithful pastors that were in Rome 00:10:22.340 --> 00:10:23.400 that we just read about, 00:10:23.600 --> 00:10:25.340 obviously with the state of the church there, 00:10:25.500 --> 00:10:27.300 it was necessary for them to stay. 00:10:28.220 --> 00:10:31.120 So Paul looks around and he has no one 00:10:31.120 --> 00:10:33.920 because many of the others that he could have sent 00:10:33.920 --> 00:10:36.220 wouldn't have actually cared for the people. 00:10:36.220 --> 00:10:39.960 They would have cared only for themselves. 00:10:41.379 --> 00:10:44.139 Paul's options were either to send his closest companion 00:10:44.139 --> 00:10:45.800 and helper in Rome 00:10:45.800 --> 00:10:48.279 or risk the health of the church 00:10:48.279 --> 00:10:50.340 by sending a Roman pastor 00:10:50.340 --> 00:10:52.600 that cared more about himself 00:10:52.600 --> 00:10:54.399 than the people in Philippi. 00:10:55.139 --> 00:10:58.139 And this is a testament to Paul's character. 00:10:58.139 --> 00:11:01.659 He would have rather suffered himself in prison 00:11:01.659 --> 00:11:04.259 without the aid of Timothy or Epaphroditus 00:11:04.259 --> 00:11:08.159 than he would have allowed for the church in Philippi 00:11:08.159 --> 00:11:10.199 to suffer with poor leadership. 00:11:11.360 --> 00:11:14.220 The sinfulness among the pastors 00:11:14.220 --> 00:11:16.419 to which Timothy is being contrasted 00:11:16.419 --> 00:11:19.279 is not the content of their preaching, 00:11:19.879 --> 00:11:22.799 but it's in the spirit of their pastoring. 00:11:22.799 --> 00:11:25.919 These men were not heretics. 00:11:27.179 --> 00:11:29.319 As we just read in chapter one, 00:11:29.399 --> 00:11:31.899 it wasn't that they were preaching a false gospel. 00:11:32.319 --> 00:11:34.399 If Paul were to send them to Philippi, 00:11:34.479 --> 00:11:35.639 it wasn't that he was worried 00:11:35.639 --> 00:11:36.979 that they would come to Philippi 00:11:36.979 --> 00:11:40.139 and preach a gospel other than the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:11:40.399 --> 00:11:42.839 Their problem was not in the content of their preaching. 00:11:43.079 --> 00:11:46.099 It was in the spirit of the way that they pastored. 00:11:48.039 --> 00:11:50.279 He rejoiced that they preached the gospel, 00:11:50.279 --> 00:11:52.819 but he said that at least in Rome, 00:11:52.919 --> 00:11:56.659 they were doing it with selfish ambition and conceit. 00:11:57.600 --> 00:11:59.980 The fundamental difference between Timothy 00:11:59.980 --> 00:12:02.159 and these other men was not their message, 00:12:02.620 --> 00:12:04.959 but it was their focus. 00:12:06.220 --> 00:12:08.519 It wasn't the message that they were preaching 00:12:08.519 --> 00:12:09.620 in Sunday morning worship. 00:12:10.159 --> 00:12:12.019 It was the way that they were leading, 00:12:12.179 --> 00:12:14.000 caring nothing about the flock of God, 00:12:14.059 --> 00:12:16.659 but only caring to build their own following 00:12:16.659 --> 00:12:19.399 in order that they may achieve what they thought 00:12:19.399 --> 00:12:22.379 Paul had achieved as far as ministry was concerned. 00:12:23.279 --> 00:12:25.500 In fact, that was part of the problem in Rome. 00:12:25.919 --> 00:12:28.319 As Paul was in prison there in chapter one, 00:12:28.559 --> 00:12:30.279 part of the issue wasn't that they were preaching 00:12:30.279 --> 00:12:31.039 a false gospel, 00:12:31.279 --> 00:12:33.220 it's that they were taking advantage of the fact 00:12:33.220 --> 00:12:34.019 that he was in prison, 00:12:34.340 --> 00:12:36.120 hoping to pull away his following 00:12:36.120 --> 00:12:38.319 in order to build their own following. 00:12:38.620 --> 00:12:39.840 Yes, they preached the gospel, 00:12:40.019 --> 00:12:41.600 but their motives were not pure motives. 00:12:41.879 --> 00:12:43.620 They weren't gospel-purposed motives. 00:12:43.960 --> 00:12:46.220 They were motives that cared only about themselves 00:12:46.220 --> 00:12:48.220 and only about their own interest. 00:12:48.540 --> 00:12:50.639 So when Paul writes that he's gonna send Timothy 00:12:50.639 --> 00:12:51.879 to Philippi, he says, 00:12:52.000 --> 00:12:53.860 the reason I'm sending Timothy is because, 00:12:54.060 --> 00:12:56.879 in contrast to all of these other pastors around me, 00:12:57.060 --> 00:12:59.360 he's the only one that will legitimately care 00:12:59.360 --> 00:13:00.300 for your soul. 00:13:01.500 --> 00:13:02.779 It wasn't in his message. 00:13:03.300 --> 00:13:05.139 It was in his focus. 00:13:06.120 --> 00:13:08.980 And there's two parts to Timothy's focus 00:13:08.980 --> 00:13:10.720 that Paul alludes to here. 00:13:10.779 --> 00:13:12.759 The first one is in verses 20 and 21, 00:13:12.759 --> 00:13:14.919 and it was the fact that Timothy's focus 00:13:14.919 --> 00:13:17.220 was on caring for the church. 00:13:17.720 --> 00:13:19.539 It was on caring for the church. 00:13:20.620 --> 00:13:21.799 Verse 20, Paul says, 00:13:22.000 --> 00:13:25.639 there's no person that would naturally care 00:13:25.639 --> 00:13:27.419 for the church the way that Timothy would. 00:13:28.460 --> 00:13:30.860 Like-minded in verse 20, 00:13:31.019 --> 00:13:33.059 it leads one sold, 00:13:34.019 --> 00:13:36.679 indicates that Timothy had the same genuine love 00:13:36.679 --> 00:13:39.059 for these people that Paul had for them. 00:13:39.059 --> 00:13:42.919 Of course, the care that Paul is referring to 00:13:42.919 --> 00:13:45.139 is a selfless spiritual care. 00:13:46.119 --> 00:13:47.500 It wasn't that he was saying that 00:13:47.500 --> 00:13:48.759 when I send Timothy to you, 00:13:48.819 --> 00:13:51.000 he's gonna be concerned with caring for you 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:51.959 in a physical way, 00:13:52.039 --> 00:13:53.659 though that is a part of pastoring, 00:13:53.699 --> 00:13:55.019 it would have been a part of what he did. 00:13:55.159 --> 00:13:57.119 He would have cared for the people in a physical way. 00:13:57.559 --> 00:13:58.519 But Paul wasn't saying, 00:13:58.619 --> 00:14:00.399 I'm sending Timothy your way 00:14:00.399 --> 00:14:02.059 because I know Timothy's gonna be the one 00:14:02.059 --> 00:14:03.919 that comes out and cuts your grass for you every week. 00:14:04.219 --> 00:14:04.959 That's not what he meant. 00:14:05.919 --> 00:14:06.559 He's not saying, 00:14:06.659 --> 00:14:08.059 hey, I'm gonna send Timothy your way 00:14:08.059 --> 00:14:09.419 because I know Timothy's gonna be the one, 00:14:09.479 --> 00:14:10.939 he's gonna be on your doorstep every day 00:14:10.939 --> 00:14:12.539 to make sure he can cook you meals 00:14:12.539 --> 00:14:13.059 and he can do all, 00:14:13.159 --> 00:14:14.919 that's not the type of care that he's talking about. 00:14:15.079 --> 00:14:17.559 He's saying nobody's gonna care for your soul 00:14:17.559 --> 00:14:20.579 the way that Timothy will care for your soul. 00:14:22.319 --> 00:14:24.859 Timothy would have their spiritual life as individuals 00:14:24.859 --> 00:14:28.139 and as the church body as his primary concern. 00:14:29.639 --> 00:14:32.659 Rather than format his ministry to elevate himself 00:14:32.659 --> 00:14:34.239 or gain a paycheck, 00:14:34.240 --> 00:14:37.919 Timothy would genuinely care to preach the truth 00:14:37.919 --> 00:14:40.820 and lead the church to please the Lord. 00:14:41.460 --> 00:14:43.100 That was the nature of his care. 00:14:44.320 --> 00:14:45.379 Sure, he wanted to help them 00:14:45.379 --> 00:14:46.700 in whatever way he could help them. 00:14:47.440 --> 00:14:48.879 But the focus of his care 00:14:48.879 --> 00:14:52.680 was on the spiritual side of their life. 00:14:53.659 --> 00:14:55.820 And just as a side note here as your pastor, 00:14:56.720 --> 00:14:59.100 while this isn't commanded necessarily in scripture, 00:14:59.100 --> 00:15:01.639 I do think that this is an example 00:15:01.639 --> 00:15:03.500 of why there's wisdom 00:15:03.500 --> 00:15:05.720 in first seeking pastoral leadership 00:15:05.720 --> 00:15:07.860 from within the local church 00:15:07.860 --> 00:15:12.060 before considering it from outside of the local church. 00:15:13.080 --> 00:15:14.480 And I hope you pray for that. 00:15:15.940 --> 00:15:17.639 That as the Lord blesses our church 00:15:17.639 --> 00:15:18.340 and as we grow, 00:15:18.440 --> 00:15:19.759 I hope part of your prayer 00:15:19.759 --> 00:15:22.460 is that the Lord would raise up leaders among us, 00:15:22.560 --> 00:15:24.200 men that are proven. 00:15:25.300 --> 00:15:27.000 Did you see that in Paul's statement 00:15:27.000 --> 00:15:28.899 as to why he would send Timothy? 00:15:29.179 --> 00:15:30.299 He said, all these other people, 00:15:30.379 --> 00:15:31.100 they seek their own, 00:15:31.419 --> 00:15:33.460 but you know the proof of him. 00:15:33.940 --> 00:15:35.019 You know him. 00:15:35.440 --> 00:15:36.440 He's been there. 00:15:36.919 --> 00:15:37.980 You've heard him preach. 00:15:38.480 --> 00:15:39.899 You've seen the way he cares. 00:15:40.419 --> 00:15:42.279 You've seen the way he carries his life. 00:15:42.679 --> 00:15:45.320 You've seen the righteousness that he's exhibited. 00:15:45.659 --> 00:15:48.779 You know what probably is the motives of his heart. 00:15:48.980 --> 00:15:49.779 He's been proven. 00:15:49.919 --> 00:15:51.179 He's been among you. 00:15:51.600 --> 00:15:53.139 And I think there's wisdom in that. 00:15:54.019 --> 00:15:56.360 It's not that we can't always look outside 00:15:56.360 --> 00:15:57.779 of the walls of our church, 00:15:57.840 --> 00:16:00.539 but I think we first should look inside of the walls 00:16:00.539 --> 00:16:02.820 and we should pray to that end. 00:16:03.519 --> 00:16:07.100 Pray that God would raise leaders in our church 00:16:07.100 --> 00:16:08.279 in this way. 00:16:08.740 --> 00:16:11.000 Not only was he focused on caring for the church, 00:16:11.159 --> 00:16:13.659 but Timothy's primary focus 00:16:13.659 --> 00:16:15.639 was on faithfully preaching the gospel. 00:16:16.360 --> 00:16:17.980 It was on faithfully preaching the gospel. 00:16:18.259 --> 00:16:19.480 Look again at verse 22. 00:16:19.480 --> 00:16:21.899 But you know the proof of him 00:16:21.899 --> 00:16:24.000 that as a son with the father, 00:16:24.000 --> 00:16:27.620 he hath served with me in the gospel. 00:16:28.759 --> 00:16:31.940 The specific proof that Paul was alluding to 00:16:31.940 --> 00:16:35.600 was Timothy's faithfulness in preaching the word. 00:16:36.720 --> 00:16:39.799 In fact, the natural care for the spiritual well-being 00:16:39.799 --> 00:16:41.240 of the church on Timothy's part 00:16:41.240 --> 00:16:44.139 was just an extension of his commitment 00:16:44.139 --> 00:16:46.779 to faithfully preach the gospel of Christ. 00:16:47.980 --> 00:16:49.340 Of course, we understand through the scriptures, 00:16:49.340 --> 00:16:52.040 this is the primary role of pastoral leadership, 00:16:52.460 --> 00:16:55.100 to teach and preach the word. 00:16:56.100 --> 00:16:59.000 Acts chapter six says that the pastors and apostles 00:16:59.000 --> 00:17:01.220 there devoted themselves to prayer 00:17:01.220 --> 00:17:03.399 and the ministry of the word. 00:17:04.259 --> 00:17:05.740 Paul would reiterate later 00:17:05.740 --> 00:17:07.740 in one of his letters to Timothy 00:17:07.740 --> 00:17:08.900 in the pastoral letters, 00:17:08.980 --> 00:17:09.420 he would say, 00:17:09.779 --> 00:17:11.279 Timothy, preach the word. 00:17:12.160 --> 00:17:14.420 Be instant in season and out of season. 00:17:14.420 --> 00:17:19.779 Reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 00:17:20.900 --> 00:17:24.200 Peter encouraged elders and pastors in his letter 00:17:24.200 --> 00:17:25.900 in 1 Peter chapter five, he says, 00:17:26.259 --> 00:17:28.440 to the elders which are among you, I exhort. 00:17:28.860 --> 00:17:31.200 Feed the flock of God which is among you, 00:17:31.700 --> 00:17:33.279 taking the oversight thereof, 00:17:33.360 --> 00:17:34.620 not under compulsion, 00:17:35.039 --> 00:17:37.920 but willingly as God would have you, 00:17:38.480 --> 00:17:40.380 not for shameful gain, 00:17:40.380 --> 00:17:41.680 but eagerly, 00:17:42.260 --> 00:17:45.060 not domineering over those in your charge, 00:17:45.220 --> 00:17:47.260 but being examples to the flock. 00:17:47.660 --> 00:17:49.360 And when the chief shepherd shall appear, 00:17:49.480 --> 00:17:50.080 Peter writes, 00:17:50.340 --> 00:17:52.100 ye shall receive a crown of glory 00:17:52.100 --> 00:17:53.840 that fadeth not away. 00:17:54.260 --> 00:17:57.040 Yes, Timothy was focused on caring for the people, 00:17:57.200 --> 00:18:00.120 but that was just an extension of his primary concern 00:18:00.120 --> 00:18:02.120 for the primary role of a pastor, 00:18:02.280 --> 00:18:04.400 to preach and teach faithfully 00:18:04.400 --> 00:18:06.440 the truths of the Bible. 00:18:06.440 --> 00:18:09.700 The proper care of the church 00:18:09.700 --> 00:18:12.039 begins with the proper focus 00:18:12.039 --> 00:18:13.799 on faithfully preaching the Bible, 00:18:14.160 --> 00:18:16.220 whether it's a popular thing to do 00:18:16.220 --> 00:18:18.640 or whether it's an unpopular thing to do. 00:18:19.620 --> 00:18:21.039 As Paul wrote to Timothy, 00:18:21.279 --> 00:18:23.539 in season and out of season. 00:18:24.600 --> 00:18:27.460 In fact, a pastor's love for his people 00:18:27.460 --> 00:18:29.559 is directly related to the extent 00:18:29.559 --> 00:18:32.620 to which he's willing to preach to them the truth, 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:35.460 even when the truth is difficult. 00:18:36.920 --> 00:18:39.620 And again, it's an encouragement to us as a church 00:18:39.620 --> 00:18:42.900 that as the Lord blesses and grows our church 00:18:42.900 --> 00:18:46.019 and we have need for a plurality of leaders 00:18:46.019 --> 00:18:46.980 in our congregation, 00:18:47.539 --> 00:18:49.440 that we would look for people 00:18:49.440 --> 00:18:51.500 not only that have a heart of care, 00:18:52.039 --> 00:18:53.640 but that their heart of care 00:18:53.640 --> 00:18:56.720 would be an extension of their primary desire 00:18:56.720 --> 00:18:59.420 to preach and teach the truths of God. 00:19:00.019 --> 00:19:02.900 Because that's the gift of pastors to the church, 00:19:02.900 --> 00:19:05.960 that God would use them to teach us 00:19:05.960 --> 00:19:08.980 what God has told us in his word. 00:19:09.820 --> 00:19:12.220 And so first we see in this mutual love 00:19:12.220 --> 00:19:15.000 and concern between church and leaders, 00:19:15.400 --> 00:19:18.500 we see the first element of that was a caring pastor. 00:19:19.160 --> 00:19:21.280 Secondly, we see Epaphroditus. 00:19:21.759 --> 00:19:23.380 And Epaphroditus in this case 00:19:23.380 --> 00:19:25.620 is the selfless servant. 00:19:26.019 --> 00:19:27.180 He's the selfless servant. 00:19:27.180 --> 00:19:29.440 Look with me at verse 25. 00:19:30.940 --> 00:19:34.580 Yet I suppose that necessary to send to you Epaphroditus. 00:19:35.080 --> 00:19:37.519 Now, when he's talking of sending Timothy, 00:19:38.060 --> 00:19:42.500 he said that he's hoping to send Timothy soon, eventually. 00:19:43.080 --> 00:19:45.140 And then there's a caveat to Timothy coming, 00:19:45.460 --> 00:19:48.900 which is waiting to see what's gonna happen 00:19:48.900 --> 00:19:50.000 to Paul's imprisonment. 00:19:50.560 --> 00:19:51.720 Paul wanted to go as well. 00:19:51.920 --> 00:19:53.500 And if Paul was gonna be stuck in prison 00:19:53.500 --> 00:19:54.259 a little bit longer, 00:19:54.420 --> 00:19:55.840 he was gonna go ahead and send Timothy. 00:19:55.839 --> 00:19:57.919 But if he was able to get out soon enough, 00:19:58.000 --> 00:19:59.720 he was gonna come along with Timothy 00:19:59.720 --> 00:20:01.500 and there was gonna be the pastoral representation 00:20:01.500 --> 00:20:02.679 of the both of them. 00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:04.539 When we get to Epaphroditus here, 00:20:04.720 --> 00:20:07.379 it's not that he's thinking to send Epaphroditus eventually. 00:20:08.179 --> 00:20:09.079 It's a guarantee. 00:20:09.319 --> 00:20:10.720 He's sending Epaphroditus. 00:20:11.059 --> 00:20:13.059 And we know that Epaphroditus went, 00:20:13.359 --> 00:20:15.859 although we don't know about Timothy, 00:20:16.139 --> 00:20:18.339 we know that Epaphroditus went 00:20:18.339 --> 00:20:19.619 because they received the letter. 00:20:20.519 --> 00:20:22.139 The very letter that Paul is writing 00:20:22.139 --> 00:20:24.179 was delivered by Epaphroditus. 00:20:24.179 --> 00:20:25.480 Look back again at verse 25. 00:20:25.480 --> 00:20:28.420 I suppose it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, 00:20:28.860 --> 00:20:32.660 my brother and companion in labor and fellow soldier, 00:20:33.319 --> 00:20:36.460 but your messenger and he that ministered to my wants, 00:20:36.559 --> 00:20:39.579 for he longed after you and was full of heaviness 00:20:39.579 --> 00:20:43.220 because that you had heard that he had been sick. 00:20:44.180 --> 00:20:45.900 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death, 00:20:46.420 --> 00:20:49.240 but God had mercy on him and not on him only, 00:20:49.380 --> 00:20:53.120 but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 00:20:53.119 --> 00:20:57.079 While Timothy is the example in this passage 00:20:57.079 --> 00:20:58.459 about which we know the most, 00:20:59.159 --> 00:21:02.339 Epaphroditus is the one about which we know the least. 00:21:03.000 --> 00:21:04.639 In fact, this is the only place in scripture 00:21:04.639 --> 00:21:05.799 that we find his name. 00:21:06.939 --> 00:21:09.099 Verse 25 gives us an understanding 00:21:09.099 --> 00:21:11.739 of what Epaphroditus' role was 00:21:11.739 --> 00:21:14.719 in being the messenger of the Philippian church. 00:21:15.419 --> 00:21:17.019 We find out in chapter four 00:21:17.019 --> 00:21:20.639 that the church had collected an offering for Paul, 00:21:20.839 --> 00:21:22.379 quite a large sum of money 00:21:22.379 --> 00:21:24.980 and it was actually out of the deep pockets 00:21:24.980 --> 00:21:27.379 of their poverty, their empty pockets. 00:21:27.799 --> 00:21:29.440 They saved what they could save 00:21:29.440 --> 00:21:32.740 in order that they could send help and aid to Paul in Rome. 00:21:33.400 --> 00:21:36.900 And so obviously, Epaphroditus was a trustworthy individual. 00:21:37.900 --> 00:21:40.279 He was entrusted to carry this sum of money 00:21:40.279 --> 00:21:41.480 all the way to Rome 00:21:41.480 --> 00:21:44.200 and actually the money make it all the way to Rome. 00:21:44.200 --> 00:21:49.319 Not only that, but their intention was that once he got there, 00:21:49.420 --> 00:21:52.140 he would remain there for as long as Paul needed him, 00:21:52.700 --> 00:21:53.880 serving the needs. 00:21:54.440 --> 00:21:56.039 Paul says, he is your messenger 00:21:56.039 --> 00:21:58.519 and he is the minister to my wants. 00:21:58.580 --> 00:22:02.900 He was there to help Paul in whatever way Paul needed help. 00:22:03.400 --> 00:22:05.420 Clearly, this was a good man 00:22:05.420 --> 00:22:09.559 with a good testimony, a trustworthy individual. 00:22:09.559 --> 00:22:12.960 We don't know exactly what his role was 00:22:12.960 --> 00:22:14.319 within the church at Philippi. 00:22:15.139 --> 00:22:17.899 We're not specifically told that he held an office in the church. 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:20.919 But given that he was trusted with this task 00:22:20.919 --> 00:22:23.460 and described with this kind of character, 00:22:23.619 --> 00:22:24.700 I think it's hard to imagine 00:22:24.700 --> 00:22:27.200 that he wasn't among the leadership of the church there. 00:22:28.220 --> 00:22:29.740 In fact, many people have suggested 00:22:29.740 --> 00:22:31.899 that because of his duties, 00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:34.679 always referencing back to a type of service, 00:22:35.159 --> 00:22:37.019 many have suggested that it's likely 00:22:37.019 --> 00:22:39.420 that he was a deacon in the church in Philippi, 00:22:39.519 --> 00:22:41.000 which simply means to serve, 00:22:41.099 --> 00:22:42.339 they're servants of the church. 00:22:42.440 --> 00:22:43.819 That was obviously his character. 00:22:44.700 --> 00:22:46.000 We don't know for sure, 00:22:46.720 --> 00:22:49.740 but whether or not he was a leader in the church 00:22:49.740 --> 00:22:51.460 is without question. 00:22:52.180 --> 00:22:54.240 It may not have been with an office or a position, 00:22:55.119 --> 00:22:57.559 but he was a leader because of his character. 00:22:58.700 --> 00:23:00.180 He was a selfless individual. 00:23:01.379 --> 00:23:03.079 Verses 26 and 27, 00:23:03.079 --> 00:23:05.619 we find out that on his journey to Rome, 00:23:06.199 --> 00:23:07.619 he fell deathly ill. 00:23:08.059 --> 00:23:09.339 Whatever this illness was, 00:23:09.480 --> 00:23:11.079 it had brought him to the brink of death, 00:23:11.119 --> 00:23:12.419 which most people in that day 00:23:12.419 --> 00:23:13.799 weren't gonna come back from. 00:23:14.359 --> 00:23:15.159 So Paul says, 00:23:15.460 --> 00:23:18.980 God in his mercy has provided healing to Epaphroditus 00:23:18.980 --> 00:23:20.500 and he was nursed back to health 00:23:20.500 --> 00:23:21.899 in order to go back to Philippi. 00:23:22.039 --> 00:23:23.579 But what does this tell us about his character? 00:23:24.379 --> 00:23:25.859 That even though things were difficult, 00:23:26.460 --> 00:23:29.099 he was committed to serving the church 00:23:29.099 --> 00:23:32.259 even at his own expense. 00:23:33.799 --> 00:23:36.559 How can a church and its leaders exist 00:23:36.559 --> 00:23:38.980 with love and concern and with health 00:23:38.980 --> 00:23:40.639 the way that God has determined 00:23:40.639 --> 00:23:42.139 that the church should exist? 00:23:42.359 --> 00:23:44.179 Not only does it take a caring pastor, 00:23:44.399 --> 00:23:46.299 but it takes some selfless servants 00:23:46.299 --> 00:23:49.000 who are willing to serve the church 00:23:49.000 --> 00:23:53.539 even when it comes at their own personal expense. 00:23:53.539 --> 00:23:56.139 In Timothy's example, 00:23:56.559 --> 00:23:59.200 we see the proper focus of church leadership. 00:23:59.980 --> 00:24:01.960 In the example of Epaphroditus, 00:24:02.379 --> 00:24:06.319 we see the proper qualities in church leadership. 00:24:06.899 --> 00:24:08.319 For any church to be healthy, 00:24:08.879 --> 00:24:11.539 it must ensure that those in those roles of leadership 00:24:11.539 --> 00:24:13.599 are actually qualified to be there. 00:24:14.379 --> 00:24:15.779 Here's the descriptions that he gives. 00:24:15.859 --> 00:24:17.339 The first one is my brother. 00:24:17.440 --> 00:24:18.920 Look at that in verse 25. 00:24:18.920 --> 00:24:21.639 I hope to send to you Epaphroditus, 00:24:22.059 --> 00:24:23.079 my brother. 00:24:23.539 --> 00:24:24.440 This is simple. 00:24:25.159 --> 00:24:27.019 It just simply means that Epaphroditus 00:24:27.019 --> 00:24:28.139 was a genuine believer, 00:24:29.200 --> 00:24:31.399 a pretty important quality for a leader in a church. 00:24:32.359 --> 00:24:33.539 It would blow your mind 00:24:33.539 --> 00:24:35.399 how many churches are unhealthy, 00:24:35.579 --> 00:24:38.759 not because they have poor views of the gospel, 00:24:38.899 --> 00:24:40.399 but because they put people in leadership 00:24:40.399 --> 00:24:42.220 who have no business being in leadership. 00:24:43.000 --> 00:24:44.480 They're in a form of leadership 00:24:44.480 --> 00:24:45.859 and they're not even believers 00:24:45.859 --> 00:24:47.059 in the gospel themselves. 00:24:47.700 --> 00:24:48.799 They've been chosen 00:24:48.799 --> 00:24:52.039 because of their intellectual prowess, 00:24:52.079 --> 00:24:52.899 or they've been chosen 00:24:52.900 --> 00:24:55.259 because they've been successful in their business 00:24:55.259 --> 00:24:57.960 and they have a particular charisma about them 00:24:57.960 --> 00:24:59.060 as they lead people. 00:24:59.140 --> 00:25:00.759 People are drawn maybe to their personality 00:25:00.759 --> 00:25:02.259 and that's why they're chosen. 00:25:02.420 --> 00:25:04.540 Paul says the first thing about Epaphroditus 00:25:04.540 --> 00:25:05.720 is he's my brother. 00:25:06.519 --> 00:25:09.300 Perhaps you've heard people refer to other people 00:25:09.300 --> 00:25:11.180 as the real deal when they're talking about them. 00:25:11.300 --> 00:25:14.519 It's their way of insinuating 00:25:14.519 --> 00:25:16.220 that you can trust this person. 00:25:16.720 --> 00:25:19.200 They're not gonna pull one over on you. 00:25:19.200 --> 00:25:20.940 This is basically Paul's way 00:25:20.940 --> 00:25:22.700 of telling the church in Philippi, 00:25:22.960 --> 00:25:24.519 Epaphroditus is the real deal. 00:25:25.400 --> 00:25:26.500 I've seen him serve. 00:25:26.600 --> 00:25:27.779 I've heard his testimony. 00:25:27.940 --> 00:25:29.220 I've listened to him preach. 00:25:29.380 --> 00:25:31.360 I've watched him live his life. 00:25:31.420 --> 00:25:33.519 He's the real deal when it comes to the gospel 00:25:33.519 --> 00:25:34.680 and when it comes to the faith. 00:25:34.759 --> 00:25:36.779 And that's the first quality that's listed here. 00:25:36.980 --> 00:25:39.240 The second one is companion in labor. 00:25:40.100 --> 00:25:41.019 Companion in labor. 00:25:42.340 --> 00:25:43.960 12 times in the New Testament, 00:25:44.200 --> 00:25:45.420 Paul uses this term 00:25:45.420 --> 00:25:49.000 to describe someone that had faithfully served the Lord with him. 00:25:49.940 --> 00:25:53.820 The indication is not only that Epaphroditus was a hard worker, 00:25:54.300 --> 00:25:59.200 but that he enjoyed partnership in the gospel. 00:25:59.740 --> 00:26:00.259 Partnership. 00:26:01.759 --> 00:26:03.519 MacArthur's helpful when he says that 00:26:03.519 --> 00:26:06.440 this has the idea of an affectionate partnership, 00:26:06.820 --> 00:26:10.460 not that of a merely impersonal official relationship. 00:26:10.460 --> 00:26:13.920 And then we understand, of course, 00:26:14.039 --> 00:26:15.299 that in these qualities, 00:26:15.299 --> 00:26:18.400 there's no room for laziness in the work of God. 00:26:19.360 --> 00:26:21.440 It doesn't benefit the church to have leaders 00:26:21.440 --> 00:26:25.200 who will not be willing to fulfill their duty as leaders 00:26:25.200 --> 00:26:27.079 and sacrifice as necessary. 00:26:28.019 --> 00:26:28.799 And so Paul says, 00:26:28.900 --> 00:26:31.440 Epaphroditus is my companion in labor. 00:26:32.340 --> 00:26:34.519 Thirdly, we see that he was a fellow soldier. 00:26:35.140 --> 00:26:36.160 He's a fellow soldier. 00:26:36.160 --> 00:26:39.180 Now, in verse 27 of chapter one, 00:26:39.840 --> 00:26:41.880 Paul has used the analogy of a soldier 00:26:41.880 --> 00:26:44.100 to picture the way that Christians 00:26:44.100 --> 00:26:45.759 are to stand firm on the gospel. 00:26:46.680 --> 00:26:49.019 And here we see Epaphroditus 00:26:49.019 --> 00:26:51.300 as the example of that soldier 00:26:51.300 --> 00:26:53.440 that stands firm on the gospel. 00:26:54.519 --> 00:26:57.180 The insinuation of this term and of this phrase 00:26:57.180 --> 00:26:58.940 is that he endured. 00:26:59.300 --> 00:27:00.620 He endured this persecution. 00:27:00.860 --> 00:27:03.860 In fact, his standing firm was against opposition 00:27:03.860 --> 00:27:05.740 that would come against the gospel message, 00:27:05.740 --> 00:27:07.960 that would come against the doctrines of the Bible. 00:27:08.059 --> 00:27:09.299 And Epaphroditus was a man. 00:27:09.480 --> 00:27:10.960 He was a good soldier in the Lord. 00:27:11.140 --> 00:27:13.180 He stood firm on the truth of God. 00:27:13.359 --> 00:27:15.859 He persevered in the truth, 00:27:15.880 --> 00:27:17.180 even despite the hardship. 00:27:18.359 --> 00:27:19.859 Paul says the same thing to Timothy 00:27:19.859 --> 00:27:20.980 in one of his letters. 00:27:21.140 --> 00:27:21.440 He says, 00:27:21.859 --> 00:27:25.759 share in suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 00:27:25.880 --> 00:27:26.380 And of course, 00:27:26.640 --> 00:27:28.779 that's a vital quality of church leadership. 00:27:30.160 --> 00:27:32.240 Fourthly, we see that he was a messenger 00:27:32.240 --> 00:27:33.779 and minister. 00:27:33.779 --> 00:27:36.339 At the heart of this description 00:27:36.339 --> 00:27:39.500 is the quality of being servant-hearted. 00:27:40.759 --> 00:27:44.039 Whether you're examining Epaphroditus or Timothy, 00:27:44.180 --> 00:27:44.779 either one, 00:27:45.319 --> 00:27:47.019 they were fundamentally servants. 00:27:49.000 --> 00:27:51.160 Epaphroditus didn't have to make this journey to Rome. 00:27:51.420 --> 00:27:52.539 It wasn't an easy journey. 00:27:52.940 --> 00:27:54.619 800 miles is a long way to go 00:27:54.619 --> 00:27:56.099 when you don't have an airplane or a car. 00:27:56.920 --> 00:27:57.819 It's a long journey. 00:27:58.299 --> 00:27:59.440 It's a dangerous journey. 00:27:59.980 --> 00:28:01.420 He's got a large sum of money on him. 00:28:01.420 --> 00:28:02.600 He didn't have to do this. 00:28:02.759 --> 00:28:04.039 He put himself at risk. 00:28:04.840 --> 00:28:06.400 His health was at risk. 00:28:07.140 --> 00:28:08.160 Why did he do that? 00:28:08.640 --> 00:28:10.840 Because fundamentally, he was a servant. 00:28:11.440 --> 00:28:12.519 He wanted to serve the church. 00:28:13.140 --> 00:28:14.259 He wanted to serve Paul. 00:28:15.279 --> 00:28:16.720 Timothy, we know through the scriptures, 00:28:16.880 --> 00:28:18.100 was a gifted pastor. 00:28:18.400 --> 00:28:20.019 It wasn't just that he was in a position 00:28:20.019 --> 00:28:21.039 of pastoral leadership, 00:28:21.200 --> 00:28:22.340 but he was gifted at it. 00:28:23.400 --> 00:28:25.580 We're told that he was instrumental in the early church, 00:28:25.779 --> 00:28:27.380 even despite some of his weaknesses. 00:28:27.380 --> 00:28:30.860 He didn't have to just go back and forth 00:28:30.860 --> 00:28:32.240 at Paul's beckoning call. 00:28:32.360 --> 00:28:34.860 He could have easily been like the other pastors in Rome 00:28:34.860 --> 00:28:37.120 and probably would have gathered his own following 00:28:37.120 --> 00:28:37.980 fairly simply. 00:28:38.640 --> 00:28:41.540 But fundamentally, Timothy was a servant. 00:28:42.340 --> 00:28:44.120 What are we looking for in church leadership? 00:28:44.800 --> 00:28:45.860 Someone who will serve. 00:28:46.880 --> 00:28:47.880 Someone who will serve. 00:28:49.220 --> 00:28:51.460 Not someone who will lord over the flock, 00:28:51.660 --> 00:28:53.260 though authority is a part of it, 00:28:53.259 --> 00:28:57.720 but someone who fundamentally will follow Jesus's example 00:28:57.720 --> 00:28:59.519 of humble service. 00:29:00.379 --> 00:29:02.299 And then the last quality that we see 00:29:02.299 --> 00:29:04.879 is that he longed after you all. 00:29:05.579 --> 00:29:07.099 What's interesting about this one 00:29:07.099 --> 00:29:09.759 is it communicates the same care that Timothy had. 00:29:10.940 --> 00:29:12.879 Once Epaphroditus got to Rome, 00:29:12.940 --> 00:29:14.720 it seems like he got a little bit homesick. 00:29:15.240 --> 00:29:17.339 The homesickness that Epaphroditus is sensing 00:29:17.339 --> 00:29:19.640 is not just because he was a homebody 00:29:19.640 --> 00:29:20.700 and he was ready to get back home. 00:29:21.500 --> 00:29:22.700 We're told in these verses, 00:29:22.700 --> 00:29:25.360 in fact, look with me at verse 27. 00:29:26.440 --> 00:29:28.960 He longed after you all and was full of heaviness. 00:29:29.160 --> 00:29:29.640 But why? 00:29:30.000 --> 00:29:31.900 Because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 00:29:33.400 --> 00:29:36.200 What's interesting about Epaphroditus' concern 00:29:36.200 --> 00:29:38.980 is that his concern had to do with their concern. 00:29:40.120 --> 00:29:41.380 You ever met somebody like that? 00:29:41.840 --> 00:29:43.920 They cared a lot less about their own condition 00:29:43.920 --> 00:29:44.920 and they just were concerned. 00:29:44.980 --> 00:29:46.559 They didn't want you to worry about their condition. 00:29:47.039 --> 00:29:48.019 This word heaviness, 00:29:48.180 --> 00:29:50.160 it's only used one other time in the scriptures. 00:29:50.160 --> 00:29:52.779 And it was in reference to Jesus' agony 00:29:52.779 --> 00:29:54.100 in the Garden of Gethsemane. 00:29:54.860 --> 00:29:59.100 What amazing concern and love that he had. 00:30:00.759 --> 00:30:01.460 What does this tell you? 00:30:01.460 --> 00:30:02.519 This is one of the reasons. 00:30:02.660 --> 00:30:03.519 If there's an indication 00:30:03.519 --> 00:30:05.240 that he was actually an elder in the church, 00:30:05.279 --> 00:30:06.160 I think this is it. 00:30:08.960 --> 00:30:10.380 Shepherds smell like sheep. 00:30:10.380 --> 00:30:14.960 And when you have a good leader among you, 00:30:15.080 --> 00:30:16.920 it's somebody that wants to be with you. 00:30:18.700 --> 00:30:20.420 We should be careful about leaders 00:30:20.420 --> 00:30:22.220 that want nothing to do with the flock, 00:30:22.880 --> 00:30:25.980 that care more about being served 00:30:25.980 --> 00:30:28.680 than they care about serving, 00:30:29.220 --> 00:30:31.740 that care more about the position 00:30:31.740 --> 00:30:35.300 than they care about the people. 00:30:35.299 --> 00:30:37.799 And so as we see these qualities, 00:30:38.139 --> 00:30:41.379 we're reminded of what we should look for 00:30:41.379 --> 00:30:43.460 as we pray for the Lord 00:30:43.460 --> 00:30:45.059 to raise up leaders in our own church. 00:30:45.700 --> 00:30:48.200 So we see Timothy as the caring pastor, 00:30:48.339 --> 00:30:50.419 Epaphroditus as the selfless servant. 00:30:50.599 --> 00:30:51.879 Thirdly and finally and quickly, 00:30:52.339 --> 00:30:54.579 we see the Philippian church 00:30:54.579 --> 00:30:55.980 was the loving congregation. 00:30:57.139 --> 00:30:59.159 There's two sides to this mutual love, 00:31:00.220 --> 00:31:02.000 two sides to this mutual concern. 00:31:02.000 --> 00:31:06.000 Both existed in this relationship in Philippi. 00:31:06.680 --> 00:31:07.640 Look at verse 28. 00:31:08.660 --> 00:31:10.319 I sent him therefore the more eagerly 00:31:10.319 --> 00:31:11.720 that when you see him again, 00:31:11.799 --> 00:31:14.599 you may rejoice and that I may be less sorrowful. 00:31:14.660 --> 00:31:16.920 The indication there is that they would rejoice 00:31:16.920 --> 00:31:18.440 whenever Epaphroditus got there. 00:31:18.819 --> 00:31:20.119 They would be excited to see him. 00:31:21.140 --> 00:31:21.680 Verse 29. 00:31:22.720 --> 00:31:24.900 Receive him therefore, Paul instructs, 00:31:25.539 --> 00:31:27.440 in the Lord with all gladness 00:31:27.440 --> 00:31:30.119 and hold such in reputation 00:31:30.119 --> 00:31:32.719 because for the work of Christ, 00:31:32.879 --> 00:31:33.919 he was nigh unto death, 00:31:34.339 --> 00:31:35.879 not regarding his life 00:31:35.879 --> 00:31:38.759 to supply your lack of service towards me. 00:31:40.379 --> 00:31:43.279 A healthy relationship can only exist 00:31:43.279 --> 00:31:44.719 when all parties are committed 00:31:44.719 --> 00:31:46.279 to loving and serving one another. 00:31:47.419 --> 00:31:49.859 This begins with godly leadership in the church, 00:31:49.859 --> 00:31:52.259 but it must also include 00:31:52.259 --> 00:31:54.639 a genuinely loving congregation. 00:31:54.640 --> 00:31:58.320 We're conditioned in our culture 00:31:58.320 --> 00:32:01.560 to be suspicious of leadership and authority. 00:32:03.180 --> 00:32:06.840 The world where we demand rights in all things, 00:32:07.440 --> 00:32:09.220 we often find it difficult 00:32:09.220 --> 00:32:11.920 to have room for proper love for 00:32:11.920 --> 00:32:13.720 and submission to authority. 00:32:14.780 --> 00:32:16.600 But love, care, and submission 00:32:16.600 --> 00:32:18.600 must be mutually demonstrated 00:32:18.600 --> 00:32:20.880 between church leaders and the congregation. 00:32:21.980 --> 00:32:23.840 Otherwise, the church is doomed to fail. 00:32:24.640 --> 00:32:26.620 It certainly won't glorify the Lord. 00:32:27.880 --> 00:32:29.800 There's no doubt that the Philippian church 00:32:29.800 --> 00:32:30.560 was a loving one, 00:32:30.600 --> 00:32:32.160 and we've seen it in many ways 00:32:32.160 --> 00:32:34.160 in our study of this book, 00:32:34.460 --> 00:32:36.660 not only in the way that they gave to Paul, 00:32:36.740 --> 00:32:38.180 but even Paul himself thanked them 00:32:38.180 --> 00:32:39.020 for their partnership. 00:32:40.420 --> 00:32:41.280 He loved them. 00:32:42.259 --> 00:32:43.380 There's a warm tone, 00:32:43.740 --> 00:32:45.280 not just because of his love, 00:32:45.360 --> 00:32:46.240 but because of the love 00:32:46.240 --> 00:32:47.660 that they reciprocated back. 00:32:48.320 --> 00:32:49.420 This was a loving church. 00:32:50.820 --> 00:32:52.580 But in verses 28 through 30, 00:32:52.579 --> 00:32:54.519 we're told or instructed by Paul 00:32:54.519 --> 00:32:58.500 that the way that a church loves its leaders 00:32:58.500 --> 00:33:01.619 is in the way that they receive their leaders. 00:33:02.659 --> 00:33:05.460 The idea here is that churches welcome them 00:33:05.460 --> 00:33:06.779 with open arms. 00:33:08.039 --> 00:33:09.639 Rather than being suspicious, 00:33:10.919 --> 00:33:14.159 rather than constantly questioning their motives, 00:33:14.160 --> 00:33:19.240 rather than refusing to submit to their authority, 00:33:20.240 --> 00:33:21.240 they embrace them. 00:33:21.900 --> 00:33:22.640 They welcome them. 00:33:23.640 --> 00:33:25.480 There's two ways that Paul tells this church 00:33:25.480 --> 00:33:26.680 to receive them and will be done. 00:33:27.000 --> 00:33:29.060 The first way was to receive them with joy. 00:33:29.800 --> 00:33:30.700 Receive them with joy. 00:33:31.340 --> 00:33:32.180 Look at verse 29. 00:33:32.620 --> 00:33:36.500 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness. 00:33:36.500 --> 00:33:39.740 Up until his arrival, 00:33:39.880 --> 00:33:41.779 they may not have had any idea 00:33:41.779 --> 00:33:43.839 what was actually going on with Epaphroditus 00:33:43.839 --> 00:33:44.799 as far as his health. 00:33:45.240 --> 00:33:47.119 We know that they had heard about his illness 00:33:47.119 --> 00:33:49.819 because he was concerned about their concern. 00:33:50.720 --> 00:33:52.200 But they probably had no idea 00:33:52.200 --> 00:33:53.619 that he had survived at this point. 00:33:54.519 --> 00:33:56.240 A part of their gladness and rejoicing 00:33:56.240 --> 00:33:57.559 would just be at the simple fact 00:33:57.559 --> 00:33:59.920 that they probably had been praying for him relentlessly. 00:34:00.460 --> 00:34:01.859 And to see him alive and well 00:34:01.859 --> 00:34:03.380 would have been encouraging. 00:34:04.440 --> 00:34:06.279 This is a testament to their love. 00:34:06.900 --> 00:34:09.280 But Paul still felt that it would be necessary 00:34:09.280 --> 00:34:13.019 to instruct them to receive him with gladness. 00:34:14.019 --> 00:34:14.739 But why? 00:34:16.400 --> 00:34:18.260 He was already loved of the church. 00:34:19.199 --> 00:34:21.119 They cared about his physical well-being. 00:34:22.340 --> 00:34:24.500 I think the best thing for us to assume here 00:34:24.500 --> 00:34:27.239 is that they would have otherwise questioned 00:34:27.239 --> 00:34:28.579 the motives of his ministry. 00:34:30.219 --> 00:34:33.300 One of the reasons for sending Epaphroditus to Rome 00:34:33.300 --> 00:34:35.400 was not only to deliver this money, 00:34:35.400 --> 00:34:37.480 but it was to stay there. 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:41.500 It was to serve Paul in whatever way Paul needed to be served. 00:34:42.099 --> 00:34:42.740 They were to be, 00:34:42.960 --> 00:34:45.680 he was to be their representative to Paul 00:34:45.680 --> 00:34:47.099 for as long as Paul needed him. 00:34:47.260 --> 00:34:49.740 And then he was to report back to Philippi 00:34:49.740 --> 00:34:52.119 in order to say what was going on with Paul, 00:34:52.240 --> 00:34:53.960 what was going on with the gospel there. 00:34:54.780 --> 00:34:56.639 When he gets there, he's been really sick. 00:34:56.639 --> 00:34:58.779 And not only has he been sick, 00:34:59.139 --> 00:35:00.500 he served Paul well, 00:35:00.699 --> 00:35:02.299 but he longed to be back home. 00:35:02.420 --> 00:35:04.279 And so Paul graciously says, 00:35:04.799 --> 00:35:05.539 go back home. 00:35:06.539 --> 00:35:07.359 Paul needed him, 00:35:07.739 --> 00:35:08.900 but he said, go back home. 00:35:09.400 --> 00:35:11.420 The first thing they would have probably expected 00:35:11.420 --> 00:35:12.099 when they saw him, 00:35:12.179 --> 00:35:14.500 despite being joyful over his healing, 00:35:14.659 --> 00:35:16.559 was why are you back so soon? 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:19.199 We thought you'd be there a lot longer. 00:35:20.039 --> 00:35:22.920 Perhaps Paul anticipated that there would be suspicion 00:35:22.920 --> 00:35:24.300 on the part of the congregation 00:35:24.300 --> 00:35:25.900 that because it didn't work out 00:35:25.900 --> 00:35:27.820 the way that they wanted it to work out, 00:35:27.900 --> 00:35:29.000 maybe there was something 00:35:29.000 --> 00:35:30.800 that was actually wrong with Epaphroditus. 00:35:30.920 --> 00:35:32.820 Maybe he quit on the ministry. 00:35:32.940 --> 00:35:34.960 Maybe he did something he wasn't supposed to do. 00:35:35.059 --> 00:35:36.860 Maybe he didn't serve in the way 00:35:36.860 --> 00:35:38.579 that he wasn't supposed to serve. 00:35:38.680 --> 00:35:41.180 And so Paul goes to great lengths here to say, 00:35:41.320 --> 00:35:42.159 not only he's my brother, 00:35:42.220 --> 00:35:44.820 but he's been my companion and he served me well. 00:35:44.900 --> 00:35:47.059 And you should receive him with gladness, 00:35:47.139 --> 00:35:48.539 not just because of his illness, 00:35:48.700 --> 00:35:50.380 but because he has served me well 00:35:50.380 --> 00:35:51.980 and he has served the gospel well. 00:35:52.900 --> 00:35:54.740 How are we to view the leaders in our life, 00:35:54.800 --> 00:35:56.840 the spiritual leaders that God has given us, 00:35:56.880 --> 00:35:57.400 not just me, 00:35:57.460 --> 00:35:59.780 but any leader that would be raised up 00:35:59.780 --> 00:36:01.300 in our church on God's part? 00:36:01.380 --> 00:36:02.840 We receive them with joy, 00:36:02.840 --> 00:36:04.099 not with suspicion, 00:36:04.559 --> 00:36:06.760 but with joy and with love and with concern. 00:36:07.219 --> 00:36:09.079 They receive them with gladness. 00:36:09.639 --> 00:36:10.800 And then finally, he says, 00:36:10.900 --> 00:36:12.380 receive them with honor. 00:36:13.139 --> 00:36:14.159 Receive them with honor. 00:36:14.780 --> 00:36:16.019 Look again at verse 29. 00:36:16.960 --> 00:36:19.219 And hold such in reputation, he says. 00:36:19.820 --> 00:36:21.320 Really means hold them in honor. 00:36:22.579 --> 00:36:25.079 This is not the kind of honor that's demonstrated 00:36:25.079 --> 00:36:28.119 by parading leaders in front of the church 00:36:28.119 --> 00:36:30.179 and erupting in applause. 00:36:30.420 --> 00:36:31.539 It's not what this is. 00:36:32.380 --> 00:36:36.039 He's not talking about creating this environment 00:36:36.039 --> 00:36:38.340 like you see at the State of the Union address, 00:36:39.300 --> 00:36:42.780 where the president walks into the House of Congress 00:36:42.780 --> 00:36:45.559 and as he walks in, everyone erupts in applause 00:36:45.559 --> 00:36:49.019 and he can go as quickly or as slowly as he wants to go. 00:36:49.019 --> 00:36:50.019 And if he goes super slow 00:36:50.019 --> 00:36:52.440 and he really wants to soak in the applause, 00:36:52.539 --> 00:36:53.320 they'll remain standing 00:36:53.320 --> 00:36:55.440 and they'll applaud for as long as they need to stand 00:36:55.440 --> 00:36:57.320 and applaud until the president 00:36:57.320 --> 00:36:58.340 is ready to give his address. 00:36:58.539 --> 00:36:59.980 That's not what Paul's saying. 00:37:01.599 --> 00:37:03.920 In fact, he doesn't say honor them 00:37:03.920 --> 00:37:05.460 because he's got a great personality. 00:37:05.960 --> 00:37:07.280 He may not have had a great personality. 00:37:07.340 --> 00:37:08.059 He may have been dull. 00:37:09.519 --> 00:37:10.460 He doesn't say honor them 00:37:10.460 --> 00:37:11.639 because you connect with them. 00:37:11.639 --> 00:37:12.980 He doesn't say honor them 00:37:12.980 --> 00:37:16.859 because of this parade and the charade that you need. 00:37:17.079 --> 00:37:18.679 He says hold them in high regard 00:37:18.679 --> 00:37:21.099 because of what they do in the Lord. 00:37:21.519 --> 00:37:22.420 Look at verse 30. 00:37:23.480 --> 00:37:25.559 Because for the work of Christ, 00:37:25.920 --> 00:37:27.039 he was nigh unto death. 00:37:27.440 --> 00:37:30.159 Paul gives another instruction to the Thessalonian church. 00:37:30.239 --> 00:37:31.699 In 1 Thessalonians 5, he says, 00:37:31.960 --> 00:37:32.980 I beseech you, brethren, 00:37:33.119 --> 00:37:35.059 to know them which labor among you 00:37:35.059 --> 00:37:36.359 and are over you in the Lord 00:37:36.360 --> 00:37:38.960 and admonish you to esteem them highly 00:37:38.960 --> 00:37:41.720 for their work's sake. 00:37:42.340 --> 00:37:44.760 And Paul says the way that you honor them, 00:37:45.059 --> 00:37:46.500 the way that you esteem them 00:37:46.500 --> 00:37:48.940 is not by rising up and applauding 00:37:48.940 --> 00:37:50.539 every time they walk into the building, 00:37:50.720 --> 00:37:53.880 but he says esteem them highly in love. 00:37:54.680 --> 00:37:56.980 How do you honor spiritual leadership? 00:37:57.340 --> 00:37:58.400 Not through applause. 00:37:58.400 --> 00:38:00.380 You honor them in love, 00:38:00.640 --> 00:38:04.220 in the same love and concern and care 00:38:04.220 --> 00:38:05.800 that you want them to show 00:38:05.800 --> 00:38:06.640 towards the flock. 00:38:06.900 --> 00:38:09.039 You show that same love and care 00:38:09.039 --> 00:38:11.100 and concern for your leaders 00:38:11.100 --> 00:38:13.340 and respect them, 00:38:13.400 --> 00:38:14.900 not because of who they are, 00:38:15.080 --> 00:38:17.060 but because of what they do for the Lord. 00:38:18.420 --> 00:38:21.000 It's not based on their personality and gifting, 00:38:21.720 --> 00:38:24.060 but it's on the basis of their work for Christ. 00:38:25.900 --> 00:38:28.640 And so Paul says the example 00:38:28.640 --> 00:38:32.000 of this healthy church relationship 00:38:32.000 --> 00:38:34.340 is seen in a loving congregation 00:38:34.340 --> 00:38:36.519 that receives their leaders 00:38:36.519 --> 00:38:38.039 just as you do. 00:38:40.640 --> 00:38:41.780 Relationship between a church 00:38:41.780 --> 00:38:44.120 and its leaders is so very important. 00:38:45.760 --> 00:38:47.260 And we must be mindful 00:38:47.260 --> 00:38:48.559 of appointing leaders 00:38:48.559 --> 00:38:50.720 that meet the biblical qualifications 00:38:50.720 --> 00:38:52.000 for pastoral leadership. 00:38:54.100 --> 00:38:56.400 Pastors and deacons must focus on the gospel 00:38:56.400 --> 00:38:58.980 and they need to have a genuine love 00:38:58.980 --> 00:39:00.320 and concern for the church. 00:39:00.320 --> 00:39:04.160 But the church must also lovingly receive them 00:39:04.160 --> 00:39:06.300 and honor them in love 00:39:06.300 --> 00:39:09.160 because it is God that's put them there. 00:39:11.039 --> 00:39:12.260 This mutual love is not easy 00:39:12.260 --> 00:39:15.480 because love is messy, right? 00:39:16.740 --> 00:39:18.400 Love in any regard is messy 00:39:18.400 --> 00:39:20.559 and it's vulnerable. 00:39:21.900 --> 00:39:23.440 And when you add to it 00:39:23.440 --> 00:39:25.440 that everybody in the relationship 00:39:25.440 --> 00:39:26.840 is imperfect and sinful, 00:39:26.840 --> 00:39:28.960 it complicates it that much more. 00:39:32.059 --> 00:39:33.100 There's gonna be times 00:39:33.100 --> 00:39:35.460 in the life of our church 00:39:35.460 --> 00:39:37.900 where I'm gonna be a disappointment to you. 00:39:39.100 --> 00:39:41.280 I hope that in those times of disappointment, 00:39:41.500 --> 00:39:43.300 unless it is a situation 00:39:43.300 --> 00:39:44.400 that the scripture says 00:39:44.400 --> 00:39:45.400 I need to be removed, 00:39:45.840 --> 00:39:48.140 I hope that those times of disappointment 00:39:48.140 --> 00:39:49.760 will be met with love 00:39:49.760 --> 00:39:50.760 and concern on your part. 00:39:50.760 --> 00:39:54.060 The other part of this covenant 00:39:54.060 --> 00:39:55.600 between church and leader 00:39:55.600 --> 00:39:59.340 is that when you disappoint me, 00:40:00.040 --> 00:40:01.420 my promise is that 00:40:01.420 --> 00:40:02.900 it'll be met with love 00:40:02.900 --> 00:40:04.140 and care 00:40:04.140 --> 00:40:05.900 and concern as well. 00:40:06.740 --> 00:40:08.080 Because at the end of the day, 00:40:08.460 --> 00:40:09.580 we're all still sheep 00:40:09.580 --> 00:40:12.700 and God may have put me 00:40:12.700 --> 00:40:13.880 in a particular position 00:40:13.880 --> 00:40:14.920 to lead in a church 00:40:14.920 --> 00:40:15.800 and he may do that 00:40:15.800 --> 00:40:16.800 with some of you as well. 00:40:17.800 --> 00:40:18.420 But fundamentally, 00:40:18.680 --> 00:40:19.620 we're sinful beings. 00:40:19.619 --> 00:40:21.799 And we only represent 00:40:21.799 --> 00:40:22.839 the chief shepherd. 00:40:23.819 --> 00:40:25.099 And we wanna do that well. 00:40:26.039 --> 00:40:27.359 And we wanna do it with 00:40:27.359 --> 00:40:28.920 honor and with love 00:40:28.920 --> 00:40:29.819 and with grace. 00:40:30.460 --> 00:40:31.299 Thank you for listening 00:40:31.299 --> 00:40:31.940 to this sermon 00:40:31.940 --> 00:40:32.779 made available by 00:40:32.779 --> 00:40:33.940 Lakeside Bible Church. 00:40:34.380 --> 00:40:35.359 Feel free to share it 00:40:35.359 --> 00:40:36.039 wherever you'd like. 00:40:36.579 --> 00:40:37.920 Please do not charge for it 00:40:37.920 --> 00:40:39.279 or alter it in any way 00:40:39.279 --> 00:40:40.920 without express written consent 00:40:40.920 --> 00:40:42.319 from Lakeside Bible Church. 00:40:42.779 --> 00:40:44.480 Don't forget to visit us online 00:40:44.480 --> 00:40:46.000 at lakesidebible.church 00:40:46.000 --> 00:40:47.559 or find us on Facebook 00:40:47.559 --> 00:40:48.259 and Instagram 00:40:48.259 --> 00:40:49.179 by searching for 00:40:49.179 --> 00:40:50.659 Lakeside Bible NC. 00:40:51.399 --> 00:40:52.539 If you live in the Charlotte 00:40:52.539 --> 00:40:53.399 or Lake Norman area, 00:40:53.519 --> 00:40:54.579 we'd love for you to attend 00:40:54.579 --> 00:40:55.759 one of our worship services. 00:40:56.159 --> 00:40:57.359 We meet every Sunday morning 00:40:57.359 --> 00:40:58.139 at 10 a.m. 00:40:58.139 --> 00:40:58.940 in the gym 00:40:58.940 --> 00:41:00.519 at Cornelius Elementary School. 00:41:00.899 --> 00:41:01.940 We'd love to meet you.