WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.099 This is the fun thing about the mobile pulpit, I can come as far up as you guys want to retreat, 00:00:12.380 --> 00:00:16.240 so we'll make this nice and interpersonal tonight. 00:00:22.640 --> 00:00:24.940 You know, the Christian life is called a walk. 00:00:24.940 --> 00:00:31.780 And I remember when my son and my daughter were learning how to walk. 00:00:32.219 --> 00:00:38.020 They would sort of watch people do it for a while, and then they'd pull themselves up on a piece of furniture. 00:00:39.219 --> 00:00:44.719 But eventually, if they were going to venture out, they needed a couple of things, right? 00:00:44.980 --> 00:00:46.579 One thing is they needed help. 00:00:46.880 --> 00:00:52.040 You've seen, you know, the mom and dad early toddler walk, which breaks your back. 00:00:52.040 --> 00:00:54.920 So you walk around with their kids holding on to your fingers. 00:00:55.719 --> 00:00:57.039 So they needed help. 00:00:57.239 --> 00:00:59.099 They also need some instructions sometimes. 00:00:59.280 --> 00:01:01.479 Put one foot in front of the other. 00:01:01.619 --> 00:01:03.799 If you don't move your feet, you can't walk. 00:01:05.060 --> 00:01:09.780 But you know the third thing that helps your kids start to walk? 00:01:10.500 --> 00:01:11.200 They watch. 00:01:11.780 --> 00:01:14.500 And they see other kids running around. 00:01:14.500 --> 00:01:15.180 And they see. 00:01:15.180 --> 00:01:22.060 That's why second kids always start walking earlier than the first kid. 00:01:22.180 --> 00:01:23.900 Because they're watching their older brother. 00:01:24.060 --> 00:01:25.420 And they want to be like him. 00:01:25.460 --> 00:01:27.019 And they want to go do what he's doing. 00:01:27.319 --> 00:01:29.799 And so they get up and they walk earlier. 00:01:29.799 --> 00:01:37.200 And they imitate what they see in the older sibling. 00:01:38.459 --> 00:01:42.859 In this letter of the Philippians, if you've been here already and if you haven't, that's okay. 00:01:43.219 --> 00:01:44.539 We're going to just fill you in. 00:01:44.540 --> 00:01:53.900 And the Apostle Paul has been writing to this church and encouraging them in their pursuing a life of following Jesus. 00:01:54.920 --> 00:01:57.060 Pursuing their walk with God. 00:01:57.060 --> 00:02:01.760 Chapter 1, he talked about how do you suffer well? 00:02:02.260 --> 00:02:04.000 How do you suffer for the gospel? 00:02:04.480 --> 00:02:11.939 What does it look like to face even death with confident hope in Jesus and in the resurrection? 00:02:13.120 --> 00:02:16.000 And then in chapter 2, he talked about how do we treat one another? 00:02:16.740 --> 00:02:26.900 How do we interact with one another in a way that reflects Jesus who left the glory of heaven and humbled himself even to the cross for us? 00:02:27.060 --> 00:02:32.699 And so Paul has been laying before us not easy steps of life, right? 00:02:32.840 --> 00:02:34.599 These are some of the hardest things. 00:02:35.159 --> 00:02:36.259 How to face death. 00:02:36.580 --> 00:02:38.500 How to be humble before one another. 00:02:38.800 --> 00:02:42.340 Those are some of the hardest human things for us to do. 00:02:43.099 --> 00:02:47.420 And yet, he says this is what it means to follow Christ. 00:02:47.680 --> 00:02:50.640 This is what it means to be a follower of him. 00:02:54.420 --> 00:02:55.920 And he would acknowledge. 00:02:57.060 --> 00:02:58.879 That it's hard. 00:02:59.800 --> 00:03:04.800 He would acknowledge that like a small child, we can't do it on our own. 00:03:06.199 --> 00:03:09.400 Before we explore our passage, I want to just ask the question, why is that? 00:03:09.780 --> 00:03:15.099 Why do we have such a hard time being humble or facing death? 00:03:15.099 --> 00:03:20.620 Well, it's because there's this thing in us called our sin nature. 00:03:20.620 --> 00:03:28.519 That all of us are born with this desire not to follow God, not to love other people, not to do good and right. 00:03:29.039 --> 00:03:34.799 But sin, one of the things it does is sin curves us back into ourselves. 00:03:34.800 --> 00:03:42.800 The very, the sin nature that we have makes us incredibly self-oriented people. 00:03:43.540 --> 00:03:44.880 What does this look like? 00:03:45.060 --> 00:03:48.100 And how does it prevent us from living this kind of life? 00:03:48.180 --> 00:03:52.920 Well, in one way, one of the ways it does it is sin can make us arrogant. 00:03:53.460 --> 00:03:55.320 We think really highly of ourselves. 00:03:55.319 --> 00:03:57.840 I'm better than you. 00:03:58.139 --> 00:04:01.060 And, you know, sometimes arrogance is simply like, I'm better than you. 00:04:01.259 --> 00:04:01.840 I'm smarter. 00:04:01.979 --> 00:04:02.439 I'm stronger. 00:04:02.539 --> 00:04:03.000 I'm faster. 00:04:03.139 --> 00:04:05.000 I can do anything better than you can. 00:04:05.139 --> 00:04:05.319 Right? 00:04:05.799 --> 00:04:07.599 Sometimes it's like that. 00:04:08.079 --> 00:04:11.039 But sometimes it's also just, hey, I'm unique. 00:04:11.719 --> 00:04:12.959 I'm different than you. 00:04:13.479 --> 00:04:18.099 And in my arrogance, I'm just going to say, I'm not like you at all. 00:04:18.379 --> 00:04:24.560 I'm going to separate myself out because I like this unique category where I am the center of my world. 00:04:24.560 --> 00:04:27.779 And I am the paradigm of what I ought to be. 00:04:29.159 --> 00:04:33.719 The rules don't apply to me when I'm this unique person over here. 00:04:34.399 --> 00:04:37.659 It's one of the ways that I think arrogance plays itself out in our lives. 00:04:37.659 --> 00:04:40.500 But it ultimately makes us very curved in. 00:04:40.500 --> 00:04:42.720 And very self-oriented. 00:04:43.879 --> 00:04:54.079 Another way that sin curves us in is that we think, having rebelled against God and rejected God as the one who can provide, we think we have to provide for ourselves. 00:04:55.019 --> 00:04:59.319 And so one of the patterns of sin in our lives is that we think it's up to us. 00:04:59.720 --> 00:05:05.899 And so we go running after relationships and money and security and identity. 00:05:05.899 --> 00:05:12.919 And we hop on hamster wheels of life just trying desperately to build a life. 00:05:13.120 --> 00:05:17.639 And we think it's all up to us to go and get it and to do this on our own. 00:05:19.959 --> 00:05:21.399 And we become driven. 00:05:21.399 --> 00:05:30.819 We end up using people instead of loving them because we're seeking this goal of what can we get from people to provide for ourselves. 00:05:32.259 --> 00:05:35.399 It creates an incredibly self-oriented life. 00:05:35.399 --> 00:05:43.859 And sometimes, too, it just looks like I just want to do what I want to do to make me happy. 00:05:44.399 --> 00:05:48.359 Just plain old narcissism or pleasing ourselves. 00:05:48.799 --> 00:05:48.979 Right? 00:05:48.980 --> 00:05:53.379 It's the kind of thing that maybe you have experienced this. 00:05:53.439 --> 00:05:55.600 I experience this sometimes on a Sunday afternoon. 00:05:55.800 --> 00:05:57.100 I've had a long morning at church. 00:05:57.120 --> 00:05:57.819 And I come home. 00:05:58.259 --> 00:06:03.160 And honestly, there are days I just want to lie down on the couch and watch a little football. 00:06:03.379 --> 00:06:05.100 And maybe fall asleep and take a nap. 00:06:05.840 --> 00:06:06.200 You know? 00:06:06.360 --> 00:06:08.960 And I am thinking only of me. 00:06:09.980 --> 00:06:10.720 I have a wife. 00:06:10.800 --> 00:06:11.500 I have kids. 00:06:11.660 --> 00:06:12.259 I have... 00:06:12.259 --> 00:06:14.960 There's lots of other things that I could be thinking about. 00:06:14.959 --> 00:06:18.479 And in those moments, I just think it's all about me. 00:06:20.599 --> 00:06:22.419 And it's so easy to do that. 00:06:22.500 --> 00:06:25.000 And, you know, sometimes we do this really blatantly. 00:06:25.399 --> 00:06:26.519 I don't care what you think. 00:06:26.560 --> 00:06:27.779 I'm going to go do what I want. 00:06:27.959 --> 00:06:28.139 Right? 00:06:28.439 --> 00:06:42.799 But sometimes there can be ways in which we can build this sort of self-orientation about our needs or just wanting to be pleased in things that look like they're really constructive. 00:06:42.800 --> 00:06:46.300 So, I'm really committed to my career. 00:06:47.759 --> 00:06:50.660 Because it's my investment in the kingdom of God. 00:06:50.740 --> 00:06:53.020 And so, I'm really committed to doing that well. 00:06:53.500 --> 00:06:56.139 And, you know, there can be a good sense in which that's true. 00:06:56.259 --> 00:06:56.800 But there can be... 00:06:57.340 --> 00:06:58.259 We need to be careful. 00:06:58.860 --> 00:07:03.900 Because we can be so committed to pursuing our career that it's really all about us. 00:07:04.259 --> 00:07:07.420 It's all about this makes me feel important. 00:07:07.560 --> 00:07:08.780 This makes me feel good. 00:07:08.779 --> 00:07:12.379 And so, I'm going to continue to invest more and more and more in that. 00:07:14.399 --> 00:07:15.439 Or my family. 00:07:16.599 --> 00:07:18.319 I want to invest in my family. 00:07:19.500 --> 00:07:20.719 Or my studies. 00:07:21.399 --> 00:07:22.799 And these are good things. 00:07:22.899 --> 00:07:24.599 And they're stewardships that God has given us. 00:07:24.639 --> 00:07:26.479 And we're supposed to be responsible with them. 00:07:26.719 --> 00:07:28.919 But there can be a way in which sin creeps in. 00:07:28.979 --> 00:07:30.379 And it makes us all about us. 00:07:30.379 --> 00:07:40.639 And when we are this self-oriented, we don't know how to be humble before one another. 00:07:41.560 --> 00:07:45.259 And we certainly don't know what happens when we die. 00:07:46.300 --> 00:07:49.560 Because everything we've been doing in our lives has been building up about us. 00:07:49.600 --> 00:07:51.579 And what happens when I come to the end? 00:07:51.579 --> 00:07:56.359 I don't know about you. 00:07:58.539 --> 00:08:02.339 But in our sin, we don't know how to live differently. 00:08:02.539 --> 00:08:04.419 How to escape from these things. 00:08:04.779 --> 00:08:05.979 I grew up in a family. 00:08:06.120 --> 00:08:06.979 A great family. 00:08:07.079 --> 00:08:07.919 A loving family. 00:08:08.120 --> 00:08:09.680 But not a Christ-centered family. 00:08:11.339 --> 00:08:12.899 I love my dad dearly. 00:08:14.419 --> 00:08:16.740 But he didn't know the Lord. 00:08:16.740 --> 00:08:21.439 And so when I became a Christian and I started to engage in this. 00:08:21.639 --> 00:08:24.180 How do I live this life that God has called me to? 00:08:24.319 --> 00:08:25.620 I didn't know how to do it. 00:08:28.800 --> 00:08:30.199 And I didn't have examples. 00:08:32.060 --> 00:08:33.419 He could teach me how to walk. 00:08:33.519 --> 00:08:36.220 But he couldn't teach me how to follow Christ. 00:08:37.720 --> 00:08:39.740 Maybe you're like that too. 00:08:40.779 --> 00:08:42.980 And that's what brings us to our passage tonight. 00:08:44.799 --> 00:08:46.000 Philippians chapter 2. 00:08:46.740 --> 00:08:47.740 I don't know. 00:08:47.820 --> 00:08:48.980 What page are we in in the Pew Bible? 00:08:49.240 --> 00:08:50.019 I forgot to bring it up. 00:08:50.320 --> 00:08:50.340 One. 00:08:51.480 --> 00:08:51.879 One. 00:08:52.120 --> 00:08:52.360 What? 00:08:53.560 --> 00:08:54.320 9.81. 00:08:54.779 --> 00:08:55.240 There we go. 00:08:55.299 --> 00:08:56.659 9.81 in the Pew Bible. 00:08:56.779 --> 00:08:57.620 If you want to look with me. 00:08:58.139 --> 00:09:00.820 Philippians chapter 2 verses 19 through 30. 00:09:08.259 --> 00:09:09.440 And as you're flipping there. 00:09:09.519 --> 00:09:10.340 Let me just make a comment. 00:09:10.580 --> 00:09:11.419 It's really interesting. 00:09:11.539 --> 00:09:12.500 This is one of those passages. 00:09:12.799 --> 00:09:16.240 The passage right before is a clear sort of exhortation. 00:09:16.240 --> 00:09:18.680 This is how you should live as Christians in the world. 00:09:19.000 --> 00:09:22.360 This is what I exhort you as a church to be and how you should live. 00:09:22.600 --> 00:09:25.320 And now we get to this section that sort of raises a question. 00:09:25.440 --> 00:09:27.539 How do we understand this? 00:09:27.799 --> 00:09:36.580 Because it's kind of like listening in on a conversation between Paul and this church that isn't, that feels much harder to apply to us. 00:09:36.580 --> 00:09:40.040 So I'll just acknowledge that and then I'll solve that after we read it and pray. 00:09:40.039 --> 00:09:43.959 So Philippians chapter 2 verse 19. 00:09:44.079 --> 00:09:50.959 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 00:09:51.659 --> 00:09:55.799 For I have no one like him who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 00:09:56.719 --> 00:10:01.039 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 00:10:01.039 --> 00:10:09.099 But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 00:10:09.860 --> 00:10:14.659 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me. 00:10:14.919 --> 00:10:20.919 And I trust that the Lord, I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. 00:10:20.919 --> 00:10:31.599 I have thought it necessary to send you, send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier and your messenger and minister to my need. 00:10:32.120 --> 00:10:38.179 For he has been longing for you all, has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 00:10:39.439 --> 00:10:41.879 Indeed, he was ill, near to death. 00:10:42.179 --> 00:10:48.539 But God had mercy on him and not only on him but also on me, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 00:10:48.539 --> 00:10:56.879 I am the more eager to send him therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, that I may be less anxious. 00:10:57.719 --> 00:11:01.099 So receive him in the Lord with all joy and honor such men. 00:11:01.799 --> 00:11:11.559 For he nearly died for this work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me. 00:11:12.740 --> 00:11:13.539 Let's pray. 00:11:13.539 --> 00:11:18.799 God, help us as we read your word tonight to understand it and to apply it to our lives. 00:11:19.240 --> 00:11:23.339 Lord, thank you that you give us your Holy Spirit to help us understand it. 00:11:23.500 --> 00:11:30.240 And Lord, thank you that, Lord, our understanding is not simply meant to be in our head but also in our heart. 00:11:30.599 --> 00:11:36.719 Lord, that we would be transformed not only in what we think but what we love and how we live. 00:11:37.299 --> 00:11:38.959 We pray these things in Jesus' name. 00:11:39.679 --> 00:11:40.120 Amen. 00:11:41.059 --> 00:11:41.399 Amen. 00:11:41.399 --> 00:11:41.519 Amen. 00:11:41.959 --> 00:11:51.600 So, what we see here is overhearing Paul writing to this church about his interaction with these two men. 00:11:51.939 --> 00:11:58.980 But as you look at it in the greater flow of the book, what I want you to see is that the Lord has included this interaction 00:11:58.980 --> 00:12:07.179 because he has given us pictures of lives that are worth imitating as we pursue Christ. 00:12:07.179 --> 00:12:13.099 Lives that imitate Christ that are then worthy of our imitation. 00:12:13.620 --> 00:12:18.479 And so, that's what we're going to look at is how is it that these two men, Timothy and Epaphroditus, 00:12:18.839 --> 00:12:22.079 how do they show us a little bit about who Jesus is? 00:12:22.500 --> 00:12:27.539 And then, what does it mean that they are worthy of our imitation as well? 00:12:27.620 --> 00:12:31.099 How do we think about that and apply that in our lives? 00:12:31.100 --> 00:12:33.720 So, we're going to walk through it. 00:12:33.820 --> 00:12:38.740 So, first of all, verses 19 through 24 talks, Paul writes about Timothy. 00:12:38.899 --> 00:12:40.620 I hope to send Timothy to you soon. 00:12:41.080 --> 00:12:45.060 Now, if you don't know who Timothy is, Timothy's been one of Paul's ministry companions. 00:12:45.279 --> 00:12:51.240 Paul's been traveling all over Asia Minor and Southern Europe proclaiming the good news about Jesus. 00:12:51.379 --> 00:12:52.980 And Timothy has been a partner with him. 00:12:52.980 --> 00:12:54.100 He's traveled with him. 00:12:54.100 --> 00:13:02.960 It's clear that Timothy is with him in prison, it seems, during Paul's captivity. 00:13:04.060 --> 00:13:07.980 And did you notice there was a descriptor in there that was really powerful? 00:13:08.139 --> 00:13:12.399 He said, he has been like a son with a father to me. 00:13:13.120 --> 00:13:17.560 And so, they have had this intensely intimate and close relationship. 00:13:18.039 --> 00:13:22.320 And in the first century, too, that had more meaning than it might to us today. 00:13:22.320 --> 00:13:24.200 Anyway, excuse me. 00:13:25.580 --> 00:13:38.180 If you were a father in the first century and you had a son, whatever you did, not just in your life, but for your employment and for your work, you would raise up your son to follow in your footsteps. 00:13:38.320 --> 00:13:43.560 So, if you were a baker, then your son would also be a baker and his son would also be a baker. 00:13:43.860 --> 00:13:45.240 And so, you would pass it along. 00:13:45.240 --> 00:14:00.480 And so, a father-son relationship wasn't simply one of intimacy, but it was also one of training, one of raising someone up to walk in the footsteps that you've walked in in your life as a father. 00:14:00.480 --> 00:14:08.180 And so, Paul says, like a son with a father, so Timothy has been with me in this engagement. 00:14:09.399 --> 00:14:14.300 And what I want you to see, particularly about Timothy's life, there's lots of things that we could say here. 00:14:14.299 --> 00:14:21.279 There's a lot to say about Paul's love for the Philippian church that sort of bleeds out of this passage. 00:14:21.419 --> 00:14:26.519 But I'm going to let whoever's preaching in a couple of weeks talk about that when we get to chapter 3. 00:14:27.599 --> 00:14:29.579 But I want to focus a little bit. 00:14:29.659 --> 00:14:31.139 Verse 20, look with me there. 00:14:31.139 --> 00:14:48.779 This is the thing that Paul is so thankful for, Timothy, and why he wants Timothy to go and see the Philippian church. 00:14:49.559 --> 00:14:59.059 Because he knows that Timothy isn't going to go with an inwardly turned, self-seeking attitude and perspective. 00:14:59.059 --> 00:15:09.519 But Timothy is going to go with his concern being for them and for their welfare and for their good. 00:15:10.379 --> 00:15:15.879 And not just that, but notice verse 21 follows on top of that. 00:15:17.019 --> 00:15:19.219 For they all seek their own interests. 00:15:19.299 --> 00:15:22.719 That is, they all who are not like Timothy, right? 00:15:23.299 --> 00:15:28.079 They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 00:15:29.059 --> 00:15:37.419 So his interest in them isn't simply that they're happy and healthy and well fed and have clothing and shelter. 00:15:37.939 --> 00:15:42.919 And that their life is generally free from suffering or hardship or trial. 00:15:43.799 --> 00:15:48.819 His concern for them is the concern that Jesus Christ has for them. 00:15:50.119 --> 00:15:53.039 His concern is particularly for their spiritual life. 00:15:53.039 --> 00:15:57.339 This is what you see then as he unfolds it in verse 22. 00:15:57.340 --> 00:16:05.040 How as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 00:16:05.800 --> 00:16:09.180 And here it means in the ministry of the gospel. 00:16:10.180 --> 00:16:16.360 And so for Paul, as he's commending Timothy, as he's sending him off to this church, he's saying, 00:16:16.759 --> 00:16:18.620 Listen, I am sending you this guy. 00:16:18.720 --> 00:16:19.360 Do you know why? 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:23.519 Because he is going to care about what Jesus wants in your life. 00:16:23.879 --> 00:16:30.159 And that is that you would understand the power of the gospel more and more deeply in your life. 00:16:30.600 --> 00:16:34.379 That you would be transformed by God's grace. 00:16:34.620 --> 00:16:39.340 Out of the selfish, self-centered person that you are. 00:16:40.139 --> 00:16:47.360 That you would be more and more someone who honors Jesus and lives a life of love for others. 00:16:49.360 --> 00:16:58.159 This is the agenda that Paul has for the Philippians. 00:16:58.320 --> 00:17:03.980 And he says, I want to send Timothy to you because he is going to come and bring that to you. 00:17:04.140 --> 00:17:07.400 And he's going to be an example to you of what it looks like. 00:17:07.559 --> 00:17:12.400 As a matter of fact, he's going to be an example to you of what I just wrote to you at the beginning of the chapter. 00:17:12.400 --> 00:17:15.980 Look back with me in chapter 2, verses 1. 00:17:16.480 --> 00:17:23.700 So if there's any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy. 00:17:23.700 --> 00:17:28.660 That is, if there's any gospel, spiritual life spark in you at all. 00:17:29.539 --> 00:17:32.660 Complete my joy by being of the same mind. 00:17:32.799 --> 00:17:34.360 Having the same love. 00:17:35.220 --> 00:17:37.460 Being in full accord in one mind. 00:17:37.559 --> 00:17:40.319 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit. 00:17:40.600 --> 00:17:45.259 But in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 00:17:45.559 --> 00:17:48.700 Let each of you look out not only to his own interest. 00:17:48.700 --> 00:17:50.799 But also to the interest of others. 00:17:51.259 --> 00:17:55.580 Have this mind among you which was also in Christ Jesus. 00:17:57.660 --> 00:18:02.220 So Paul's saying, I've just told you that this is how I want you to live. 00:18:02.680 --> 00:18:07.080 And now I'm going to send Timothy because he will come and show you what it looks like. 00:18:07.259 --> 00:18:09.720 Because that's the kind of man he is. 00:18:09.720 --> 00:18:17.839 Because he has understood the power of Jesus in his own life. 00:18:17.980 --> 00:18:19.900 He has experienced it and he's seen it. 00:18:22.539 --> 00:18:24.259 What does this look like practically? 00:18:24.700 --> 00:18:27.519 To be concerned about the interests of others? 00:18:28.100 --> 00:18:29.279 Spiritually not our own? 00:18:30.240 --> 00:18:31.319 It means a couple of things. 00:18:31.640 --> 00:18:35.240 First of all it means that we have to acknowledge other people exist. 00:18:35.240 --> 00:18:40.160 Now I say that because I don't know about you. 00:18:40.420 --> 00:18:42.680 But if I'm walking down the street of New Haven. 00:18:42.940 --> 00:18:44.120 And I'm going to a meeting. 00:18:44.440 --> 00:18:45.940 Or I'm on my way home. 00:18:46.120 --> 00:18:51.680 Or it is very easy for me to walk past the sea of humanity that I see. 00:18:51.900 --> 00:18:55.359 And not see them as human beings made in the image of God. 00:18:55.500 --> 00:18:57.120 For whom Christ died. 00:18:57.339 --> 00:18:59.980 And to whom maybe God would want me to minister. 00:19:00.160 --> 00:19:03.180 I see them as impediments to me getting to my goal. 00:19:03.180 --> 00:19:05.560 And I just ignore them. 00:19:05.840 --> 00:19:07.160 And hope that they get out of my way. 00:19:08.000 --> 00:19:08.279 I don't. 00:19:08.440 --> 00:19:09.140 So I don't know. 00:19:09.240 --> 00:19:10.759 Maybe I'm the only one who does that. 00:19:11.440 --> 00:19:15.440 But it's so easy for me to be so self-absorbed. 00:19:15.539 --> 00:19:17.740 That I don't see the people around me. 00:19:19.920 --> 00:19:21.560 The way Jesus sees them. 00:19:22.080 --> 00:19:23.900 I don't think about what is it. 00:19:24.080 --> 00:19:27.440 What is Jesus' interest in these people's lives. 00:19:28.120 --> 00:19:29.860 And you know it's easy to laugh about it. 00:19:29.880 --> 00:19:32.279 When you're talking about the strangers we walk by in the church. 00:19:32.279 --> 00:19:33.799 Or on the street. 00:19:34.399 --> 00:19:37.639 But what about the people who you live with. 00:19:37.759 --> 00:19:38.480 Your roommates. 00:19:39.359 --> 00:19:40.319 Or your family. 00:19:40.859 --> 00:19:44.240 What about the co-workers that you see every day. 00:19:44.519 --> 00:19:46.720 What about the really hard people to love. 00:19:47.079 --> 00:19:48.879 The co-worker who's really annoying. 00:19:49.259 --> 00:19:50.399 And kind of snarky. 00:19:50.579 --> 00:19:52.879 And doesn't get their work done on time. 00:19:53.059 --> 00:19:55.139 That you really wish you didn't have to work with. 00:19:55.140 --> 00:19:57.820 What does it mean to. 00:19:58.480 --> 00:20:01.340 What I want you to see is that acknowledging them. 00:20:01.940 --> 00:20:06.180 Is the first step to be able to see God's interest for them. 00:20:06.380 --> 00:20:08.259 And being an instrument in their lives. 00:20:09.740 --> 00:20:11.259 First we acknowledge them. 00:20:11.259 --> 00:20:13.100 Then we need to initiate with them. 00:20:13.240 --> 00:20:15.340 Because God is a God of relationship. 00:20:15.560 --> 00:20:17.420 And he sent Jesus to die for us. 00:20:17.500 --> 00:20:19.540 So that we might have a relationship with him. 00:20:19.539 --> 00:20:22.740 And we need to be following in those footsteps. 00:20:22.740 --> 00:20:25.019 By initiating relationships with people. 00:20:26.359 --> 00:20:28.079 And so we have to actually talk to them. 00:20:28.940 --> 00:20:30.359 To open our mouth and say. 00:20:30.420 --> 00:20:31.440 Hi my name's Matt. 00:20:32.500 --> 00:20:33.339 How about you? 00:20:33.740 --> 00:20:34.700 How long you been working here? 00:20:34.859 --> 00:20:35.139 Whatever. 00:20:35.379 --> 00:20:36.159 Whatever it is. 00:20:36.740 --> 00:20:38.359 We need to initiate. 00:20:38.899 --> 00:20:40.659 Then we need to pursue relationships. 00:20:40.659 --> 00:20:41.819 Not just do it once. 00:20:42.000 --> 00:20:43.839 But do it over and over again. 00:20:43.839 --> 00:20:46.379 And because we live in a fallen world. 00:20:46.539 --> 00:20:48.199 Full of inwardly turned people. 00:20:48.319 --> 00:20:49.480 We'll be the only ones doing it. 00:20:49.819 --> 00:20:52.480 And so you'll have to initiate 85% of the time. 00:20:53.220 --> 00:20:54.240 Get used to it. 00:20:54.359 --> 00:20:54.959 It's normal. 00:20:56.759 --> 00:20:58.879 And it is the pattern of Christ. 00:20:59.000 --> 00:21:00.559 And it is the pattern what Timothy. 00:21:01.779 --> 00:21:03.959 Would have lived out as he went to Philippi. 00:21:04.099 --> 00:21:05.539 And then we need to invest. 00:21:06.199 --> 00:21:07.740 I remember when I was a freshman. 00:21:08.299 --> 00:21:09.139 I was. 00:21:09.539 --> 00:21:11.459 I think I've told this story in here recently. 00:21:11.459 --> 00:21:13.500 But I was an arrogant cocky freshman. 00:21:13.500 --> 00:21:15.279 Who thought that I had all the answers. 00:21:15.599 --> 00:21:16.799 And didn't need a whole lot. 00:21:17.759 --> 00:21:18.779 And there was a. 00:21:18.880 --> 00:21:21.460 An upperclassman named Clay Ramsey. 00:21:22.160 --> 00:21:22.940 And you know. 00:21:23.180 --> 00:21:25.259 Clay saw that I had great zeal. 00:21:25.359 --> 00:21:27.000 And not as nearly as much wisdom. 00:21:27.240 --> 00:21:28.599 And humility as I needed. 00:21:29.000 --> 00:21:30.240 And so he pursued me. 00:21:30.460 --> 00:21:31.099 He just said hey. 00:21:31.940 --> 00:21:32.779 Come hang out with me. 00:21:32.839 --> 00:21:33.640 Let's go have lunch. 00:21:34.400 --> 00:21:35.440 I'm going for a walk. 00:21:35.779 --> 00:21:37.319 I'm going to go study in the library. 00:21:37.400 --> 00:21:38.680 Do you want to come study with me? 00:21:39.779 --> 00:21:41.039 And over time. 00:21:41.180 --> 00:21:42.619 As he initiated. 00:21:42.619 --> 00:21:44.099 And pursued me. 00:21:44.839 --> 00:21:46.379 And interacted with me. 00:21:47.559 --> 00:21:49.179 I didn't even know he was doing it. 00:21:49.299 --> 00:21:50.639 It took me until I was like a junior. 00:21:50.779 --> 00:21:51.719 To realize that. 00:21:51.919 --> 00:21:54.259 That he was pursuing me. 00:21:54.500 --> 00:21:57.159 Out of an interest for Jesus life in me. 00:21:57.399 --> 00:21:59.319 And he was sharing his life with me. 00:21:59.359 --> 00:22:01.539 And sharing the things that God was doing in his life. 00:22:01.879 --> 00:22:03.879 And sharing the Bible with me. 00:22:03.939 --> 00:22:05.659 And pointing me to passages of scripture. 00:22:05.659 --> 00:22:06.659 That he'd been reading. 00:22:06.660 --> 00:22:08.940 And in the midst of that. 00:22:09.320 --> 00:22:11.100 God used him in my life. 00:22:11.620 --> 00:22:12.400 To humble me. 00:22:12.580 --> 00:22:13.600 And soften me. 00:22:13.820 --> 00:22:15.120 And mature me. 00:22:15.279 --> 00:22:16.440 It was a long process. 00:22:16.560 --> 00:22:17.540 And it was only the very beginning. 00:22:17.700 --> 00:22:19.400 But I'm thankful for someone like that. 00:22:20.380 --> 00:22:22.720 And that's the thing that God could use us to do. 00:22:24.720 --> 00:22:27.340 So Paul holds up Timothy. 00:22:27.340 --> 00:22:28.259 As an example. 00:22:28.400 --> 00:22:30.360 Of having the interest of others. 00:22:30.759 --> 00:22:32.560 Jesus interest for other people. 00:22:32.759 --> 00:22:33.580 As an example. 00:22:33.579 --> 00:22:36.399 We need to ask ourselves a question. 00:22:37.679 --> 00:22:39.899 When we walk into our workplace. 00:22:39.899 --> 00:22:40.659 Or our home. 00:22:40.879 --> 00:22:41.980 What are we thinking about? 00:22:42.039 --> 00:22:43.419 Are we thinking about the interest of Christ? 00:22:43.500 --> 00:22:44.879 Or are we thinking about our interests. 00:22:44.960 --> 00:22:46.139 And our agenda for the day? 00:22:48.939 --> 00:22:50.519 When you think about how you invest. 00:22:50.639 --> 00:22:53.099 Your discretionary parts of your life. 00:22:53.179 --> 00:22:53.599 Your money. 00:22:53.740 --> 00:22:54.240 Your time. 00:22:55.480 --> 00:22:56.779 How do you invest those things? 00:22:56.839 --> 00:22:57.379 Are you thinking. 00:22:57.379 --> 00:22:58.519 How do I take that time. 00:22:58.639 --> 00:22:59.500 And make it about me. 00:22:59.679 --> 00:23:00.819 And my own pleasure. 00:23:01.039 --> 00:23:01.579 Or do I think. 00:23:01.740 --> 00:23:02.759 How do I take these things. 00:23:02.759 --> 00:23:03.759 And invest them. 00:23:04.640 --> 00:23:05.980 For the sake of others. 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:07.740 For Jesus interest in them. 00:23:09.319 --> 00:23:10.440 So that's Timothy. 00:23:10.640 --> 00:23:11.940 Worth imitating. 00:23:12.059 --> 00:23:13.259 Because he imitated Christ. 00:23:13.619 --> 00:23:16.500 The second guy we see is in verses 25 through 30. 00:23:17.079 --> 00:23:17.519 Epaphroditus. 00:23:17.799 --> 00:23:18.740 That's a great name. 00:23:18.799 --> 00:23:20.059 We probably will never name our kids. 00:23:21.079 --> 00:23:21.519 Epaphroditus. 00:23:22.519 --> 00:23:23.839 And what I want you to see. 00:23:23.940 --> 00:23:25.980 There's lots here in this about. 00:23:26.720 --> 00:23:28.619 Paul obviously has a. 00:23:29.339 --> 00:23:30.579 Just to clarify. 00:23:30.579 --> 00:23:31.579 His relationship. 00:23:32.460 --> 00:23:34.179 Epaphroditus was from Philippi. 00:23:34.299 --> 00:23:36.059 So he was from this church. 00:23:36.199 --> 00:23:37.279 And he had come. 00:23:37.539 --> 00:23:38.379 And brought. 00:23:38.839 --> 00:23:39.339 A gift. 00:23:39.500 --> 00:23:40.500 That probably was. 00:23:40.960 --> 00:23:41.559 Monetary. 00:23:41.759 --> 00:23:43.079 Or physical help. 00:23:43.259 --> 00:23:43.740 For Paul. 00:23:43.839 --> 00:23:44.879 Because he was in prison. 00:23:45.199 --> 00:23:46.559 And in prison in the first century. 00:23:46.679 --> 00:23:48.179 They didn't give you three meals a day. 00:23:48.220 --> 00:23:48.679 And a TV. 00:23:49.259 --> 00:23:50.839 You had to be taken care of. 00:23:50.899 --> 00:23:51.619 By your friends. 00:23:52.319 --> 00:23:53.599 They didn't do anything. 00:23:53.679 --> 00:23:54.779 But throw you in a pit. 00:23:54.779 --> 00:23:56.440 And so. 00:23:56.619 --> 00:23:57.559 So this was. 00:23:57.819 --> 00:23:57.920 This. 00:23:58.500 --> 00:23:59.460 Epaphroditus came. 00:23:59.759 --> 00:24:00.539 From Philippi. 00:24:00.619 --> 00:24:02.259 To where Paul was in prison. 00:24:02.700 --> 00:24:03.599 And in the meantime. 00:24:03.599 --> 00:24:04.940 He had gotten sick. 00:24:05.000 --> 00:24:05.680 Even to the point. 00:24:05.740 --> 00:24:06.799 Where he was going to die. 00:24:07.639 --> 00:24:07.960 Right. 00:24:08.299 --> 00:24:09.559 And so Paul's saying. 00:24:09.779 --> 00:24:10.379 This guy. 00:24:10.379 --> 00:24:11.399 Who's come from you. 00:24:11.559 --> 00:24:12.079 To me. 00:24:12.799 --> 00:24:13.019 Has. 00:24:13.379 --> 00:24:13.859 Has. 00:24:15.379 --> 00:24:16.559 Lived such a life. 00:24:16.639 --> 00:24:17.559 And I want to send him. 00:24:17.759 --> 00:24:18.399 Back to you. 00:24:18.500 --> 00:24:19.819 So that you will be encouraged. 00:24:20.160 --> 00:24:21.240 Because I know you've heard. 00:24:21.440 --> 00:24:22.420 That he was sick. 00:24:22.420 --> 00:24:23.080 And as a matter of fact. 00:24:23.300 --> 00:24:24.660 He was distressed. 00:24:25.320 --> 00:24:25.720 Distressed. 00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:27.500 The way Jesus was. 00:24:27.519 --> 00:24:28.500 In the garden of Gethsemane. 00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:29.120 Distressed. 00:24:29.320 --> 00:24:31.039 That you are worried about him. 00:24:31.080 --> 00:24:32.480 So I need to send him back to you. 00:24:32.539 --> 00:24:33.980 So that you will be at peace. 00:24:34.140 --> 00:24:35.920 So that I will be less anxious. 00:24:36.380 --> 00:24:38.039 So that you will be blessed. 00:24:38.340 --> 00:24:39.539 By this man. 00:24:39.539 --> 00:24:40.019 Because. 00:24:40.860 --> 00:24:42.580 This is the key thing about him. 00:24:42.920 --> 00:24:44.039 It's in verse 30. 00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:47.700 He nearly died for the work of Christ. 00:24:47.960 --> 00:24:49.000 Risking his life. 00:24:49.500 --> 00:24:51.720 To complete what was lacking in his service. 00:24:52.420 --> 00:25:01.680 For Epaphroditus. 00:25:01.920 --> 00:25:03.340 The work of the gospel. 00:25:03.600 --> 00:25:04.860 What Paul was doing. 00:25:04.960 --> 00:25:06.740 In telling other people about Jesus. 00:25:07.019 --> 00:25:08.779 Was so significant. 00:25:09.200 --> 00:25:10.779 Was so important. 00:25:11.480 --> 00:25:11.640 Was. 00:25:12.080 --> 00:25:13.100 He was willing. 00:25:13.320 --> 00:25:14.500 To die for it. 00:25:16.759 --> 00:25:19.580 He was willing to lose his very life for it. 00:25:19.579 --> 00:25:19.939 Friends. 00:25:21.220 --> 00:25:21.980 This is convicting. 00:25:22.139 --> 00:25:22.500 Isn't it? 00:25:22.919 --> 00:25:23.799 Stop and think. 00:25:24.119 --> 00:25:25.539 What are you willing to die for? 00:25:29.240 --> 00:25:30.439 Not very much. 00:25:32.139 --> 00:25:33.839 Maybe your loved ones. 00:25:33.839 --> 00:25:35.679 In an extreme circumstance. 00:25:35.919 --> 00:25:36.980 Of great heroism. 00:25:36.980 --> 00:25:39.519 Where your common sense is overcome. 00:25:39.519 --> 00:25:40.460 By adrenaline. 00:25:40.460 --> 00:25:42.600 You might. 00:25:43.380 --> 00:25:44.500 Dare to die for someone. 00:25:46.779 --> 00:25:48.500 But certainly not for strangers. 00:25:49.340 --> 00:25:50.720 Let alone your enemies. 00:25:53.299 --> 00:25:53.980 Epaphroditus. 00:25:54.519 --> 00:25:55.120 Said. 00:25:55.759 --> 00:25:56.840 The cause of the gospel. 00:25:57.019 --> 00:25:57.900 Is so great. 00:26:00.299 --> 00:26:01.100 That I'm. 00:26:01.360 --> 00:26:01.460 That. 00:26:01.720 --> 00:26:03.460 That I would even be willing. 00:26:03.460 --> 00:26:04.700 To die. 00:26:05.860 --> 00:26:06.519 For you. 00:26:07.039 --> 00:26:08.079 How could he do this? 00:26:08.340 --> 00:26:09.660 What is it about the gospel. 00:26:09.660 --> 00:26:11.400 That would make someone willing to die? 00:26:11.660 --> 00:26:12.420 Well it's fascinating. 00:26:12.480 --> 00:26:13.940 Because part of the reason we've seen. 00:26:14.100 --> 00:26:15.200 Is in chapter one. 00:26:16.039 --> 00:26:16.799 Paul said. 00:26:17.420 --> 00:26:18.519 My greatest desire. 00:26:18.640 --> 00:26:19.640 Whether in life or death. 00:26:19.680 --> 00:26:21.200 Is that God would be glorified. 00:26:21.299 --> 00:26:21.600 Why? 00:26:21.900 --> 00:26:23.200 Because to live is Christ. 00:26:23.200 --> 00:26:24.180 If I stay on earth. 00:26:24.500 --> 00:26:26.079 I continue to live in a fallen world. 00:26:26.180 --> 00:26:26.700 And I suffer. 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:27.740 But if I die. 00:26:27.900 --> 00:26:29.400 I'm free from suffering. 00:26:29.539 --> 00:26:30.799 And I go to be with Jesus. 00:26:30.799 --> 00:26:33.279 The gospel. 00:26:33.799 --> 00:26:35.079 That Jesus has died. 00:26:35.299 --> 00:26:36.919 On the cross for our sins. 00:26:37.139 --> 00:26:37.879 And raised. 00:26:38.000 --> 00:26:38.700 Is raised. 00:26:39.339 --> 00:26:40.119 From the dead. 00:26:40.480 --> 00:26:41.299 For our. 00:26:42.139 --> 00:26:43.799 New standing with God. 00:26:43.980 --> 00:26:44.899 And new life. 00:26:45.139 --> 00:26:45.700 In God. 00:26:48.259 --> 00:26:49.259 Frees us. 00:26:49.779 --> 00:26:50.859 From the fear of death. 00:26:52.259 --> 00:26:53.940 Because if we have been. 00:26:54.559 --> 00:26:55.399 Brought in. 00:26:55.539 --> 00:26:57.460 To that great transaction. 00:26:57.659 --> 00:26:58.879 That God has done in Christ. 00:26:58.940 --> 00:26:59.659 By faith. 00:26:59.660 --> 00:27:01.080 If we have entered in. 00:27:01.140 --> 00:27:02.360 By trusting in that. 00:27:03.740 --> 00:27:05.180 Then even death. 00:27:05.400 --> 00:27:06.759 Is not a great loss. 00:27:07.920 --> 00:27:08.420 Death. 00:27:08.860 --> 00:27:09.900 Is a translation. 00:27:10.140 --> 00:27:11.620 Into the very presence of God. 00:27:12.240 --> 00:27:12.680 Himself. 00:27:13.700 --> 00:27:15.600 And it will be a glorious entry. 00:27:15.759 --> 00:27:17.180 Into an eternity with him. 00:27:18.660 --> 00:27:20.100 And so for Epaphroditus. 00:27:20.360 --> 00:27:22.320 It's so worth doing it here. 00:27:22.440 --> 00:27:23.940 Because even if I die. 00:27:24.100 --> 00:27:25.840 What what's the worst that happens to me? 00:27:26.000 --> 00:27:27.560 I go and I be with Jesus. 00:27:27.559 --> 00:27:30.419 What a great thing. 00:27:30.579 --> 00:27:31.259 That is. 00:27:34.460 --> 00:27:36.059 The gospel defeats. 00:27:36.059 --> 00:27:37.200 The power of death. 00:27:37.259 --> 00:27:38.200 And the fear of death. 00:27:38.200 --> 00:27:39.039 In our lives. 00:27:39.480 --> 00:27:40.460 And the gospel. 00:27:40.839 --> 00:27:41.440 Gives us. 00:27:41.519 --> 00:27:42.579 A life now. 00:27:43.240 --> 00:27:44.000 That we're. 00:27:44.319 --> 00:27:45.099 Meant to live. 00:27:45.480 --> 00:27:45.819 Paul said. 00:27:45.879 --> 00:27:46.659 To live is Christ. 00:27:46.779 --> 00:27:47.779 To stay here. 00:27:47.940 --> 00:27:49.000 Is to be here. 00:27:49.079 --> 00:27:50.359 For the sake of others. 00:27:50.859 --> 00:27:52.079 To show them. 00:27:52.480 --> 00:27:53.579 What God has done. 00:27:53.659 --> 00:27:54.339 In Christ. 00:27:54.339 --> 00:27:55.939 For others. 00:27:59.980 --> 00:28:01.000 If you're here tonight. 00:28:01.079 --> 00:28:02.539 And you're exploring Christianity. 00:28:03.720 --> 00:28:04.559 Maybe you're thinking. 00:28:04.679 --> 00:28:05.399 Is this really. 00:28:05.879 --> 00:28:06.899 Is this really worth it? 00:28:07.099 --> 00:28:08.199 Part of what I want you to see. 00:28:08.259 --> 00:28:09.359 Is for Epaphroditus. 00:28:09.539 --> 00:28:10.959 What God has done for us. 00:28:10.980 --> 00:28:11.419 In Christ. 00:28:11.619 --> 00:28:12.619 Was so worth it. 00:28:12.679 --> 00:28:13.939 That he was willing to die. 00:28:14.159 --> 00:28:15.859 It is an all encompassing. 00:28:15.939 --> 00:28:17.519 And glorious thing. 00:28:19.299 --> 00:28:20.319 And I encourage you. 00:28:20.359 --> 00:28:20.879 To continue. 00:28:21.079 --> 00:28:21.919 To explore it. 00:28:22.299 --> 00:28:23.000 Continue to come. 00:28:23.000 --> 00:28:23.720 And talk to us. 00:28:23.720 --> 00:28:25.140 About what does this mean. 00:28:25.220 --> 00:28:26.480 And who is this Jesus. 00:28:26.619 --> 00:28:27.819 And why does it make a difference. 00:28:28.160 --> 00:28:29.200 Why would it make someone. 00:28:29.200 --> 00:28:30.099 Want to die. 00:28:30.440 --> 00:28:32.160 Not like a suicide bummer. 00:28:32.279 --> 00:28:32.559 Bringing. 00:28:33.400 --> 00:28:33.880 Destruction. 00:28:34.359 --> 00:28:36.200 But laying down your life. 00:28:36.339 --> 00:28:38.019 For the benefit of other people. 00:28:38.420 --> 00:28:39.460 Because that's what. 00:28:40.099 --> 00:28:40.920 Epaphroditus did. 00:28:44.640 --> 00:28:45.480 He did it. 00:28:45.500 --> 00:28:46.940 Because that's what Jesus did. 00:28:48.220 --> 00:28:49.259 He who is. 00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:50.420 The glory of heaven. 00:28:50.819 --> 00:28:51.440 Came down. 00:28:51.539 --> 00:28:52.420 And humbled himself. 00:28:52.420 --> 00:28:53.420 Made himself. 00:28:53.420 --> 00:28:54.440 Made himself a servant. 00:28:55.519 --> 00:28:56.840 Even unto death. 00:28:56.840 --> 00:28:57.640 On a cross. 00:28:58.580 --> 00:28:59.480 For you. 00:28:59.740 --> 00:29:00.440 And for me. 00:29:02.700 --> 00:29:04.680 So his life is exemplary. 00:29:04.759 --> 00:29:05.120 Because. 00:29:05.759 --> 00:29:07.519 He would do anything. 00:29:07.900 --> 00:29:08.700 Even die. 00:29:09.200 --> 00:29:10.900 For the sake of other people. 00:29:11.039 --> 00:29:12.060 Knowing more. 00:29:12.200 --> 00:29:13.000 About Jesus. 00:29:14.400 --> 00:29:16.019 So the question for you. 00:29:16.140 --> 00:29:16.920 And for me. 00:29:16.920 --> 00:29:17.740 If you're here. 00:29:17.740 --> 00:29:18.860 And you're professing faith. 00:29:18.860 --> 00:29:19.420 Tonight is. 00:29:20.539 --> 00:29:21.500 How costly. 00:29:21.500 --> 00:29:22.980 Has your faith been to you. 00:29:24.660 --> 00:29:25.300 I remember. 00:29:25.420 --> 00:29:26.519 One of my seminary professors. 00:29:26.880 --> 00:29:27.660 Told a story. 00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:28.300 About a missionary. 00:29:28.460 --> 00:29:29.320 Been off on the field. 00:29:29.480 --> 00:29:30.420 For 40 years. 00:29:31.420 --> 00:29:32.200 He came back. 00:29:32.200 --> 00:29:32.940 From the field. 00:29:33.600 --> 00:29:34.380 Six months. 00:29:34.740 --> 00:29:35.600 To the day. 00:29:35.660 --> 00:29:36.779 From when he came back. 00:29:37.360 --> 00:29:38.080 He had. 00:29:38.300 --> 00:29:39.220 Divorced his wife. 00:29:39.539 --> 00:29:40.740 Run off with the secretary. 00:29:40.920 --> 00:29:41.980 And denied Christ. 00:29:42.940 --> 00:29:44.200 How could he do that? 00:29:47.700 --> 00:29:48.579 My professor. 00:29:48.759 --> 00:29:49.519 Asked a friend. 00:29:50.120 --> 00:29:50.539 And the friend. 00:29:50.680 --> 00:29:51.440 Wisely said. 00:29:51.539 --> 00:29:51.779 Well. 00:29:52.120 --> 00:29:53.059 I'm not sure. 00:29:53.059 --> 00:29:54.380 That following Christ. 00:29:55.059 --> 00:29:55.539 Ever. 00:29:56.120 --> 00:29:56.539 Was. 00:29:56.860 --> 00:29:57.799 Particularly costly. 00:29:58.400 --> 00:29:59.480 Until this point. 00:30:00.000 --> 00:30:01.000 And at this point. 00:30:01.960 --> 00:30:03.259 It wasn't valuable. 00:30:03.259 --> 00:30:04.000 Enough to him. 00:30:04.059 --> 00:30:04.620 To continue. 00:30:05.000 --> 00:30:06.360 He loved other things. 00:30:06.360 --> 00:30:07.759 More than he loved Christ. 00:30:08.279 --> 00:30:09.740 So his pursuit of Christ. 00:30:09.839 --> 00:30:10.559 Was only. 00:30:10.559 --> 00:30:12.940 When it was easy. 00:30:15.779 --> 00:30:17.659 An example of Epaphroditus. 00:30:17.799 --> 00:30:19.159 Challenges us to think. 00:30:20.139 --> 00:30:21.240 Has our faith. 00:30:21.460 --> 00:30:22.359 Cost us something. 00:30:22.599 --> 00:30:23.720 Now we don't have to run out. 00:30:23.779 --> 00:30:25.079 And create some crisis. 00:30:25.559 --> 00:30:26.519 It'll happen. 00:30:27.339 --> 00:30:28.539 But what we need to do. 00:30:28.599 --> 00:30:29.779 Is to be ready for it. 00:30:30.559 --> 00:30:31.720 And to see that. 00:30:31.980 --> 00:30:32.539 If it comes. 00:30:32.599 --> 00:30:33.700 When it comes. 00:30:34.200 --> 00:30:35.779 Will you hold on to Christ. 00:30:36.919 --> 00:30:38.059 When it means. 00:30:38.059 --> 00:30:40.599 Maybe losing your job. 00:30:40.819 --> 00:30:42.019 Will you hold on to Christ. 00:30:42.019 --> 00:30:42.700 When it means. 00:30:42.919 --> 00:30:44.519 Letting go of a relationship. 00:30:44.519 --> 00:30:45.240 With someone. 00:30:45.399 --> 00:30:47.019 Who's turning away from Christ. 00:30:47.079 --> 00:30:48.679 And not towards Christ. 00:30:48.879 --> 00:30:50.379 Will you hold on to Christ. 00:30:50.659 --> 00:30:51.339 Christ. 00:30:51.899 --> 00:30:53.379 When God sovereignly. 00:30:53.460 --> 00:30:54.559 Intervenes in your life. 00:30:54.679 --> 00:30:55.519 And takes something. 00:30:55.659 --> 00:30:56.779 That you love away. 00:30:57.119 --> 00:30:57.659 A hope. 00:30:57.779 --> 00:30:58.500 A loved one. 00:30:58.559 --> 00:30:59.179 A dream. 00:30:59.179 --> 00:30:59.240 A dream. 00:31:00.720 --> 00:31:02.359 Will you hold on to Christ. 00:31:02.460 --> 00:31:03.919 When it costs you something. 00:31:04.919 --> 00:31:05.399 Deeply. 00:31:05.599 --> 00:31:06.200 To do it. 00:31:08.059 --> 00:31:11.960 So Timothy. 00:31:11.960 --> 00:31:12.720 Is a model. 00:31:12.980 --> 00:31:13.720 Of having the interests. 00:31:13.720 --> 00:31:14.460 Of others. 00:31:15.599 --> 00:31:16.119 Epaphroditus. 00:31:16.119 --> 00:31:16.819 Is a model. 00:31:17.119 --> 00:31:18.139 Of loving others. 00:31:18.419 --> 00:31:19.279 So much. 00:31:19.359 --> 00:31:19.919 That he'd be willing. 00:31:19.919 --> 00:31:20.460 To die. 00:31:20.539 --> 00:31:21.359 Because the gospel. 00:31:21.539 --> 00:31:22.480 Is that worth it. 00:31:23.279 --> 00:31:24.579 So these are men. 00:31:24.859 --> 00:31:25.359 Who. 00:31:25.960 --> 00:31:26.539 Have walked. 00:31:26.619 --> 00:31:27.240 In the footsteps. 00:31:27.240 --> 00:31:27.940 Of Jesus. 00:31:28.079 --> 00:31:28.879 They've shown us. 00:31:29.000 --> 00:31:30.099 What Jesus is like. 00:31:33.759 --> 00:31:34.700 The third part. 00:31:34.720 --> 00:31:35.339 Of this passage. 00:31:35.339 --> 00:31:35.859 Is then. 00:31:35.859 --> 00:31:37.119 The call for us. 00:31:37.199 --> 00:31:37.659 To honor. 00:31:37.819 --> 00:31:38.259 And imitate. 00:31:38.459 --> 00:31:38.859 Look at me. 00:31:38.939 --> 00:31:39.899 In verse 29. 00:31:40.399 --> 00:31:41.359 So receive him. 00:31:41.359 --> 00:31:41.879 In the Lord. 00:31:41.919 --> 00:31:42.599 With all joy. 00:31:42.779 --> 00:31:43.319 And honor. 00:31:43.839 --> 00:31:44.579 Such men. 00:31:45.019 --> 00:31:45.339 Honor. 00:31:45.579 --> 00:31:46.219 These men. 00:31:46.339 --> 00:31:46.679 Timothy. 00:31:46.819 --> 00:31:47.599 And Epaphroditus. 00:31:48.039 --> 00:31:49.679 Don't only welcome them. 00:31:49.779 --> 00:31:50.979 And give them a fruit basket. 00:31:51.199 --> 00:31:51.539 And say. 00:31:51.659 --> 00:31:52.619 In a bottle of water. 00:31:52.759 --> 00:31:53.000 And say. 00:31:53.079 --> 00:31:54.139 Can I get anything for you? 00:31:54.359 --> 00:31:55.459 Don't just honor them. 00:31:55.459 --> 00:31:56.259 With hospitality. 00:31:56.419 --> 00:31:57.199 But honor them. 00:31:57.279 --> 00:31:58.719 By imitating their lives. 00:31:58.859 --> 00:31:59.919 In chapter 3. 00:31:59.979 --> 00:32:01.039 Verse 17. 00:32:01.599 --> 00:32:02.379 Paul will say. 00:32:02.439 --> 00:32:02.799 Brothers. 00:32:02.979 --> 00:32:03.399 Join. 00:32:03.399 --> 00:32:04.759 In imitating me. 00:32:04.759 --> 00:32:05.900 And keep your eyes. 00:32:06.019 --> 00:32:07.259 On those who walk. 00:32:07.359 --> 00:32:08.400 According to the example. 00:32:08.400 --> 00:32:09.460 You have in us. 00:32:11.900 --> 00:32:13.319 Like a small child. 00:32:13.539 --> 00:32:14.140 We need. 00:32:14.220 --> 00:32:15.200 Other examples. 00:32:15.720 --> 00:32:16.619 To see. 00:32:16.879 --> 00:32:17.700 What it's like. 00:32:17.819 --> 00:32:19.180 To actually live. 00:32:19.279 --> 00:32:20.160 The life that God. 00:32:20.240 --> 00:32:21.039 Has called us to. 00:32:21.160 --> 00:32:21.799 In Christ. 00:32:23.559 --> 00:32:24.920 And there's a word for this. 00:32:24.980 --> 00:32:26.240 It's called discipleship. 00:32:27.579 --> 00:32:28.299 It's called. 00:32:28.500 --> 00:32:30.079 Looking for other people. 00:32:30.420 --> 00:32:31.819 Who have walked with Christ. 00:32:31.819 --> 00:32:33.139 A little bit more than you. 00:32:33.779 --> 00:32:34.939 And seeking them out. 00:32:35.079 --> 00:32:35.980 And being with them. 00:32:36.039 --> 00:32:37.519 And spending time with them. 00:32:37.799 --> 00:32:38.679 Because you know. 00:32:38.779 --> 00:32:39.419 You need it. 00:32:40.619 --> 00:32:41.919 And if you are here. 00:32:42.000 --> 00:32:42.799 And you've been walking. 00:32:42.799 --> 00:32:43.919 With Christ for a while. 00:32:44.079 --> 00:32:45.079 You should not only. 00:32:45.159 --> 00:32:46.200 Continue to be seeking. 00:32:46.200 --> 00:32:46.980 Those people. 00:32:48.159 --> 00:32:49.379 But also thinking. 00:32:49.599 --> 00:32:50.740 Are there people. 00:32:50.740 --> 00:32:52.000 Who are newer in the faith. 00:32:52.079 --> 00:32:53.939 That I can come alongside of. 00:32:53.939 --> 00:32:54.980 The way Clay Ramsey. 00:32:54.980 --> 00:32:56.099 Came alongside me. 00:32:56.099 --> 00:32:57.439 As a freshman in college. 00:32:57.440 --> 00:32:59.880 How can I be the one. 00:33:00.080 --> 00:33:01.259 Who in the footsteps. 00:33:01.259 --> 00:33:01.920 Of Timothy. 00:33:02.100 --> 00:33:03.059 Is taking the initiative. 00:33:03.279 --> 00:33:03.940 And reaching out. 00:33:04.000 --> 00:33:04.840 And welcoming someone. 00:33:04.840 --> 00:33:05.600 Into my life. 00:33:06.180 --> 00:33:07.180 Not because I'm. 00:33:07.320 --> 00:33:09.220 Some great theologian teacher. 00:33:09.380 --> 00:33:10.160 But simply because. 00:33:10.299 --> 00:33:11.220 I'm walking with Christ. 00:33:11.320 --> 00:33:12.980 And as we spend time together. 00:33:12.980 --> 00:33:14.480 And if we have interests. 00:33:14.480 --> 00:33:15.980 About Jesus Christ together. 00:33:16.220 --> 00:33:17.200 We will grow. 00:33:17.380 --> 00:33:17.920 In that. 00:33:20.700 --> 00:33:22.120 One of the greatest desires. 00:33:22.299 --> 00:33:23.200 I have for our church. 00:33:23.259 --> 00:33:24.420 Is that this would be normal. 00:33:24.680 --> 00:33:26.279 That when people walk in here. 00:33:26.279 --> 00:33:28.379 They're looking to be reaching out. 00:33:28.379 --> 00:33:29.139 To one another. 00:33:29.139 --> 00:33:30.579 Because I need you. 00:33:30.700 --> 00:33:31.099 Because. 00:33:31.339 --> 00:33:32.920 Because I have a stewardship. 00:33:32.920 --> 00:33:33.799 Of my life. 00:33:33.899 --> 00:33:35.079 To share with others. 00:33:35.240 --> 00:33:36.379 Wherever you're at. 00:33:36.440 --> 00:33:37.319 In this system. 00:33:40.160 --> 00:33:41.639 That God would have. 00:33:41.940 --> 00:33:43.259 This kind of thing. 00:33:43.399 --> 00:33:44.059 I had. 00:33:44.440 --> 00:33:44.879 The benefit. 00:33:44.879 --> 00:33:45.819 When I was in college. 00:33:45.819 --> 00:33:46.819 Of three couples. 00:33:47.319 --> 00:33:48.799 Who discipled me. 00:33:48.960 --> 00:33:49.759 They met with me. 00:33:49.839 --> 00:33:50.480 Every week. 00:33:51.059 --> 00:33:51.420 Wayne. 00:33:51.599 --> 00:33:51.799 Bill. 00:33:51.859 --> 00:33:52.200 And Tim. 00:33:52.299 --> 00:33:53.660 Three completely different men. 00:33:54.000 --> 00:33:54.960 Different generations. 00:33:55.599 --> 00:33:55.960 Different. 00:33:55.960 --> 00:33:57.000 Backgrounds. 00:33:57.200 --> 00:33:58.460 But I got to see. 00:33:58.579 --> 00:33:59.460 The life of Christ. 00:33:59.579 --> 00:34:00.620 In every one of them. 00:34:01.400 --> 00:34:02.420 And I look at them. 00:34:02.500 --> 00:34:03.799 As my spiritual fathers. 00:34:03.799 --> 00:34:05.380 In ways that. 00:34:05.880 --> 00:34:06.360 My dad. 00:34:07.000 --> 00:34:08.039 For all the ways. 00:34:08.079 --> 00:34:08.639 That he loved me. 00:34:08.699 --> 00:34:09.300 Never could. 00:34:09.599 --> 00:34:10.539 And I'm so thankful. 00:34:10.539 --> 00:34:11.119 For them. 00:34:12.099 --> 00:34:12.720 And my prayer. 00:34:12.800 --> 00:34:13.500 Is that you. 00:34:14.420 --> 00:34:15.179 Would come. 00:34:15.280 --> 00:34:16.099 And find others. 00:34:16.099 --> 00:34:17.079 Like that here. 00:34:17.740 --> 00:34:18.159 Spiritual. 00:34:18.360 --> 00:34:19.240 Mothers and fathers. 00:34:19.400 --> 00:34:19.920 Big brothers. 00:34:20.079 --> 00:34:20.679 Big sisters. 00:34:22.240 --> 00:34:23.639 To pursue this with. 00:34:23.639 --> 00:34:30.219 To imitate. 00:34:30.219 --> 00:34:30.400 To imitate. 00:34:31.599 --> 00:34:32.500 These men. 00:34:32.699 --> 00:34:33.199 To imitate. 00:34:33.859 --> 00:34:34.420 Others. 00:34:34.599 --> 00:34:35.619 As they imitate. 00:34:35.759 --> 00:34:36.259 Christ. 00:34:36.519 --> 00:34:37.460 Is the calling. 00:34:37.559 --> 00:34:38.400 Of this passage. 00:34:38.819 --> 00:34:39.239 This is why. 00:34:39.379 --> 00:34:40.199 We get to overhear. 00:34:40.299 --> 00:34:40.619 Paul. 00:34:40.940 --> 00:34:41.859 Writing to the Philippians. 00:34:41.859 --> 00:34:42.679 About these men. 00:34:42.799 --> 00:34:43.759 Because we are. 00:34:44.059 --> 00:34:44.799 Being wrapped up. 00:34:44.879 --> 00:34:45.339 Into this. 00:34:45.599 --> 00:34:46.359 Imitate these. 00:34:46.420 --> 00:34:47.139 As they imitate. 00:34:47.299 --> 00:34:47.819 Christ. 00:34:47.820 --> 00:34:47.940 Christ. 00:34:48.940 --> 00:34:50.019 And to see that. 00:34:50.120 --> 00:34:50.660 As a pattern. 00:34:50.660 --> 00:34:51.519 Of how God. 00:34:51.640 --> 00:34:52.280 Enables us. 00:34:52.360 --> 00:34:52.820 To grow. 00:34:53.300 --> 00:34:54.160 In the church. 00:34:56.960 --> 00:34:58.059 Because friends. 00:34:58.320 --> 00:34:59.400 This is imitating. 00:34:59.620 --> 00:35:00.100 Christ. 00:35:00.820 --> 00:35:01.940 He who came. 00:35:02.059 --> 00:35:03.300 Not to be served. 00:35:03.400 --> 00:35:04.360 But to serve. 00:35:04.860 --> 00:35:06.000 And give his life. 00:35:06.059 --> 00:35:06.480 A ransom. 00:35:07.360 --> 00:35:07.940 For many. 00:35:07.940 --> 00:35:10.780 That the freedom. 00:35:10.780 --> 00:35:11.860 From our self. 00:35:12.579 --> 00:35:13.099 Orientation. 00:35:13.099 --> 00:35:13.700 Of sin. 00:35:14.340 --> 00:35:15.320 Was bought. 00:35:15.720 --> 00:35:16.700 By his. 00:35:17.059 --> 00:35:18.260 Laying down his life. 00:35:18.320 --> 00:35:19.079 And his interest. 00:35:19.079 --> 00:35:19.579 For us. 00:35:19.659 --> 00:35:20.820 When we didn't deserve it. 00:35:20.880 --> 00:35:21.679 And didn't care. 00:35:22.780 --> 00:35:24.099 That the godliness. 00:35:24.099 --> 00:35:24.960 Of our lives. 00:35:25.059 --> 00:35:25.920 That the ability. 00:35:25.920 --> 00:35:27.000 To reflect God. 00:35:27.079 --> 00:35:27.700 In our lives. 00:35:27.840 --> 00:35:28.519 Was purchased. 00:35:30.860 --> 00:35:31.700 By he. 00:35:31.880 --> 00:35:33.220 Who laid down his life. 00:35:33.539 --> 00:35:34.159 For us. 00:35:34.159 --> 00:35:38.099 And so we are called. 00:35:38.239 --> 00:35:38.599 To imitate. 00:35:39.099 --> 00:35:39.399 Those. 00:35:39.940 --> 00:35:41.059 Who imitate Christ. 00:35:41.379 --> 00:35:41.859 Let's pray. 00:35:42.779 --> 00:35:43.079 God. 00:35:43.159 --> 00:35:43.559 Thank you. 00:35:43.559 --> 00:35:44.619 For this word. 00:35:45.119 --> 00:35:45.679 Thank you. 00:35:45.719 --> 00:35:46.399 For these men. 00:35:47.679 --> 00:35:48.460 I pray. 00:35:48.619 --> 00:35:48.739 Lord. 00:35:48.799 --> 00:35:49.539 That you would. 00:35:50.920 --> 00:35:51.960 Help us. 00:35:52.460 --> 00:35:52.940 Lord. 00:35:53.019 --> 00:35:54.000 To see Christ. 00:35:56.359 --> 00:35:56.839 Lord. 00:35:56.920 --> 00:35:57.639 To see Christ. 00:35:57.639 --> 00:35:58.539 In the men. 00:35:58.579 --> 00:35:58.879 And women. 00:35:59.019 --> 00:35:59.559 Around us. 00:35:59.619 --> 00:35:59.879 Who are. 00:36:00.279 --> 00:36:01.219 Not perfect. 00:36:01.420 --> 00:36:01.759 Yet. 00:36:01.879 --> 00:36:02.159 Who are. 00:36:02.339 --> 00:36:03.139 Walking with you. 00:36:03.219 --> 00:36:04.059 And following you. 00:36:05.159 --> 00:36:05.719 Lord. 00:36:05.779 --> 00:36:06.299 Help us. 00:36:06.399 --> 00:36:06.980 To continue. 00:36:07.179 --> 00:36:07.639 To pursue. 00:36:07.879 --> 00:36:08.279 Growth. 00:36:08.659 --> 00:36:09.559 As a community. 00:36:09.739 --> 00:36:10.519 By encouraging. 00:36:10.719 --> 00:36:11.179 One another. 00:36:11.779 --> 00:36:12.639 Seeking out. 00:36:13.219 --> 00:36:13.339 Lord. 00:36:13.440 --> 00:36:14.519 These discipleship. 00:36:14.940 --> 00:36:15.460 Relationships. 00:36:15.779 --> 00:36:16.519 Where we can. 00:36:16.739 --> 00:36:17.819 Spur one another on. 00:36:18.500 --> 00:36:19.279 To know you. 00:36:21.159 --> 00:36:21.619 God. 00:36:21.699 --> 00:36:22.139 Thank you. 00:36:22.219 --> 00:36:22.839 That you have. 00:36:23.699 --> 00:36:24.219 Lord. 00:36:24.299 --> 00:36:25.079 In your church. 00:36:25.079 --> 00:36:25.940 From generation. 00:36:25.940 --> 00:36:26.799 To generation. 00:36:27.119 --> 00:36:28.059 Built your church. 00:36:28.940 --> 00:36:30.079 Through raising up. 00:36:30.159 --> 00:36:30.559 Those. 00:36:30.699 --> 00:36:31.299 Whose lives. 00:36:31.359 --> 00:36:31.839 Are worthy. 00:36:31.940 --> 00:36:32.519 Of imitating. 00:36:32.519 --> 00:36:33.980 And by bringing. 00:36:34.119 --> 00:36:34.840 Behind them. 00:36:35.380 --> 00:36:36.480 The next generation. 00:36:36.679 --> 00:36:37.519 Who can see. 00:36:38.099 --> 00:36:39.320 And follow in their footsteps. 00:36:39.579 --> 00:36:40.860 As they follow Christ. 00:36:42.460 --> 00:36:42.940 God. 00:36:43.000 --> 00:36:44.219 We pray you would do these things. 00:36:44.340 --> 00:36:45.000 In Jesus name. 00:36:45.860 --> 00:36:46.179 Amen. 00:36:46.179 --> 00:36:46.320 Amen. 00:36:46.320 --> 00:37:16.300 Thank you.