WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.839 Alright, as most of you know, I think all of you know, we're going through Philippians. 00:00:06.879 --> 00:00:12.519 I have the privilege of preaching through verses 19 to 30. 00:00:13.179 --> 00:00:18.199 ! So I'm just going to read that for us really quickly and then jump into it. 00:00:18.199 --> 00:00:21.219 So Philippians chapter 2 verse 19. 00:00:22.140 --> 00:00:27.519 I give you guys a second in your Bibles to get there. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:35.640 Alright. 00:00:36.840 --> 00:00:45.380 Now, I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I too may be encouraged by news about you. 00:00:45.480 --> 00:00:50.260 For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests. 00:00:50.900 --> 00:00:53.840 All seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 00:00:53.840 --> 00:01:00.980 But you know his proven character because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father. 00:01:01.920 --> 00:01:06.200 Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 00:01:06.579 --> 00:01:10.659 I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon. 00:01:10.659 --> 00:01:13.700 We'll stop there. 00:01:16.299 --> 00:01:20.280 And then pick up on the rest once we finish the section. 00:01:21.200 --> 00:01:30.000 So, so far in chapter 2, Chris went through Philippians verse 1 to 11. 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:38.060 Talking of humility, not being selfish, and this wonderful hymn of Christ's humility. 00:01:38.060 --> 00:01:44.780 And then Sam went through Philippians verses 2 to 18. 00:01:46.299 --> 00:01:51.340 And he had a great focus on verse 13, which is, 00:01:52.180 --> 00:01:59.000 For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose. 00:01:59.000 --> 00:02:08.020 God is the one who is working in us and through us by his spirit, by his son, by the Father himself. 00:02:08.360 --> 00:02:10.479 So in this section, it's laid out clearly. 00:02:11.300 --> 00:02:14.620 We're going to focus on Timothy and Epaphroditus. 00:02:15.280 --> 00:02:16.199 Great name, by the way. 00:02:19.080 --> 00:02:24.379 We're going to go verse by verse, just through this first section on Timothy. 00:02:24.379 --> 00:02:31.180 Hit a brief interlude, and then we're going to keep going on Epaphroditus, 00:02:31.280 --> 00:02:33.859 then hit home on some application points. 00:02:34.599 --> 00:02:36.799 There's your runway and there's your mainland. 00:02:37.840 --> 00:02:40.719 So, verse 19. 00:02:41.500 --> 00:02:45.079 I hope in the Lord to send Timothy to you soon, 00:02:46.000 --> 00:02:48.900 so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 00:02:49.800 --> 00:02:51.139 Pretty straightforward. 00:02:51.139 --> 00:02:56.139 When he sends Epaphroditus back, 00:02:56.799 --> 00:03:01.139 they're going to be encouraged because of news about Paul with this letter. 00:03:01.659 --> 00:03:05.579 But Paul also wants news of them, right? 00:03:06.159 --> 00:03:09.159 So, Epaphroditus is with Paul now. 00:03:10.699 --> 00:03:13.099 Paul is encouraged by news about the Philippians. 00:03:13.539 --> 00:03:15.779 Whenever Paul sends Epaphroditus back, 00:03:16.599 --> 00:03:18.519 Epaphroditus is taking news about Paul. 00:03:18.519 --> 00:03:21.000 They're going to rejoice because of this news about Paul. 00:03:21.439 --> 00:03:26.519 But Paul wants to send Timothy so that he can get news, again, 00:03:26.759 --> 00:03:29.399 about the Philippians, because they don't have phones. 00:03:31.239 --> 00:03:34.199 And the postal service didn't exist then. 00:03:36.519 --> 00:03:37.079 Yeah. 00:03:37.379 --> 00:03:39.859 So, a note on the word hope here. 00:03:39.860 --> 00:03:44.440 Usually, whenever we use hope in modern English, 00:03:45.080 --> 00:03:50.060 it follows some sort of uncertainty, right? 00:03:50.420 --> 00:03:53.620 Like, if you're working like Michael, you're like, 00:03:53.700 --> 00:03:55.560 man, I hope I get that bid. 00:03:56.360 --> 00:03:57.940 It's like, I might not get it. 00:03:58.520 --> 00:04:01.440 Or, I hope that Trump doesn't get assassinated. 00:04:02.440 --> 00:04:03.060 He might. 00:04:03.060 --> 00:04:09.719 But there's a higher degree of certainty that Paul uses here in the hope, right? 00:04:10.080 --> 00:04:12.560 It's optimistic that he's going to send Timothy. 00:04:12.719 --> 00:04:15.180 So, it's not like, I hope to send Timothy. 00:04:15.319 --> 00:04:18.540 It's more like, I'm, he's coming, right? 00:04:18.540 --> 00:04:25.580 But, another note of Paul's hope is that he's hoping in the Lord Jesus, right? 00:04:25.720 --> 00:04:29.640 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you. 00:04:29.639 --> 00:04:35.279 He makes his travel plans under the direction of the Lord Jesus. 00:04:35.639 --> 00:04:38.759 He submits them to the Lord Jesus for approval. 00:04:40.539 --> 00:04:46.300 Not only that, he depends upon the Lord Jesus for the fulfillment of his plans. 00:04:47.240 --> 00:04:50.240 So, he makes them under the direction of the Lord. 00:04:52.000 --> 00:04:54.240 He submits them to the Lord for approval. 00:04:54.860 --> 00:04:57.740 And it's by the Lord that his travel plans are fulfilled. 00:04:57.740 --> 00:05:03.660 So, Paul's hope in the Lord is unwavering for these simple travel plans, right? 00:05:08.340 --> 00:05:20.699 Christchurch, we're not like those that just, when chaos in our lives ensues, we don't have hope, right? 00:05:21.180 --> 00:05:23.540 There's so many out there who, there's chaos. 00:05:23.540 --> 00:05:24.840 Like, my own family. 00:05:25.580 --> 00:05:30.460 Like, all of my sisters just have babies outside of wedlock. 00:05:31.580 --> 00:05:34.580 Brother who's addicted to drugs. 00:05:35.420 --> 00:05:37.820 Who's now on dialysis because of that. 00:05:38.200 --> 00:05:42.020 My father, who's, like, by himself, an alcoholic. 00:05:42.600 --> 00:05:44.379 Like, chaos in their life. 00:05:44.900 --> 00:05:46.240 But there's no hope. 00:05:46.240 --> 00:05:52.740 Paul's hope here in simple travel plans is the Lord Jesus. 00:05:53.840 --> 00:05:54.120 Right? 00:05:54.939 --> 00:05:59.240 These aren't anything major or big or any chaos is happening. 00:05:59.960 --> 00:06:05.340 He's submitting a high degree of certainty in the Lord Jesus in a simple travel plan. 00:06:07.120 --> 00:06:08.800 And here we are in a church plan. 00:06:10.600 --> 00:06:11.840 Let's talk about hope. 00:06:12.319 --> 00:06:13.439 Certainty of that hope. 00:06:13.439 --> 00:06:15.920 Do we have hope for this church plan? 00:06:17.620 --> 00:06:18.139 Right? 00:06:18.579 --> 00:06:25.000 If Paul is hoping in just this travel plan, how's our hope in this church plan? 00:06:25.120 --> 00:06:27.199 In the foundations of it? 00:06:27.259 --> 00:06:28.399 In the fulfillment of it? 00:06:28.879 --> 00:06:29.639 Are we encouraged? 00:06:29.740 --> 00:06:30.399 Are we discouraged? 00:06:31.040 --> 00:06:31.420 Renew? 00:06:32.720 --> 00:06:33.220 Or baby? 00:06:34.540 --> 00:06:35.060 Right? 00:06:35.600 --> 00:06:42.300 We need to hope in the Lord Jesus like Paul is hoping in the Lord Jesus. 00:06:42.300 --> 00:06:43.520 Verse 20. 00:06:44.160 --> 00:06:49.699 For I have no one like him who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 00:06:52.660 --> 00:06:56.360 As most of us know, Timothy is Paul's son in the faith. 00:06:56.720 --> 00:06:58.280 I mean, we go down to verse 22. 00:06:58.439 --> 00:06:58.660 It says, 00:06:59.080 --> 00:07:01.580 But you know, Timothy's proven worth. 00:07:02.439 --> 00:07:03.960 How is a son with a father? 00:07:04.040 --> 00:07:05.379 He has served with me in the gospel. 00:07:05.379 --> 00:07:12.579 Paul and him are alike in mind and heart and gospel-centeredness. 00:07:13.060 --> 00:07:14.639 They're kindred spirits. 00:07:15.259 --> 00:07:18.540 Sending Timothy is like sending Paul, right? 00:07:20.040 --> 00:07:23.139 Same beliefs, same doctrines, same teachings. 00:07:23.139 --> 00:07:29.959 For Paul to send Timothy is to send himself. 00:07:31.099 --> 00:07:36.360 Timothy genuinely cares for the Philippians. 00:07:36.360 --> 00:07:44.219 It's not just someone he like, someone like Titus or something. 00:07:44.719 --> 00:07:48.779 Timothy was there at the foundation of the Philippians church. 00:07:48.779 --> 00:07:53.699 It's the first church that Timothy lands with Paul, right? 00:07:54.019 --> 00:07:56.459 Timothy is taken from his mother and grandmother. 00:07:57.119 --> 00:07:58.679 Paul takes them. 00:07:59.019 --> 00:08:03.239 And Philippi, this church, is the first church they plant together. 00:08:03.500 --> 00:08:05.039 So there's genuine concern there. 00:08:05.319 --> 00:08:06.019 He knows them. 00:08:07.319 --> 00:08:07.879 Verse 21. 00:08:09.079 --> 00:08:14.019 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Christ. 00:08:14.019 --> 00:08:22.139 And here we get to see a glimpse of what Paul gets to experience in his son Timothy. 00:08:23.060 --> 00:08:31.399 That Timothy doesn't seek after his own interests, but those of Christ, right? 00:08:31.500 --> 00:08:36.360 We get these letters to Timothy, but who's the man Timothy, right? 00:08:37.059 --> 00:08:38.159 We get to learn here. 00:08:38.279 --> 00:08:41.559 Timothy is someone who doesn't seek after his own interests. 00:08:41.559 --> 00:08:44.119 He seeks after others. 00:08:44.199 --> 00:08:45.519 He's a very humble man. 00:08:46.079 --> 00:08:47.119 Very humble servant. 00:08:50.319 --> 00:08:59.159 Timothy is doing what Paul says earlier in the chapter in Philippians 2.4. 00:08:59.599 --> 00:09:02.079 It says, Philippians 2.4, sorry. 00:09:03.079 --> 00:09:08.739 Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 00:09:09.239 --> 00:09:10.439 That's what Timothy is doing. 00:09:10.440 --> 00:09:15.340 And then that contrasts what Paul said also. 00:09:15.860 --> 00:09:21.320 Some indeed preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill. 00:09:21.980 --> 00:09:27.600 The latter do it out of love, knowing I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 00:09:28.200 --> 00:09:36.020 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 00:09:37.020 --> 00:09:38.380 Timothy isn't like that. 00:09:38.379 --> 00:09:46.600 Timothy is one who is seeking Christ's own interests, genuinely caring for the Philippian church. 00:09:48.159 --> 00:09:54.720 And those who are preaching out of rivalry, they are those who look out for their own interests, not those of Christ. 00:09:54.720 --> 00:09:59.820 How about us? 00:09:59.899 --> 00:10:00.340 How about us? 00:10:01.340 --> 00:10:02.920 Are we doing in that? 00:10:04.700 --> 00:10:12.120 Are we also in a church plant preaching Christ out of rivalry? 00:10:12.120 --> 00:10:19.720 Are we with God or are we going against his will? 00:10:19.720 --> 00:10:31.019 Even more so with our husbands, wives, kids, roommates, brothers and sisters, moms and dads. 00:10:31.320 --> 00:10:33.120 Let's further the scope even more. 00:10:33.620 --> 00:10:35.160 Are we seeking their own interests? 00:10:36.320 --> 00:10:38.240 Not those of ourselves, right? 00:10:38.240 --> 00:10:41.120 Like, do I love my wife? 00:10:41.120 --> 00:10:45.779 Like, how much more better would my marriage be if I didn't think about myself? 00:10:47.320 --> 00:10:52.820 How much more better would my relationship with my family be if I didn't think about myself all the time? 00:10:53.720 --> 00:10:53.860 Right? 00:10:56.820 --> 00:10:57.700 We continue. 00:10:57.879 --> 00:10:58.399 Verse 22. 00:10:58.399 --> 00:11:07.159 But you know, Timothy's proven worth, how as a son to a father, he has served with me in the gospel. 00:11:10.500 --> 00:11:12.360 His proven worth, right? 00:11:13.500 --> 00:11:16.279 Says in the CSB, verse 22. 00:11:16.399 --> 00:11:22.039 But you know, his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with the father. 00:11:22.039 --> 00:11:28.939 Elsewhere in Romans 5, 3 and 4, Paul talks about character in this way. 00:11:30.559 --> 00:11:36.639 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance. 00:11:37.539 --> 00:11:39.120 And endurance produces character. 00:11:39.559 --> 00:11:41.059 And character produces hope. 00:11:42.599 --> 00:11:44.559 This is the character of Timothy. 00:11:45.639 --> 00:11:49.299 He seasoned in suffering and afflictions. 00:11:49.599 --> 00:11:49.719 Right? 00:11:49.719 --> 00:11:51.500 Acts 16, going back there. 00:11:52.039 --> 00:11:55.480 His first church planting experience with the Philippians. 00:11:56.240 --> 00:11:59.500 Paul and Silas are stripped of their clothing. 00:12:00.219 --> 00:12:01.659 Beaten with rods. 00:12:02.379 --> 00:12:04.039 And then severely flocked. 00:12:04.919 --> 00:12:06.799 And then finally, thrown into prison. 00:12:07.779 --> 00:12:09.980 With their feet in stocks. 00:12:10.740 --> 00:12:10.899 Right? 00:12:12.860 --> 00:12:17.500 This is like, these are the experiences Timothy has in his proven character. 00:12:17.779 --> 00:12:17.959 Right? 00:12:17.959 --> 00:12:18.039 Right? 00:12:18.039 --> 00:12:23.759 One of the words this year that we have is character. 00:12:24.719 --> 00:12:25.279 Right? 00:12:25.500 --> 00:12:34.019 If it's true that we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character. 00:12:34.019 --> 00:12:41.840 And I think that means, for the most part, we should expect suffering. 00:12:43.039 --> 00:12:44.000 As a church. 00:12:44.960 --> 00:12:47.139 Either as a church or individually. 00:12:47.139 --> 00:12:56.500 If that is one of our words, and it's lacking in our church, then that means that in some way, affliction will come upon this church. 00:12:56.500 --> 00:12:59.220 So that we may grow in character. 00:13:01.460 --> 00:13:02.820 Are you ready for that? 00:13:04.320 --> 00:13:05.919 Where's your hope when that comes? 00:13:07.840 --> 00:13:08.440 Right? 00:13:08.440 --> 00:13:14.320 If Christ puts his finger on Christ's church and says, they are lacking in character. 00:13:16.900 --> 00:13:19.700 That's not just a promise of, it'll come. 00:13:20.200 --> 00:13:20.820 It's a process. 00:13:21.620 --> 00:13:23.220 God is a patient father. 00:13:23.960 --> 00:13:24.660 He disciplines. 00:13:25.220 --> 00:13:27.260 We are lacking in character. 00:13:27.420 --> 00:13:30.800 That means he'll bring it into us by suffering. 00:13:30.940 --> 00:13:31.820 By way of suffering. 00:13:31.820 --> 00:13:41.000 And when it comes, remember Philippians 2.13. 00:13:41.120 --> 00:13:48.280 For it is God who is working in you, both to will and to work according to his good purpose. 00:13:49.460 --> 00:13:52.460 It'll be good when affliction comes, don't we? 00:13:56.480 --> 00:13:57.440 Then onward. 00:13:58.120 --> 00:13:59.900 Verse 23 to 24. 00:13:59.899 --> 00:14:06.819 I hope, therefore, to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me. 00:14:07.319 --> 00:14:11.220 And trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will also come. 00:14:12.439 --> 00:14:20.679 Paul states that he wants to send Timothy soon, but after he sees how things goes with him. 00:14:21.340 --> 00:14:23.519 Most likely referring to being in prison. 00:14:25.220 --> 00:14:29.039 But he's confident that he's going to see the Philippians, right? 00:14:29.039 --> 00:14:32.059 He doesn't just say hope, like I hope. 00:14:32.480 --> 00:14:33.819 He says, I'm confident. 00:14:33.959 --> 00:14:40.379 It's confidence that he's going to see them as if it's like a special revelation from the Lord. 00:14:41.959 --> 00:14:45.759 There's speculation as to when the visit could have occurred. 00:14:47.339 --> 00:14:50.099 But there's no concrete official date. 00:14:50.379 --> 00:14:53.259 But it seems like he did do another visit. 00:14:53.259 --> 00:14:57.139 Now a brief interlude before we continue. 00:14:57.799 --> 00:14:58.960 On Hebrew poetry. 00:15:02.480 --> 00:15:03.179 I know. 00:15:03.639 --> 00:15:05.179 Stuff to do with Hebrew poetry. 00:15:05.879 --> 00:15:12.319 If anyone here is into poetry at all, there's different rhyming schemes that you could do. 00:15:12.439 --> 00:15:13.220 There's haikus. 00:15:13.379 --> 00:15:14.919 There's rhyming couplets. 00:15:15.240 --> 00:15:15.939 So forth. 00:15:15.940 --> 00:15:21.020 There's a poetry called chiasm in Hebrew poetry. 00:15:21.460 --> 00:15:22.780 Follows a pattern like this. 00:15:23.300 --> 00:15:25.240 A, B, C, B, A. 00:15:26.020 --> 00:15:27.260 So kind of like brackets. 00:15:27.660 --> 00:15:29.920 A, A, B, B, C. 00:15:31.020 --> 00:15:33.100 Haiku is 5, 7, 5. 00:15:33.780 --> 00:15:34.900 Different patterns. 00:15:36.680 --> 00:15:39.760 The middle is usually the point that they're focusing on. 00:15:39.759 --> 00:15:46.559 I think that this follows a similar structure of chiasm. 00:15:47.620 --> 00:15:53.740 Where you have verse 19, verse 23 and 24 talking about travel plans. 00:15:54.240 --> 00:15:54.939 That's your A, A. 00:15:55.379 --> 00:16:03.399 Verse 20 and 22 talking about Timothy's care for the Philippians and his proven character. 00:16:03.399 --> 00:16:07.539 And then verse 21, what Paul is getting at. 00:16:08.759 --> 00:16:11.639 Critique of those who seek their own interests. 00:16:12.259 --> 00:16:14.779 Not the interests of Christ Jesus. 00:16:19.100 --> 00:16:23.899 I mean, there's many reasons why I think Paul is focusing on this. 00:16:24.659 --> 00:16:27.659 I think one, because he's going to send Timothy. 00:16:28.340 --> 00:16:32.000 Because it's like Timothy's character sending him like this. 00:16:32.000 --> 00:16:36.700 Like, I want you to know this man seeks after Christ. 00:16:39.000 --> 00:16:48.580 I say this because even in ministry, as Paul says to Timothy in, I think, 1 Timothy 3, 5. 00:16:49.139 --> 00:16:52.779 Some hold to a form of godliness, but denying its power. 00:16:53.220 --> 00:16:55.759 Paul says to avoid these type of people, right? 00:16:55.759 --> 00:17:02.860 But they're holding to a form of power, but deny, or holding to a form of godliness, but deny the power. 00:17:03.240 --> 00:17:07.000 They deny the work of Jesus Christ and who he is as God, right? 00:17:07.619 --> 00:17:09.019 You see, there's power in this. 00:17:09.379 --> 00:17:15.519 Like those who try to cast out demons and say, we cast you out by the God that Paul preaches. 00:17:16.259 --> 00:17:17.339 The demons respond. 00:17:17.339 --> 00:17:19.799 We know who Paul is. 00:17:19.879 --> 00:17:22.179 We know who Jesus is, but for you, right? 00:17:24.059 --> 00:17:27.579 Because they're really seeking after their own interests. 00:17:28.240 --> 00:17:30.500 But Timothy isn't. 00:17:32.199 --> 00:17:35.220 And really, that's who Timothy is. 00:17:35.659 --> 00:17:38.919 He's almost a man after God's own heart. 00:17:38.920 --> 00:17:46.420 He's a man who seeks after the Lord Jesus' interests, not his own. 00:17:49.380 --> 00:17:51.060 Onto Epaphroditus. 00:17:52.259 --> 00:17:54.180 Another man after God's own heart. 00:17:57.980 --> 00:18:00.660 Verse 25. 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:04.060 But I consider it necessary to send you Epaphroditus. 00:18:04.779 --> 00:18:05.580 Great name also. 00:18:06.220 --> 00:18:06.720 Say it again. 00:18:07.440 --> 00:18:07.620 Babe. 00:18:08.920 --> 00:18:16.759 My brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my needs. 00:18:17.660 --> 00:18:22.860 Since he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. 00:18:23.519 --> 00:18:25.779 Indeed, he was so sick that he nearly died. 00:18:26.519 --> 00:18:34.060 However, God had mercy on him, and not only on him, but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow on sorrow. 00:18:34.059 --> 00:18:43.159 For this reason, I am very eager to send him, so that you may rejoice again when you see him, and I may be less anxious. 00:18:43.639 --> 00:18:47.980 Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and hold people like him in honor. 00:18:47.980 --> 00:18:56.960 Because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his own life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me. 00:18:58.960 --> 00:19:02.620 Starting in 25 to 26. 00:19:04.819 --> 00:19:05.039 No. 00:19:06.039 --> 00:19:06.480 Straightforward. 00:19:06.660 --> 00:19:08.579 This is a very straightforward text, I think. 00:19:08.579 --> 00:19:12.579 Paul wants to send Epaphroditus back. 00:19:14.259 --> 00:19:17.799 Now, immediately, probably more immediate than Timothy. 00:19:18.179 --> 00:19:25.579 He says about Timothy that he wants to send Timothy back after he sees how everything goes with him in the imprisonment. 00:19:26.579 --> 00:19:29.759 But he wants to send Epaphroditus back more immediately. 00:19:29.759 --> 00:19:33.279 Epaphroditus misses them, right? 00:19:33.779 --> 00:19:34.539 It's just people. 00:19:35.220 --> 00:19:41.119 Like, I mean, it's almost like when we first left Belk, like, missing Belkos. 00:19:41.579 --> 00:19:42.879 Belkos missing us, right? 00:19:44.980 --> 00:19:48.140 Or even more, if someone moves away. 00:19:48.140 --> 00:19:59.120 Like, those of you who have moved from Wisconsin and Minnesota, I'm sure that you have people there that you long to see, and people there who long to see you. 00:20:01.680 --> 00:20:03.240 But we wish that you'd stay here. 00:20:04.000 --> 00:20:05.240 Don't go back. 00:20:05.240 --> 00:20:12.680 But then Paul gives him five titles. 00:20:13.859 --> 00:20:20.700 Brother, coworker, fellow soldier, your messenger, and minister to my needs. 00:20:22.440 --> 00:20:23.000 Sorry, brother. 00:20:24.519 --> 00:20:26.519 He calls him his brother. 00:20:29.099 --> 00:20:34.559 And in the family of God, our father is God. 00:20:35.240 --> 00:20:35.460 Right? 00:20:35.640 --> 00:20:37.779 They're connected by the blood of Jesus. 00:20:38.400 --> 00:20:39.380 So he calls him his father. 00:20:39.799 --> 00:20:44.400 One of our words this year, along with character, is family. 00:20:45.400 --> 00:20:45.640 Right? 00:20:46.640 --> 00:20:52.519 Christ putting his finger on this church and saying, they need to be more familiar. 00:20:54.740 --> 00:20:55.000 Right? 00:20:58.579 --> 00:21:01.259 Paul calls him his brother. 00:21:01.579 --> 00:21:01.680 Right? 00:21:02.720 --> 00:21:03.319 His father. 00:21:03.319 --> 00:21:06.039 We need to have that also. 00:21:07.179 --> 00:21:07.619 Right? 00:21:07.980 --> 00:21:10.700 If that is our words, we need to grow in that. 00:21:11.779 --> 00:21:13.059 How do we grow in that? 00:21:13.619 --> 00:21:13.799 Right? 00:21:14.039 --> 00:21:16.559 By striving alongside one another. 00:21:16.939 --> 00:21:18.019 By knowing one another. 00:21:18.879 --> 00:21:21.500 Not just by it happening in osmosis. 00:21:21.919 --> 00:21:23.399 Relationships take work. 00:21:24.159 --> 00:21:24.439 Right? 00:21:25.519 --> 00:21:26.500 And coworker. 00:21:26.980 --> 00:21:27.240 Right? 00:21:27.240 --> 00:21:30.279 So God is father in this family. 00:21:30.620 --> 00:21:31.120 They're brothers. 00:21:31.700 --> 00:21:32.200 Coworker. 00:21:32.720 --> 00:21:35.059 God is overseer in this work. 00:21:36.079 --> 00:21:37.740 They are laboring together. 00:21:38.279 --> 00:21:39.799 The labor looks different. 00:21:40.140 --> 00:21:41.480 Paul is on the front lines. 00:21:42.140 --> 00:21:46.539 Paphroditus brings money to Paul to further the mission. 00:21:46.980 --> 00:21:48.099 It's different work. 00:21:48.319 --> 00:21:50.299 But they're still called coworkers. 00:21:50.880 --> 00:21:51.259 Why? 00:21:51.700 --> 00:21:53.180 Because it's a service of God. 00:21:53.180 --> 00:21:55.840 Are we laboring together? 00:21:57.440 --> 00:22:00.560 Can I call you my brother and also call you my coworker? 00:22:01.200 --> 00:22:03.000 As Paul calls Epaphroditus. 00:22:04.400 --> 00:22:05.360 Fellow soldier. 00:22:06.060 --> 00:22:08.539 In the Lord's army, God is commander. 00:22:08.779 --> 00:22:10.539 So God is father, their brother. 00:22:10.940 --> 00:22:12.900 God is overseer as their coworker. 00:22:13.140 --> 00:22:14.279 And God is their commander. 00:22:15.120 --> 00:22:16.220 His fellow soldier. 00:22:16.220 --> 00:22:20.000 As Philippians is a Roman colony. 00:22:20.539 --> 00:22:23.180 We're heavy military influence. 00:22:24.500 --> 00:22:31.140 It would make sense for them to hear this and think like we are fighting in the Lord's army together. 00:22:31.759 --> 00:22:32.240 Right? 00:22:32.339 --> 00:22:34.079 We're against cosmic powers. 00:22:34.420 --> 00:22:36.100 We're not against flesh and blood. 00:22:36.640 --> 00:22:38.380 We're against the powers of the air. 00:22:38.900 --> 00:22:39.460 Cosmic. 00:22:39.880 --> 00:22:40.880 Means universe. 00:22:42.519 --> 00:22:45.100 I'm like a microscope in the end. 00:22:45.099 --> 00:22:46.959 In the universe. 00:22:47.439 --> 00:22:47.779 Sorry. 00:22:48.559 --> 00:22:49.859 Tiny in the universe. 00:22:51.599 --> 00:22:53.299 Are we fighting together? 00:22:54.899 --> 00:22:55.119 Right? 00:22:55.919 --> 00:22:56.939 If we're not brothers. 00:22:57.039 --> 00:22:59.459 Like if one of our words is family. 00:22:59.939 --> 00:23:01.079 Like even in the army. 00:23:01.399 --> 00:23:03.539 They call one another brothers in the service. 00:23:04.299 --> 00:23:04.519 Right? 00:23:04.759 --> 00:23:06.099 There's a family connection. 00:23:07.279 --> 00:23:07.919 Right? 00:23:07.920 --> 00:23:12.000 This is how the family of God ought to be. 00:23:12.420 --> 00:23:15.180 Where we are connected together by the blood of Jesus. 00:23:15.460 --> 00:23:16.480 God is our father. 00:23:17.259 --> 00:23:18.180 Laboring together. 00:23:18.539 --> 00:23:20.100 Fighting for one another. 00:23:20.500 --> 00:23:23.259 And for the labor of Jesus Christ. 00:23:23.340 --> 00:23:24.720 The commands that he's given us. 00:23:24.720 --> 00:23:30.620 And then your messenger and minister to my needs. 00:23:31.059 --> 00:23:34.420 Which is the work that Aphrodite is doing. 00:23:36.220 --> 00:23:38.420 Continue on to verse 27. 00:23:38.880 --> 00:23:41.920 Indeed, he was ill, near to death. 00:23:42.299 --> 00:23:43.640 But God had mercy on him. 00:23:44.059 --> 00:23:46.880 And not only on him, but me also. 00:23:46.880 --> 00:23:50.600 Lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 00:23:52.700 --> 00:23:56.860 I mean, this verse just leads me to think of the problem of pain. 00:23:57.980 --> 00:23:58.180 Right? 00:23:59.260 --> 00:23:59.820 Epaphroditus. 00:23:59.920 --> 00:24:01.540 He's doing this work of the Lord. 00:24:02.180 --> 00:24:02.360 Right? 00:24:03.300 --> 00:24:04.740 My co-worker with Paul. 00:24:05.400 --> 00:24:12.420 I mean, he's trying to get this money so that Paul can keep the gospel going. 00:24:12.420 --> 00:24:14.640 Can like keep proclaiming. 00:24:14.760 --> 00:24:15.340 Keep living. 00:24:15.339 --> 00:24:19.439 And then he gets sick so that he might die. 00:24:20.000 --> 00:24:21.659 In the service of the Lord. 00:24:23.779 --> 00:24:25.220 God, are you in control here? 00:24:27.240 --> 00:24:29.679 God, Epaphroditus is doing your work. 00:24:30.779 --> 00:24:32.119 Why is he getting so sick? 00:24:34.139 --> 00:24:36.000 Why is he getting so sick that he might die? 00:24:37.859 --> 00:24:38.299 Right? 00:24:38.339 --> 00:24:39.859 Why are you causing him so much suffering? 00:24:39.859 --> 00:24:41.859 Why is he getting so sick? 00:24:41.859 --> 00:24:44.019 Why is he getting so sick? 00:24:44.519 --> 00:24:46.399 But as Job says, 00:24:46.719 --> 00:24:48.119 Naked I came from my womb. 00:24:48.879 --> 00:24:50.159 Naked I will leave this life. 00:24:50.699 --> 00:24:52.500 The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. 00:24:53.399 --> 00:24:54.740 Blessed be the name of the Lord. 00:24:57.899 --> 00:25:00.859 Affliction and suffering produces proven character. 00:25:00.859 --> 00:25:05.899 And so it did with Epaphroditus. 00:25:07.179 --> 00:25:10.659 There's no suffering or affliction like that that doesn't produce character. 00:25:11.519 --> 00:25:17.879 Walking from Philippi or horseback all the way to Rome or wherever Paul was. 00:25:18.599 --> 00:25:19.839 It's a long journey. 00:25:19.839 --> 00:25:23.919 And getting sick on the way as you're doing it. 00:25:26.319 --> 00:25:28.159 Do I want to keep being in the ministry? 00:25:29.500 --> 00:25:30.799 Is this what it's like? 00:25:31.279 --> 00:25:32.639 Doing the Lord's work? 00:25:33.139 --> 00:25:34.699 I get sick, I almost die. 00:25:35.539 --> 00:25:36.599 Is it worth it? 00:25:38.799 --> 00:25:39.699 Is it worth it? 00:25:40.539 --> 00:25:40.980 Character. 00:25:41.480 --> 00:25:42.220 Suffering is coming. 00:25:42.220 --> 00:25:52.000 It also reminds me of how the Lord works in growing us together. 00:25:52.519 --> 00:25:54.360 Grows us together through suffering. 00:25:54.680 --> 00:25:56.339 Through bondage, affliction. 00:25:58.240 --> 00:25:59.860 But God had mercy on them. 00:26:00.740 --> 00:26:03.460 God's mercy is shown through this. 00:26:04.339 --> 00:26:09.079 Paul most likely took care of Epaphroditus when he received him. 00:26:09.079 --> 00:26:12.299 Tending to him, trying to get him better. 00:26:13.619 --> 00:26:16.299 But it's almost like Paul is saying, everything I did. 00:26:17.119 --> 00:26:19.240 Like, there's nothing I can do. 00:26:20.240 --> 00:26:22.899 It was God that had mercy on Epaphroditus. 00:26:23.779 --> 00:26:25.579 Like, God is the one who saved him. 00:26:25.899 --> 00:26:27.199 Paul takes no credit for that. 00:26:28.439 --> 00:26:30.379 Like Paul could have said, I tended him. 00:26:30.799 --> 00:26:31.939 I tended his wounds. 00:26:32.599 --> 00:26:33.339 And then he recovered. 00:26:33.539 --> 00:26:35.500 But he says, God had mercy on him. 00:26:36.399 --> 00:26:38.939 God is the one who protected Epaphroditus and saved him. 00:26:39.079 --> 00:26:44.019 And then a note really quickly on joy. 00:26:45.399 --> 00:26:49.559 Paul mentioned saying sorrow, right? 00:26:50.199 --> 00:26:51.379 I thought he was the joy guy. 00:26:51.819 --> 00:26:53.480 I was just talking about sorrow, right? 00:26:53.980 --> 00:26:59.839 He says, not only on him, but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 00:27:00.279 --> 00:27:01.759 Paul, you're the guy who says rejoice. 00:27:01.960 --> 00:27:02.679 Rejoice always. 00:27:03.299 --> 00:27:03.799 What are you talking about? 00:27:03.799 --> 00:27:04.079 Sorrow. 00:27:04.740 --> 00:27:04.899 Right? 00:27:04.900 --> 00:27:16.060 I think that it's wrong for us to compartmentalize in the face of sorrow. 00:27:16.700 --> 00:27:20.360 And when I think Paul talks about rejoice, again, rejoice always. 00:27:21.060 --> 00:27:27.160 It's not to compartmentalize, to like shut down the sorrow and rejoice, right? 00:27:27.160 --> 00:27:29.580 That's not what Paul says. 00:27:29.860 --> 00:27:31.440 That's not what he's doing. 00:27:32.460 --> 00:27:35.220 It's okay to be sorrowful and sad. 00:27:36.180 --> 00:27:36.700 Right? 00:27:36.740 --> 00:27:37.440 It's okay. 00:27:38.380 --> 00:27:39.180 That's okay. 00:27:39.180 --> 00:27:48.840 I think sometimes it's worse to say to a person who's in the time of mourning and sadness, like, brother, you need the gospel. 00:27:50.039 --> 00:27:51.740 Like, here's the gospel. 00:27:52.840 --> 00:27:55.140 When you just need to sit with them and be sad. 00:27:56.620 --> 00:27:57.799 Mourn with those who mourn. 00:27:57.799 --> 00:28:04.019 You don't need to just try to fix them. 00:28:05.000 --> 00:28:05.819 Sit with them. 00:28:08.059 --> 00:28:11.039 Job's friends had a lot wrong, right? 00:28:11.619 --> 00:28:15.460 But they sat with him for a week before they said anything. 00:28:16.919 --> 00:28:19.500 In his sadness, in his mourning, in his sorrow. 00:28:23.379 --> 00:28:25.079 It's good to mourn with those who mourn. 00:28:25.079 --> 00:28:36.579 Um, and then, like, in this regard, sometimes being quick to speak can sometimes just show immaturity. 00:28:37.259 --> 00:28:37.539 Right? 00:28:38.199 --> 00:28:40.819 Instead of just sitting with people who are mourning. 00:28:41.720 --> 00:28:46.039 Um, like, the wise are slow to speak and quick to listen. 00:28:47.079 --> 00:28:48.960 The wise control their tongues. 00:28:49.460 --> 00:28:49.699 Right? 00:28:51.299 --> 00:28:52.319 All right, onwards. 00:28:52.319 --> 00:28:53.220 Verse 28. 00:28:53.220 --> 00:28:55.720 I am the more eager to send him. 00:28:56.539 --> 00:29:01.680 Uh, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, that I may be less anxious. 00:29:01.980 --> 00:29:02.640 Pretty straightforward. 00:29:03.640 --> 00:29:04.920 Again, I keep saying that. 00:29:06.380 --> 00:29:10.120 Uh, less anxious or less sorrowful. 00:29:10.380 --> 00:29:14.400 Uh, I mean, Paul, Paul feels that, um, for Epaphroditus. 00:29:14.579 --> 00:29:19.779 The sense of wanting to send him back, uh, home to be with his own people. 00:29:19.779 --> 00:29:24.220 Uh, that he's feeling the anxiousness that Epaphroditus is, is feeling. 00:29:24.960 --> 00:29:29.579 Um, and as, as Epaphroditus wants to go, Paul's eager to send him. 00:29:29.779 --> 00:29:29.980 Mm-hmm. 00:29:30.059 --> 00:29:31.539 That the Philippians may rejoice. 00:29:33.539 --> 00:29:35.879 Um, verse 29 to 30. 00:29:35.880 --> 00:29:47.480 Um, so receive him in the Lord with all joy and honor such men, uh, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his own life to complete what was lacking in your service to me. 00:29:47.480 --> 00:30:03.420 Um, I think Timothy and Epaphroditus are such great images, uh, following Jesus' example of taking up one's cross, denying yourself, and following after Jesus. 00:30:03.420 --> 00:30:11.120 Uh, of Epaphroditus, there's an echo I hear, um, of the verse, uh, from, from the hymn that Paul just gave. 00:30:11.519 --> 00:30:16.420 He humbled himself by becoming obedient, uh, to the point of death. 00:30:17.100 --> 00:30:22.360 Um, Epaphroditus was sick so that he might've died himself, right? 00:30:23.279 --> 00:30:24.480 In the, in the work of the Lord. 00:30:24.480 --> 00:30:30.900 Um, yeah, that's, that's the text. 00:30:32.200 --> 00:30:36.380 Um, give just three straightforward application points from this. 00:30:37.519 --> 00:30:42.799 First, trust and hope in God. 00:30:44.339 --> 00:30:46.559 Do not put your hope in leaders. 00:30:48.019 --> 00:30:49.620 Don't put your hope in God. 00:30:50.940 --> 00:30:53.360 Uh, don't put your hope in politicians. 00:30:54.480 --> 00:31:03.860 Don't put your hope in gifts, uh, in a ministry, but in God, in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:31:05.579 --> 00:31:09.039 Paul hoped in the Lord to send Timothy. 00:31:09.440 --> 00:31:10.839 That's where his hope was. 00:31:11.960 --> 00:31:16.860 And not just for salvation, but for everyday life, right? 00:31:17.339 --> 00:31:23.180 His hope in the Lord was not just for salvation, everyday life, right? 00:31:23.180 --> 00:31:27.400 When your kids are super disobedient, you're hoping the Lord Jesus. 00:31:28.560 --> 00:31:31.400 Praying to him, praying, asking him. 00:31:32.380 --> 00:31:33.700 Along with discipline. 00:31:34.860 --> 00:31:36.100 This one's important. 00:31:37.060 --> 00:31:45.880 Uh, is your work, your business, your finances, your family, everything you are and everything you ever will be. 00:31:45.880 --> 00:31:48.720 Is that subjected to the Lord? 00:31:49.800 --> 00:31:50.220 Right? 00:31:51.980 --> 00:31:57.580 Not, not only in hoping for salvation, but giving all of these troubles, right? 00:31:57.960 --> 00:31:59.880 All of these wants and desires. 00:32:01.640 --> 00:32:05.800 Um, Satan will tempt you to hope in other things. 00:32:05.799 --> 00:32:07.960 So I give all of these examples. 00:32:08.119 --> 00:32:08.559 Satan will. 00:32:09.379 --> 00:32:12.019 Shilin says he's got temptation for every season, kid. 00:32:12.960 --> 00:32:13.879 And it's true. 00:32:15.599 --> 00:32:16.480 Every season. 00:32:18.079 --> 00:32:22.159 Uh, along with that, along with Satan, uh, tempting you to hope in other things. 00:32:22.680 --> 00:32:24.980 Jeremiah 7, 9, 17, 9. 00:32:24.980 --> 00:32:29.759 The heart is deceitfully wicked above all things and desperately sick. 00:32:30.500 --> 00:32:31.360 Who can understand? 00:32:33.120 --> 00:32:33.559 Right? 00:32:34.339 --> 00:32:39.140 Your hope, uh, is, is to be drawn away from the Lord Jesus by your own heart. 00:32:39.620 --> 00:32:42.339 And, and also temptations of Satan. 00:32:44.220 --> 00:32:45.319 So hope in the Lord. 00:32:46.099 --> 00:32:46.660 Trust in God. 00:32:47.480 --> 00:32:48.120 Psalm 62. 00:32:48.839 --> 00:32:50.059 I will hope in the Lord. 00:32:50.380 --> 00:32:51.759 He's my rock and my salvation. 00:32:51.759 --> 00:32:55.740 Second application. 00:32:56.440 --> 00:33:00.400 Fight against conceitedness and seek the interests of others. 00:33:01.379 --> 00:33:08.299 Uh, conceitedness, uh, is almost, it's excessively proud of oneself. 00:33:08.960 --> 00:33:12.440 Oh, almost like self-love or pugnaciousness. 00:33:12.960 --> 00:33:17.879 Uh, it's like a house cat looking into the mirror and seeing a lion. 00:33:19.259 --> 00:33:19.900 Right? 00:33:19.900 --> 00:33:20.339 Right? 00:33:21.759 --> 00:33:24.519 Uh, why do I say this? 00:33:24.640 --> 00:33:27.359 Uh, because we aren't anything. 00:33:27.859 --> 00:33:29.099 He's done everything. 00:33:29.980 --> 00:33:30.259 Right? 00:33:31.640 --> 00:33:33.460 We're lower than a house cat. 00:33:34.039 --> 00:33:35.700 Uh, because we're depraved. 00:33:36.400 --> 00:33:37.440 We're sinful. 00:33:38.039 --> 00:33:46.000 And especially in conceitedness, men, especially men who aspire, uh, to be an elder, 00:33:46.000 --> 00:33:48.599 if you consider yourself something. 00:33:48.599 --> 00:33:51.700 When you're nothing apart from Christ. 00:33:53.640 --> 00:33:56.440 In your conceitedness, there will be strife. 00:33:56.940 --> 00:33:59.480 There will be dissensions and power struggles. 00:33:59.480 --> 00:34:01.940 And I've seen it. 00:34:01.940 --> 00:34:02.660 I've heard of it. 00:34:03.240 --> 00:34:04.720 That's how churches fail. 00:34:05.980 --> 00:34:11.519 We must not think that highly of ourself, uh, when we're nothing apart from Christ. 00:34:14.219 --> 00:34:19.300 Conceitedness, especially in leadership, um, just leads to failure. 00:34:19.300 --> 00:34:26.840 In the brotherhood, in the sisterhood, you're not better than anyone here because we're all saved by grace. 00:34:26.840 --> 00:34:31.500 Final application. 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:32.720 I'll conclude with it. 00:34:33.579 --> 00:34:35.740 Divine priority in humility. 00:34:36.500 --> 00:34:36.680 Right? 00:34:37.260 --> 00:34:40.160 Character, family, order. 00:34:40.880 --> 00:34:42.680 But divine priority in humility. 00:34:43.480 --> 00:34:43.600 Right? 00:34:43.599 --> 00:34:50.259 Uh, we must, uh, we must, we must, not we should, we must, I made sure to note that. 00:34:50.500 --> 00:34:58.199 We must, uh, seek the will and desire of our father, the overseer and commander in everything. 00:34:58.759 --> 00:35:00.440 He's more important than ourselves. 00:35:00.699 --> 00:35:02.779 In divine priority, God is first. 00:35:03.739 --> 00:35:04.219 Right? 00:35:04.779 --> 00:35:05.880 God is first. 00:35:06.480 --> 00:35:07.440 Christ is first. 00:35:08.360 --> 00:35:11.699 Timothy plays Christ, his own interests. 00:35:12.699 --> 00:35:13.500 Christ is the head. 00:35:14.259 --> 00:35:20.559 Paphroditus, I will strive and labor even to the point of death because this is Christ's worth. 00:35:23.559 --> 00:35:29.420 Paul, Timothy, Paphroditus, they're all examples of men who exemplify their lives to the point of death. 00:35:30.799 --> 00:35:33.719 Paphroditus almost dies delivering funds. 00:35:35.099 --> 00:35:38.779 Paul is executed at the hands of the Romans in the service of Christ. 00:35:38.780 --> 00:35:45.220 Timothy, preaching against a pagan worship, was brutally murdered in stone. 00:35:45.740 --> 00:35:47.220 But not there. 00:35:47.460 --> 00:35:48.280 Like, we don't stop there. 00:35:48.620 --> 00:35:52.640 Stephen, preaching against the Jews, murdered in stone. 00:35:53.740 --> 00:35:56.060 Peter, crucified upside down. 00:35:56.059 --> 00:36:03.299 If God is more important than ourselves, are his commands your delight? 00:36:04.019 --> 00:36:06.519 Are they a lamp onto your feet? 00:36:07.519 --> 00:36:12.119 In the service of Christ, is he the priority, or are you? 00:36:12.119 --> 00:36:14.319 Right? 00:36:17.460 --> 00:36:18.420 That's all I have for you. 00:36:18.579 --> 00:36:18.839 Let me pray. 00:36:18.839 --> 00:36:18.900 Let me pray. 00:36:18.900 --> 00:36:18.900 00:36:18.900 --> 00:36:23.280 Let me pray. 00:36:23.280 --> 00:36:23.280 00:36:23.280 --> 00:36:23.280 00:36:23.280 --> 00:36:23.280 00:36:23.280 --> 00:36:23.280 00:36:23.280 --> 00:36:23.280 00:36:23.280 --> 00:36:23.280 00:36:23.280 --> 00:36:23.280 00:36:23.280 --> 00:36:23.280 00:36:23.280 --> 00:36:23.280 00:36:23.280 --> 00:36:23.280 00:36:23.280 --> 00:36:23.280 00:36:23.280 --> 00:36:23.280 00:36:23.280 --> 00:36:23.280 00:36:23.280 --> 00:36:23.280 00:36:23.280 --> 00:36:23.280 00:36:23.280 --> 00:36:23.280 00:36:23.280 --> 00:36:23.280 00:36:23.280 --> 00:36:23.280 00:36:23.280 --> 00:36:23.280