WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.299 Thanks, Andrew. 00:00:06.020 --> 00:00:11.820 I'm reading from Philippians chapter 2, verses 19 to 30. 00:00:11.820 --> 00:00:21.219 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may be cheered by news of you. 00:00:22.339 --> 00:00:27.179 For I have no one like him who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 00:00:28.460 --> 00:00:32.840 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 00:00:33.640 --> 00:00:35.880 But you know Timothy's proven worth. 00:00:35.880 --> 00:00:40.679 How of a son with a father, he has served me in the gospel. 00:00:41.520 --> 00:00:47.640 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me. 00:00:48.120 --> 00:00:52.680 And I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. 00:00:55.079 --> 00:01:01.560 I have thought it necessary to send you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, 00:01:02.060 --> 00:01:04.700 and your messenger and minister to my need. 00:01:04.700 --> 00:01:12.180 For he has been longing for you all, and has been distressed, because you heard that he was ill. 00:01:12.879 --> 00:01:14.920 Indeed he was ill, near to death. 00:01:15.540 --> 00:01:23.140 But God had mercy on him, and not only on him, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 00:01:23.140 --> 00:01:31.640 I am the more eager to send him therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 00:01:32.200 --> 00:01:36.519 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honour such men. 00:01:37.120 --> 00:01:45.620 For he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in you, in your service to me. 00:01:45.620 --> 00:01:54.840 Are we back on? 00:01:54.900 --> 00:01:55.280 There we are. 00:01:55.340 --> 00:01:55.980 Good morning, everyone. 00:01:56.620 --> 00:01:57.500 Good to see you all. 00:01:58.580 --> 00:01:58.939 Welcome. 00:01:58.939 --> 00:02:06.259 If you've got your bulletin handy, there's some points that we'll be following, and it'd be good to follow along. 00:02:06.399 --> 00:02:11.280 I'm going to be doing a bit of interactivity together today, because it's a professional courtesy to do that. 00:02:11.800 --> 00:02:15.759 So be ready to call back, particularly those of you with ADHD, this is for you. 00:02:17.159 --> 00:02:19.120 Before we start, let me pray. 00:02:19.120 --> 00:02:31.840 Majestic God, as it says in Psalm 8, despite your supreme majesty, your mind is on us. 00:02:32.680 --> 00:02:36.120 How is it possible that we fill your mind? 00:02:37.120 --> 00:02:48.120 You love and care for us so much that you are willing to become a weak infant and vulnerable child, all in order to save us. 00:02:49.120 --> 00:03:00.460 Now, help me, help us, in all daily interactions, to treat each person that we meet as being infinitely precious in your sight. 00:03:01.659 --> 00:03:04.759 Help us to hear your word today and to be transformed. 00:03:05.700 --> 00:03:08.860 And we ask this in the precious name of Jesus. 00:03:10.060 --> 00:03:10.420 Amen. 00:03:12.259 --> 00:03:14.719 Well, folks, this is a catchy title. 00:03:14.860 --> 00:03:16.939 I think this will be big somewhere sometime. 00:03:16.939 --> 00:03:20.699 This is called A Travelogue, An Envoy and Two Humble People. 00:03:21.460 --> 00:03:25.840 So if you're going to write a book, I'd encourage you that this is a good title. 00:03:27.620 --> 00:03:33.219 In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary conquered Everest. 00:03:34.419 --> 00:03:41.120 Though later decorated with the highest of worldly honours, he spent his life in service. 00:03:41.120 --> 00:03:47.500 Building hospitals and schools and serving the Nepalese people. 00:03:49.159 --> 00:03:53.740 Years later, while in the region, tourists spotted him and begged him for a photo. 00:03:54.740 --> 00:03:59.800 And one of them handed him an ice axe so that he could look the part. 00:03:59.800 --> 00:04:08.460 A passing climber who was blind to the legend that was standing before him, straight up to Hillary and said, 00:04:08.580 --> 00:04:12.240 Excuse me, that's not how you hold an ice pick. 00:04:13.340 --> 00:04:14.580 Let me show you. 00:04:16.040 --> 00:04:23.800 Everyone stood around amazed in silence as Hillary thanked the man, let him adjust the pick, 00:04:23.800 --> 00:04:27.360 and happily went on with the photograph. 00:04:29.360 --> 00:04:37.319 And the intruder's presumption diminished him, the intruder, because pride repels us. 00:04:38.300 --> 00:04:42.080 Yet Hillary's greatness was magnified by his restraint. 00:04:42.079 --> 00:04:48.899 We see here that true humility doesn't obscure glory, it actually enhances it. 00:04:50.120 --> 00:04:52.500 And this was the pattern of Edmund Hillary's life. 00:04:53.279 --> 00:04:56.599 Forgoing status and resources for others. 00:04:58.139 --> 00:05:01.839 The Encyclopedia Britannica, I hear that's still a thing, they declare this. 00:05:02.959 --> 00:05:07.699 Hillary never anticipated the acclaim that would follow the historic ascent. 00:05:07.699 --> 00:05:12.000 Throughout his life, he maintained a high level of humility. 00:05:13.219 --> 00:05:19.019 And his main interest came to be the welfare of the Himalayan peoples of Nepal. 00:05:19.980 --> 00:05:21.259 Especially the Sherpas. 00:05:23.279 --> 00:05:24.980 Humility is beautiful. 00:05:26.959 --> 00:05:31.800 Today we're continuing to step through the next section of Philippians. 00:05:32.560 --> 00:05:34.680 And we arrive at a bit of a weird spot. 00:05:34.680 --> 00:05:37.279 We arrive at Paul's travel plans. 00:05:37.699 --> 00:05:45.579 Now this section, it's flanked by the section before, the soaring majesty of a Christ hymn. 00:05:46.779 --> 00:05:49.539 And then in chapter 3, we have some sharp warnings. 00:05:50.759 --> 00:05:56.459 And these 12 verses about Timothy and Epaphroditus can seem mundane. 00:05:57.620 --> 00:05:58.300 Mere logistics. 00:05:59.939 --> 00:06:01.800 But do not be deceived. 00:06:02.219 --> 00:06:04.699 Here, doctrine becomes duty. 00:06:04.699 --> 00:06:10.599 We move through the theory of humility into the practice. 00:06:12.680 --> 00:06:14.259 Let us define this grace. 00:06:15.099 --> 00:06:18.839 Then behold, it lived out in two faithful men. 00:06:18.839 --> 00:06:23.079 So the first point is, what is humility? 00:06:23.679 --> 00:06:25.619 And we're going to look at a working definition of that. 00:06:27.259 --> 00:06:34.359 Now this question is posed in Philippians 2, after calling for humility in Philippians 2, from verse 3. 00:06:34.459 --> 00:06:37.159 Can you open your Bibles, if you haven't already, to Philippians 2? 00:06:37.719 --> 00:06:38.899 And I'll read this for you. 00:06:38.899 --> 00:06:43.859 We're reading from Philippians 2, verse 3. 00:06:44.859 --> 00:06:45.500 It says, 00:06:45.500 --> 00:06:56.099 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 00:06:56.100 --> 00:07:06.379 Paul gave the extreme example of lowliness of the mind of Christ Jesus in 2, 5 to 11. 00:07:07.820 --> 00:07:11.580 That was and is the ultimate example of true humility. 00:07:11.579 --> 00:07:19.339 The second illustration was Paul himself being poured out as a drink offering on behalf of the Philippians. 00:07:19.419 --> 00:07:23.519 And that's in verse 17 and 18 of chapter 2. 00:07:24.560 --> 00:07:27.979 And now we meet two real-life examples. 00:07:29.000 --> 00:07:31.899 Paul's young son in the faith, Timothy. 00:07:32.299 --> 00:07:34.299 That's in verses 19 to 24. 00:07:34.300 --> 00:07:42.520 And Epaphroditus, a godly man who was sent as an envoy from the Philippians to minister to Paul. 00:07:42.600 --> 00:07:44.860 That's from verses 25 to 30. 00:07:46.520 --> 00:07:50.819 Let us learn from these two men what authentic humility looks like. 00:07:52.019 --> 00:07:54.900 And why does Paul even continue on this theme? 00:07:55.660 --> 00:07:57.319 Well, I think it's simple. 00:07:57.319 --> 00:08:08.099 It's because he knows that like the first humans, they and we all too easily fall into the trap of pride and selfishness. 00:08:08.920 --> 00:08:16.959 Despite all of the positivity that Paul sees flowing from this incredible group, he just says joy after joy after joy. 00:08:17.100 --> 00:08:17.800 He is gushing. 00:08:19.180 --> 00:08:24.039 He knows, like with us, that disunity is inevitable. 00:08:24.040 --> 00:08:30.319 As we're reminded of that famous passage from James 4 verse 1. 00:08:31.680 --> 00:08:35.519 Disunity comes from within. 00:08:35.920 --> 00:08:37.420 Where does disunity come from? 00:08:37.480 --> 00:08:38.300 It comes from? 00:08:38.960 --> 00:08:40.120 Good job. 00:08:41.920 --> 00:08:49.180 He knows that encouragement, he knows that encouragement to keep their eyes on Jesus is what's necessary. 00:08:49.879 --> 00:08:53.700 Which drives his desire to support this fledgling church. 00:08:54.039 --> 00:08:59.740 Now, at this point, I think it's important to actually define what we mean by humility. 00:09:01.019 --> 00:09:07.019 It's a pretty modern word and it was based on probably three ancient words that these guys would have known about. 00:09:07.860 --> 00:09:13.379 And in his book, John Dixon writes, it's titled Humilitas, which is the Latin version of humility. 00:09:13.379 --> 00:09:18.639 He discusses the etymology of the modern Western meaning. 00:09:18.720 --> 00:09:20.000 I'm not going to go much into that. 00:09:20.200 --> 00:09:22.960 But he says it's derived from a bunch of words. 00:09:24.120 --> 00:09:30.659 And the modern usage of that word that we understand and they would have understood can go both negatively and positively. 00:09:30.659 --> 00:09:38.459 Negatively, you could see humility as being put down or to be put low or to be humiliated. 00:09:39.639 --> 00:09:47.980 But positively, the words can mean to lower yourself or, referencing the word itself, to be humbled. 00:09:47.980 --> 00:09:52.000 And can you see, they're two very radically different definitions. 00:09:53.139 --> 00:09:56.840 One is the experience of being conquered, of being shamed. 00:09:57.539 --> 00:10:02.879 And the other is to redirect your power in the service of other people. 00:10:04.379 --> 00:10:12.340 For our purposes, and using Dixon's ideas as a guide, our working definition will be this and then we'll shorten it. 00:10:12.340 --> 00:10:24.920 Humility is the noble choice to forgo your status, deploy your resources or use your influence for the good of others before yourself. 00:10:26.160 --> 00:10:28.560 And more simply put, you could just say this. 00:10:28.639 --> 00:10:36.240 The humble person is marked by a willingness to hold their power in the service of others. 00:10:36.240 --> 00:10:42.960 Humility is a willingness to hold your power in the service of others. 00:10:43.600 --> 00:10:46.980 And this is the definition that I'm going to consider and we should consider today. 00:10:47.220 --> 00:10:48.159 And you might want to write it down. 00:10:48.820 --> 00:10:52.779 A willingness to hold power in the service of others. 00:10:55.440 --> 00:10:56.700 It's quite a good definition. 00:10:57.139 --> 00:11:00.879 And we'll see it illustrated in our two examples from this passage. 00:11:01.539 --> 00:11:03.759 And it highlights some of the key aspects. 00:11:03.759 --> 00:11:12.379 One of the great things about it is it retains the dignity of the person choosing humility. 00:11:12.819 --> 00:11:13.939 It retains their dignity. 00:11:14.879 --> 00:11:17.480 But the other thing to consider is it's also willing. 00:11:17.639 --> 00:11:19.120 It's not coerced of them. 00:11:19.220 --> 00:11:20.279 They're not being humiliated. 00:11:20.399 --> 00:11:21.600 They're choosing humility. 00:11:22.500 --> 00:11:23.679 And it's social. 00:11:24.039 --> 00:11:25.279 It's not a private thing. 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:30.740 It's not an act of self-deprecation, which is often associated with humility. 00:11:30.740 --> 00:11:39.060 So, we're going to use this example today, this working definition, which is a willingness to hold power in the service of others. 00:11:39.659 --> 00:11:41.480 And we'll begin with two case studies. 00:11:42.480 --> 00:11:45.960 Real-life examples of men who demonstrate humility. 00:11:46.600 --> 00:11:51.000 And like Hillary and Norgas, they do it in a teamwork kind of way. 00:11:51.799 --> 00:11:53.279 They defy the odds. 00:11:53.279 --> 00:11:59.600 The examples illustrate a manner of life worthy of the gospel of Christ. 00:11:59.740 --> 00:12:03.419 So, read along with me as we get back to verse 19. 00:12:04.579 --> 00:12:05.579 It says this, 00:12:06.399 --> 00:12:13.259 I hope in the Lord to send Timothy to you so that I may be cheered by the news of you. 00:12:13.339 --> 00:12:14.019 Verse 19. 00:12:16.019 --> 00:12:17.220 Paul is in prison. 00:12:17.220 --> 00:12:19.300 He's in Rome. 00:12:19.980 --> 00:12:21.800 No doubt he's a little bit unpopular. 00:12:22.700 --> 00:12:24.700 And probably not that easy to be around. 00:12:26.019 --> 00:12:30.940 And one of the first character traits we see in Timothy, and this is a bit of alliteration again. 00:12:31.220 --> 00:12:31.720 It's helpful. 00:12:32.080 --> 00:12:33.040 You might want to write this down. 00:12:34.120 --> 00:12:36.759 Timothy is long-lasting. 00:12:37.220 --> 00:12:37.700 What is he? 00:12:37.800 --> 00:12:39.040 He is long-lasting. 00:12:39.200 --> 00:12:39.340 Ready? 00:12:39.460 --> 00:12:39.980 Three, two, one. 00:12:40.060 --> 00:12:40.660 Say with me. 00:12:41.060 --> 00:12:42.279 Long-lasting. 00:12:42.639 --> 00:12:43.139 Well done. 00:12:43.220 --> 00:12:44.980 There's so much cringing going on back there, Caitlin. 00:12:44.980 --> 00:12:45.660 I can see it. 00:12:45.659 --> 00:12:47.980 He's long-lasting. 00:12:49.399 --> 00:12:52.719 He's sticking with Paul through the tough times. 00:12:55.159 --> 00:12:59.620 And because of his imprisonment, Paul can't return to Philippi at the present time. 00:13:00.279 --> 00:13:01.719 His plans are not certain. 00:13:02.399 --> 00:13:09.539 But in the Lord, subject to his divine guidance or overruling, if the Lord permits, in verse 23, 00:13:10.259 --> 00:13:13.919 as soon as the road is clear for Paul, he's going to return. 00:13:13.919 --> 00:13:17.839 And he's shortly sending Timothy also as an envoy. 00:13:18.539 --> 00:13:21.579 So the first thing we know about Timothy is he is long-lasting. 00:13:23.399 --> 00:13:26.500 And look at how Paul describes Timothy's character. 00:13:27.539 --> 00:13:28.459 Verse 20. 00:13:28.659 --> 00:13:29.219 Read with me. 00:13:30.219 --> 00:13:33.979 I have no one like him who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 00:13:34.240 --> 00:13:35.199 And verse 22. 00:13:35.200 --> 00:13:37.660 You know his proven worth. 00:13:37.660 --> 00:13:41.560 As a son with a father, he has served with me in the gospel. 00:13:42.560 --> 00:13:47.860 Not only is Timothy long-lasting, he's also like-minded. 00:13:48.140 --> 00:13:48.640 What is he? 00:13:48.720 --> 00:13:49.840 He is like-minded. 00:13:49.980 --> 00:13:50.120 Ready? 00:13:50.259 --> 00:13:50.940 Say it with me. 00:13:51.259 --> 00:13:52.300 Like-minded. 00:13:52.580 --> 00:13:53.080 Well done. 00:13:54.520 --> 00:13:57.020 Or another way you could say it is he's a kindred spirit. 00:13:57.240 --> 00:13:57.759 He's loyal. 00:13:58.740 --> 00:14:00.160 He thinks as I do. 00:14:00.159 --> 00:14:07.579 Another word that's used in the Greek, which I won't go into that, however, I will say equal sold is a reference for it. 00:14:07.860 --> 00:14:08.759 He is my equal. 00:14:10.079 --> 00:14:11.799 Now this is a rare jewel. 00:14:13.000 --> 00:14:16.719 And he has the same kind of mind as the apostle. 00:14:16.720 --> 00:14:26.480 But not only that, another L word or hyphenated word, Timothy is large-hearted. 00:14:27.340 --> 00:14:28.740 He's large-hearted. 00:14:28.860 --> 00:14:29.000 Ready? 00:14:29.120 --> 00:14:29.620 Three, two, one. 00:14:29.680 --> 00:14:30.200 Say it with me. 00:14:30.379 --> 00:14:31.720 Large-hearted. 00:14:32.259 --> 00:14:37.600 So he is long-lasting, like-minded and large-hearted towards other people. 00:14:37.940 --> 00:14:44.879 And he's genuinely concerned for these people's welfare, seemingly above his own. 00:14:44.879 --> 00:14:47.679 Now this is not a negative statement. 00:14:48.620 --> 00:14:52.919 Like mentioned in Philippians 4, where the church are exhorted to stop worrying. 00:14:53.159 --> 00:14:57.879 But rather, Timothy, like Paul, he actively cares for their welfare. 00:14:58.779 --> 00:15:00.480 His anxiousness is for their welfare. 00:15:02.159 --> 00:15:11.539 And Paul, who expects to be alive when Timothy returns from his visit to Philippi, would be genuinely encouraged when he learns about the Philippians' circumstances. 00:15:11.539 --> 00:15:15.500 So Paul is planning to send Timothy as soon as he can. 00:15:15.579 --> 00:15:20.679 And his envoy or representative will be of full support, full authority from Paul. 00:15:21.399 --> 00:15:30.620 All others whom Paul might have sent, they're concerned about their own interests, their own affairs, rather than the cause of Christ. 00:15:30.759 --> 00:15:31.480 But not Timothy. 00:15:32.159 --> 00:15:34.319 There is no one like Timothy. 00:15:34.899 --> 00:15:36.699 He is free from self-centeredness. 00:15:36.700 --> 00:15:42.440 Timothy was present and no doubt active when the gospel was preached at Philippi. 00:15:42.680 --> 00:15:46.060 And you can read in your own time Acts 16 and 17, where he's mentioned. 00:15:47.200 --> 00:15:54.000 Timothy has proven his worth with his close personal relationship with Paul as servants of Christ. 00:15:55.040 --> 00:16:02.140 Timothy's humility is clearly seen because he is long-lasting, like-minded and large-hearted. 00:16:02.139 --> 00:16:07.100 Okay, this one's a bit of a stretch for an L word, but I'm doing what I can with it. 00:16:07.879 --> 00:16:12.759 Not only this, Timothy is laboriously hard-working. 00:16:13.860 --> 00:16:16.000 He is laboriously hard-working. 00:16:16.100 --> 00:16:16.259 Ready? 00:16:16.379 --> 00:16:17.500 Three, two, one, say it with me. 00:16:18.519 --> 00:16:19.939 Laboriously hard-working. 00:16:20.120 --> 00:16:21.220 That was such a stretch. 00:16:21.879 --> 00:16:23.559 I didn't use ChatGPT for that. 00:16:24.860 --> 00:16:27.399 Another strong attribute of Timothy is his work ethic. 00:16:27.399 --> 00:16:34.459 As we see in verse 22, read along with me, it says that he has served with me in the gospel. 00:16:35.419 --> 00:16:37.860 The word he uses here, I will say this one, it's doulos. 00:16:37.980 --> 00:16:42.039 It means slave or performing duties of a slave. 00:16:42.379 --> 00:16:44.199 It's also the word behind deacon. 00:16:45.679 --> 00:16:50.139 Timothy serves God to further the cause of the gospel following the model of Christ. 00:16:50.840 --> 00:16:53.019 He's genuinely concerned for the Philippians. 00:16:53.019 --> 00:16:57.259 And he's made himself a slave with Paul to further the gospel. 00:16:59.360 --> 00:17:02.259 Now, if you were Timothy, what would that require of you? 00:17:02.399 --> 00:17:03.319 What might it be like? 00:17:04.319 --> 00:17:09.139 Well, coming back to our definition, a willingness to hold your power in the service of others, 00:17:10.379 --> 00:17:16.660 which, to add a Christian perspective, a willingness to hold your power in the service of others to further the gospel, 00:17:17.299 --> 00:17:20.400 on Timothy's part, we can certainly assume a few things. 00:17:20.400 --> 00:17:24.060 We've got to assume that he was largely flexible. 00:17:25.580 --> 00:17:30.820 We can imagine that in the scheduling of his time and his energy, he had some flexibility about him. 00:17:31.620 --> 00:17:39.380 He had a willingness to yield his desires and his plans in favour of Paul's plans and Christ's plans. 00:17:40.560 --> 00:17:42.259 He must have been adaptable. 00:17:42.259 --> 00:17:48.000 All right, let's have a look at our next guy, Epaphroditus. 00:17:48.359 --> 00:17:49.299 An interesting name. 00:17:51.140 --> 00:17:52.779 We don't know very much about this guy. 00:17:53.980 --> 00:18:00.220 Maybe, some people say, maybe his parents worshipped Aphrodite and maybe that's where his name came from, 00:18:00.279 --> 00:18:01.619 but we don't know, we're guessing. 00:18:01.859 --> 00:18:05.940 But let's have a look from what it does say in the passage, from verse 25 and 26. 00:18:06.039 --> 00:18:06.640 Read along with me. 00:18:06.640 --> 00:18:27.620 So, what do we know about him? 00:18:27.619 --> 00:18:31.639 Nothing other than he was closely connected to the Church of Philippi. 00:18:32.359 --> 00:18:34.419 He was probably some kind of spiritual leader. 00:18:35.379 --> 00:18:43.000 He was serving in some capacity and was sent probably with some kind of financial gift to help Paul's expenses while being imprisoned, 00:18:43.179 --> 00:18:45.019 which we can see in chapter 4, verse 18. 00:18:45.019 --> 00:18:51.099 He was sent to minister to Paul by taking care of Paul's personal needs, verse 25. 00:18:51.819 --> 00:18:57.900 But while serving, he became desperately ill, to the point of death, verse 27. 00:18:58.980 --> 00:19:04.240 No doubt, when the news reached the Philippians, they understandably were probably deeply concerned for him. 00:19:05.680 --> 00:19:08.000 And what were the distinguishing marks of Epaphroditus? 00:19:08.220 --> 00:19:11.160 He has an incredible title here. 00:19:12.099 --> 00:19:13.180 Look at what he has. 00:19:13.180 --> 00:19:14.880 He's sort of like a quadruple threat. 00:19:15.000 --> 00:19:16.400 He's got a fourfold description. 00:19:17.420 --> 00:19:22.560 He is brother, fellow worker, messenger, fellow soldier. 00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:25.720 Firstly, let's look at brother. 00:19:27.060 --> 00:19:29.420 Epaphroditus was a genuine believer. 00:19:30.160 --> 00:19:31.519 Or a brother in Christ. 00:19:31.940 --> 00:19:34.279 Not just a brother or my brother. 00:19:35.160 --> 00:19:37.039 Sorry, not just a brother, but my brother. 00:19:37.140 --> 00:19:41.500 So, Paul is really indicating a deep and cherished affection for Epaphroditus. 00:19:41.500 --> 00:19:44.279 A close relationship must have existed between them. 00:19:45.059 --> 00:19:50.519 And you can assume that Paul is providing yet another great example to the Philippian church of, 00:19:51.200 --> 00:19:54.359 this is what you are to be like, if you want to be like Christ. 00:19:54.359 --> 00:20:00.619 Like Timothy, Epaphroditus demonstrates many excellent qualities. 00:20:00.819 --> 00:20:01.839 Now, we've had L words. 00:20:01.939 --> 00:20:03.019 We're going with S's now. 00:20:03.779 --> 00:20:05.199 So, we're doing some S alliteration. 00:20:05.679 --> 00:20:08.419 Firstly, he is a sacrificial soldier. 00:20:08.919 --> 00:20:09.319 Ready? 00:20:09.479 --> 00:20:09.979 Three, two, one. 00:20:10.059 --> 00:20:12.959 Say with me, he is a sacrificial soldier. 00:20:13.179 --> 00:20:13.859 Verse 25. 00:20:13.859 --> 00:20:22.319 Working shoulder to shoulder at the coalface of the Lord, working together in difficult times like in battle, 00:20:23.000 --> 00:20:28.879 allegiance comes out the most in the midst of Paul's difficult imprisonment. 00:20:29.839 --> 00:20:34.219 The next thing he is, is Epaphroditus is a sent servant. 00:20:34.500 --> 00:20:38.240 So, not only is he a sacrificial soldier, he is a sent servant. 00:20:38.379 --> 00:20:38.859 Three, two, one. 00:20:38.899 --> 00:20:41.399 Say with me, he is a sent servant. 00:20:41.400 --> 00:20:45.700 Like in wartimes, he brings an important message. 00:20:46.340 --> 00:20:55.800 And Paul uses the word apostolus, where apostle is derived, meaning one who is sent on an official mission. 00:20:57.019 --> 00:20:58.500 That is what he is. 00:20:59.860 --> 00:21:03.900 Next, he's described, I could have used servant here, but that's already referenced. 00:21:04.180 --> 00:21:05.100 So, it's no S's. 00:21:05.160 --> 00:21:06.640 He's a minister to Paul's need. 00:21:08.060 --> 00:21:09.800 I feel bad asking you to say that. 00:21:09.840 --> 00:21:10.560 It's not an S word. 00:21:10.559 --> 00:21:12.480 I've broken my covenant with you. 00:21:12.839 --> 00:21:14.839 But he's a minister to Paul's need. 00:21:14.899 --> 00:21:18.679 If you come up with an S word, tell me later, I'll share with everyone else. 00:21:19.940 --> 00:21:24.099 And that word really just means doing spiritual work. 00:21:24.940 --> 00:21:26.919 So, he's a sacrificial soldier. 00:21:27.599 --> 00:21:28.819 He is a sent servant. 00:21:29.179 --> 00:21:30.500 He's a minister to Paul's needs. 00:21:30.500 --> 00:21:31.500 Paul's needs. 00:21:31.500 --> 00:21:32.019 Paul's needs. 00:21:32.019 --> 00:21:37.660 But also, there's one other thing about Epaphroditus, which I could find an S word for. 00:21:38.880 --> 00:21:43.619 And it describes his humility in terms of emotion. 00:21:44.779 --> 00:21:49.400 Epaphroditus is soulful or emotional. 00:21:50.059 --> 00:21:50.960 He's soulful. 00:21:51.079 --> 00:21:51.240 Ready? 00:21:51.400 --> 00:21:52.240 Three, two, one with me. 00:21:52.960 --> 00:21:53.559 Soulful. 00:21:53.880 --> 00:21:54.759 If I can say it. 00:21:54.880 --> 00:21:55.720 Hopefully, you said it. 00:21:55.720 --> 00:21:57.100 Verse 26. 00:21:57.600 --> 00:21:59.799 There's a deep emotion going on here. 00:22:00.900 --> 00:22:01.519 It says this. 00:22:01.680 --> 00:22:03.640 He has been longing for you. 00:22:04.620 --> 00:22:10.480 Longing for you all and has been distressed because you hear that he was ill. 00:22:10.480 --> 00:22:21.259 Now, the word that Paul uses here is one that carries a depth of desire or intense feelings. 00:22:22.099 --> 00:22:26.420 He has a depth of desire or intense feelings for his fellow believers. 00:22:26.940 --> 00:22:27.980 That's Epaphroditus. 00:22:28.759 --> 00:22:36.660 Rather than a stoic going through the mechanical motions, he feels, rather than self-pity, which 00:22:36.660 --> 00:22:42.279 you can imagine he would fill due to his near-death experience, which could be distressing, no doubt. 00:22:43.500 --> 00:22:45.980 He is concerned for his brothers and sisters. 00:22:46.600 --> 00:22:52.120 And thankfully, God spared Epaphroditus' life at that time, as we see in verse 28. 00:22:53.440 --> 00:22:55.140 And Paul himself is deeply connected. 00:22:55.420 --> 00:22:57.220 He was not a man devoid of feelings. 00:22:57.519 --> 00:23:01.840 He was not a doctrine-fixed robot that he might be accused of. 00:23:01.839 --> 00:23:07.980 Paul has a deep affection for those that he served and with whom he served. 00:23:09.639 --> 00:23:17.339 And now, Paul is willingly sending back the willing messenger to be received with honour, verse 29, 00:23:18.379 --> 00:23:23.799 because they could have presumed that maybe he didn't quite get the job right, so he's being sent back. 00:23:23.799 --> 00:23:33.119 No, they should regard him highly, because he served to the point of death to complete that which was lacking in Paul, verse 30. 00:23:35.240 --> 00:23:40.039 Now, a question, really, I'd like us to consider is, that's fine. 00:23:40.779 --> 00:23:43.379 Those are two people who are long dead. 00:23:44.659 --> 00:23:50.059 What would it look like for us in 2026 to consider humility? 00:23:50.339 --> 00:23:51.559 What would it look like for us? 00:23:51.559 --> 00:23:56.980 And are we the kind of people that are just happy to rest in our comfort zone, 00:23:57.460 --> 00:24:02.539 or are we happy to serve with a ministry mindset like these gentlemen had? 00:24:03.139 --> 00:24:04.179 I think it's worth asking. 00:24:05.659 --> 00:24:08.220 Now, I want to give you an example of an Australian person, 00:24:08.940 --> 00:24:12.019 not this generation, a few generations back. 00:24:13.579 --> 00:24:16.179 It's virtually an unknown, obscure reference. 00:24:16.679 --> 00:24:18.960 Some historical circles, you may know about it. 00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:20.819 It's not particularly popular, even. 00:24:20.819 --> 00:24:25.299 But it's inspired special mention in Dixon's book. 00:24:25.579 --> 00:24:27.240 Dixon even wrote a song about this guy. 00:24:27.539 --> 00:24:30.879 If you were into the band In the Silence, back in the 80s and 90s, 00:24:30.899 --> 00:24:32.859 is there anyone in here who was it? 00:24:32.939 --> 00:24:34.179 Okay, three of us, great. 00:24:35.319 --> 00:24:36.519 He wrote a song about this guy. 00:24:36.579 --> 00:24:39.799 Let me tell you a little bit about this person. 00:24:39.899 --> 00:24:40.799 Now, cast your mind back. 00:24:40.839 --> 00:24:42.500 We're going back about four generations. 00:24:42.500 --> 00:24:48.859 And the first Australians, the Aboriginal people, were subject to inhumane treatment. 00:24:48.859 --> 00:24:56.799 There was a commonly held attitude towards Aboriginal people that they were an evolutionary throwback, 00:24:57.779 --> 00:24:58.619 devoid of a soul. 00:24:58.619 --> 00:25:03.639 As a result of this, atrocities happened all too frequently. 00:25:04.379 --> 00:25:07.599 It was not uncommon for an Aboriginal person to be shot for bounty. 00:25:07.599 --> 00:25:14.019 And many other unspeakable acts, which were largely supported by the society of the day. 00:25:14.019 --> 00:25:17.559 But there are some exceptions to this. 00:25:17.559 --> 00:25:23.859 And inspired by God's clear declaration that all people are made in his image 00:25:23.859 --> 00:25:30.660 and are worthy of dignity and respect, this example arises from the ashes. 00:25:30.660 --> 00:25:38.320 The name of these two people that you may not recognise is Daniel and Janet Matthews. 00:25:39.180 --> 00:25:42.000 And they lived on the Murray River in the 1860s. 00:25:43.380 --> 00:25:51.380 And Janet lived for a little bit longer than Daniel, but by about 1920, both of them had passed away. 00:25:52.680 --> 00:25:57.460 They ran a merchant company supplying food and clothing and other vital supplies to the settlers 00:25:57.460 --> 00:25:58.480 up and down the Murray River. 00:25:58.480 --> 00:26:01.819 They owned a substantial amount of land. 00:26:02.779 --> 00:26:06.539 And by all accounts, these were people who were well off and they lived very comfortably, 00:26:07.480 --> 00:26:09.019 albeit a hard-working life. 00:26:10.360 --> 00:26:16.799 After witnessing a large number of Aboriginal people in a desperate poverty-stricken state, 00:26:17.099 --> 00:26:19.660 Daniel began to stir. 00:26:21.099 --> 00:26:26.160 He wrote in his diary, and I don't think this is blasphemy, I think this is a cry for help. 00:26:26.160 --> 00:26:29.140 My God, can this be right? 00:26:30.340 --> 00:26:37.759 From that day onwards, he and his family committed themselves to the service of the Murray River Aboriginal community. 00:26:38.660 --> 00:26:42.900 They would use their resources to advocate for Aboriginal people above themselves. 00:26:43.500 --> 00:26:46.019 They would use their power to benefit others. 00:26:47.080 --> 00:26:48.460 To the glory of God. 00:26:48.460 --> 00:26:53.640 And some examples included Daniel's strong written advocacy. 00:26:54.500 --> 00:26:59.620 He apparently had a gift with the pen, or whatever he used. 00:27:00.799 --> 00:27:07.079 And he wrote countless letters to newspapers, government agencies. 00:27:07.079 --> 00:27:15.099 And he begged that government policy and societal attitudes might change towards the Aboriginal people. 00:27:15.099 --> 00:27:23.679 Not only that, not only advocacy, but Matthews gave a large portion of his land back to the Aboriginal people. 00:27:24.359 --> 00:27:30.779 Having discovered that it was regarded as sacred with the local name of Malgoa. 00:27:31.839 --> 00:27:35.919 Malgoa Station was formed and was used for the Murray River people, 00:27:36.059 --> 00:27:43.319 and not for any of Matthews' commercial profit, despite his business partner brother's annoyance. 00:27:43.319 --> 00:27:52.419 It became a safe haven for Aboriginal people across New South Wales and Victoria, providing medical attention. 00:27:52.960 --> 00:27:59.379 And because Janet was a teacher, she also provided an education for anybody who wanted to. 00:28:00.259 --> 00:28:07.299 There's even stories, and perhaps it's folklore, but there's stories of Daniel breaking into people's houses 00:28:07.299 --> 00:28:10.079 and rescuing those who were chained up and slaved. 00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:13.220 He was shot, and he was beaten in the process. 00:28:14.179 --> 00:28:17.059 But that was of a higher calling than following the law of the day. 00:28:19.240 --> 00:28:20.699 Daniel could not rest. 00:28:21.599 --> 00:28:22.699 This is not a good example. 00:28:22.939 --> 00:28:26.879 He worked for 18 hours a day for 40 years. 00:28:28.339 --> 00:28:29.639 Six days a week. 00:28:31.240 --> 00:28:34.000 And he couldn't keep his business functioning. 00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:41.720 While dedicating his resources to those who had no advocacy, his brother and business partner thought that he was crazy. 00:28:43.160 --> 00:28:48.299 The business revenue suffered, and his pretty shameful quote, the brother said, 00:28:48.539 --> 00:28:49.920 he has blackfella on the brain. 00:28:51.920 --> 00:28:58.700 The friendship and affection of the Aboriginal people that they felt towards him was clearly obvious. 00:28:58.700 --> 00:29:02.200 They named him a special name, which was Maranuka. 00:29:03.680 --> 00:29:04.740 And it means friend. 00:29:06.779 --> 00:29:08.940 In an article in the Footscray Advertiser, 00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:14.840 the writer describes the state of affairs when he visited Mulgawa Station. 00:29:15.840 --> 00:29:21.259 And he says this about the personal cost and the extraordinary willingness of Matthews 00:29:21.259 --> 00:29:26.140 to hold his power for the good of others above himself. 00:29:26.140 --> 00:29:27.920 This is what he says. 00:29:28.080 --> 00:29:30.180 The superintendent, he means Matthews, 00:29:30.540 --> 00:29:32.420 I gather from the outside sources, 00:29:32.720 --> 00:29:36.680 probably had that 1950s, sort of 1820s, 60s, whatever. 00:29:37.020 --> 00:29:38.040 Australia's favourite people. 00:29:38.120 --> 00:29:39.020 He probably spoke like that. 00:29:40.020 --> 00:29:41.880 I gather from outside sources, 00:29:42.320 --> 00:29:45.040 he has impoverished himself and his family, 00:29:45.900 --> 00:29:49.340 being forced to neglect his own material interests 00:29:49.340 --> 00:29:53.500 through his extra care and affection for the blacks. 00:29:53.500 --> 00:29:56.299 I left that place, 00:29:56.720 --> 00:30:01.759 feeling that a life had been given away in devotion to the natives' welfare. 00:30:03.579 --> 00:30:05.299 Can you see the journalist's perspective? 00:30:06.500 --> 00:30:08.720 What a waste, is what he was saying. 00:30:10.720 --> 00:30:12.539 But the Matthews family didn't feel that. 00:30:12.680 --> 00:30:14.200 They didn't feel that they'd thrown anything away. 00:30:15.220 --> 00:30:19.279 They believed in holding their power and resources for those who needed them the most. 00:30:19.279 --> 00:30:22.000 Even after her husband's death, 00:30:22.559 --> 00:30:25.799 Janet continued their work for another decade, 00:30:26.220 --> 00:30:28.420 opening two more homes in South Australia. 00:30:29.480 --> 00:30:32.299 Their permanent mark was left in New South Wales, 00:30:32.500 --> 00:30:34.240 in Victoria, in South Australia, 00:30:34.619 --> 00:30:35.859 and it was long-lasting. 00:30:37.279 --> 00:30:40.220 Daniel's modest tombstone has this inscription, 00:30:40.420 --> 00:30:40.819 and it reads, 00:30:40.980 --> 00:30:41.940 Maranuka Friend. 00:30:42.599 --> 00:30:44.420 His works do follow him. 00:30:44.420 --> 00:30:48.420 Now, this is a powerful example, don't you think, 00:30:48.500 --> 00:30:50.200 of a Timothy, 00:30:50.580 --> 00:30:52.259 of an Epaphroditus kind of person, 00:30:52.660 --> 00:30:53.160 or people, 00:30:53.279 --> 00:30:53.740 or family, 00:30:54.000 --> 00:30:54.980 or follower of Jesus. 00:30:56.880 --> 00:30:59.340 It's a person who gets outside of their comfort zone 00:30:59.340 --> 00:31:00.800 for the benefit of others. 00:31:03.840 --> 00:31:05.740 This is where it's going to get a bit hard to hear. 00:31:05.740 --> 00:31:12.620 What evidence of humility do you see in your life 00:31:12.620 --> 00:31:15.740 that was present with Timothy, 00:31:16.779 --> 00:31:17.539 Epaphroditus, 00:31:18.880 --> 00:31:19.920 Daniel Matthews, 00:31:21.039 --> 00:31:21.900 Janet Matthews? 00:31:24.400 --> 00:31:26.019 The human disposition 00:31:26.019 --> 00:31:28.400 is kind of the opposite. 00:31:30.700 --> 00:31:33.140 Andrew Murray writes in his book on humility, 00:31:33.140 --> 00:31:35.480 towards the journey towards holiness. 00:31:35.740 --> 00:31:36.480 He says this, 00:31:37.620 --> 00:31:38.079 Pride, 00:31:38.539 --> 00:31:39.620 the loss of humility, 00:31:40.259 --> 00:31:43.059 is the root of every sin and evil. 00:31:43.740 --> 00:31:44.759 Speaking of Adam and Eve. 00:31:45.720 --> 00:31:49.200 It was when the serpent breathed the poison of his pride, 00:31:49.420 --> 00:31:51.039 the desire to be God, 00:31:51.620 --> 00:31:54.180 into the hearts of our first parents, 00:31:55.039 --> 00:31:57.220 that they too fell from their highest state 00:31:57.220 --> 00:31:58.259 into wretchedness, 00:31:58.819 --> 00:32:00.859 to which all humankind has sunk. 00:32:01.660 --> 00:32:03.359 In heaven and on earth, 00:32:03.359 --> 00:32:05.979 pride and self-exaltation 00:32:05.979 --> 00:32:09.099 is the very gateway to hell. 00:32:11.639 --> 00:32:13.339 This is a sobering reality 00:32:13.339 --> 00:32:15.419 and it continues to impact 00:32:15.419 --> 00:32:17.079 not just the unsaved, 00:32:17.519 --> 00:32:18.939 but it still impacts the saved. 00:32:20.219 --> 00:32:21.319 But there is hope, 00:32:21.740 --> 00:32:22.539 as Murray continues. 00:32:22.819 --> 00:32:23.439 He says this, 00:32:23.440 --> 00:32:27.380 Jesus came to bring back humility to earth, 00:32:27.380 --> 00:32:29.480 to make us partakers of it 00:32:29.480 --> 00:32:31.860 and buy it to save us. 00:32:32.720 --> 00:32:35.400 In heaven he humbled himself to become a man. 00:32:36.279 --> 00:32:39.500 The humility we see in him possessed him in heaven. 00:32:40.100 --> 00:32:41.039 It brought him here. 00:32:42.039 --> 00:32:42.820 Here on earth, 00:32:43.220 --> 00:32:44.620 he humbled himself 00:32:44.620 --> 00:32:47.100 and became obedient to death. 00:32:47.099 --> 00:32:51.139 His humility gave his death its value 00:32:51.139 --> 00:32:53.879 and so became our redemption. 00:32:55.639 --> 00:32:57.859 And now salvation he imparts 00:32:57.859 --> 00:32:59.039 is nothing less 00:32:59.039 --> 00:33:00.939 and nothing else 00:33:00.939 --> 00:33:04.740 than a communication of his own life and death, 00:33:05.679 --> 00:33:07.359 his own disposition and spirit, 00:33:08.319 --> 00:33:09.679 his own humility, 00:33:09.680 --> 00:33:12.820 and a relationship with God 00:33:12.820 --> 00:33:15.299 and his redeeming work. 00:33:16.460 --> 00:33:20.360 His humility became our salvation. 00:33:21.320 --> 00:33:24.440 His salvation is humility. 00:33:27.060 --> 00:33:28.620 Can you see Murray's point? 00:33:31.160 --> 00:33:32.440 Humility is not something 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:34.140 that you just bring to God 00:33:34.140 --> 00:33:35.880 or it's not something 00:33:35.880 --> 00:33:37.700 that he just gives you as a gift. 00:33:37.700 --> 00:33:41.259 It's simply the sense 00:33:41.259 --> 00:33:43.840 of entire nothingness 00:33:43.840 --> 00:33:44.580 that comes 00:33:44.580 --> 00:33:46.240 when we see 00:33:46.240 --> 00:33:49.319 how truly God is everything. 00:33:50.400 --> 00:33:51.620 Seeing the truth 00:33:51.620 --> 00:33:53.420 of our position in Christ 00:33:53.420 --> 00:33:55.380 and as God's creature 00:33:55.380 --> 00:33:57.180 and yielding to God 00:33:57.180 --> 00:33:58.140 in his place. 00:33:59.600 --> 00:34:00.960 Humility is giving in 00:34:00.960 --> 00:34:02.019 to God. 00:34:03.900 --> 00:34:05.539 But oh how much 00:34:05.539 --> 00:34:06.559 we need this today. 00:34:07.700 --> 00:34:09.699 Oh how much 00:34:09.699 --> 00:34:10.820 there is a realising 00:34:10.820 --> 00:34:11.980 of a lack of humility 00:34:11.980 --> 00:34:14.019 even in the Christian community. 00:34:15.400 --> 00:34:16.199 Christian brothers 00:34:16.199 --> 00:34:17.179 and Christian sisters, 00:34:18.179 --> 00:34:19.639 in using our power 00:34:19.639 --> 00:34:20.420 let us consider 00:34:20.420 --> 00:34:21.860 how a lack of love, 00:34:22.800 --> 00:34:23.420 indifference, 00:34:24.579 --> 00:34:25.740 indifference to the needs 00:34:25.740 --> 00:34:26.920 and feelings of others, 00:34:27.920 --> 00:34:28.960 our sharp comments, 00:34:29.500 --> 00:34:30.720 our hasty judgements 00:34:30.720 --> 00:34:32.780 that are often excused 00:34:32.780 --> 00:34:34.220 as I'm just being honest. 00:34:35.660 --> 00:34:37.100 I'm just being straightforward. 00:34:38.800 --> 00:34:40.300 They're thwarting the effect 00:34:40.300 --> 00:34:41.180 and the influence 00:34:41.180 --> 00:34:42.300 of the Holy Spirit 00:34:42.300 --> 00:34:44.100 on you and others. 00:34:45.460 --> 00:34:46.600 In our power, 00:34:47.620 --> 00:34:48.600 outbursts of temper, 00:34:49.700 --> 00:34:50.960 touchiness and irritation, 00:34:51.340 --> 00:34:52.519 feelings of bitterness 00:34:52.519 --> 00:34:53.600 and estrangement, 00:34:53.599 --> 00:34:55.779 they have their root 00:34:55.779 --> 00:34:57.279 not in humility 00:34:57.279 --> 00:34:59.779 but in pride. 00:35:01.179 --> 00:35:02.400 Pride creeps in 00:35:02.400 --> 00:35:03.759 almost everywhere 00:35:03.759 --> 00:35:05.199 and church communities 00:35:05.199 --> 00:35:05.940 are no exception. 00:35:07.679 --> 00:35:08.799 Let's ask ourselves, 00:35:09.319 --> 00:35:10.440 what would the effect 00:35:10.440 --> 00:35:11.440 be 00:35:11.440 --> 00:35:12.619 if all of us 00:35:12.619 --> 00:35:13.519 were guided by 00:35:13.519 --> 00:35:14.599 the humility of Jesus 00:35:14.599 --> 00:35:16.019 minute by minute, 00:35:16.880 --> 00:35:17.719 day by day, 00:35:18.599 --> 00:35:19.539 holding our power 00:35:19.539 --> 00:35:21.099 as the cry 00:35:21.099 --> 00:35:22.360 of our whole heart? 00:35:23.900 --> 00:35:25.099 Let us honestly 00:35:25.099 --> 00:35:26.139 fix our hearts 00:35:26.139 --> 00:35:27.159 on our lack 00:35:27.159 --> 00:35:27.679 of humility. 00:35:27.940 --> 00:35:28.880 Let's give that to God. 00:35:30.059 --> 00:35:31.139 That which has been revealed 00:35:31.139 --> 00:35:31.739 in the likeness 00:35:31.739 --> 00:35:32.699 of Christ's life, 00:35:33.340 --> 00:35:34.440 in the whole character 00:35:34.440 --> 00:35:35.179 of his redemption 00:35:35.179 --> 00:35:36.880 and realise 00:35:36.880 --> 00:35:37.900 how little we know 00:35:37.900 --> 00:35:38.800 of humility 00:35:38.800 --> 00:35:40.699 as is described 00:35:40.699 --> 00:35:41.679 in our passage today. 00:35:43.400 --> 00:35:44.340 Let's believe 00:35:44.340 --> 00:35:45.480 with our whole hearts 00:35:45.480 --> 00:35:46.579 that Christ 00:35:46.579 --> 00:35:48.059 will enter 00:35:48.059 --> 00:35:49.539 and dwell 00:35:49.539 --> 00:35:50.460 and work 00:35:50.460 --> 00:35:51.320 within us 00:35:51.320 --> 00:35:52.679 to make us 00:35:52.679 --> 00:35:53.659 what the Father 00:35:53.659 --> 00:35:54.759 would have us be. 00:35:58.519 --> 00:35:59.059 Well, 00:35:59.239 --> 00:35:59.500 brother, 00:36:00.079 --> 00:36:00.360 sister, 00:36:00.559 --> 00:36:01.279 let me ask you, 00:36:02.559 --> 00:36:04.179 do we prioritise 00:36:04.179 --> 00:36:06.279 or how do we 00:36:06.279 --> 00:36:07.159 prioritise 00:36:07.159 --> 00:36:07.639 our approach 00:36:07.639 --> 00:36:08.199 to the service 00:36:08.199 --> 00:36:08.679 of others 00:36:08.679 --> 00:36:10.000 and for the Lord Jesus? 00:36:11.320 --> 00:36:12.179 Like Timothy, 00:36:12.539 --> 00:36:13.759 do you find yourself 00:36:13.759 --> 00:36:14.840 being tested right now 00:36:14.840 --> 00:36:16.019 in a difficult trial? 00:36:16.019 --> 00:36:18.059 which God 00:36:18.059 --> 00:36:19.219 is no doubt 00:36:19.219 --> 00:36:21.039 using to conform you 00:36:21.039 --> 00:36:21.920 to the likeness 00:36:21.920 --> 00:36:22.920 and image of Christ 00:36:22.920 --> 00:36:24.019 or maybe 00:36:24.019 --> 00:36:25.019 he's preparing you 00:36:25.019 --> 00:36:26.079 for future demands. 00:36:28.119 --> 00:36:28.800 Discipleship 00:36:28.800 --> 00:36:30.659 always requires 00:36:30.659 --> 00:36:32.239 demanding assignments. 00:36:33.619 --> 00:36:34.820 Are you loyal 00:36:34.820 --> 00:36:36.539 to your fellow believers 00:36:36.539 --> 00:36:38.099 and to our Christian leaders 00:36:38.099 --> 00:36:39.880 and to our church community 00:36:39.880 --> 00:36:41.059 and to others? 00:36:41.960 --> 00:36:43.000 Do you choose 00:36:43.000 --> 00:36:43.639 encouragement? 00:36:43.639 --> 00:36:45.960 Do you uphold 00:36:45.960 --> 00:36:47.019 those who serve you? 00:36:48.359 --> 00:36:49.579 Do you instead 00:36:49.579 --> 00:36:50.379 rather quickly 00:36:50.379 --> 00:36:51.960 become negative, 00:36:52.519 --> 00:36:52.879 critical, 00:36:54.000 --> 00:36:54.319 proud? 00:36:56.199 --> 00:36:57.359 Are you diligent 00:36:57.359 --> 00:36:58.599 in all that you do 00:36:58.599 --> 00:37:00.039 in our Christian community? 00:37:01.239 --> 00:37:01.539 You know, 00:37:01.599 --> 00:37:02.059 there's something 00:37:02.059 --> 00:37:02.859 for everyone. 00:37:03.299 --> 00:37:03.839 It doesn't matter 00:37:03.839 --> 00:37:04.559 how young, 00:37:05.000 --> 00:37:05.379 old, 00:37:05.559 --> 00:37:05.879 smart, 00:37:06.079 --> 00:37:06.359 silly, 00:37:07.659 --> 00:37:07.980 really, 00:37:08.099 --> 00:37:08.699 really good looking 00:37:08.699 --> 00:37:09.699 or whatever you are. 00:37:10.480 --> 00:37:11.259 There's something 00:37:11.259 --> 00:37:12.019 for you to do. 00:37:12.019 --> 00:37:15.500 Nobody just shows up. 00:37:16.639 --> 00:37:17.159 Everybody. 00:37:17.800 --> 00:37:18.960 We all have a part 00:37:18.960 --> 00:37:19.559 to play 00:37:19.559 --> 00:37:20.480 in God's 00:37:20.480 --> 00:37:21.420 good work 00:37:21.420 --> 00:37:22.219 for us. 00:37:23.579 --> 00:37:24.579 As we do, 00:37:25.259 --> 00:37:26.340 we become more like 00:37:26.340 --> 00:37:26.659 Timothy 00:37:26.659 --> 00:37:27.460 in increasing 00:37:27.460 --> 00:37:28.960 the cause 00:37:28.960 --> 00:37:29.780 of the Lord. 00:37:31.539 --> 00:37:31.739 Well, 00:37:31.759 --> 00:37:32.639 like Epaphroditus, 00:37:33.059 --> 00:37:33.860 do you work 00:37:33.860 --> 00:37:34.840 shoulder to shoulder 00:37:34.840 --> 00:37:36.480 as a soldier 00:37:36.480 --> 00:37:37.579 with our family 00:37:37.579 --> 00:37:38.980 responsibilities around here 00:37:38.980 --> 00:37:40.019 assigned by the Father? 00:37:40.019 --> 00:37:40.699 However, 00:37:41.780 --> 00:37:42.659 no saint 00:37:42.659 --> 00:37:43.980 has the luxury 00:37:43.980 --> 00:37:45.119 of being served 00:37:45.119 --> 00:37:46.380 while not serving others. 00:37:48.480 --> 00:37:49.460 As you consider 00:37:49.460 --> 00:37:50.139 your life, 00:37:51.420 --> 00:37:52.019 how do you need 00:37:52.019 --> 00:37:52.759 to be more like 00:37:52.759 --> 00:37:53.440 Epaphroditus? 00:37:55.059 --> 00:37:55.860 Like him, 00:37:55.980 --> 00:37:56.500 we're sent 00:37:56.500 --> 00:37:57.699 on official missions 00:37:57.699 --> 00:37:59.400 to bring his word 00:37:59.400 --> 00:38:01.340 to an unbelieving world, 00:38:01.679 --> 00:38:02.719 to bring encouragement 00:38:02.719 --> 00:38:03.960 to others in need, 00:38:04.280 --> 00:38:05.280 wherever God takes you. 00:38:05.280 --> 00:38:08.280 we take the message 00:38:08.280 --> 00:38:08.920 of edification 00:38:08.920 --> 00:38:10.580 to everybody. 00:38:11.960 --> 00:38:12.220 Now, 00:38:12.280 --> 00:38:13.019 do you tend 00:38:13.019 --> 00:38:14.140 to wallow 00:38:14.140 --> 00:38:15.200 in self-pity? 00:38:15.960 --> 00:38:17.260 Or do you carry 00:38:17.260 --> 00:38:18.500 a genuine concern 00:38:18.500 --> 00:38:19.100 for your brothers 00:38:19.100 --> 00:38:20.220 and sisters in Christ? 00:38:21.220 --> 00:38:22.380 Like Epaphroditus, 00:38:22.560 --> 00:38:23.860 our ministry should be 00:38:23.860 --> 00:38:24.500 carried out 00:38:24.500 --> 00:38:25.660 not only with our hands, 00:38:26.240 --> 00:38:27.480 but with our hearts. 00:38:27.480 --> 00:38:30.619 We must be 00:38:30.619 --> 00:38:32.119 emotionally connected 00:38:32.119 --> 00:38:32.740 with others 00:38:32.740 --> 00:38:33.519 in the service 00:38:33.519 --> 00:38:34.079 of the Lord. 00:38:34.800 --> 00:38:35.659 God asks us 00:38:35.659 --> 00:38:36.960 to look at Epaphroditus 00:38:36.960 --> 00:38:37.579 to consider 00:38:37.579 --> 00:38:38.719 what it looks like 00:38:38.719 --> 00:38:40.300 to place the interests 00:38:40.300 --> 00:38:40.880 of others 00:38:40.880 --> 00:38:42.019 above yourselves. 00:38:43.519 --> 00:38:44.559 These two servants 00:38:44.559 --> 00:38:45.500 are set before us 00:38:45.500 --> 00:38:46.679 as those we should emulate 00:38:46.679 --> 00:38:47.599 and after whom 00:38:47.599 --> 00:38:48.579 we can learn to model 00:38:48.579 --> 00:38:49.599 in our own lives. 00:38:50.719 --> 00:38:51.960 What would it look like 00:38:51.960 --> 00:38:52.820 for you 00:38:52.820 --> 00:38:54.400 to be given 00:38:54.400 --> 00:38:55.320 to God 00:38:55.320 --> 00:38:56.360 in humility 00:38:56.360 --> 00:38:57.200 in a manner 00:38:57.200 --> 00:38:58.280 that is worthy 00:38:58.280 --> 00:38:59.400 of commendations 00:38:59.400 --> 00:39:00.080 like Paul 00:39:00.080 --> 00:39:01.120 and Timothy 00:39:01.120 --> 00:39:02.480 and Epaphroditus 00:39:02.480 --> 00:39:03.680 and the Matthews family? 00:39:04.720 --> 00:39:05.860 What might it look like 00:39:05.860 --> 00:39:06.500 this week 00:39:06.500 --> 00:39:07.220 for you 00:39:07.220 --> 00:39:08.539 to hold 00:39:08.539 --> 00:39:09.340 your power 00:39:09.340 --> 00:39:10.280 in the service 00:39:10.280 --> 00:39:10.760 of others? 00:39:13.360 --> 00:39:14.100 Well, 00:39:14.280 --> 00:39:15.120 like Paul, 00:39:15.940 --> 00:39:16.559 Edmund Hillary 00:39:16.559 --> 00:39:17.039 cared. 00:39:17.640 --> 00:39:18.500 He cared deeply 00:39:18.500 --> 00:39:19.840 for those he served. 00:39:19.840 --> 00:39:21.600 whether it was 00:39:21.600 --> 00:39:22.300 on an adventure 00:39:22.300 --> 00:39:23.800 or whether it was 00:39:23.800 --> 00:39:24.380 in the service 00:39:24.380 --> 00:39:24.760 of others 00:39:24.760 --> 00:39:25.680 after that adventure. 00:39:26.380 --> 00:39:27.740 He gave up his time, 00:39:27.860 --> 00:39:28.539 he gave up money, 00:39:28.720 --> 00:39:29.579 he gave up status, 00:39:29.760 --> 00:39:30.579 he gave up energy, 00:39:30.880 --> 00:39:31.700 he served them well. 00:39:32.720 --> 00:39:33.780 He held his power 00:39:33.780 --> 00:39:34.340 in the service 00:39:34.340 --> 00:39:34.840 of others, 00:39:34.940 --> 00:39:35.840 even arrogant 00:39:35.840 --> 00:39:37.200 ice climbing hacks 00:39:37.200 --> 00:39:39.460 and patrons alike. 00:39:40.500 --> 00:39:41.620 He held his power. 00:39:42.880 --> 00:39:44.559 But unlike Matthews, 00:39:45.039 --> 00:39:45.680 Epaphroditus, 00:39:46.000 --> 00:39:46.320 Timothy, 00:39:46.680 --> 00:39:46.900 Paul, 00:39:48.500 --> 00:39:49.140 his great work 00:39:49.139 --> 00:39:49.859 didn't seem 00:39:49.859 --> 00:39:50.559 to be motivated 00:39:50.559 --> 00:39:51.539 by any kind 00:39:51.539 --> 00:39:51.980 of service 00:39:51.980 --> 00:39:52.599 of Christ. 00:39:53.539 --> 00:39:54.159 It seemed 00:39:54.159 --> 00:39:54.659 to be 00:39:54.659 --> 00:39:55.799 just his own power, 00:39:56.599 --> 00:39:57.960 only that which 00:39:57.960 --> 00:39:58.920 he humanly possessed, 00:39:59.119 --> 00:39:59.639 not the mind 00:39:59.639 --> 00:40:00.119 of Christ. 00:40:00.319 --> 00:40:00.960 And it's said 00:40:00.960 --> 00:40:02.519 that on his ascension 00:40:02.519 --> 00:40:04.319 to the summit 00:40:04.319 --> 00:40:05.239 of Everest, 00:40:05.339 --> 00:40:05.920 he actually did 00:40:05.920 --> 00:40:07.139 place a crucifix. 00:40:07.960 --> 00:40:08.460 I'm not sure 00:40:08.460 --> 00:40:09.239 if that's true or not. 00:40:09.719 --> 00:40:10.460 And I'm not sure 00:40:10.460 --> 00:40:10.980 whether that was 00:40:10.980 --> 00:40:12.019 a gesture of achievement, 00:40:12.400 --> 00:40:13.000 whether that was 00:40:13.000 --> 00:40:14.199 his reliance 00:40:14.199 --> 00:40:14.719 at that moment 00:40:14.719 --> 00:40:16.079 and God brought me 00:40:16.079 --> 00:40:16.480 through it. 00:40:16.679 --> 00:40:17.159 I'm not sure 00:40:17.159 --> 00:40:17.920 what he was thinking. 00:40:17.920 --> 00:40:19.059 But there's little 00:40:19.059 --> 00:40:19.940 evidence to suggest 00:40:19.940 --> 00:40:20.980 that he had much 00:40:20.980 --> 00:40:21.619 more than that 00:40:21.619 --> 00:40:22.940 in terms of any 00:40:22.940 --> 00:40:23.680 kind of relationship 00:40:23.680 --> 00:40:24.280 with Christ, 00:40:24.440 --> 00:40:25.420 which is disappointing. 00:40:26.480 --> 00:40:27.680 He climbed the highest 00:40:27.680 --> 00:40:28.400 summit in the world 00:40:28.400 --> 00:40:29.700 with a faithful companion 00:40:29.700 --> 00:40:31.700 and yet he didn't 00:40:31.700 --> 00:40:32.740 reach the heights 00:40:32.740 --> 00:40:33.420 of understanding 00:40:33.420 --> 00:40:34.400 humility in Christ. 00:40:35.680 --> 00:40:36.840 May we more 00:40:36.840 --> 00:40:37.639 than just hold 00:40:37.639 --> 00:40:38.200 our power 00:40:38.200 --> 00:40:39.079 and our strength 00:40:39.079 --> 00:40:39.840 this week, 00:40:40.500 --> 00:40:41.579 but do so 00:40:41.579 --> 00:40:42.159 to the honour 00:40:42.159 --> 00:40:43.079 and glory 00:40:43.079 --> 00:40:43.880 of God, 00:40:45.000 --> 00:40:45.500 achievable 00:40:45.500 --> 00:40:46.340 through his 00:40:46.340 --> 00:40:47.239 redemptive work, 00:40:47.599 --> 00:40:48.579 not your own power 00:40:48.579 --> 00:40:49.420 but him working 00:40:49.420 --> 00:40:50.059 in you. 00:40:51.500 --> 00:40:52.659 True Christ-centred 00:40:52.659 --> 00:40:53.119 humility 00:40:53.119 --> 00:40:54.320 is beautiful. 00:40:55.380 --> 00:40:56.179 Let me pray. 00:40:59.139 --> 00:41:00.159 Lord and Saviour, 00:41:00.880 --> 00:41:01.699 as we've seen 00:41:01.699 --> 00:41:02.519 in your word today, 00:41:03.159 --> 00:41:04.639 so many other things 00:41:04.639 --> 00:41:05.579 compete for you, 00:41:05.880 --> 00:41:06.659 for our allegiance 00:41:06.659 --> 00:41:07.860 and the allegiance 00:41:07.860 --> 00:41:08.559 of our hearts, 00:41:09.460 --> 00:41:10.099 keeping us from 00:41:10.099 --> 00:41:10.860 knowing the joy 00:41:10.860 --> 00:41:11.719 of your presence 00:41:11.719 --> 00:41:12.699 and the peace 00:41:12.699 --> 00:41:13.519 of your protection. 00:41:15.079 --> 00:41:15.679 Thank you 00:41:15.679 --> 00:41:16.599 that Christ's humility 00:41:16.599 --> 00:41:17.980 became our salvation. 00:41:19.179 --> 00:41:20.019 Help us today 00:41:20.019 --> 00:41:21.699 to lean more 00:41:21.699 --> 00:41:22.339 into you 00:41:22.339 --> 00:41:23.599 and less into self 00:41:23.599 --> 00:41:25.459 with you doing 00:41:25.459 --> 00:41:26.199 your work 00:41:26.199 --> 00:41:27.019 in our lives. 00:41:28.099 --> 00:41:28.859 And we pray this 00:41:28.859 --> 00:41:30.079 in Jesus' name. 00:41:30.659 --> 00:41:30.959 Amen.