WEEK THREE
Day Five
DAILY SCRIPTURE
Philippians 2:27
LEADER GUIDE QUESTIONS
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Know: Read Philippians 2:19-30
Note: Read slowly, carefully marking keywords.
Timothy, like-minded, sincere, care, proven character, Epaphroditus, sorrow.
Observation:
Who is Timothy?
Who is Epaphroditus?
What were Paul’s most important traits he looked for in a leader?
What is “proven character”?
What: What are the two requirements of effective leadership Paul gave us through his reference regarding Timothy?
In what way are you learning to do the same in your life?
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly. Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me. Philippians 2:19-30
About Timothy
One of the things I longed for the most in my younger years was a Paul. As a young wife and mom, I longed for an older, wiser woman to instruct and guide me in biblical ways. Although my “Paul” came about differently than I imagined, through good books and the leading of the Holy Spirit, as well as learning from the women in my life, I determined that one day, “Timothys” would not lack a willing teacher if they desired what I had to offer.
Timothy’s, however, are rare.
What we know about Timothy suggests that he was a bit nervous and unsure of himself. Paul, though, had complete faith in him. Paul wrote a reference for him to the Philippians, assuring them that Timothy was wholly trustworthy.
Paul said multiple things about Timothy.
Timothy would bring Paul a good report of encouragement when he visited them.
Only Timothy was like-minded with Paul.
Timothy was sincerely concerned about the church.
Timothy was a genuine follower of Jesus.
Timothy had proven character.
The Philippians probably already knew Timothy, but Paul wanted them to know that he had given Timothy his backing and complete trust to go in his stead. After Timothy visits them, he will bring back good news about their welfare.
Paul's and Timothy's examples prove the importance of mentoring younger leaders with older and seasoned ones. In that part of the world, sons would learn the trade of thier fathers, much like an apprentice. Working beside someone allowed for a close bond. Timothy was like a son to Paul, humbly serving Paul, watching how Paul responded, learning from him, and, in many cases, acting as Paul’s scribe.
As my children get older, they will often find themselves making decisions based on how they saw thier father and I made while they were at home. They take that wisdom and bring it to thier life situations to help bring peace where others had never been taught.
The areas Paul highlighted regarding Timothy had nothing to do with his ability to teach or preach, but instead, that Timothy would genuinely care about the church Paul loves. Paul’s definition of an apprentice worthy of being his replacement was that he had unselfish love and good character- in contrast to those Paul did not name but held in low esteem- those who sought thier interest.
Timothy was different. Timothy cared for what Paul cared for: the church and Jesus. The things Paul points out regarding Timothy’s character were the things Paul urged the Philippians to walk in: to love one another deeply and know nothing except Christ. So Paul was sending Timothy as an example, as one who had taken on Paul’s heartbeat for the church, and as a reflection of Christ. For Paul to love Timothy like a son and have such faith in him would have meant that Timothy expressed his love toward Paul by being present and not grieving him.
If you are a Paul to someone, your children, a younger leader, etc., invest Jesus into them. Teach them to love others, to love the church, and to make Jesus and Him crucified thier main goal. Don’t be afraid to let them into your world. Let them see how you interact at home and in the world; allow them to see you fail and make things right. Most of all, let them see your love for the church and let them see a character that befits a child of God. Live at rest.
If you desire to be a Timothy to someone, learn to love the church and make it your mission to learn from thier wisdom without pride or arrogance. Show honor and put to death the things that derail you. Your old man is dead; you have received the new nature of Christ. Walk in Him. Don’t despise the wisdom of a different generation. Even if you think you have a better way, honor the older generation. Honor what they have built without criticism.
So often, an older leader’s frustration is that younger leaders often seek thier own interests. Young leaders don’t make room for humility; instead, they impose thier culture and youthful pride into the relationship. When a young leader criticizes and pokes holes in an older leader rather than trusting the wisdom and history that allowed that older leader to be where they are, the relationship will sour as older leaders only have so much time and only so many young leaders they are willing to invest in; especially of young leaders do not want to learn in humility—having a Timothy if like having a cool drink of water on a hot day.
About Epaphroditus
To have joy is to have pain. Where there is anxiety or oppression, there is an opportunity to respond in a way that changes your perspective. Paul wrote a letter about joy amid pain to a church facing great persecution. Perspective is everything.
The little excerpt about Timothy and Epaphroditus gives us a glimpse into just how human Paul was. Paul’s favoritism toward Timothy revealed how frustrated he was with selfish people seeking to build thier own reputation and “ministry”.
His genuine concern regarding Epaphroditus shows how vulnerable Paul was. His sorrow would have been excruciating had Epaphroditus succumbed to his illness. Could Paul have shaken off the sorrow and rejoiced as he had instructed us to amid pain? Could Paul have rejoiced if Epaphroditus had died?
Paul may respond with, “I do rejoice. What sustains me is knowing that Jesus defeated the powers of evil and nailed the requirements of the law on the cross. He raised me to a new life and gave me all of Himself- His joy. I love my friends, and I love those who have said ‘yes’ to the Gospel but who are facing persecution and death. Bound together in this mission, my heart aches for them. I still feel sorrow and fear, frustration and pain. Joy and hope go hand in hand. In this world, we will have pain. Emotions are God’s gift to us- they make us enjoy life, love, and laugh, but emotions are not my source of joy- Christ is!”
To ignore pain is foolish. Many people go through life after experiencing abuse, hurt, and pain and think that Christ-like responses like forgiveness are something they must manufacture. Forgiveness does not ignore what happened. It does not tolerate. It is not excusing the hurt or wrong. It is not forgetting or pretending. It is not reconciliation, not brushing the wrong under the "carpet" and never speaking of it. Forgiveness receives what Jesus paid for and releases the one who owes a debt they can not pay. It erases that debt as "paid in full."Forgiveness is an account settled in the heart- paid in full by Jesus' Name and His blood. “Nobody owes me anything (not even an apology)” because there is nothing to settle on a closed debtor's account. Jesus experienced emotions and pain, but his joy was found in His Father’s love. He forgave those who killed him. For the joy set before him, He endured the cross. We were His joy. His joy was complete in His sacrifice to reconcile us to the Father.
Epaphroditus is a glimpse into what the early church, namely, Paul, endured. He was human, with human emotions- being honest about those emotions. Paul did not need or want to hide from the young church. He openly admitted his vulnerability; he believed in Jesus, who, ‘was crucified in weakness but lived by the power of God.” (2 Cor 13:4)
Like Timothy, Epaphroditus followed the path in verses 1-11. He did not seek his well-being but that of others—so much so that he was willing to lay down his life for the gospel.
The Philippians had sent him to Paul. Although he did not have a history with Paul as Timothy had, Paul loved him nonetheless and wanted the Philippians to know what he meant to him. That must have been a relief for Epaphroditus’ church family.