Read Philippians 2:14-30.

Introduction⤒🔗

He had a reputation for overly aggressive play on the basketball court. He was known for vocally abusing opposing players and officials. He was among the league leaders in having technical fouls assessed against him. With those credentials it was quite appropriate for former NBA superstar Charles Barkley to look into the T.V. camera and announce to the world: “I am not a role model.”¹

In contrast to the many non-role models whose outrageous antics are broadcast by the T.V. media and whose sometimes-bizarre lifestyles are reported by the news media, we have presented to us here in Philippians chapter two, three role models who are worthy of our consideration and imitation. Here before us we have three lives in which the beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ is seen. Let us consider these three godly role models; and by the grace of God, let us imitate their examples of Christian living.

Imitate Paul in His Willingness to Sacrifice Himself for His Covenant Children←⤒🔗

In verse sixteen, the Apostle Paul refers to his “running” and “laboring,” his strenuous exertion on behalf of these Philippian Christians who were his spiritual children. He put his heart and soul into seeking their spiritual welfare; indeed, he placed their spiritual welfare above his own personal desire. Although he personally desired to depart this present life and be with Christ, he was confident that by continuing on in this earthly life he could still have a fruitful ministry to the church. Therefore, he testified, “being confident of this, I know that I will remain and continue to remain with you all for your progress and joy in the faith” (Phil. 1:25).

Do you have the same attitude towards your own (spiritual) children and the same commitment to their spiritual welfare as had the Apostle Paul? Consider what he writes to the Corinthian church: “what I want is not your possessions but you; after all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. ¹⁵So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well” (2 Cor. 12:14b-15).

Do you have the same desire for your (spiritual) children as had the Apostle Paul for his spiritual children, as he testifies to the Galatian Christians: “My little children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you” (Gal. 4:19)? Paul here mixes his metaphors, describing himself as undergoing labor pains “until Christ is formed” in these Galatian Christians; in other words, until they are conformed to the image of Christ their Savior. Are you willing to confront them with the truth when the occasion requires, as did the Apostle Paul? He asks the Galatians, “Have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Gal. 4:16) Even at the risk of losing their favor, Paul was willing to confront these Galatian Christians with the truth, when they were seriously straying from the faith of the gospel.

In verse seventeen, Paul reports the very real possibility of having his life poured out as a libation on behalf of his spiritual children: “if I am poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and offering of your faith, I rejoice, indeed, I rejoice with you all.” The imagery is that of a priest preparing a sacrifice upon the altar by pouring out a libation of wine upon the sacrifice itself or around the base of the altar. The “sacrifice” is the Philippians’ faith and the “libation” is the apostle’s own blood. The meaning of the imagery is this: Paul is anticipating the prospect of having to pour out his own life for the sake of these spiritual children and their welfare; and he is more than willing to do so, he even rejoices in the prospect of doing so. Note: Paul apparently has in mind a situation in which he must confess Jesus as Lord before the Roman authorities, even though it will mean martyrdom; doing so, rather than deny Christ and by so doing, seriously shake the faith and commitment of fellow Christians in Philippi and throughout the Roman Empire.

What greater investment of his life could he make than to sacrifice it for the spiritual benefit and welfare of his spiritual children? What greater investment can we make? What greater service to Christ could be rendered than the giving of our lives for the sake of our (spiritual) children and the furtherance of their salvation? Consider a contemporary example of such sacrificial love:

Dad was a part-time pastor without pay. Money was scarce. He cut meat at a grocery store to put food on the table for his family of seven.

There was no money for luxuries, such as a 500-mile trip to Montreal, just to watch a daughter sail for Europe to sing with her college choral group. But there he was, down at the ship terminal on the morning of our departure.

I had seen him coming through the crowd. His topcoat was wrinkled, and his eyes were red from an overnight ride on a Greyhound bus. But I knew he was thrilled to be there. I don’t remember ever having felt so loved.

I knew that as soon as our ship sailed, he would return to the bus station for another eight-hour ride home. There would be no sightseeing, no shopping spree, no dinner out. He had come for his daughter even when he couldn’t afford it.

Other fathers could have come. They could have hopped a plane, booked a hotel room, enjoyed the outing. But it seemed that the one who could afford it least gave the most.²

Let us imitate the Apostle Paul in his willingness to sacrifice himself for his covenant children. The Apostle John writes, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 Jn. 4). Is this your greatest joy? The Apostle Paul exhorts Christian fathers, “fathers...raise [your children] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). Is this your objective and your present ministry? The Apostle Paul reminds the Thessalonian Christians of the kind of life he lived before them for their sake and for the sake of Christ:

¹⁰You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we conducted ourselves among you who believe. ¹¹You know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, ¹²encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls us into his kingdom and glory. 1 Thess. 2:10-12

Can the same be said of our lives?

Imitate Timothy in His Genuine Commitment to His Christian Brethren←⤒🔗

In verse nineteen, Paul informs the church of his intention to send Timothy to them as his personal envoy. As was his custom, Paul would send Timothy with the mission of establishing the church: “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow-worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith” (1 Thess. 3:2). Paul would send Timothy to the churches in order that Timothy might report back on the condition of the church:

⁶But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. ⁷Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 1 Thess. 3:6-7

The reason Paul has selected Timothy for this work is because Timothy “will have a genuine concern for your welfare.” The Greek word (µεριµναω) here translated, “to be concerned about,” in Matthew 6:25 is translated, “to be anxious.” Timothy had a very deep and personal love for these Christian brethren and a caring involvement in their spiritual lives. Also, the word translated, “genuine” (γνηcrιωs), originally meant, “related by birth;” hence, the meaning is “natural” or “authentic,” as opposed to superficial; such was Timothy’s concern for his Christian brethren. Timothy’s concern for and commitment to fellow Christians is in contrast to the many, of whom Paul writes, “[they] seek their own interests, not the interests of Jesus Christ;” (i.e. they put their own interests and concerns foremost in their thinking and decision-making).

The apostle reminds the Philippians that Timothy is a man of proven character: “you know his proven worth, that he served with me for the gospel as a son [serves] his father” (vs. 22). Timothy had accompanied Paul and Silas on their initial visit to Philippi (Acts 16) and had demonstrated himself faithful in the face of opposition and persecution.

Let us imitate Timothy in his genuine commitment to his Christian brethren. Let us do so by standing beside those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. The writer to the Hebrews reminds the Hebrew Christians of their willingness to stand beside those fellow believers who suffered persecution for their commitment to Christ, may we do the same when the occasion requires:

Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. ³³Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. ³⁴You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves have better and lasting possessions. Heb. 10:32-34

Let us imitate Timothy in his genuine commitment to his Christian brethren by giving practical aid to those in need:

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. ¹⁷If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no compassion toward him, how can the love of God be in him? ¹⁸My little children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.1 Jn. 3:16-18

Let us be like Timothy in his genuine commitment to his Christian brethren by demonstrating ourselves to be a true friend and brother. May we prove to be a true Christian friend who exhibits commitment: “A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity” (Prov. 17:17). May we be a true Christian friend who maintains confidentiality: “He who goes around as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; but he who has a faithful spirit conceals a matter” (Prov. 11:13). May we be a true Christian friend who, when necessary, speaks the truth in love: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Prov. 27:6a).

Imitate Epaphroditus in Rendering Service that is Worthy of Honor←⤒🔗

Epaphroditus was a member of the Philippian church whom they had sent to minister to Paul on their behalf.

He had brought their financial gift to Paul, as the apostle acknowledges: “I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the things you sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” (Phil. 4:18). After delivering the Philippian church’s gift, he had continued to remain with Paul at Rome to minister to him.

But Paul now finds it necessary to send Epaphroditus back to the Philippians, because “he yearned for all of you and was distressed” (vs. 26). Epaphroditus had become deathly sick while ministering to Paul in his Roman prison (vs. 27). Word of his illness had reached the church back at Philippi, causing great concern for their brother’s condition. The message got back to Epaphroditus at Rome that his Christian brethren back in Philippi were concerned about him, and this in turn caused him to become “distressed” about them. The Greek word (ακηδεμονεω) translated, “distressed,” is the same word used in Matthew 26:37 to describe our Lord’s state of mind and heart in the Garden of Gethsemane as He faced the cross of Calvary: “He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and distressed [ακηδεμονεω].” That word is now applied to Epaphroditus to describe his state of mind as he learns of the Philippians’ concern for him.

Paul exhorts the Philippian church, “receive [Epaphroditus] in the Lord with all joy, and hold such men in high esteem, 30because for the sake of the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life” (vs. 29-30). The Greek word (ακηδεμονεω) translated, “to risk,” was literally a term associated with gambling, meaning here that Epaphroditus put his life at stake for the sake of his ministry to Paul on behalf of the Philippian congregation.

Let us imitate Epaphroditus in rendering service to Christ and His church that is worthy of honor: by being trustworthy and completely dependable, (as seen from the fact that the Philippian church entrusted their financial gift for Paul into the hands of Epaphroditus); by displaying a servant’s heart; by exhibiting self-forgetting love and concern; and by taking risks for the sake of Christ and His cause.

Conclusion←⤒🔗

Here in Philippians chapter two, there is set before us three godly role models. We are here confronted with the three-fold challenge: 1) to be willing to sacrifice ourselves for our covenant and spiritual children; 2) to be genuinely committed to our brethren in Christ; and, 3) to be someone who is worthy of the church’s honor. By the grace of Christ our Savior, and for His glory, let us imitate these three examples of true Christian living.

Discussion Questions←⤒🔗

1. What does Paul think may possibly be the outcome of his impending trial? See Phil. 2:17a. How does Paul view his life? See Acts 20:24. How highly do you value your present earthly life; if need be, would you allow it to be sacrificed for the sake of Christ? Can you join the Psalmist in his testimony? See Psl. 63:3. How may we as Christians better appreciate this wonderful spiritual reality?

...if I am poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and offering of your faith, I rejoice, indeed, I rejoice with you all.Phil. 2:17

...nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

...your lovingkindness is better than life... Psl. 63:3

2. What is Paul’s attitude as he contemplates the prospect of martyrdom? See Phil. 2:17b. Why can he have such an attitude? See Phil. 1:21, 23-24. Under what circumstances is it especially difficult to maintain this perspective? Note Deut. 8:11, 13-14. What is one safeguard against the danger inherent in prosperity? Note Prov. 30:8b-9. What else is important to remember? See 1 Jn. 2:15a, 17,

...if I am poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and offering of your faith, I rejoice, indeed, I rejoice with you all. Phil. 2:17

²¹...for me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain... ²³...I have the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; ²⁴but for your sake it is more necessary for me to remain in the body. Phil. 1:21, 23-24

¹¹Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God... ¹³...when your herds and flocks multiply, and your silver and gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied, ¹⁴when your heart is lifted up and you forget the LORD your God... Deut. 8:11, 13-14

^8bGive me neither poverty nor riches— Feed me with the food allotted to me; ⁹lest I be full and deny you, and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.Prov. 30:8b-9

¹⁵Do not love the world or the things in the world... ¹⁷...the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 Jn. 2:15, 17

3. How does Paul depict his possible martyrdom, what imagery does he use? See Phil. 2:17a. What are you willing to sacrifice for the sake of Christ’s church—with regard to the use of your Christian liberty, your possessions, your time? Would you be willing to make a financial sacrifice in order to ensure that your children receive a Christian, as opposed to a secular, education? What kind of sacrifice are we as Christians called upon to daily offer up unto God? See Rom. 12:1,

...if I am poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and offering of your faith, I rejoice, indeed, I rejoice with you all. Phil. 2:17

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Rom. 12:1

4. How does Paul describe Timothy? See Phil. 2:20. How does Timothy differ from “all [others]”? See Phil. 2:2.1 Does it surprise you that Paul makes such a sweeping criticism of the vast majority of those who identify themselves as Christians? Would you identify yourself with that vast majority? What was Paul’s prayer for the church; what should be our prayer for ourselves and for our Christian brethren? Note Phil. 1:9a. What can we do to contribute to the greater achieving of this goal?

I have no one else with a heart like him; he will have a genuine concern for your welfare. Phil. 2:20

All [the others] seek their own interests, not the interests of Jesus Christ. Phil. 2:21

I pray that your love may abound more and more...Phil. 1:9

Paul is referring to our love for Christ and for all the members of His spiritual body, the church.

5. What was Epaphroditus’ relation to the Philippian congregation? See Phil. 2:25. How did he react to the church’s concern upon receiving word of his life-threatening illness? See Phil. 2:26. How were the Philippians, and how are we, to regard Christian brothers or sisters who are such examples of self-sacrificing love? See Phil. 2:29. Do you personally know of any such Christian? Can other Christians see such devotion to Christ and to Christian brethren in you?

²⁵But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, who is also your messenger and the one whom you sent to minister to my needs. ²⁶[I am sending him back] since he yearned for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. Phil. 2:25-26

So then, receive him in the Lord with all joy, and hold such men in high esteem, ³⁰because for the sake of the work of Christ, he came near to death, risking his life in order to supply what was lacking in your ministry to me. Phil. 2:29-30