Philippians 2:19-30
In the aftermath of the Titanic sinking, investigators
interviewed survivors to piece together what happened
that night.
Among the stories was a repeated theme: some people
willingly gave up places in lifeboats so others could live.
One man reportedly helped women and children into
boats again and again, knowing there would likely not be
room left for him. Others spent their final moments
calming frightened passengers rather than fighting for
their own survival.
What’s remarkable is that none of them knew history
would remember them.
There were no cameras.
No reporters.
No awards waiting on the shore.
No promise that anyone would ever know their names.
In the moment of crisis, they simply decided that
someone else’s life mattered more than their own.
Most people spend their lives trying to preserve
themselves.
These people spent their final moments giving
themselves away.
There is something in us that hears stories like that and
says, “That’s how a person ought to live.”
Today we are going to see living examples of humility in
Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus.
As we look at their lives we will see what humility looks
like in everyday life.
Philippians 2:19-30
Do you remember what Paul wrote back in Philippians 1:27?
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of
Christ.”
In chapter 2, Paul described the humility of Christ and His
willingness to be obedient to the Father to the point of
death.
In our text today Paul provided two living examples of
humility.
Timothy and Epaphrodites.
Before we discuss these men, let’s take a look at Paul’s
humility.
Philippians 2:19-24
Paul’s Humility
In verse 19 Paul writes that he hopes in the LORD that he
can send Timothy to Philippi soon.
In verse 24 Paul writes that he trusts in the LORD that
shortly he will come to Philippi himself.
Both of these verses show Paul’s understanding that God
rules sovereignly over what happens in our lives.
Paul knows that God is in control of whether or not
Timothy will go visit the church at Philippi.
He also knows that God is in control of whether or not he
will get out of the prison or not.
A humble person understands that we are living in God’s
word not the other way around.
Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of man plans his way, but the
LORD establishes his steps.”
One mark of humility is recognizing that God is in control
and trusting Him to do what He wants. And giving Him
glory for whatever He decides to do.
Now, let’s discuss Timothy.
Timothy’s Humility
The NASB renders verse 20 “I have no one else of
kindred spirit.” It really gets to the heart of what Paul is
saying better than the ESVs, “Like me”
Kindred Spirit
Paul means that he and Timothy are like minded.
They want the same things.
Paul knows there is no one else who cares for the church
in the same way that he does than Timothy. Timothy
helped start the church at Philippi. He loves them.
Genuine Concern
Remember what Paul told the Philippians back in chapter
2 verse 4? “Let each of you look not only to his own
interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Paul knows that Timothy puts the needs of others above
his own, just like Christ.
Paul says that they all seek their own interests, not those
of Jesus Christ.
Commitment to the Gospel
Paul compares Timothy’s commitment to the gospel to
the relationship between a father and a son.
Notice how Paul again shows humility in how he describes
Timothy’s service. “He has served with me in the gospel.”
Paul was the leader and Timothy was the follower.
But Paul shows that Timothy is committed to the gospel
every bit as much as Paul.
Now, let’s discuss Epaphroditus
Epaphroditus’ Humility
Philippians 2:25-30
Paul says it feels necessary to send Epaphroditus to the
church.
He was the one who delivered the letter to them.
Listen to how Paul describes Epaphroditus.
My brother – not by blood, but by the spirit. They are
brothers in Christ.
Fellow worker – this means co-laborer. He and Paul
shared the gospel together.
Fellow soldier – they are fighting side by side against
the common enemy, Satan and his evil powers.
Paul also calls him a messenger and minister.
Messenger is the same Greek word where we get our
English word apostle. He was not one of the 12, but he
was definitely sent for a purpose.
Minister means a person in service. Epaphroditus did not
have a position as pastor like Timothy did. He was a lay
person doing the will of God for the glory of God. One
church has a tag line – Every member a minister.
After Paul’s description of Epaphroditus, he describes his
humility by showcasing his actions.
We see a:
Deep concern for others
Verse 26 says he was longing for them.
It’s the same word that David wrote in Psalm 42:1 as the
deer pants (longs) for water so my soul pants for you, O
God.
He was also distressed because he knew the church had
heard he was sick. He didn’t want them worrying about
him.
He was more concerned with them than he was with his
own health.
He put the needs of others above his own.
What a mark of humility.
Risked his life for the gospel
Verse 30 says he nearly died for the work of Christ,
risking his life to complete what was lacking in your
service to me.
Epaphroditus was very sick, sick to the point of death.
He never worried about his own health. He simply kept
on serving the Lord and trusting Him.
That’s humility. Paul writes,
“But God had mercy on him, and not only on
him but on me also”
Paul would have been devastated if his ministry partner
had died. He says it would have been sorrow upon sorrow
for him.
Paul gives:
2 Exhortations to the Church
Receive him – in the LORD and with all joy.
Since the Philippians couldn’t reach Paul while he was in
prison, Epaphroditus risked his life by going to him and
Paul wants the church to show their gratitude towards
him.
Honor such men – Paul expects the church to honor
men who serve Christ with no regard for their life, but
out of pure obedience to the Lord. Epaphroditus risked
his life, but Christ actually died out of obedience to the
Father.
What is God showing us through these living examples of
humility?
APPLICATION
God wants us to have a deep concern for others.
Deep Concern for Others
If we are to live humbly we should consider others better
than ourselves.
When we put their needs above our own we show the
same humility as Christ.
God wants us to be committed to sharing the gospel.
Commitment to Share the Gospel
It’s a display of humility to be obedient to Jesus Christ.
Jesus told His disciples that they would receive power
when the Holy Spirit came upon them and they would be
His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and even to
the ends of the earth.
We have already received the Holy Spirit so we can carry
out His plan and take the good news to the lost world.